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    Hywhos – Health, Nutrition & Wellness Blog
    Thursday, September 11
    Hywhos – Health, Nutrition & Wellness Blog
    Home»Fitness»The 12 Best Under-Desk Bikes and Ellipticals of 2025, Tested
    Fitness

    The 12 Best Under-Desk Bikes and Ellipticals of 2025, Tested

    8okaybaby@gmail.comBy 8okaybaby@gmail.comSeptember 10, 2025No Comments24 Mins Read
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    The 12 Best Under-Desk Bikes and Ellipticals of 2025, Tested
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    If you spend your workday at a desk, you may be looking for a simple way to add more activity to your routine. Look no further than under-desk bikes and ellipticals, small but mighty machines that provide several health benefits, including supporting hip and knee mobility, increasing circulation, and burning calories, says board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS. These compact, office-friendly bikes slide under your desk so you can pedal while you work—a great way to add extra movement to your day, says certified personal trainer Latoya Julce, CPT.


    Credit: Amazon

    Key Specs

    Style: Bike | Weight: 23 pounds | Resistance Levels: Eight | Features: Adjustable height, removable display, Apple Watch and Fitbit compatible | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

    Who It’s For

    Best for people who want a stable under-desk bike with super quiet and smooth pedaling action and a wide range of resistance levels.

    Why We Love It

    DeskCycle’s 2 Under Desk Bike easily nabbed our best overall spot thanks to its super quiet and smooth pedaling action, compact design, and easy-to-adjust resistance knob. We love using this bike while we answer emails and attend Zoom meetings, and we find that it’s a very easy and non-disruptive way to incorporate more movement into our workday. As a part of our workout routine, we enjoy using it as a nice warm-up before we run, and we love that it provides a wide range of resistance levels.

    We were impressed by how easy this under-desk bike’s setup process was, taking us only 15 minutes to complete using the brand’s very clear instructions. It feels very stable during use, regardless of its set resistance level. Plus, its pedals feel comfy, even during longer exercise sessions. And we never notice any wobbling or instability, which we really appreciate.

    Potential Flaws

    Most Valuable Insight

    “This bike is impressively silent, allowing me to pedal discreetly during team meetings without any disruption. The pedaling motion is smooth, and I haven’t noticed any significant vibrations or noise, even when increasing the resistance. Its adjustable resistance provides a good range of difficulty, making it effective for a light workout or a more challenging session. Overall, it offers a consistent workout while being ideal for multitasking, especially during calls or while typing.” —Mathieu L., Verywell Fit product tester

    Credit: Amazon

    Pros

    • Comes with a convenient, sleek remote for effortless adjustments

    • Smooth, stable, and whisper quiet operation

    • No assembly required

    Key Specs

    Style: Elliptical | Weight: 18 pounds | Resistance Levels: 10 | Features: Remote control, automatic and manual modes | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

    Who It’s For

    Best for office or remote workers seeking a smooth, easy-to-adjust elliptical to improve their posture and mood throughout the day.

    Why We Love It

    YOSUDA’S E5 Under Desk Elliptical Machine stands out in the crowd of under-desk ellipticals we tested with a whisper-quiet, compact design. It operates seamlessly (and virtually silently) from the jump, with no assembly required—just remove it from the box, plug it in, and you’re ready to pedal. But the standout feature is this elliptical’s convenient, sleek remote control, allowing us to effortlessly adjust the resistance, time, and mode mid-pedal, without having to reach for the control pad under our desk. 

    We appreciate this machine’s smooth, stable operation, with no wobbles or sticky spots. With 10 resistance levels, the option to move forward or backward, and an automatic (motorized) setting, we can adjust this elliptical based on our daily goals and how much focus each task requires. Its comfortable design allows us to sit properly at our desk with no adjustments needed, and it helps improve our posture during long stretches of work.

    Potential Flaws

    • It took us some time to understand this machine’s button labels, as they weren’t the most intuitive. But after a few uses (and help from the manual), we got the hang of it. 

    Most Valuable Insight

    “This under-desk elliptical improved my posture and overall mood while working in my home office. Especially during long periods of writing, I tend to hunch over my computer without realizing it, and this stopped me from doing that. I noticed it kept me more focused, and I didn’t struggle as much with dips in my mood during long workdays.” —Megan F., Verywell Fit product tester

    Credit: Amazon

    Pros

    • Quick assembly process with clear instructions

    • Lightweight and easy to store

    • Clear digital display with useful stats

    Key Specs

    Style: Bike | Weight: 7.6 pounds | Resistance Levels: Eight | Features: LCD display, adjustable tension knob | Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5

    Who It’s For

    Best for people who are pressed for time and storage space but want a budget-friendly way to add short periods of light activity to their routine.

