An under-desk bike is a compact exercise bike designed for workstations. These types of bikes feature a comfortable seat, adjustable pedal resistance, and features that allow them to run near-silent. Under-desk bikes work best when paired with a standing desk since the bikes lack handlebars or rails to stabilize the user. The primary purpose of an under-desk bike is to allow individuals to pedal and exercise their legs while sitting at their desks, working, reading, or engaging in other sedentary activities.
As active workstations become more prominent in the workplace, under-desk bikes are quickly gaining popularity for their ease of use and portability. Below, you'll find our choice for the best under-desk bike, what to look for in an under-desk bike, and the benefits of using one.
The Best Under-Desk Bike: LifeSpan's Ampera Desk Bike
LifeSpan's C3-Glow Up and Solo Under-Desk Bike are excellent products that can transform a boring standing desk into a proper active workstation. But the crown for best under-desk bike goes to the Ampera Desk Bike, the award-winning, eco-friendly under-desk bike from LifeSpan.
Yes, we may be biased with our pick, but between the high praise we received from show-floor attendees at this year's NeoCon, the HiP award we received for the Ampera, and a successful Kickstarter campaign, we think our bias is justified. But if you want to get into the nitty-gritty of why people like the Ampera Bike, you don't have to dig deep. The Ampera's sleek, modern design and high degree of functionality are what catch the eye, but what sets the Ampera Bike apart is the ability to harness users' pedaling into electricity.
The Ampera Bike can produce a maximum of 65W when pedaling at 60 RPM or above. That's enough power to charge just about every smartphone, tablet, and portable game console — 65W is also enough for most low-powered MacBooks and Chromebooks. With support for PD fast charging, the Ampera Bike can power compatible devices as quickly as any wall outlet, ensuring your phone has enough juice for the rest of the day. In addition to the USB-C port, the Ampera Bike features a wireless Qi-compliant charger located near the seat, which has a maximum output of 15W — Apple devices charge at half the rate.
There are almost too many great features to list, so here are the highlights:
- Adjustable pneumatic seat post with all-day comfort cushion
- Adjustable resistance
- Wheels for easy storage
- LED light with a breathing pattern around the pedal's crank arms
- LifeSpan Fit app integration via Bluetooth
- Quiet operation — under 60 dBs
If that isn’t enough to convince you, then maybe the fact that the Ampera Bike is made from eco-friendly materials will. The Ampera Bike is made from 31% recycled HIPS pellets, which require less energy and water to produce. So, in addition to reducing your carbon footprint by charging your devices with the Ampera Bike, you can also reduce your impact on the environment with the Ampera Bike over any other under-desk bike.
Under-Desk Bike Benefits
Despite the bells and whistles, the Ampera Bike is an active workstation at the end of the day, and using it provides significant benefits to your health. Using the Ampera Bike for a few hours a day can help improve your cardiovascular health and reduce back pain stemming from a sedentary life. Staying active during the day has also been proven to increase focus and productivity.
Health Benefits
For people with sedentary jobs, an under-desk bike provides an opportunity to integrate physical activity into their daily routine, which is particularly beneficial for those who struggle to find time for exercise outside of work. Regular use can help improve cardiovascular fitness. Even steady, low-impact pedaling can promote heart health and blood circulation, reducing the risk of heart and circulatory-related problems.
Better fitness and a slimmer waistline are the other benefits of being physically active throughout the workday. Pedaling burns calories, which can contribute to weight maintenance or weight loss when combined with a balanced diet. Regular use can also help strengthen the muscles of the lower extremities, particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles. Maintaining a healthy weight can stave off obesity-related conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which can significantly lower your lifespan.
Physical activity, even at low intensity, releases endorphins, a natural mood elevator that helps reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. In fact, psychologists recommend regular exercise as a way to combat depression and anxiety.
Productivity Benefits
Physical activity can lead to increased blood flow to the brain, enhancing alertness and cognitive function. Some people find that a light, consistent physical activity, like pedaling, can improve concentration on tasks by providing a rhythmic, almost meditative motion. This helps combat afternoon slumps in energy and focus.
What To Look For in an Under Desk Bike
When considering the purchase of an under-desk bike, several features and specifications should be taken into account to ensure you get a device that fits your needs and workspace.
Features & Specifications
-
Size & Dimensions: Ensure that the bike will fit comfortably under your desk, allowing enough legroom to pedal without your knees hitting the desk. Check the height, width, and length specifications.
-
Adjustable Resistance: Look for bikes that offer adjustable resistance levels, allowing you to customize the intensity of your workout.
-
Quiet Operation: If you're using it in an office or shared space, it's essential that the bike operates quietly to avoid disturbing others.
-
Pedal Straps: These help keep your feet in place, especially if you intend to pedal with some intensity.
-
Display Monitor: A monitor can provide real-time data such as speed, distance, time, calories burned, and RPM. It's a useful feature if you like to track your activity.
-
Stability: Ensure that the bike is well-built and stable so it doesn't wobble or move around when you pedal.
-
Portability: Some under-desk bikes come with wheels, making them easy to move and store.
-
Non-slip Base: This ensures that the bike stays in place on various floor types.
-
Adjustable Seat Height: This feature lets you change the seat height, potentially giving a more comfortable pedaling angle.
-
Bluetooth or App Integration: Some advanced models might sync with fitness apps, allowing you to track and store your activity over time — the Ampera Bike syncs with the LifeSpan Fit app, for example.
Under-Desk Bikes Are a Gateway to a Healthier Lifestyle
The under-desk bike, epitomized by LifeSpan's Ampera Desk Bike, offers a unique solution to the sedentary nature of modern workspaces. This compact device, ideal for office environments, lets users simultaneously work and exercise. The Ampera stands out not only for its functionality but also its ability to convert pedal power into electricity, charging gadgets, and showcasing its eco-conscious design.
Beyond its innovative features, such bikes bring undeniable health benefits. They infuse the daily routine with physical activity, promoting cardiovascular health, aiding weight maintenance, and enhancing focus, ultimately blurring the lines between work and well-being. If you're ready to revolutionize the way you work, browse through our under-desk bike options or schedule an appointment with one of our expert sales representatives.
