Under the Desk Elliptical Results For Seniors

I don't know if you've seen the elliptical trainers on television, perhaps on the floor or under a desk. I want to share what I've observed with my older clients and my mom, who both use these types of machines. You might find it helpful to read about their experiences.

What are under-the-desk elliptical trainers?

Under-the-desk elliptical trainers are compact, low-impact exercise machines designed to be used while sitting, typically at a desk or in front of a chair. They allow you to pedal your feet in an elliptical (oval-like) motion, similar to a full-sized elliptical machine but in a smaller, portable form.

Key Features:

• Compact Design: Fits under most desks or tables.
• Seated Use: Designed to be used while sitting, so you can work, read, or watch TV while pedaling.
• Low Impact: Gentle on the joints, making them ideal for seniors, people recovering from injury, or anyone looking to stay active without stress on knees and hips.
• Adjustable Resistance: Many models offer different tension levels to either increase or decrease difficulty. Some of these machines are electric, which means they assist you with pedaling. However, if electric models don't appeal to you, there are also non-electric options available, such as under-desk ellipticals. It's important to assess your endurance and leg strength, as well as those of your family members, to find the best fit for your needs.
• Digital Display: Some models include screens to track time, calories burned, RPM, or steps.
• Quiet Operation: Built to operate quietly so you can use it in shared spaces without disruption.

Benefits:

• Helps increase daily movement and calorie burn.
• Boosts circulation and energy during long periods of sitting.
• May improve focus and productivity.
• Supports joint mobility and leg strength.

Popular Brands:

• Cubii (e.g., Cubii JR, Cubii Go)
• DeskCycle Ellipse
• Stamina InMotion
• Sunny Health & Fitness 

My Clients and Mom's Results 

Mom

My 93-year-old mom was suffering from swelling in her left leg around the ankle, which would cause her pain while she slept. My neighbor bought my mom an electric under-the-desk elliptical to help with her circulation. My mom has worked up to 30 minutes three to four days a week using her elliptical. It has helped her leg strength, along with her circulation. She no longer has swelling in her left leg.

Client 1

My client trains with me twice a week; she is doing great and uses the NuStep and elliptical trainer at the facility. In the winter, she would miss sessions due to the weather because she takes a special bus to get to the recreational center. I advised her to buy a Cubii and to use it on the days she cannot make it to the club. She told me she uses her Cubii when she watches her favorite television shows. I've noticed that she can now exercise longer on the standing elliptical at the center. She was doing eight minutes, and now she is up to 12 minutes on the elliptical. Her endurance has increased.

Client 2

Client 2 has an under-desk elliptical, similar to the one my mom uses. She started using it before we met and attributes her weight loss and ability to manage her blood sugar to it. I advised her to increase her workout duration on the machine for better results. She plans to exercise for 30 minutes in the morning and an additional 15 minutes at night while she watches television.

Final Thought

Under-desk ellipticals are an excellent option for maintaining physical activity in a convenient and accessible way —especially for older adults, office workers, and people with mild to moderate mobility limitations. They can support rehabilitation, improve circulation, and add movement to otherwise sedentary routines.