    Why We Love It

    Himaly’s Mini Exercise Bike adds low-impact movement to our workdays without breaking the bank. Along with being the most budget-friendly option we tested, this bike is so lightweight that we can pick it up with one hand, making it a great option if you need to move it in and out of storage. But with its compact, space-saving design, we’re confident it can comfortably fit under most desks.  

    We appreciated this bike’s quick, easy assembly process, complete with illustrated instructions. While using it daily for up to 30 minutes at a time, we loved how simple it was to switch between eight resistance levels using the adjustable knob. Its LCD screen is also clear and easy to read, allowing us to track our progress with metrics like time elapsed and calories burned. 

    Potential Flaws

    • This under-desk bike was fairly noisy—while taking personal calls, our friends asked about the background sound. We’d recommend it for solo work settings. 

    • Since it’s so lightweight, this bike shifts a bit during use, making it best to prop it against a wall or other heavy structure for added stability. 

    Most Valuable Insight

    “This bike comes with a big display, and it is very easy to read. It’s very light and I could move it with one hand. I would recommend this product to people who have very little time to do other types of physical activity, or who don’t have enough storage space for larger workout equipment.” —Boris K., Verywell Fit product tester

    Credit: Amazon

    Pros

    • Easy resistance adjustments

    • Impressively quiet

    • Textured, comfy pedals keep feet in place

    Key Specs

    Style: Elliptical | Weight: 17.6 pounds | Resistance Levels: Six | Features: LCD display, adjustable tension knob, in-app workouts | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

    Who It’s For

    Best for those who want a compact, quiet under-desk elliptical, ideal for use in shared workspaces or during Zoom calls.

    Why We Love It

    With smooth, even pedaling and a compact design, Cubii’s Move Under-Desk Elliptical effectively boosted our circulation and decreased our anemia-related leg numbness throughout long seated workdays. Its pedaling motion stretches and strengthens our ankles—a welcome feature for our hyper-mobile tester. During Zoom calls, none of our coworkers can hear its whisper-quiet pedaling, and it doesn’t cause the bouncing we sometimes experience with under-desk treadmills. Plus, its compact design fits easily under our smaller desk and coffee table.

    We really like that this elliptical is a productive outlet for our workday fidgeting. And its simple assembly process took just 10 minutes to complete, and was so intuitive that we barely needed the instructions. We can even turn the adjustable resistance knob with our feet to avoid typing interruptions, and its pedals feature grippy pads that keep our feet in place while being comfortable enough for barefoot use. 

    Potential Flaws

    • While this elliptical’s base has non-slip pads, it shifts slightly on carpet. Thankfully, this isn’t significant enough to compromise the smooth pedaling action.

    • Its digital display isn’t backlit, so while we read it easily in our well-lit workspace, it may not be clear in lower-light settings.

    Most Valuable Insight

    “Anemia often makes my legs fall asleep. However, with this elliptical, I can pedal at my desk to increase circulation, focus better, and satisfy my neurodivergent need to stay active. This has significantly increased my productivity, as I no longer need to step away from my work to fulfill those needs. Since it’s so quiet, I can easily pedal during calls and don’t have to worry about distracting noises.” —Anja V., Verywell Fit product tester

    Credit: Sunny Health & Fitness

    Pros

    • Comes with resistance bands

    • Stable enough for quick pedaling

    • App-enabled with access to a free workout library

    Key Specs

    Style: Elliptical | Weight: 25.8 pounds | Resistance Levels: 16 | Features: Battery-powered display, resistance band, app-enabled | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

    Who It’s For

    Best for people seeking a versatile under-desk elliptical for moderately intense workouts.

    Why We Love It

    Sunny Health & Fitness’s Smart Stand/Sit Mini Elliptical Exercise Trainer is one of the most versatile machines we tested, with a range of movement options to supplement your workout routine. You can pedal while standing or sitting, and removable resistance bands offer optional upper-body activation. On hectic days with no time for a full workout, it helps us squeeze in quick bursts of activity, even encouraging proper posture throughout long typing sessions. 

