Best Under Desk Bikes

Under desk bike buyers guide

If you are stuck at your desk for the majority of the day, it can have a negative impact on the body. This lack of movement can be counteracted by an under desk exercise bike. This useful piece of fitness equipment is a cost effective and efficient way to keep your body active without interfering with your work.

These nifty miniature devices are essentially a set of pedals just like any other bike which can conveniently slot underneath your desk. You don’t even need to use them at a desk, they can be just as effective if you wish to use them sat on the sofa in front of the TV.

They allow you to burn calories and strengthen your leg muscles from a sedentary position. An under desk exercise bike works your quads, which is a large muscle group. It can also work your hamstrings, calves and glutes.

According to studies, you can burn around 100 calories during a 50-minute session. That adds up to an impressive 500 calories over a 5-day work week. This can certainly help with losing weight and improving overall cardiovascular health.

Here you can find our top recommendations for the best under desk bikes for anyone who wants to keep fit from the office or their home!

What are the best under desk bikes?

Here we will take a look at our best under desk bikes from the hundreds of under desk bike reviews that we have researched and analysed in great detail.

How to choose the best under desk bike for you

Whilst the choice is not as overwhelming compared to looking for an upright exercise bike, spin bike, treadmill or elliptical trainer, there are still some important things to consider if you are in the market for an under desk exercise bike.

Size

We all have desks of different shapes and sizes so you might want to take a few quick measurements to make sure that the bike will fit under your desk. If you plan on carrying it around or need somewhere to store it, this can also have an impact on the size of the under desk bikes that you are considering. There are folding desk cycles which can save even more space.

Pedals

Under desk bikes are basically a set of pedals fitted into a small device. It is therefore important that quality materials are used and the pedals are a suitable size. If you have larger feet, you wouldn’t want narrow pedals that could cause your feet to constantly slide off. Some models will have non-slip pedals which is a great benefit. You may want to avoid the cheaper models as the pedals could snap off quite easily with frequent use.

Physical Limitations

If you have any previous or existing injuries that could have an impact on your ability to pedal, then you would need to make sure that the under desk bike can cater to these specific limitations.

Comfort

You should ideally already have a comfortable setup in your office. This could be a nice cushioned office chair and ergonomic desk. Thus, when implementing an under desk bike into your office space, you will want to ensure that it is a comfortable transition and not something that could potentially interfere with your work. If it feels uncomfortable, you are less likely to use it.

Adjustability

The under desk cycle should have the option to be adjusted according to your height and preferred seating position. Have a look to see if can be used for arm pedalling on top of a desk as this may provide a good alternative option to some users.

Resistance

Under desk bikes can have different resistance levels which determine how difficult they are to pedal. Most users will probably be using them on a lower resistance level due to the fact they will be focused on their work.

However, should you wish to push yourself that bit further and increase the intensity during your work break, you will want to keep an eye on the available resistance levels.

Another important factor to consider with resistance is the noise that turning the pedals can make. You don’t want something that will disturb your co-workers or interfere with important calls. Noise could also distract you from your work or watching TV.

Magnetic resistance tends to provide less noise and also a smoother pedalling motion that requires minimal maintenance.

Tracking Performance

The best under desk bikes will come with a monitor or app that enables you to keep track of your pedalling statistics. This can include distance travelled, speed, reps per minute, cadence and calories burned.

It provides a good way to see how you have performed over a sustained period of time and if there is any room for improvement.

Budget

Your budget is one of the most important things worth considering when in the market for an under desk bike. Thankfully, there are options to suit a wide range of budgets. You do not need to break the bank to get a good under desk cycle for your office and home.

Benefits of under desk bikes

There are many benefits to doing any form of exercise, even if you are not going all out and busting a gut, you can still benefit from the following when using an under desk bike;

• Burn calories
• Lose weight
• Strengthen leg muscles
• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Improve mental health
• Save time and money

Tips for using your under desk bike

Another great advantage of under desk bikes is that they are extremely easy to use and suitable for users of all fitness levels. Once you have finally decided to get the one that you have always had your eyes on, here are a few tips to get the best under desk bike experience;

• Take your time to find a comfortable position
• Start slowly and increase intensity as your fitness improves
• Warm up and warm down for a few minutes
• Create a fitness routine that fits within your schedule

Conclusion

Under desk bikes provide a great way to simulate your body and offer you a level of exercise that is similar to walking. Frequent use can help to improve your overall fitness, burn calories, tone muscles, maintain healthy joints and improve circulation.

They take up minimal space and can be used under a desk or in front of the TV whilst they are relatively inexpensive compared to other fitness equipment.

Hopefully this guide on the best under desk cycles will help you on your search!

Happy pedalling!

Rich

Rich is an avid bodybuilder who has dedicated over 20 years of his life to the sport. He has a strong passion for health and fitness, living a clean lifestyle with a commitment to helping others educate themselves and fulfil their true potential.