8 Best Under

Apr 13, 2023

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How much you move your body throughout the day matters more than your workouts.

You know the feeling after you’ve been sitting at your desk all day long? Tight, stiff, and achy in the most random spots. It doesn't have to be that way, though. One discrete device can make a huge difference: under-desk bikes! Yep, that's right. You’ve likely heard about or tried under-desk treadmills, which are skyrocketing in popularity. Under-desk bikes are another mini office addition that are a great way to add movement to your day.

"An under-desk bike is the perfect way to sneak in a workout while you work, because it's essentially half of a bike without handlebars or a seat," says Holly Roser, CPT, a certified personal trainer and founder of Holly Roser Fitness. "If you have a sedentary job, any opportunity you can squeeze movement into your schedule is a leap toward a healthier lifestyle. Fitness isn't just the three workouts you do each week, but how much you move your body throughout the day."

The benefits of an under-desk bike are hard to ignore. First, the pedaling will help you burn more calories throughout the day, helping you lose weight over time (if that's your goal), says Roser. "Expect to burn 50 to 80 calories every 10 minutes depending on your height and weight, and how hard you're pushing yourself on the bike."

Meet the expert: Holly Roser, CPT, is a certified personal trainer and founder of Holly Roser Fitness.

You’ll also rev your cardiovascular system and metabolism as you pedal, which is necessary for lowering blood pressure, and decreasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, adds Roser. "Aim for your heart rate to reach 115 to 130 beats per minute to strengthen your heart and lungs," she explains.

Not to mention, biking throughout the workday is a great stress reliever. "You'll feel better during and after your workout thanks to endorphins that are released after a workout, and releasing energy in your body will also help battle anxiety," notes Roser. Here! For! It!

Get a sneak peek at the trainer-preferred under-desk bikes here:

Now, when it comes to shopping for your new under-desk bike, stability is king. "If the bike isn't holding steady on the ground, it's going to be a huge distraction as you type and click on your computer," says Roser. You also want equipment that allows you to challenge yourself, so select a bike with *at least* four resistance levels, she adds.

Additional nice-to-have features are a monitor on the bike or a connected app that tracks your stats, portability to move where your desk does, and adjustability to match your exact height. (More intel on optimal features to come.)

Ready to put in the work while you work? Read on for the 8 best under desk bikes, according to a trainer and rave reviews.

Quiet? Check. Easy to use? Check. Comfortable? Check. This under desk bike makes working out while you sit a breeze with its eight resistance levels, smooth stride, and non-slip pedals. It also comes with a monitor to track your exercise time, stride count, and calories burned, and can move with you anywhere since it's easy to assemble and extremely portable.

Rave review: "This product works great and the pedals glide nicely. It's also easy to move around and easy to use." –Christy

If you’re looking for a smooth and silent ride while you work, this bike is for you. "This under the desk bike is great because it's quiet, provides the ability to pedal backwards (which reaches different muscle groups), and has a mileage tracker," says Roser. You also have eight resistance levels to make your workout as challenging or mild as you need, but you’re always guaranteed durability.

Rave review: "I bought this bike for under my desk to encourage me to get moving more and more during the day, and love it! I have had it for several months with no issue. It's low enough profile where I don't hit my knees under the desk, and you can barely hear it while you are biking." –Katsykins

Live workout classes for your under-desk bike? Say less. With your Cubii bike you have access to 10-, 20-, and 30-minute classes taught by expert trainers, which is great for adding into your workday schedule. The bike is also compact and easily portable so it's perfect for burning calories and staying active whether you’re working or watching TV. It's quiet, low-impact, and ultra-smooth, so it puts less stress on your joints, and the included monitor is great for tracking your stats.

Rave review: "I got this a week ago and am totally sold on it as a way to increase my activities and burn calories when I wouldn't otherwise be exercising." –Carla

If you’re looking for a starter bike without breaking the bank, this Vaunn under desk bike has over 13,000 positive reviews. The heavy-duty frame scores high in the safety department, and the adjustable knob makes it easy to control resistance and intensity. The lightweight bike can also be used to strengthen and improve blood circulation in your arms and shoulders, so it's a two-in-one deal!

Rave review: "I thoroughly love this product, for me it's as good as the ridiculously expensive elliptical under desk models out there, and this under desk pedal exerciser comes fully assembled and folds down easily to be put away anywhere." –Wanda

This under-desk bike is perfect for a total body workout. Not only can you pedal all day long, but the bike also includes resistance bands, which are great for upper body mobility and strength.

Another perk? It comes with a non-slip floor mat to keep you from slipping, and the included training app is great for maximizing your time and workout. Oh, and the 16 resistance levels make it easy to meet your personal needs and goals.

Rave review: "Love this bike. It's light, easy to transport, and helpful in the office to keep my blood going and feeling like I'm getting exercise while stationary." –Victoria

If you’re looking to build muscle and crank up the resistance, this bike is your go-to. Since there is no limit to resistance, you can build your own intensity whether you’re hoping to rehab an injury, or torch calories while you work. Plus, the multi-function monitor is easy to read and allows you to track your workout data with ease. The bike also comes with a portable handle so it's simple to store and transport.

Rave review: "The unit was easily and quickly assembled, so you're able to try the unit right away. The best thing is that the unit is substantial, so it was going to stay in one place, and the display is a nice feature. Very pleased with the unit." –Michael

It's pricey, but if you’re looking to stay in shape while you work, this desk bike chair makes for a killer workout. The eight resistance levels cater to your training needs, but you never have to worry about a shaky desk surface since the triangle frame is designed for stability. The wheels are also silent so you can pedal during calls or group meetings, and the desk and seat are easily adjustable so the whole family can get involved.

Rave review: "I originally bought this exact bike for my daughter in 2020. She has had such great results with it, I recently purchased it again for myself. It's SO easy to assemble. Very sturdy. Easy to roll out of the way when not in use, and overall just love it." –Lisa

This bike was specifically designed to be smooth and quiet so you can use it on calls or in group settings without hassle. You can also pair the bike with an app which tracks your progress and includes motivation challenges if you need a little pick-me-up! And don't fret about the size of the bike since it's foldable and easy to set up.

Rave review: "I was looking for something under my work desk and this is perfect. I spin on this bike for three hours each day through the week. Foldable, quiet, and fantastic." –Andrea

Before you click "add to cart," consider these key features that make under desk bikes more effective, comfortable, and user-friendly.

Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. She's a mass consumer of social media and cares about women's rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.

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