9 of the best under-desk ellipticals of 2022 Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe Under-desk ellipticals Best options and considerationsMedically reviewed by Amy Elizabeth Wolkin, PT, DPT, MBA — By Kristina Iavarone and Stefano Iavarone — Updated on September 29, 2022We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Under-desk ellipticals are machines that a person can use to pedal while seated. Companies may also refer to them as seated or recumbent elliptical trainers. They are portable and suitable for use in the home or office. They may be particularly ideal for older adults who find exercise challenging. Share on Pinterest A quick look at some of the best under-desk ellipticalsBest for nonslip pedals Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under-Desk EllipticalBest for upper body training Stamina InMotion Compact EllipticalBest for a budget Ativafit Under-Desk Elliptical BikeBest for a silent elliptical Cubii Pro Seated Under-Desk Elliptical MachineBest for portability ANCHEER Under-Desk Electric Mini Elliptical MachineBest for resistance levels Exerpeutic 900E ExerworkBest for light resistance Cubii JR2Best for multiple speed levels Orbitrek MXBest for a lifetime warranty FlexStride Plus Under Desk Elliptical What are the benefits of under-desk ellipticals A 2020 study notes that seated elliptical machines can be beneficial for older adults as they can reduce sedentary behavior. Elliptical trainers offer low impact exercise because the feet stay on the pedals as a person moves them, and these movements do not place much stress on the legs. According to one study, sitting for long periods may be harmful, as physical inactivity can increase a person’s risk of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and breast cancer. The researchers advise engaging in outdoor exercise but note that only 20% of people in the United States do so. An under-desk elliptical machine may make physical activity possible and appealing for people who are sedentary for long periods and unable to exercise otherwise. However, it should not replace regular exercise for those who can be more active. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that regular physical activity can benefit health by:strengthening the bones and musclesburning calories and helping people maintain a moderate weightslowing the loss of bone density, in the case of moderate-intensity exercisereducing the risk of hip fractures Safety There are some safety precautions that people may find beneficial when using an elliptical trainer. These include:starting at a slower pace to allow the muscles to warm up and the heart rate to increase graduallychecking the heart rate to avoid overexercisingkeeping an upright posture when sittingchecking that the feet remain in place on the pedalsstopping if feeling sore or exhausted How we chose Medical News Today chooses fitness equipment that meets the following criteria:Price: MNT chooses products available for a wide range of budgets.Size and capacity: MNT selects products to suit people of different heights, weights, and strengths.Connectivity: Where fitness equipment has fitness memberships or subscriptions, MNT ensures variation in classes and services that benefit a person’s health.Materials: MNT chooses products that have safe and durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain.Ease of use: MNT selects simple-to-use products that have clear instructions. If set-up is complicated, MNT chooses brands that offer a set-up or installation service.Quality: MNT chooses companies that adhere to high quality manufacturing processes that ensure its products are safe for personal use.Reputable: MNT chooses products from businesses that adhere to industry best practices and offer reliable customer service and support. Top under-desk ellipticals Below, we look at seven under-desk ellipticals that people may wish to consider purchasing. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Best for nonslip pedals Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under-Desk EllipticalList price: around $200Pros: eight levels of resistance and nonslip foot pedalsCons: some reviewers state it is not suitable for shorter people This under-desk elliptical has eight levels of resistance, a digital monitor, and a transportation handlebar. It also features nonslip foot pedals and smooth glide wheels. The company claims it can increase circulation, joint range of motion, and lower body muscular endurance. The product weighs 25 pounds (lb) and has a 3.52-lb flywheel. The dimensions are as follows:24 inches (in) long19 in wide11 in high The company offers the following warranties and policies:a 1-year structural frame warrantya 180-day warranty for other parts and componentsa 30-day money-back guaranteeSHOP NOW Best for upper body training Stamina InMotion Compact EllipticalList price: around $139Pros: reviewers note it is quiet and sturdyCons: some people find that the display does not accurately track metrics Stamina’s under-desk elliptical machine features foot pedals that a person can move both forward and reverse to target the lower body in different ways. It comes with upper body resistance bands with handles, so people can use the machine to perform upper body exercises while standing or sitting. Other features include:a handle for easy portabilitynonslip