    This elliptical is nearly fully assembled out of the box, taking just a few minutes to add batteries and connect the resistance bands. Its easy-to-adjust tension knob allows you to choose from 16 different resistance levels—a large selection compared to others we tested. We were impressed by its quick Bluetooth connection to the free SunnyFit app, which contains a vast library of guided video workouts and other fitness content. Plus, its super-stable base with traction pads prevents shifting and vibrating—a must-have for the higher resistance settings and quick pedaling. 

    Potential Flaws

    • This elliptical is heavy and awkward to carry. We suggest keeping it near your desk.

    • Its design is fairly bulky, making it a tight squeeze for smaller desks. It’s a better choice for larger workspaces.

    Most Valuable Insight

    “One day, when I couldn’t make it to the gym, I used this in place of an elliptical workout. I stood on it and used the resistance bands to get a quick full-body workout in between writing sessions, and it was great! It definitely boosted my mood when I otherwise would have missed my workout. I did this throughout the testing period on super busy work days when I didn’t have time to go to the gym, and the burst of cardio helped refocus me to get more work done.” —Megan F., Verywell Fit product tester

    Credit: Flexispot

    Key Specs

    Style: Bike | Weight: 75 pounds | Resistance Levels: Eight | Features: Adjustable desk and seat position, wheels for easy portability, cup holder | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

    Who It’s For

    Best for people who work from home and want a compact, easily adjustable bike that doubles as a standing desk. 

    Why We Love It

    Flexispot’s Home Office Cycle Desk Bike features a unique, two-in-one design—it functions as an exercise bike and a standing desk. We especially appreciate its sturdiness and adjustability, as both the bike seat and desk feel solid and can be easily adjusted to fit different needs. During testing, it provided a smooth and very quiet ride. We could easily use it during a meeting without anyone hearing it. Despite the added feature of the desk, the compact design fits comfortably in the corner of a room and is a breeze to move, thanks to the wheels on its base.

    This bike took us under eight minutes to assemble. It offers a convenient workspace and a great workout, equipped with a cup holder, a large desk, adjustable resistance levels, and a battery-powered tracker. We also love using the side opposite the seat as a standing desk for even more movement during our workday.

    Potential Flaws

    • During testing, we noticed that the seat felt a bit uncomfortable at first, but over time, it became more comfortable to use for up to 30 minutes.

    • While this product offers some great features, it is one of the pricier options on our list. 

    Most Valuable Insight

    “I love that I can stand on the opposite end of the seat and raise the worktop high enough to use it as a standing desk as well.” —Shannon B., Verywell Fit product tester

    Credit: Amazon

    Pros

    • Forward and backward stride motion

    • Stable enough for quick pedaling

    • Wide, textured pedals offer secure grip

    Key Specs

    Style: Elliptical | Weight: 24 pounds | Resistance Levels: Not listed (adjustable knob) | Features: LCD display, app-enabled | Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5

    Who It’s For

    Best for those who want a durable, stable under-desk elliptical with a compatible app for assembly help and audio-based workouts.

    Why We Love It

    Stamina’s InMotion Elliptical feels smooth and sturdy during use and offers easily adjustable resistance via a simple turn knob. The machine feels well-made and durable thanks to its steel parts, and it comes in several color options. One of our favorite features is its compatibility with the müüv smart audio coaching app, which offers an assembly guide video, personalized audio workouts, and integration with iHeartRadio.

    We like that we can track important metrics on its LCD display, such as total strides, exercise time, and calories burned. We also like that its pedals are wide and textured, comfortably fitting our feet and providing a secure grip as we pedal. We can pedal forward or backward, a nice feature not all under-desk bikes offer. This mini elliptical feels very stable and never moves while we’re using it, even when we pedal faster.

    Potential Flaws

    • While the manufacturer states that you can use this elliptical machine standing upright, we felt uncomfortable and unstable doing so, and don’t recommend using it this way.

    • Although its LCD display provides helpful metrics, the screen is somewhat dark, making it more difficult to read. 

    Most Valuable Insight

    “This elliptical bike was easy to assemble, easy to use, and comfortable, and it supported both feet entirely. I use this every day while working at home and plan to continue doing so.” —Katrina C., Verywell Fit product tester

    Credit: Amazon

    Pros

    • Smooth, quiet pedaling action

    • Comes with a convenient, sleek remote to quickly change settings

    • Clear digital display with useful stats

    Key Specs

    Style: Bike | Weight: 15.9 pounds | Resistance Levels: Eight | Features: Remote control, carry handles, three pre-set routines, 18 speed levels, automatic stop | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

    Who It’s For

    Best for people with mobility concerns or restrictions, or anyone who prefers a motorized under-desk bike with a remote for easy adjustments. 

