We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.

Recently, I’ve wondered why the heck my knees are so achy after work. But then, it dawned on me: I literally sit cross-legged in a stiff desk chair for eight hours per day. Sometimes we really are our own worst enemy. In an effort to stop hurting my own knees in my early twenties, I’ve begun to use desk exercise equipment to keep my legs moving.  

Maybe you don’t cross your legs in an office chair during the work day like you’re a kindergartener at story time. Cool, but you still could likely use some extra movement throughout the day. In fact, a study1 by BMC Public Health has even shown that “sedentary time accounts for 81.8% of work hours” for those who work a desk job. Even using a piece of desk exercise equipment during one meeting per day can help reduce sedentary time. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get to pedaling (or stepping)!

Takin’ Care of (Your) Business 

At Garage Gym Reviews, we know how to take care of business and get things done. Whether you’re wanting a stellar pair of adjustable dumbbells or an under-desk treadmill, we have you covered. After all, we’re on a mission to help you find the best exercise equipment on the market. 

This looks like actually using the products we talk about and analyzing the equipment’s specs against industry standards. GGR is all business (well, and a little bit of play)––after all, we’re certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and former college athletes. Fitness is what we know best.

4 Best Pieces of Desk Exercise Equipment

Best Desk Elliptical: Cubii Move Under-Desk Elliptical

Good for: Someone who needs a quiet piece of desk exercise equipment 

Best Under-Desk Elliptical

Cubii Move

GGR Score: 3.79 starstarstarstarstar

Product Highlights

  • Lightweight and portable
  • Tracks stride count, mileage, duration, and calories burned
  • Great for under-desk use
  • 6 levels of resistance

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Great for under-desk pedaling
  • 6 levels of resistance
  • Tracks stride count, mileage, duration, and calories burned

Cons

  • Does not provide a full-body workout
  • May wobble on carpet
  • No handle
  • Manual resistance only

Bottom Line

The Cubii move is a lightweight, portable exercise machine that allows you to seamlessly pedal while seated.

The Cubii Move is a versatile piece of workout equipment. Although I currently use the Cubii JRwhich has been discontinued but is very similar to the Moveas a traditional under-desk elliptical during the work day, it can also be a great option for seniors. My grandfather uses his Cubii to keep the blood flowing in his legs while watching television. It’s a great alternative to a traditional elliptical for those who have balance issues (since you have to sit down while using it). 

The Cubii Move has six different levels of resistance, which can be adjusted via the knob on the front of the machine. You’ll also be able to view a few different specs on the small LCD monitor (like calories burned, distance traveled, time elapsed, RPM, and number of strides taken). 

feet on pedals cubii jr under desk elliptical

It is worth noting that you can’t (or rather shouldn’t) stand on this elliptical while you’re using it. It is solely meant to be used while sitting in a chair. However, Cubii still gives a weight capacity of 250 pounds (which is under the industry standard, I might add). I don’t actually think this is a hard and fast cut off, especially considering you won’t be putting the entirety of your weight on the machine if you’re sitting.

PriceAround $200
Dimensions21.7” L x 19.7” W x 9.7” H
Warranty1-year warranty (plus an additional year if you register your machine within 90 days of purchase)

Best Under-Desk Treadmill: Sunny Health and Fitness Walkstation Slim Flat Treadmill

Good for: Slow and steady walking during the work day

Best Under-Desk Treadmill

Sunny Health and Fitness Walkstation Slim Flat Treadmill

GGR Score: 3.8 starstarstarstarstar

Product Highlights

  • Easy to move
  • Stable and doesn't move in use
  • Under $500
  • Arrives at your door assembled

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Under $300
  • Multiple safety features
  • Very sturdy
  • Compatible with the SunnyFit app
  • Comes fully assembled
  • 3-year warranty
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • 220-pound user weight capacity
  • 1.5 horsepower

Bottom Line

The Sunny Health & Fitness Walkstation Slim Flat Treadmill is a great option for those who need sturdy machine to walk on.

The Sunny Health & Fitness Walkstation Slim Flat treadmill clocks in at just under $330 and is well worth the money. Although I’m not coordinated enough to type both coherent thoughts and walk at a sloth’s pace, that doesn’t mean the same is true for you. 

