Exercise is important for your overall health and wellness, but it can be difficult to squeeze a workout into an already jam-packed schedule. Going for a walk on your lunch break is great, but what if you could get some exercise without even leaving your desk?
An under desk bike is a compact exercise that enables you to pedal while you work. If you’re looking for a simple way to burn a few extra calories throughout the day, something like the DeskCycle under desk bike could be the perfect solution.
In this DeskCycle review, we’ll talk about the product’s design, function, and performance. By the end of this review, you’ll have a thorough understanding of what makes this under desk bike unique and you’ll be able to decide for yourself whether it’s worth trying.
What is an Under the Desk Bike?
Exercise is good for you, there’s no denying it. It helps you maintain a healthy bodyweight, combats chronic health problems, and can even improve your mood. When you exercise regularly, you’ll have more energy, get better sleep, and you may even notice an increase in stamina in the bedroom.
But finding time to work a 30-minute workout into your daily routine can be tough, especially if you work a full-time job and care for a family. That’s where under desk exercises come in handy.
An under desk bike is a compact piece of exercise equipment that sits on the floor under your desk. It functions much like the stationary bike you might use at the gym, offering various levels of resistance so you can customize your workout. You may not get the benefit of a full-body workout, but under desk bikes help you stay active even while sitting, all without interrupting your workflow.
DeskCycle Review
The DeskCycle is a compact, under desk exercise machine that helps you burn more calories than a standing desk. Designed to fit under most standard desks, this machine offers customizable resistance and has an LCD screen to help you track time, distance, and calories.
Product Details
- Dimensions: 24x20x10 inches
- Settings: 8 resistance levels
- Weight: 23 pounds
- Features: Adjustable straps, LCD screen, compact design
Design and Comfort
The DeskCycle is unique among stationary exercise devices in that it is specifically designed to slide under the desk. It gives people who spend a lot of time sitting an opportunity to boost blood flow and burn a few extra calories. Its compact size makes it easy to move around and while it weighs about 23 pounds, it’s still much more convenient than a standard stationary bike.
Using the DeskCycle is fairly simple – you just slip your feet into the adjustable straps and pedal away. You can adjust the straps to keep your feet secure and move the unit closer or further away from your chair for comfort. There are limited options to adjust the height of the unit, but the DeskCycle works for most desks, even those as low as 27 inches.
Exercise Quality
While the DeskCycle is a great option for in-office exercise, it’s important to remember what the unit is designed for. It works best for light to moderate levels of intensity when it comes to exercise. It may not deliver a gym-quality workout, but it’s infinitely better than staying stationary at a desk all day.
The beauty of the DeskCycle is that you have complete control over the length and intensity of your workout. If you’re simply looking to improve blood flow, you can pedal along at a leisurely pace on the lowest level of intensity. If calorie burn is your goal, simply pedal a little bit faster or dial the resistance up to a higher level. The exercise may seem easy at first, but you’ll expend a lot more energy than you would simply using a standing desk.
Image: DeskCycle/Facebook
Extra Features
The DeskCycle is simple but functional, and that’s all you can really ask for in an under desk bike. That being said, there are a few special features worth mentioning.
Premium magnetic resistance ensures smooth pedal motion and eight calibrated resistance settings put you in complete control over your experience. A removable 6-function LCD screen keeps track of important details like speed, time, distance, and even calories burned. The unit runs quietly and has rubberized feet to keep it in place during use.
Overall, the DeskCycle is a small but powerful unit. Its low profile and quiet operation makes it perfect for office use, and it offers a great deal of customizability in terms of exercise intensity.
How to Use the DeskCycle
Now that you have a better understanding of what the DeskCycle is and how it works, you want to know how to take full advantage of the benefits it provides.
Here are some simple tips for getting the most out of your DeskCycle:
Be Sure to Pedal Downward
To keep the unit in place (and to keep your chair from swiveling during use), apply downward pressure from the toes rather than the heel when pedaling.
Start out Slow Until You Get Used to it
When you’re first using the DeskCycle, stick to a speed of no more than 10 to 15 mph until your muscles get used to using the bike.
Keep the Resistance Low
You’ll expend more energy using the DeskCycle than using a standing desk anyway, so keep the resistance fairly low – around level 3 or 4.
Sit Up Straight
When using the DeskCycle, be sure to sit up straight and keep your upper body still. Pedal only with your legs and don’t rock from side to side.
Make Sure Your Back is Supported
Position your desk chair so you can comfortably reach the pedals. If you find you need to sit forward to reach them, use a lumbar cushion for back support.
Adjust the Unit as Needed
The DeskCycle sits 10 inches high but comes with a shorter leg you can use if you find your knees are hitting your desk during use.
You can safely use the DeskCycle for as long as you like throughout the workday, though it’s a good idea to take breaks. You may find it difficult to cycle and type at the same time at first. In this case, try cycling during more passive activities like reading emails or engaging in conference calls.
Bottom Line
When you spend most of your day at the office or caring for your family, it’s hard to find time for yourself. Self-care is incredibly important, however, and exercise is a key element. When you get your daily dose of activity, you have more energy, you sleep better, and your mood is more stable.
If you’re looking for a simple way to burn calories without spending an hour at the gym, consider an under desk bike like the DeskCycle. Perfect for busy professionals, whether you work at home or in the office, the DeskCycle is a great way to elevate your workspace.