    Why We Love It

    While many under-desk bikes use magnetic resistance, Sunny Health & Fitness’ Motorized Electric Under Desk Bike is motorized and offers an incredibly smooth, quiet cycling experience. This makes it a great pick for people with mobility concerns seeking safe, seated movement to support joint mobility, circulation, and muscle activation—all key under-desk bike benefits, according to Lind. We love its convenient, sleek remote control, which enables us to increase our workout intensity quickly. Plus, if we need to hop on a quick Zoom meeting, we can easily change the resistance level or turn it off in a flash without bending down.

    We love how easy this under-desk bike is to assemble—it took us only 20 minutes. We also appreciate its clear digital display, which provides useful information, including intensity level, program, time, and distance. We love that this bike supports our daily movement goal during the workday and provides a great light to moderate workout. Additionally, we’re extremely impressed and surprised by how much cycling while working has significantly helped increase our concentration and focus.

    Potential Flaws

    • This under-desk bike is extremely quiet, but we think we move around too much when cycling on it to use it during more formal Zoom meetings.

    • Although this under-desk bike feels incredibly stable, we did notice it moves a bit when used on hardwood floors.

    Most Valuable Insight

    “I like that it has different preset workout programs, so it keeps things interesting instead of just being a constant rotation.” —Kelly B., Verywell Fit product tester

    Credit: Walmart

    Key Specs

    Style: Elliptical | Weight: 16 pounds | Resistance Levels: Eight | Features: LCD display, app-enabled, built-in handle | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

    Who It’s For

    Best for frequent Zoom callers and those in shared office spaces who want a smooth, quiet machine.

    Why We Love It

    Lifepro’s Portable Under Desk Elliptical Exercise Machine provides super smooth, virtually silent pedaling, perfect for calls and shared office spaces. It helps reduce our toe-tapping and leg fidgeting during typing, administrative work, and lower-focus tasks, and its steady pedaling rhythm was a calming addition to our workday. Plus, with eight resistance levels, we can effortlessly switch between very light pedaling and a seated heart rate boost. 

    Assembling this elliptical took just 15 minutes with clear, easy-to-follow instructions. We appreciate its sturdy construction, which feels like it’s built to last. It also syncs with two different apps via Bluetooth, one of which offers lifetime usage statistics, allowing us to track our progress over time. This helps us stay motivated and push toward more active workdays. 

    Potential Flaws

    • This elliptical is quite heavy. While we loved the stable base, it was challenging to move around, and we wish it had wheels to make this easier. 

    • One of this elliptical’s enabled apps, Kinomap, had to remain open throughout our entire pedaling session to track our metrics—if our screen went locked or went to sleep, it stopped tracking. Overall, this was a minor inconvenience. 

    Most Valuable Insight

    “There’s something calming about the steady rhythm of pedaling. It definitely helped channel some of my stress-related fidgeting into something more productive. It felt kind of cathartic and relaxing. I also like the benefit of knowing my joints are getting relief, my blood is flowing, and my heart is pumping—all great measures of health even without a sweaty hardcore workout.” —Madison D., Verywell Fit product tester

    Credit: Amazon

    Pros

    • Carry handle for easy storage

    • Comes with a non-slip mat, resistance bands, and two sets of pedals

    • Compact, portable design

    Key Specs

    Style: Bike | Weight: 18 pounds | Resistance Levels: Eight | Features: Resistance bands, carry handle, non-slip mat, arm pedals, app-enabled, LCD display | Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5

    Who It’s For

    Best for people who want to get an upper-body and lower-body workout simultaneously, without needing multiple pieces of equipment. 

    Why We Love It

    LifePro’s FlexCycle Exercise Bike is a multitasking under-desk exerciser. It comes with resistance bands, a non-slip mat, and two sets of pedals that can be used with your feet or hands, offering both lower- and upper-body exercise options. This versatility also makes it a solid option for older adults seeking a compact, portable exercise machine for a full-body workout.

    When we assembled this under-desk bike, we noticed that all of its parts were correctly labeled, the instructions were clear, and the package included all the necessary tools. During testing, we enjoyed using it while on a call, reading, watching television, and more, especially because it’s so quiet. We also appreciate that it features eight resistance settings and a carry handle, allowing us to easily store or move it when not in use.