pedalsan adjustable tension dialan LCD monitora workout DVD The electronic display shows the exercise time, number of strides per minute, total strides, and calorie burn. This elliptical weighs 24 Ib and has a maximum user weight of 250 lb. The dimensions are as follows:24 in long18 in wide12 in highSHOP NOW Best for a budget Ativafit Under-Desk Elliptical BikeList price: around $101Pros: has forward and reverse movementCons: some reviewers state the tension knobs do not work Ativafit’s elliptical supports sitting or standing positions, pedaling or running, and forward or reverse motions. The company claims that it operates quietly. Some of its features include:quiet operation with a brake resistance mechanismlarge anti-slip pedalsan LCD monitora massage function The dimensions are as follows:22.4 in long19.7 in wideheight not specifiedSHOP NOW Best for a silent elliptical Cubii Pro Seated Under-Desk Elliptical MachineList price: around $199Pros: has an almost-silent operation, making it beneficial for use during meetingsCons: some reviewers note it slides on hardwood floors This near-silent elliptical is an upgraded version of the standard Cubii elliptical. Cubii offers a range of under-desk elliptical machines. Learn more about Cubii here. The Pro model has Bluetooth compatibility, and users can download the Cubii app on their iPhone or Android mobile devices. People can also sync their data with Apple HealthKit, and access live and on-demand workout classes. The Pro model includes wheel stoppers, a Cubii Pro charger, and a nonslip workout mat. Other advantages include eight resistance levels, Fitbit compatibility, and a 1-year warranty. It weighs 27.6 Ib and has the following dimensions:23.1 in long17.6 in wide9.8 in highSHOP NOW Best for portability ANCHEER Under-Desk Electric Mini Elliptical MachineList price: around $359Pros: portable and lightweightCons: does not have variable resistance This elliptical trainer comes with a remote control, so people do not have to bend to adjust the mode and speed. It has a built-in monitor, is portable for easy transportation, and operates quietly. The machine features automatic and manual modes with various preset programs and speed options. It also has larger-than-usual nonslip pedals. Other positives include a touchscreen display, quiet operation, and lightweight. It also needs no assembly. It also does not have variable resistance. It has the following dimensions:18 in long14 in wide10 in highSHOP NOW Best for resistance levels Exerpeutic 900E ExerworkList price: around $165Pros: offers 14 levels of magnetic resistanceCons: some reviewers mention the elliptical broke after a few weeks of use This elliptical features 14 levels of magnetic resistance. It also comes with a steel hook for swivel chairs to lock the chair in place and allow people to exercise without the equipment slipping. The company says it is quiet and has a 10.5-in pedal height. The wheel holder steel hook is extendable so people can connect the chair from a larger distance. This may be beneficial for taller people. This elliptical also features transportation wheels and the ability for people to sync their workout data with the MyCloudFitness app. It has the following dimensions:38 in long18.5 in wide14 in heightSHOP NOW Best for light resistance Cubii JR2List price: around $249Pros: some reviewers state that the elliptical has light resistance, making it suitable for gentle exerciseCons: the lighter resistance may make it unsuitable for people wanting a more intense workout The company states that this elliptical has a lightweight design, smooth gliding motion, and a chair lock. It has eight levels of resistance. It also contains an LCD with workout tracking information and a chair lock to prevent slipping. People can also download the Cubii mobile app and sync their data via Bluetooth. It has the following dimensions:24.41 in long17.8 in wide8.78 in heightSHOP NOW Best for multiple speed levels Orbitrek MXList price: around $400Pros: offers multiple speed levels and programsCons: some reviewers state the elliptical stops working after several weeks This Orbitrek elliptical has three programs and five speed levels. It has an LCD screen that tracks fitness metrics and antislip foot pedals. The company states that this elliptical has a quiet motion and offers forward and reverse movements. The elliptical also comes with a remote control that people can use to start, pause, and select programs. The company offers free shipping and returns and a 1-year warranty.SHOP NOW Best for a lifetime warranty FlexStride Plus Under Desk EllipticalList price: around $300Pros: lifetime warranty and free shippingCons: battery operated This elliptical features eight variable resistance levels, wide pedals, and Bluetooth compatibility. It also has an LCD screen that tracks fitness metrics, such as the number of strides a person does per minute. The company offers a lifetime warranty and a 30-day refund policy if a person does not open the package. Additionally, it provides free shipping. It has an LCD screen that displays workout progress, such as the number of strides per minute. However, it needs batteries to operate and is not rechargeable.SHOP NOW Comparison chart The following table provides a comparison of the products in this article.Resistance levelsProsConsList priceSunny Health & Fitness8nonslip foot pedalsmay not be suitable for shorter peoplearound $200Stamina InMotion8quiet and sturdymay not accurately track metricsaround $130Ativafitno information statedforward and reverse movementtension knobs may not workaround $101Cubii Pro8almost-silent designmay slip on hardwood floorsaround $199ANCHEERno adjustable resistanceportable and lightweightcannot adjust resistancearound $359Exerpeutic1414 levels of magnetic resistancemay stop working after several usesaround $165Cubii JR28suitable for gentle exercisenot suitable for an intense workoutaround $249Orbitrekno adjustable resistancemultiple speed levelsmay stop working after several weeksaround $400FlexStride8lifetime warrantybattery operatedaround $300 How to choose Some features to consider when looking for an under-desk elliptical machine include:Portability: A person who wants to use an elliptical machine in an office and at home may consider choosing one that is particularly compact and lightweight. Some also have a wheel and a handle for easy transportation. Dimensions: Checking the device’s dimensions helps people determine whether it will fit in their under-desk area and they will have the room to use it. Learn about compact ellipticals here.Noise: Individuals can use an under-desk elliptical to exercise while they are working at a desk. In these cases, it is best to choose one that features a silent operation mode so that it does not disturb other people.Pedals: Pedals that come with a textured surface can help secure the feet and provide a firm grip.Display monitor: This can be helpful for tracking time, speed, calories burned, and more. Frequently asked questions about under-desk ellipticals Here we answer some common questions about this equipment. Who should not use an under-desk elliptical Most people can use an under-desk elliptical. However, people who have recently had surgery or have heart conditions may wish to contact a doctor before performing moderate or intense exercise. How often is it okay to use an under-desk elliptical People can use an under-desk elliptical every day. However, people should be mindful of their cardio health and stamina. People who use exercise equipment for too long or at too high resistance or speed may injure themselves. If a person experiences any pain, they should stop using the elliptical immediately. Is an under-desk elliptical as good as walking Under-desk ellipticals and walking are both cardio workouts. However, under-desk ellipticals do not involve the upper-body motion of walking so people may burn fewer calories. Other factors, such as the speed and resistance of the elliptical, can increase or decrease the number of calories this exercise burns. Summary Under-desk ellipticals are pieces of fitness equipment that may suit people who are sedentary for long periods, including older adults and office workers. These machines provide various health benefits, but they come with safety precautions. For instance, a person should ensure that they keep their back straight and increase the workout’s intensity gradually. Several under-desk elliptical trainers are available for purchase online. People should check what features and policies brands offer before making a purchase. Last medically reviewed on September 29, 2022Uncategorized 4 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Benefits of physical activity. (2021). https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htmLerma, N. L., et al. (2020). Acceptance and feasibility of seated elliptical pedaling to replace sedentary behavior in older adults [Abstract]. https://journals.humankinetics.com/configurable/content/journals$002fjapa$002f28$002f6$002farticle-p844.xmlRichardson, M. L. (2014). Wellness in the radiology reading room: Making your workstation a workout station. https://www.ajronline.org/doi/full/10.2214/AJR.13.12116Warm up, cool down. (2014).https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/warm-up-cool-downFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Amy Elizabeth Wolkin, PT, DPT, MBA — By Kristina Iavarone and Stefano Iavarone — Updated on September 29, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related Coverage5 of the best desk exercise equipment optionsMedically reviewed by Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS Desk exercise equipment can help people stay physically active while sitting at a desk. A range of desk exercise equipment is available online. READ MOREWhat to know about Cubii: Reviews, benefits, and alternativesMedically reviewed by Jake Tipane, CPT Cubii sells under-desk elliptical machines, which may enable people to exercise while sitting for long periods. Learn about Cubii's reputation and the…READ MORE7 of the best exercise bikes for home This article looks at seven indoor exercise bikes, including training, folding, recumbent, and upright bikes for aerobic, low impact exercise.READ MOREWhat are some of the best home gym equipment options? Home gym equipment can help a person stay fit and build strength indoors. Here, we describe some equipment options and provide tips on how to choose.READ MORECompact ellipticals: 5 to considerMedically reviewed by Danielle Hildreth, CPT Compact ellipticals offer the same health benefits as traditional elliptical machines while saving space. Read on to learn more about the different…READ MORE