DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical Machine Review

21.81”L x 11.34”W x 11.02”H, this product takes up minimal space, and, since you don’t stand on it directly, there’s no weight capacity. This unit comes equipped with a small LCD screen that tracks your RPMs, speed, and time. Although it doesn’t pair with fitness apps, you can manually input the data tracked into your favorite tracking tool. 

While most of us typically think of a great cardio session with an elliptical machine, the eight resistance levels allow you to achieve a complete lower body strength training session as you increase the effort required to move the pedals. Best of all, the magnetic resistance flywheel is highly-durable and allows for a nearly silent workout. If you’ll be using it in an office setting, you won’t have to worry about disturbing your coworkers. 

I’m a fitness instructor who works closely with seniors. Aside from personally trying out the DeskCycle Ellipse, I let my active older adults take it for a spin. They were surprised at how easy it was to use in terms of overall comfort while still delivering the challenge necessary to enjoy cardio and strength training. This is also an excellent solution for obese individuals looking for a viable starting point in their fitness journey. 

Although the device looks relatively simplistic, there are many ways you can switch things up to vary your routine. For starters, changing up your speed and resistance shifts the focus from cardio to strength. It’s possible to engage in high intensity interval training by doing short bursts of intense movement followed by brief breaks. Since the pedals are very large, you can change the placement of your feet to place the focus on different muscle groups. You can also position the machine further away from your feet to recruit more core muscles. 

Simplicity is key with this product, making for a low investment without compromising on quality. With that being said, there are no programmed workouts. However, with a little bit of planning, you can come up with your own regimen. As a certified personal trainer, I would suggest doing lower resistance training early in the morning, and focus on getting your heart rate up and moving fast. This kick starts your metabolism and is a great way to regulate your circadian rhythm. In the late afternoon to early evening, kick up the resistance for strength training focus. It’s during this time of day hormonal levels are ideal for muscle development. No matter what type of exercise programming you come up with, you can count on giving the quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves thorough training. 

For those planning to use the DeskCycle Ellipse at work, it’s worth noting that higher resistance levels make it difficult to perform desk tasks. Furthermore, if you deal with customers, it can look strange as added resistance results in a slight upper body sway that can look awkward when you’re sitting at a desk. Resistance levels 1-3 are ideal. You should also consider purchasing a fan if you plan on using for long periods of time as you will likely begin to sweat. 

During my review process, I went through each resistance level for a period of ten minutes each to compare my active calorie burn to my sedentary burn. The speed varied as I only pedaled at a pace at which I could still work at my desk. You can see the results in the graph below. Based on my results, I’d recommend resistance levels one and two the for a steady-state cardio focus. Level three proved to be the least efficient with a lower caloric burn and little strength focus. Resistance level six is the sweet spot if you’re trying to combine strength and cardio. You’ll notice levels seven and eight had a low caloric burn, and this is because, due to the added effort required to move the pedals, speed decreases. However, with the strength required to pedal, these levels are ideal for strength training and will do wonders over time in toning your legs. Best of all, strength training has shown to burn more calories long after your workout is over when compared to cardio training. 

Our Favorite Features

• Eight resistance levels
• Easy on the joints
• Saves time
• Front handle allows easy transport
• Able to use without shoes
• Allows for strength and resistance training
• Minimal footprint
• Silent magnetic resistance
• Oversized pedals allows for variety in training

DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical Machine - Notable Specs:

Our Least Favorite Features

• Upper body sway at high resistance makes it difficult to work at your desk
• If you have wheels on your chair, you’ll roll around during use
• No upper body training

The Bottom Line

The DeskCycle Ellipse is an excellent tool for those who struggle in different ways to achieve regular exercise. You can make the workout as difficult or easy as you want simply by changing the resistance, speed, or foot positioning. This machine is incredibly compact, and the handle makes it easy to take with you. I’d recommend making the supplemental purchase of a few sets of hand weights so you can incorporate upper body training to complete your workout regimen. At just $259, you’re getting an awesome deal on a product that’s built to last.