Do Under Desk Cycles Work? (4 Benefits)

Have you ever found yourself sitting at your desk, feeling guilty about how little you’ve moved all day? You’re not alone. In a world where sitting dominates our work and home life, finding spare time to engage in physical activity feels like a constant battle. That’s where an under-desk cycle comes.

But do under-desk cycles work? Can you really burn calories, improve focus, and tone your muscles while staying seated? If you’ve been curious, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore how under-desk cycles work, and which is better for you-under desk elliptical or bike.

Do Under Desk Bikes Work for Weight Loss (Fat Burning)

One of the reasons people invest in under-desk cycles is for weight loss. But do they really work? This machine may not rival large fitness equipment like ellipticals, but it does provide extra calorie burn while working or engaging in leisure activities.

Extra calories burn: According to a survey, using an under-desk bike for 50 minutes can burn an extra 104 calories. This means that if you commit to using the bike for just five weekdays, you could burn at least 500 calories—an impressive figure for a seemingly sedentary activity. This clearly demonstrates that regular use of under-desk cycles can help create a calorie deficit, which is essential for weight loss.

Allow for multitasking: Thanks to their under-desk design, these machines allow you to remain active while working, watching TV, or even reading. This facilitates consistency, which is crucial for successful weight loss. Remember, even brief pedaling sessions throughout the day can add up to a significant calorie burn.

Friendly to your joints: While using this machine, you do not need to put your whole body weight on it. This makes your workout effective while protecting joint health. For those with heavy weight in particular, this feature is of great significance.

Do Under-Desk Cycles Improve Circulation and Health?

This machine is also well-known for its positive effect on circulation. Long hours of sitting can slow down blood flow, leading to issues like stiffness, poor circulation, and even an increased risk of chronic diseases. Pedaling throughout the day, you will stimulate blood flow, and thus help to prevent these issues.

Using an under-desk cycle can also improve cardiovascular health over time, as it keeps the heart pumping without adding excessive strain on the body. If you are undergoing rehabilitation or looking to stay active, the Tousain mini exercise bike can be particularly effective. Its low-impact design and 6-speed mode are ideal for people in recovery, as it allows gentle movement that supports joint health and recovery without risking further injury.

For more information on how this type of exercise equipment can benefit your health, check out this article on How Electric Mini Exercise Bikes Improve Health: 7 Benefits. 

Can Under Desk Cycles Improve Focus and Work Performance (Productivity)

The benefits of under-desk exercise equipment could go far beyond what we mentioned above. Engaging in regular use of this machine, even in small sessions, has been shown to improve cognitive function and boost overall mental well-being.

According to research published by the National Library of Medicine, exercise effectively reduces anxiety and enhances cognitive performance. This is particularly beneficial in a busy work environment. By pedaling this machine while working, you can create a more conducive atmosphere for focused work and creativity.

Furthermore, Harvard Health emphasizes that physical activity helps alleviate symptoms of depression and can potentially slow down cognitive decline, including the risk of dementia. This indicates that regular use of this machine can keep you healthy mentally and physically in the long run.

Additionally, being able to remain active when sitting for extended periods of time can help combat fatigue. During afternoon slumps, a short cycling ride might help you feel more energized and take on difficult tasks.

Do Under-Desk Cycles Help with Muscle Toning and Leg Strength?

Under-desk cycles may not provide the intense muscle-building results that traditional gym workouts offer, but they do contribute to muscle toning and strength, particularly in the lower body. While pedaling, you engage your quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and even your glutes to a certain extent.

Regular usage of an under-desk cycle can eventually result in better-defined leg muscles. If you want a better shape without spending extra time exercising, under-desk cycles are a great option.

Which is Better: Under Desk Elliptical or Bike?

Hesitate about which one to choose. This depends on your fitness goals and preferences.

• Under-Desk Bikes: Compared with under-desk ellipticals, this machine operates quieter. However, its pedal is often smaller. With the foot straps, you can keep your feet fixed and stable while pedaling. In addition, you can place this machine on your desk and work your upper body, which can not be done by under-desk ellipticals.
• Under-Desk Ellipticals: This machine could be slightly noisier than under-desk bikes, but their pedals are larger and more comfortable.

If your budget is limited, a mini exercise bike might be a better option as this machine is more budget-friendly. However, if you prefer a more versatile workout and your budget allows, a mini elliptical could be better as it provides more features than a mini bike. Take the Tousains mini elliptical machine for example. With a combination of an electric elliptical and magnetic elliptical, this machine offers 7-speed modes and 7 resistance modes and offers 2-direction movement.

Conclusion

Under-desk cycles offer a convenient and effective way to add movement into your day, especially for those with sedentary lifestyles. These compact machines promote better circulation, aid in weight loss, improve focus and productivity and help tone the lower body. If you're looking to increase your physical activity without spending extra time, an under-desk cycle or elliptical could be a great option.

Among the options available, the Tousains under desk cycles stands out for its versatile functions, user-friendly design, and budget-friendly features, offering an excellent way to stay active and healthy. But whether which one you choose, under-desk exercise equipment is a worthwhile investment. View the Tousains under desk collection and start your under desk cycle workout today!