    Potential Flaws

    Most Valuable Insight

    “I was pleasantly surprised by how well this bike worked. I tend to run cold, and after cycling for 20 minutes during a Zoom meeting, I had to take off the sweater I was wearing—it got my blood flowing.” —Anna K., Verywell Fit product tester

    Credit: Amazon

    Key Specs

    Style: Bike | Weight: 23 pounds | Resistance Levels: 16 | Features: Digital monitor, resistance bands, app-enabled | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 

    Who It’s For

    Best for individuals who want an incredibly stable under-desk bike for couch pedaling, post-surgery recovery, and casual use.

    Why We Love It

    YOSUDA’s YBM-2 Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser remains rock-solid and stable with a smooth pedaling action, even at higher resistance levels. It helped us stay active and optimistic during our post-surgery recovery, when we’d otherwise struggle to exercise—seated pedaling is a great way to improve joint mobility after surgery, says Lind. It fits easily under our desk and in front of the couch, getting our blood pumping during basic tasks and TV-watching sessions. 

    Its quiet pedaling fades into the background, allowing us to take calls without worrying about distractions. We love this bike’s intuitive, easy-to-adjust controls. With 16 resistance settings, it accommodates different goals, from light movement to building leg strength. We also appreciate that it’s compact enough to store in a closet, making it a strong choice for small spaces. 

    Potential Flaws

    • While this bike has a carrying handle, it’s a bit awkwardly placed, making it slightly challenging to move around. 

    • The metrics on its digital monitor weren’t clearly labeled or explained in the instructions, requiring some internet sleuthing for a full explanation. 

    Most Valuable Insight

    “After having a surgery recently, my activity significantly lowered and left my legs feeling weaker. I was pretty down in the dumps, especially because I wasn’t able to go to the gym as frequently. This bike helped me stay active while recovering and significantly improved my mental health. It allowed me to keep my legs moving and increase my stamina.” —Casey J., Verywell Fit product tester

    Credit: Flexispot

    Pros

    • Clear digital display with useful stats

    • Comfy, with adjustable headrest and seat height

    • Quiet enough to use while on work calls

    Key Specs

    Style: Bike | Weight: Not listed | Resistance Levels: Eight | Features: Adjustable seat height and headrest, lockable casters, LCD display | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

    Who It’s For

    Best for exercisers of all fitness levels who want a well-cushioned office chair that doubles as a solid under-desk bike.

    Why We Love It

    Flexispot’s Deskbike V6 Pro is a strong option for beginner to advanced exercisers who want a comfortable, quiet under-desk bike to use throughout the workday. We tested this bike while sitting at our desks, working seven to eight hours daily. We love that its cycling motion is smooth and quiet, allowing us to exercise while taking calls and meetings without anyone knowing. 

    Its crisp LCD display tracks time, distance, and calorie count, and its resistance is easy to adjust with just the turn of a knob. We love that it’s super comfy with four layers of cushioning and plenty of adjustability options for the chair’s height and headrest. We like it so much that it quickly replaced our other standard office chair. Plus, it’s easy to assemble, taking only about 25 minutes, thanks to its clear instructions.

    Potential Flaws

    • Although this under-desk bike is pricier than other options on our list, we think it’s worth it because of its exceptional quality and the fact that it can also be used as a fully functioning, adjustable office chair.

    • Although it has casters, it still feels heavy and is somewhat cumbersome to move. Because of this, we don’t recommend this chair for those who want a more easily portable option.

    Most Valuable Insight

    “This under-desk cycling chair lives up to the hype. It has increased my energy, focus, and well-being. I feel fully supported by its solid cushioning as I move through my workday. The lockable casters are strong and durable, and won’t let the chair move an inch when you don’t want it to. The bike’s flywheel is super quiet, and you have ultimate control with the easy-to-use resistance knob.” —Stacey W., Verywell Fit product tester

    Under-Desk Bikes and Ellipticals We Also Tested

    In total, we evaluated 42 under-desk bikes and ellipticals, but we only included 12 in our final list of recommendations. While some of these products had solid features, they ultimately didn’t meet the rigorous standards that we have for our top picks.

