The 10 Best Under Desk Pedal Exercisers of 2020

Considerations for Purchasing an Under Desk Pedal Exerciser

There is quite a lot to think about when you buy any piece of exercise equipment, but even more when it’s an under desk pedal exerciser. You not only have to think about whether it will suit your desk, but whether it’s going to be compatible with your life in the office. 

Before you make an impulse purchase, read on. Here are some of the many considerations for purchasing a new under desk pedal exerciser. 

The Size

The size is important with any kind of exercise equipment, but possibly even more so with something you can use under your desk. You have to make sure that it’s of a small enough size to fit underneath your desk. When you use it, it also helps if your knees don’t hit the desk. 

Alongside being of the appropriate dimensions for use, it’s also worth factoring in the measurements for storage, as well. How convenient will it be to store it away when you’re not using it? 

Some come with carrying handles to make them portable, but others may require disassembly to break down into smaller, more manageable pieces.

The Weight

It’s essential to strike a happy balance with a pedal exerciser’s weight. You want it to be light enough so that it’s easy to move around, but heavy enough that it doesn’t move while you use it. 

Most under desk pedal exercisers for sale weigh at least six pounds, and some can weigh as much as 20 pounds or more. If you don’t plan on moving your machine around too much, then the weight may not be something you need to worry about too much.

The Resistance

When you’re using any type of exercise equipment, you want to be able to feel like you’re putting in the effort and getting a decent workout. So, when the time comes to invest in a new under desk pedal exerciser, the resistance levels become quite significant. 

How many resistance levels you get to take advantage of can depend on the machine, as they are all different. The quality of the resistance can also differ from one machine to the next. Some resistance changes are subtle, while some are definitely easy to feel. 

You can get a gauge of what you are likely to expect from the machine you’re looking to purchase by reading the reviews. Many customers speak openly about their experience, which can ultimately help you decide what to buy.

The Monitor

Not every under desk pedal exerciser will come with a monitor, but several will. It’s worth reading through the fine print to see if the one you’re looking to purchase comes with one, or if you have to buy it separately. 

Most built-in monitors come with several features to take your workout to the next level. Often, you can track your time, distance, speed, and calories. Sometimes, they come with batteries, but other times, you have to purchase these separately. 

It’s even worth checking how the machine measures the information, as well. For example, some measure your distance in miles, while others work in kilometers. You may even be able to change between the two.

Your Budget

Another worthwhile consideration before you get out your wallet is how much you want to spend. The pricing structure of these machines is quite varied. Sometimes, you can spend under $100, but at other times, you can spend hundreds.

Most often, but not always, the price of exercise equipment is reflective of its quality. You might notice that a higher-end model is much more stable, or features superior materials. 

Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve a decent workout from a lower-end model. It’s worth setting your top dollar, then narrowing down your options based on the features you prefer your under desk pedal exerciser to have. 

The Warranty

There can be very few things as frustrating as shelling out a lot of money for a product, then having it break prematurely. Or, sometimes, it just doesn’t function or operate how it’s supposed to. Therefore, before you buy a new exercise machine, pay attention to any warranty information.

Not all under desk pedal exercisers for sale will come with warranties, but some do. If they do, they are often warranted for around one year. During this window, you are entitled to a replacement or refund if the manufacturer fails to deliver on a functional product. 

The Setting

How do you intend to use your under desk pedal exerciser? Is it for use under your desk? Is it for post-surgery recovery? Is it for exercise from a wheelchair or sofa? Believe it or not, these points matter. 

Pay attention to product imagery and information regarding the product’s use. The more targeted the product to a specific group of people, the more likely it is to suit your requirements. 

Accessories

When you buy an under desk pedal exerciser, that’s exactly what you get. However, sometimes, you also get a little more. While you’re working out your legs, wouldn’t it be helpful also to work out your arms? That’s what some pedal exercisers offer. Look out for mention of resistance bands. 

While you’re pedaling, you can also be toning your arm muscles. Sure, that means you aren’t able to keep working at your desk, but it’s a short break out of your day to focus on your health and well being. 

The Assembly Process

The reality of buying things on the internet, and even in bricks and mortar establishments, is that you often have to put them together yourself. That’s quite often the case even with pedal exercisers. Still, some of them are easier to manage than others.

If you’re not sure how complicated the process is going to be, read the user reviews. Some people mention whether or not instructions are easy to follow, or if additional tools are required. Some customers even indicate whether, over time, components need tightening or replaced.

Fortunately, much of the under desk pedal exerciser will be assembled before you buy it. Quite often, you only need to attach the pedals, feet, and sometimes the monitor. Pay attention to the advertised assembly timeframe to get an idea of how complicated it might be.