How to Find The Best Standing Desk Exercise Equipment

If you have made the transition from sitting to standing at your office desk or you have gone modern with an automated sit-stand desk that allows you to do some of each, you are probably already thinking – How can I make this healthy lifestyle even better?

Well, I have been looking at some options for adding exercise to one’s standing desk and have got news for you; there are a lot of great alternatives.

The pandemic has forced many of us into working from home and forgoing the gym as a matter of safety, but all is not lost. Healthy home-work solutions, combined with exercise, can not only boost your physical and emotional health, but can also enhance your productivity and focus at work.

Let’s look at some of the latest exercise equipment that integrates well with your standing desk.

RHYTHM FUN Under Desk Treadmill

Sleek, Modern, Durable, and Quiet are only some of the defining qualities of this treadmill by Rhythm Fun. The look is very slim, only 2.3″ thick to be precise. The motor runs whisper quiet and the floor padding, plus air shocks, keep the sounds of your footsteps quiet as well.

A large inline display panel shows your speed, time, distance, and calories burned. The treadmill includes a wireless smart remote control that you can keep handy on your desk and you can also use the Rhythm Fun app to monitor and control your treadmill.

The total weight of the Rhythm Fun treadmill is 78lbs. It has wheels at one end, so you can easily lift one end and roll it under your bed or couch or even up against a wall for out-of-the-way storage. It has an adjustable walking speed of 0.5 up to 3.7 Mph.

Pros

• Quiet motor with sound-absorbing padding and air shocks
• The slim design looks ultra-modern and can be stored under furniture
• No assembly required, ready to go, right out of the box
• Large well-lit LED display plus smart remote and phone app

Cons

• Initial phone app set up has been difficult, as reported by some users
• Only suitable for walking with a max speed of 3.7 mph

Sportsroyals Stair Stepper

The Sportsroyals stair stepper is an ideal under-desk or desk-side exercise accessory. The stair stepper mimics the efforts of climbing stairs and provides a slight twisting action, allowing for a more full-body, low-impact exercise.

The stair stepper requires no electricity and takes 0.23 square meters of your office space. At 25 pounds, you know it is going to maintain stability and yet, you can still relocate it fairly easily. The large oversized pedals help you maintain your balance and the rubber padding will keep your feet from slipping so you can do some multitasking with less risk of losing your footing.

It’s quiet, too; the hydraulic drive system is smooth, delivering consistent resistance and the non-slip rubber padding protects the floor as well as dampening vibrations. The large LED monitor records exercise time, count, calories burned, total count, and distance in miles.

Pros

• Includes detachable resistance bands to create a more full-body exercise
• Large, rubberized pedals protect against slipping
• LED monitor keeps track of your exercise session for you
• Super quiet operation

Cons

• The LED monitor is not detachable, so operation requires bending down to the machine
• The height of the stepper may be too high for tall users to use at the standing desk.

Ativafit Under Desk Elliptical Bike

This looks similar to the stepper, but the Ativafit under desk elliptical bike mimics the movements of an elliptical trainer or bicycle. It is also designed with the sit/stand desk in mind as it can be used from a seated or standing position, making it very versatile. It is also capable of operating in forward or reverse to exercise your muscles in different ways. The variable resistance control allows for greater challenges when you want to advance your limits.

The LCD monitor features five functions: time, count, distance, calories, and total count. The Size: 22.4 “x19.7″ x51.2” means it will fit under your desk or beside your desk without taking up valuable real estate. And, of course, in the home office or regular office, quiet operation is key. This elliptical machine is not going to disturb anyone with its smooth, nearly silent operation.

Pros

• Elliptical motion protects the knees
• It can be used sitting or standing
• Portable design can be moved as needed
• Boxed pedals keep your feet anchored in the pedals

Cons

• LCD display is small and has to be started from the base
• A few customers felt the resistance was not hard enough, but they are few

FLEXISPORT Desk Bike Chair Sit2Go

The Flexispot standing desk chair is yet another great option for exercising at your standing desk. This bike is ideal for people 5’1″ up to 6’2″. The height measurement starts at 37.2″, so this can only be used with a standing desk. For those who use a sit-stand desk, this exercise bike can be rolled out of the way when your desk is lowered.