If you already have a standing desk at your disposal, this under-desk treadmill will likely work well for you. It is incredibly sturdy and unmoving, even when placed on carpet. 

I also enjoyed the convenient remote, which can be used to change your treadmill’s speed. Although you certainly won’t be running on this Sunny Health and Fitness treadmill, it can go up to 3.75 MPH, which is a brisk walk for most. 

sunny health and fitness under desk treadmill

If you constantly work from different places around your house, you’ll be able to move this treadmill with ease to your desired location. At just 55.1 pounds, the Sunny Health and Fitness Walkstation is fairly lightweight and has included transport wheels.

On the downside, this treadmill has a small deck (and I’m talking really small). At just 39 inches in length, you may have to take smaller and more calculated steps then you’re used to on most treadmills. 

PriceUnder $330
Dimensions50” L x 21.5” W x 6.5” H
Warranty3-year manufacturer warranty and 90-day parts

Best Foldable Under-Desk Treadmill: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

Good for: Someone who wants a foldable handle on their treadmill

Best Foldable Under-Desk Treadmill

GoPlus Electric Folding Treadmill

GGR Score: 3.5 starstarstarstarstar

Product Highlights

  • Folding treadmill 
  • Available on Amazon 
  • 1100-watt motor

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Compact and foldable
  • Very affordable
  • Device holder

Cons

  • Confusing and vague assembly instructions
  • Lower user weight capacity
  • Water bottle holders very small

Bottom Line

The GoPlus Electric Folding Treadmill is a compact and affordable treadmill with basic features. The shorter running belt may not be ideal for taller users.

The Goplus 2-in-1 can be used as both an under-desk walking machine and a treadmill for jogging or running. How is that the case, you may ask? Well, the Goplus 2-in-1 features a foldable handle, which can take this treadmill from a piece of desk exercise equipment to a regular machine in a flash. Plus, the speed range on this treadmill is quite a bit higher than most under-desk machines––the Goplus has a maximum speed of 7.5 MPH, which translates to a fast run for most people. 

I like that this treadmill can be stored underneath beds, in closets, and underneath some couches. Once the handle is folded down, the Goplus is almost completely flat, which makes storage a breeze. Plus, this machine also features two transport wheels to help with the moving process.

Coop walking on the Goplus treadmill in his office.

It is worth noting that this machine isn’t made for heavy-duty usage, especially considering the three-month warranty. Founder of GGR Cooper Mitchell owns a Goplus, and has some thoughts about the motor.

“The motor bogs down if too much weight is on the belt and it can have problems starting if you’re on the belt before getting it moving,” Cooper explains. “However, for the price, I think the durability matches.”

For a full look on this machine, read our Goplus treadmill review.

PriceAround $360
Dimensions52” L x 27” W x 5” H
Warranty3-month warranty

Best Desk Bike: DeskCycle 2 Under-Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser

Good for: Those looking for a stable, mini exercise bike

Best Desk Bike

DeskCycle 2 Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser

GGR Score: 4.2 starstarstarstarstar

Product Highlights

  • Features smooth pedal motion
  • Whisper-quiet magnetic resistance with a precision flywheel
  • Adjustable pedal height with minimal height of 9”
  • Adjustable straps for personalized fit on the stay-flat pedals
  • Magnetic resistance technology offers eight settings to vary intensity
  • 5-function removable LCD display with included display stand
  • Fitbit and Apple Watch compatible

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Quiet
  • Magnetic resistance
  • Adjustable pedal height and straps
  • Range of resistance
  • Compatible with smart watches
  • Monitor is removable

Cons

  • Expensive
  • People with larger feet may find the pedals too small

Bottom Line

As one of the pricier under-desk bike pedal exercisers, the DeskCycle 2 offers a smooth, quiet, and efficient pedal stroke which works via magnetic resistance.

The DeskCycle 2 is an under-desk peddler that can be adjusted to fit the height of your desk. According to the DeskCycle product page on Amazon, as long as your desk is at least 27 inches tall, you’ll be able to use this bike underneath your desk.

GGR editor and certified personal trainer Nicole Davis gave the DeskCycle 2 a go and was pretty pleased with its performance.

“Both the pedal height and straps are adjustable,” Nicole shares. “It also claims to have the lowest pedal height of any mini bike out there so it fits more desks.”

