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Working from home is the new normal, and for many people all around the world, it’s the future. 

There are absolutely loads of benefits to this new world of work, like avoiding the commute, crowds, and overpriced lunches. It’s not all good though, because working from home can result in much longer periods of inactivity, which is not good for your health.

We’re not trying to worry you, but it’s really important to stay mobile when you’re sat at your desk. It’s very easy to spend all day locked to your laptop whilst your step count struggles to hit triple figures. We know it was a hassle to travel to and from the office, but all of that moving around actually helped your body to stay active.

Why is it important to stay mobile when working from home?

Again, we’re honestly not trying to get you all worked up, but inactivity is the world’s fourth leading cause of death. That might surprise you, but it’s true. We’re sorry to break this to you, but simply staying still in the comfort of your own home could be killing you slowly. The only solution is to move. Simple, right?

We would all love to have the time and energy to get out there and walk, run, and cycle through life, but it’s just not going to happen. There is work to be done, and you probably have a long list of responsibilities that aren’t going to wait whilst you galavant around. What you need is an exercise solution that lets you stay seated and productive. What you need is an under-desk cycle or elliptical.

These increasingly popular products let you avoid periods of inactivity, without putting pressure on your knees and other joints. They can’t replace traditional workout equipment when it comes to improving your physical health, but they are seriously useful for people who lead a mostly sedentary lifestyle with little or no time to properly workout. They are really easy to use, low-impact, and compact enough for even the smallest of spaces.

Staying mobile when you’re working from home is absolutely essential for avoiding the perils of inactivity, and under-desk cycles and ellipticals are convenient solutions that can keep every remote worker moving.

What are the most important under-desk cycle and elliptical features?

We’ve established that under-desk cycles and ellipticals are really handy devices for working from home, but how do you know which model is best for you and your workspace? We’ve checked out a wide range of products and lined up a selection of the most important features to help you make a purchase decision.

These are the most important under-desk cycle and elliptical features:

Comfort — These devices are all about low impact exercise and reducing the pressure on your joints, so they also need to provide a decent level of comfort. Whether it’s the foot pedals, straps, or seat, you should look for products that will ensure your comfort throughout a long working day.

Noise — When you’re working and working out at the same time, noise can be a problem. That’s why it’s so important to find an under-desk solution that stays silent. The best devices use magnetic resistance that won’t disturb you when you’re trying to focus.

Assembly — Most of the models in this list require a bit of self assembly, which is totally fine. Problems occur for some people when assembly requires a whole toolbox and hours of struggling with complicated instructions. It’s always worth checking out the reviews to get an idea of how difficult something is to assemble.

Portability — You’re not likely to be moving your under-desk exerciser around too much, but if you’re the type to move freely around the house when working, you might benefit from something that isn’t super heavy. It does seem to be the case that most of the top models are on the heavy side, so maybe just keep it in the same place?

Adjustability — There are two elements to adjustability: foot support and resistance. Firstly, you need to find a product that can comfortably support you and your feet. This is even more important if multiple people plan on using the under-desk exerciser. You must look for something that can either be adjusted easily, or has a pedal that can support everyone. It’s also important to be able to adjust the resistance, so you can make improvements or take it easy.

Aesthetics — This isn’t the most important feature to consider because these products are going to be tucked away underneath your desk, but you should still look for something that suits your interior styling. We know some of the top under-desk cycles and ellipticals don’t exactly look great, but what workout equipment does?

Deciding on an under-desk exercise solution that works for you is not easy, so it’s worth taking some time to properly consider these features before purchasing anything. 

What are the best under-desk cycles and ellipticals?

We’ve done all of the hard work for you and lined up a selection of the best under-desk cycles and ellipticals from top brands like Flexispot and DeskCycle. We’ve tried to find something for everyone and every budget, with all-in-one options, under-desk ellipticals, and under-desk cycles in the mix.

Your job is simple. Check out the impressive options highlighted in this roundup, consider how they match up to your set of preferences, and pick a favourite for your workspace. It’s that easy.

These are the best under-desk cycles and ellipticals in 2021.