In the same way that parents will trick their children into eating veggies by masking them beneath another food, I too have to trick my brain into working out. I (like the kids) know it's good for me, but I've never been a natural athlete and creating a regimented fitness routine has always felt like an uphill battle. Because of this, I've resorted to unconventional workout methods to ensure my body stays moving, even if I can't muster up the motivation to go to the gym.
For a while it was hiking, then I tried ice skating and swimming. While all have been effective, I knew I was looking for something more low-impact, and found my dream workout device in this Cubii Move Under-Desk Elliptical Machine ($170, originally $180). Hailed by TikTok users as being the ultimate fitness "life hack" tool — particularly for those who work from home , spend their days curled up in front of their computer, or just want a way to explore TikTok's cozy-cardio trend — this under-desk elliptical went viral for its reasonable price tag, easy-to-use build, and undeniable health benefits.
Eager to test out the workout tool for myself, I immediately requested a sample of the product, slid it underneath my desk, and haven't looked back since. Keep reading to see my honest review and why I'd argue that this is one of the best under-desk ellipticals money can buy. What I Like About This Under-Desk Elliptical In my lifetime, I've invested in a fair share of home-based workout machines, and the Cubii Move Under-Desk Elliptical has, without question, proven to be the best of them all for a number of reasons.
Besides the easy assembly and portable design, which allows me to move the machine from my home office to my living room and just about any other area within my home, but the compact tool also features a basic LCD monitor on the front that can be adjusted to display a user's stride count, duration, and more. The machine has six resistance settings, so I can program my workout to the intensity that's best for me, all with the turn of a dial. The elliptical is also built to create a smoother, more low-impact cardio experience that allows users to work their leg muscles (actually six key muscle groups, to be exact) with minimal motion and without fear of hitting their knees on a desk or putting stress on their joints in the process.
Best of all, this under-desk elliptical machine can also be registered through the Cubii app, which gives users the opportunity to enjoy a more comprehensive workout through manual data tracking, annual progress reports, and access to 300+ expert-guided workout classes. While this machine hasn't entirely replaced my weekly visits to the gym, it has helped me get some extra movement in while sitting at my office desk and also contribute to my daily step goals. Each day, I've been using the machine for two hours in two different intervals — typically for one hour in the morning (usually while sorting through emails or just easing into my workday) and again for another hour in the afternoon.
While I've yet to use the machine on a Zoom call, many reviewers have also claimed that the tool is quiet and smooth enough for them to keep using it through various meetings and presentations as well. What's Worth Noting While traditional elliptical machines are built for people to use while they're standing up, this under-desk elliptical is designed to be used only while sitting, with standing on the tool being completely prohibited. As a result, if you're looking for an elliptical machine that you can stand on or use beneath an adjustable standing desk , you'll want to keep this in mind.
There's also some assembly required with this model, but it's nothing too strenuous. The elliptical machine comes with a full set of easy-to-read instructions that helped me put the tool together in under 25 minutes; after setup I was using the machine (utilizing the product's tracking settings and all) in the span of about five minutes. While this under-desk elliptical is, as advertised, very compact, it does also carry a weight of 17.
6 pounds. This is certainly more lightweight compared to other, similar models, but it's still worth noting if you have a carrying limit or are hoping to invest in something even lighter for easier portability. Who Is This Under-Desk Elliptical Best For? This elliptical machine is ideal for anyone who constantly finds themselves left without enough hours in the day to accomplish everything they need to.
(A struggle we likely can all relate to.) Whether you're having difficulty squeezing a good workout into your already hectic schedule, a remote worker in need of some extra movement, or a multitasker who loves finding new ways to manage your time efficiently, this under-desk elliptical is a valuable tool that will help anyone to stay active and tackle fitness goals in a more reasonable way. Is the Cubii Under-Desk Elliptical Worth the Splurge? This compact workout machine is absolutely worth the splurge.
With an under-$200 price tag (and an additional discount on Amazon now), the tool provides an easy outlet for users to enjoy a low-impact cardio workout each day that will help them to get their body moving and burn calories — even while they're working at a desk, stuck on a Zoom call, or just sitting on their couch watching TV. Life has a tendency to get pretty busy, and it can prevent us from squeezing in our daily workouts in the way that we'd like. Fortunately, even if you're too exhausted to go for a run or make a quick visit to the gym after work, this under-desk elliptical offers a fail-safe way for you to ensure your body enjoys some necessary movement each day — and all without having to adjust your work or life schedule to accommodate it too much.
Where Is This Under-Desk Elliptical Available? The Cubii Move Under-Desk Elliptical is available to shop at Amazon and Cubii . Additional Details Rating: ★★★★★ Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion.
She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally..