“I’m not sure if this is true, but I am able to use it fairly comfortably under my desk, which is pretty short. But, I’m also short, so take that with a grain of salt,” Nicole quips.

An image of the DeskCycle 2 in use

Nicole did mention that although the assembly process for the DeskCycle 2 was easy, the included batteries were dented, so she had to use her own to power the display. She also brought up that the footprint of the peddler was slightly larger than she was expecting.

“It weighs 23 pounds, so not super heavy, but there isn’t a handle or any easy way to pick it up and carry it around, so it is a bit awkward,” Nicole explains. “It’s also long-ish in my opinion—about 2 feet. I have a really slim desk and it definitely sticks out when I’m using it.”

PriceUnder $200
Dimensions‎22.5” L x 11.5” W x 11” H
Warranty1-year warranty

Other Products We Researched/Tested

Vive Under-Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser: The Vive Under-Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser didn’t win any new fans with GGR writer (and certified personal trainer) Lauren Strong. 

“It’s such a simple little pedaler with a lot of potential, but one pedal feels sticky and the more you crank up the resistance the more obvious it is,” Lauren explained. “The pedals also don’t feel equal in resistance.”

Hausse Portable Exercise Pedal Bike: Tester (and Head of Content) Kate Meier was not impressed with this under-$65 peddler. 

“This has so much play back and forth on it,” Kate shared. “It comes with a strap that you can tie around the pedaler and to a chair, but it’s a super cheap buckle and it doesn’t really help much.” 

LifeSpan TR1200-DT5 Treadmill Desk: Although tester Lauren Strong loves her LifeSpan treadmill, it is an expensive option at $1,500, which doesn’t make it a great choice for the majority of people. 

“It’s also pretty large and heavy for an under-the-desk piece of equipment,” Lauren shared. “It is kind of a pain in the butt to move around, so I don’t store it.”

How We Picked and Tested

We used the following criteria to judge the best desk exercise equipment.

  • Price: How expensive is this exercise machine? Would it be considered a budget, mid-range, or high-end option?
  • Dimensions: What are the dimensions of this machine? How large or small is this machine? Would it be considered compact and will it fit under most desks or in most home offices?
  • Type of cardio equipment: Is this an exercise bike, a stepper, a pedaler, an under-desk elliptical, or an under-desk treadmill?
  • Resistance options: Does this machine have any resistance options? If so, how many? What type of resistance does this machine have? Is it magnetic resistance?
  • Foldability: Does this machine fold at all? 
  • Extras: Does this machine have any extras like Bluetooth connectivity, a heart rate monitor, or compatible interactive programming? 
  • Display: What type of display does this machine have? Is it a touchscreen, LED,or LCD display?
  • Pedals: How large are the pedals? Are they texturered, oversized, or cushioned?
sunny health and fitness under desk treadmill feet on tread

Benefits of Desk Exercise Equipment

Certified personal trainer and GGR writer Anthony O’Reilly is a staunch advocate for movement––no matter what form that takes. Here’s what he had to say about the benefits of extra movement (and under-desk exercise equipment):

“At the end of the day, any movement is better than no movement,” Anthony explains. “Under-desk cardio equipment, whether that’s a pedaler or treadmill, can help make you more active throughout the day.” 

“This can not only help you meet the federally recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week that helps prevent weight gain and certain health disorders, but also expend pent-up energy that might keep you up at night,” Anthony adds.

“Under-desk cardio equipment comes in all shapes and sizes and there’s machines that can work for small desks as well as standing desks.” 

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Desk Exercise Equipment 

Before getting your hands on a new piece of desk exercise equipment, I encourage you to consider these three things:

Dimensions

As you would with a normal piece of home gym equipment, you should always measure your space ahead of time. You should also ensure that you have the appropriate amount of clearance for your legs to comfortably move underneath your desk. 

Luckily, the actual footprint of most desk exercise equipment is compact, but you should still be mindful of the space needed.

Price

Consider your budget ahead of time. Although the majority of under-desk exercise equipment aren’t as pricey as traditional cardio machines, they can still add up. If you’re looking for ways to save a few bucks, check for coupons and promo codes. You can also wait for Black Friday deals, as prices usually dip to the lowest of the year around this time.