    • Cubii’s Total Body + is sturdy with a smooth, quiet pedaling action, and we like how easy it is to move between spaces. But it was simply too long to fit under a standard desk, and certain advertised features were missing, like Bluetooth and app compatibility. 
    • Node’s Under Desk Exercise Bike Pedal Exerciser is compact and ultra-lightweight, making it a good fit for minimal storage. But it slides around as we pedal, and its plastic exterior cracked after use. 
    • Sunny Health & Fitness’s Smart Compact Mini Elliptical comes pre-assembled and is super affordable, making it an accessible entry point into under-desk workout equipment. But it makes distracting clanking sounds with use and doesn’t allow for mid-pedal resistance adjustments. 
    • Cubii’s JR2+ is a self-powered under-desk elliptical with easily adjustable resistance, a clear display, great portability, and a seamless setup. However, we felt that this more expensive machine was not worth the lower back pain we experienced while using it.
    • YOSUDA’s Magnetic Under Desk Cycling Bike YBM-1 offers easily adjustable resistance, a clear display for important metrics, and a smooth and silent ride. However, we had trouble with the setup process and didn’t think its quality aligned with its price point.

    YOSUDA’s Indoor Cycling Bike has 100 resistance levels that can be adjusted with a convenient dial.

    Verywell Fit

    What We’ve Updated

    • Since publishing our initial tested roundup of the best under-desk pedal bikes and ellipticals, we’ve re-evaluated our previous picks and hands-on tested nine new products from leading brands, chosen based on extensive research and expert recommendations. We evaluated each one for its ease of setup, performance, features, and value, and have included these new insights in our article.

    • We consulted with a new expert, a physical therapist, to ensure our advice on selecting under-desk bikes and ellipticals is current and up-to-date. 

    • After our month-long testing period (during which we collectively pedaled the equivalent of biking from New York to LA and back, with a detour through Chicago), we’ve reworked some of our products, adding five new superlatives, including Most Compact Under-Desk Elliptical, Most Stable Under-Desk Elliptical, and more. We also replaced one previous pick, Best Budget Under-Desk Bike, which was surpassed in this newest round of testing. 

    Our Experts

    We collaborated with health and fitness experts during each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. Each expert provided guidance on the proper and safe use of the under-desk bikes and ellipticals we tested. They also provided input on the benefits of using an under-desk bike and features to look for and avoid when shopping for a high-quality one. While our product selections are independent, expert insights help inform our decisions.

    • Kim Joy Lind, PT, owner of Enjoy Mobile Rehab

    • Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS, board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist

    • Latoya Julce, CPT, certified personal trainer and instructor at 305 Fitness

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is better, an under-desk bike or an elliptical?

    Under-desk bicycles and under-desk ellipticals are incredibly similar, so neither is necessarily better or worse than the other. Under-desk ellipticals tend to be smoother and quieter, whereas under-desk bicycles tend to offer a fuller range of motion.

    Are under-desk bikes safe for your knees?

    Marko says under-desk cycling is a non-weight-bearing exercise that’s safe for your knees and may actually benefit people with bad knees. The motion of cycling increases the secretion of synovial fluid, which helps lubricate the joint and nourish the cartilage, she says. Lind adds that the circular motion is a safe, low-impact way to promote mobility after knee surgeries. 

    Are under-desk ellipticals effective?

    Yes, when used properly and thoughtfully, under-desk ellipticals are an effective way to improve mobility, endurance, and lower body tone while combating the negative health effects of prolonged sitting, says Lind. 

    How long should you use an under-desk elliptical?

    For general use or cardiovascular benefits, Lind recommends using an under-desk elliptical for 20 to 30 minutes per session, as a starting point. However, for post-surgical use or individuals with certain conditions, she recommends starting with five to 10 minutes and adjusting based on individual needs. 

    Why Trust Verywell Fit

    Megan Foley has been writing for Verywell Fit since 2024. As a professional ballet dancer, she’s tried a wide range of cross-training and rehab tools to promote athletic recovery. When she’s writing, she values any tool that promotes mobility and prevents back stiffness from sitting at a desk. For this article, she hands-on tested three under-desk ellipticals and reviewed testing insights from other Verywell Fit testers to find the best options possible.

    Additional reporting contributed by Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT, and Lindsey Lanquist

    Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the associate editor for Verywell Fit. Whether focusing on workout gear, apparel, or other products, she’s dedicated to providing recommendations based on thorough research and testing.

    Verywell Fit writer Lindsey Lanquist has years of experience in the health and fitness space. For this article, she prioritized under-desk bicycles and ellipticals that were genuinely well-reviewed by those who’d tried them. She also favored options with adjustable resistance. Since preferences can vary so much when it comes to fitness machines, she made sure to include under-desk bicycles and under-desk ellipticals with a range of features.

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