If you’re desk-bound, you’re probably used to everything that comes with it — reduced blood circulation, leg cramps and tight hamstrings included. Getting up and moving around is essential to keeping these discomforts at bay, but if that’s not an option, the next best thing is — get ready for it — an under-desk elliptical.
These nifty exercise machines are a great way to incorporate physical activity into an otherwise sedentary routine — plus, they’re so discreet, no one will ever know you’re pedaling.
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4.6 out of 5 stars and 16,348 ratings
Aside from looking super modern, this under-desk elliptical comes with several features that make it worthy of being part of your office setup, including a built-in LCD to display your gains (like stride count, time used, calories burned, distance traveled and more), plus a mobile app that you can use to track your overall fitness goals. What's more, the pedals are flat, meaning your heels won't bump into the floor as you move.
Promising review: "Highly recommend! It's easy to put together and even comes with it's own screwdriver. It's whisper quiet and easy to set up. I got it for my wife to use as she has back issues and diabetes. It helps her get exercise and increase circulation. Get this product as its power source is self contained and requires no cord. It even has a phone app for tracking progress." — Redwings90
4.7 out of 5 stars and 1,336 ratings
This under-desk elliptical can be plugged in to use on electric mode (where the speed fluctuates and it reverses direction at regular intervals), or on its own on manual mode (using your own resistance and speed). Either way, its smooth operation and 10 speed levels lets you customize your workout to your liking. Plus, it has grooved non-slip foot pedals that provide a nice grip for different shoe types and give a massage-like feel to your feet if you choose to go bare.
Promising review: "I purchased this elliptical for my wife to use at her work. She uses it daily and loves that it is so easy to move out of her way when she doesn’t use it. Easy to set up and can either use the preset programs or manual… definitely recommend this product to others." — Ironfishmxm
4.4 out of 5 stars and 12,517 ratings
There's a reason why this under-desk elliptical has earned over 8,000 five-star ratings — it has a low-profile design, comes with eight levels of magnetic resistance and a digital monitor, plus has a handlebar that lets you take it anywhere. It also comes in two colors (black and pink) plus the option to purchase with smart capabilities, allowing you to sync it with your smart device.
Promising review: "I used this Sunny exerciser every day for about a month before writing this review and the more I use it the more I like it. The pedal mechanism is silky smooth, the main resistance motor is silky smooth, it’s totally quiet, the resistance level is easy to set and it actually is very cool looking. It’s kind of on the heavy side but the weight makes it rock steady and it stays put, never moves or shakes. Though one month is a little soon to be sure, it looks and feels extremely sturdy and should last a long time trouble free. Overall this is an excellent exercise machine a bargain at the price." — Lakeside
4.5 out of 5 stars and 897 ratings
At just over 16 pounds, this is the best under-desk elliptical machine for those wanting to take it from office to home (it also comes with a carrying handle to make the transport easier). The machine is constructed with three pre-set 30-minute workout modes and 10 speed levels. And, because it comes with optional foot straps and shock-absorbing pedals with raised dots, you'll never have to worry about your feet slipping out.
Promising review: "I'm 83 and this machine is perfect for working my legs, thighs and ankles automatically. I can't do exercises like that on my own. Being electric moves my body for me. You can choose your speed. Great buy!!!" — Jean Oliver
4.6 out of 5 stars and 1,289 ratings
The beauty of this under-desk elliptical (aside from the fact that it arrives fully assembled) is its ultra-quiet operation, which makes it ideal for use during Zoom meetings, phone calls or while watching your favorite show. What's more, the smooth-glide wheels means you can achieve a low-impact workout without disturbing others in your home.
Promising review: "I was looking for a way to engage in some sort of movement while I sit and knit or read. This machine was just the ticket! The rotation speed is adjustable and takes no thought what so ever to keep it moving. This makes it possible to concentrate on knitting instructions or text of a book and not worry about keeping the machine running smoothly. Since using this machine, I've noticed improvement in circulation (no more cold legs) and less stiffness in my knees and ankles. It records distance and calories burned. I'd recommend this product to anyone looking for low impact, easy exercise." — Ann P
4.4 out of 5 stars and 1,478 ratings
Get your steps and your resistance training in with this under-desk elliptical, which comes with resistance bands to work your arms, back, shoulders and chest. Its built-in performance monitor offers real-time data of your time, speed, calories and distance. It's also not as bulky as other machines, making it easy to tuck away when not in use.
Promising review: "Lightweight enough so I can easily move it, heavy enough so it stays in place while exercising. I especially appreciate the handle at the front that allows me to pick it up easily. It works great, doesn't make any weird noises (it is silent), so I can use it while watching a movie, having a conversation, listening to an audio book, reading, and any other activity while sitting. I can use it while sitting on my bed, in a chair. Other than popping the battery into the timer/display, you do not have to do anything to use it: just pull it out of the box and go for it. You can even adjust the resistance lever with your foot and don't have to bend down to do it with your hands. The display is detachable so you can monitor your progress while sitting at your desk. It also comes with resistance bands and a bottle of oil. Will read the manual to learn how to properly use both." — D1nonlysnshn
4.4 out of 5 stars and 2,475 ratings
Whether you're working away at your desk or lounging on the couch, this elliptical will definitely help improve your strength. It comes with 12 adjustable speeds (more than any on our list!) that you can build up the more you use it. It also comes with dual modes (manual and auto) to fit your workout preferences.
Promising review: "This product is worth the money it is easy to use and not too heavy to move from place to place . It does help with the circulation and the movement of your legs and knees whether you do it manually or with the remote. There is no noise you don’t know it’s being used most of the time while watching TV this is the best thing to use to help you legs. Would recommend." — Creative