Don’t want to wait and can’t find a coupon? Don’t sweat it. These days, most retailers offer some type of financing option (if you qualify) that can break a large payment into smaller chunks. 

Type of Cardio Machine

Prior to choosing a piece of desk exercise equipment, it is important to consider the type of work you do. For example, if you’re a graphic designer or someone who does in-depth, focused work, an under-desk peddler may be your best bet. 

For those who do more repetitive tasks or frequently take meetings, an under-desk treadmill may work best. As a writer, I realized I wasn’t able to walk on a treadmill while typing coherent thoughts. Thus, I chose to use the Cubii JR1, which is an under-desk elliptical machine. Figure out which type of machine is the most conducive to the work you do, and stick with it. 

Best Desk Exercise Equipment FAQs

What is the best under-the-desk workout equipment?

Here are our favorite pieces of under-desk workout equipment:

Best Desk Elliptical: Cubii Move
Best Under-Desk Treadmill: Sunny Health & Fitness Walkstation Slim Flat Treadmill
Best Foldable Under-Desk Treadmill: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
Best Budget Desk Elliptical: Stamina Inmotion Elliptical
Best Desk Bike: DeskCycle 2 Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser

Do under-desk elliptical machines really work?

Let’s get one thing straight: You won’t burn calories by the thousands on an under-desk elliptical. This just isn’t a realistic expectation. However, if you’re looking for a machine to reduce your sedentariness during the work day, or get a quick home workout in, an under-desk elliptical could be great for you. 

Are under-desk exercisers worth it?

For those who work a desk job, having an under-desk exerciser can be a great way to get more movement during the day. If you’re someone who finds themselves getting stiff due to lack of movement, grabbing an under-desk treadmill, elliptical, or desk exercise bike can be beneficial for your health and wellness (plus, even keep you engaged in your work).

Is an under-desk exerciser going to help me reach my fitness goals?

An under-desk exercise machine isn’t a replacement for strength training, but it can be an aid in increasing your cardiovascular output. Obviously, using an under-desk elliptical machine while sitting in an office chair won’t give you the same effect as sprinting on a Peloton Tread. However, it can still be a good way to keep the blood flowing in your lower body and stay engaged in your work at-hand.

References

  1. Parry, S., Straker, L. The contribution of office work to sedentary behavior associated risk. BMC Public Health 13, 296 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-296

Further reading

Bowflex C6 Review 2024: A Simple, But Very Capable, Exercise Bike Cover Image
Bowflex C6 Review 2024: A Simple, But Very Capable, Exercise Bike

In our Bowflex C6 review, we’ll examine this minimalist exercise bike and who we think would enjoy it. Read more

The Best NordicTrack Ellipticals 2024: iFIT, Low-Impact, and Space-Saving Cover Image
The Best NordicTrack Ellipticals 2024: iFIT, Low-Impact, and Space-Saving

Want to know what the best NordicTrack ellipticals are? We break down what you need to know about each machine from the cardio giant. Read more

DIY Strongman Log Bar for Under $75 Cover Image
DIY Strongman Log Bar for Under $75

In this DIY Guide, we show you how to build a Homemade Strongman Log Bar for less than $75 for your home gym. Rather than spending $100's of dollars on a piece of equipment that likely won't see a ton of use, we suggest building one for much less. Read more

Echelon Stride Review (2024): This Compact Treadmill Is Ideal For Small Spaces Cover Image
Echelon Stride Review (2024): This Compact Treadmill Is Ideal For Small Spaces

Released in 2020, the Echelon Stride is one of the newest interactive running machines on the market. There are a few reasons that it made my list of thebest treadmills, namely because of its foldability and portability. I like its compact size for people in tight spaces, and I also like that although imperfect, it at least makes an attempt at imitating higher-end treadmills through its connectivity with an interactive app.I conducted an in-depth Echelon Stride review to look at the way the Stride performs, its key features as well as some important things you need to know before you buy.My Favorite Things:Incredibly easy to assemble (just a few short steps)Compact size is great for small spacesVery easy to usePriced under $1,500Uses Echelon United for programmingMy Callouts: Basic console – you need your own tablet or device to stream the appSuper short one-year warrantySmall treadmill means a small running deckWeaker motor at just 1.75 chp Read more