There are 8 resistance levels that are easy to reach and change while seated on the bike. There is also an LCD mini-screen that measures: Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Odometer, and Pedal Revolutions. There is even a place to hold your coffee or your water bottle within easy reach and off your desk. It is a great way to add some exercise while continuing to work at your standing desk.

Pros

• Castors allow you to roll it out of the way when not in use
• Two color choices to match your office space (black or white)
• Fully assembled, just insert the seat and you’re ready to go.
• The quiet operation will not disturb you or others

Cons

• The batteries for the LCD are not included.
• The seat may not be comfortable for some riders during long exercise sessions

FEZIBO Standing Desk Anti Fatigue Stability Rocker

This is a unique anti-fatigue mat plus stability exercise rocker. If you are standing most of the day, you will want an anti-fatigue mat to keep your feet and legs comfortable. The Fezibo Wooden Wobble Balance Bord offers that plus a little stability challenge that will enhance your core muscles while also keeping your low back and hips mobile and fluid.

The balance board can be utilized with or without shoes. The rubber surface will keep you on the board in shoes and if you prefer your socks, the board is covered in ribs and acupuncture nubs to stimulate and massage your feet. There are two holes on the board that allow it to be used with exercise bands and work as an easy way to hang your board if you have under desk hooks.

The board is available in 3 colors: Black, Blue, and Gray. It is also available in medium (20″) or large (25″) if you like more space to stand and a tad more rocking ability.

Pros

• It helps relieve stress from standing all day with a gentle rocking base
• Acupressure bumps those who like to work in their socks or bare feet
• Mild core strengthening exercise while you work
• Elastic bands can be attached for added exercise

Cons

• Earlier models had some issues with the rubber backing peeling off
• Some customers have reported discomfort in the ankles

Topo Comfort Mat by Ergodriven

This mat was created specifically for standing desk users. The Topo Comfort Mat is made of a memory foam style polyurethane mat; this allows flexibility at the ankles and keeps you from feeling stiff after hours of standing. The edges are raised, allowing you to get a stretch your lower legs and ankles from nearly every angle. Additionally, a raised arch bump in the center provides a nice arch massage when in bare feet or socks. Ergodriven is so confident in the quality of this pad, they back it with a 7-year warranty.

The Topo Comfort Mat is available in large 26.25″ x29″ (ideal for people taller than 5’.4″) and the Topo Mini 19.2″ x25.2″ (ideal for people shorter than 5’.4″)

Pros

• Designed specifically for people who use standing desks
• One of the most extended warranties for a desk mat that we have seen-seven years
• Varied terrain helps with circulation and flexibility
• Polyurethane material is lightweight, easy to clean, and durable

Cons

• The raised sides can be a tripping hazard if distracted
• A few customers have complained that it could use more padding in the flat area of the mat

CONDUCTIVE Brand Grounding Mat

Some aspects of good health are not just about how you move but the environment you are surrounded by. “Grounding” is gaining popularity and science is catching up on the theory that grounding may, in fact, have some health benefits on the body. A Google search on “earthing” or “grounding mats” will keep you busy for hours with supposed benefits.

The Conductive Brand Grounding Mat can be used under your bare feet or desktop under your bare arms. This should also work similarly to anti-static mats that prevent workers in electronics from static arcs that can damage some electronics. Additionally, Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) from your computer and cellphone are said to be reduced if you are grounded while using these devices.

I have read plenty of articles on this principle and decided it was a worthy mention for our standing desk readers looking for a healthy workspace.

Pros

• Reduces static electricity when using your computer
• Reduction of EMFs from computers and cellphones
• Made from eco-friendly, non-toxic materials
• Can be used desktop or floor

Cons

• Provides no padding but can be used on top of an anti-fatigue mat
• Requires a grounded electrical outlet to function properly

NSD Power Essential Spinner Gyro Hand Grip Strengthener

If you have ever worked in a call center or, as some have called them, a “cubicle farm”, you have no doubt seen the wide variety of “fidget spinners” and “stress-relieving balls”. While those have their place, the NSD Spinner puts them all to shame when it comes to true practicality.

This gyroscopic spinner relieves boredom, stress and strengthens your forearms, wrists, and grip. There are no batteries required. It takes a little practice to learn how to generate the powerful g-forces that are produced when the inner ball spin speed approaches 15,000 RPM. At that speed, the ball transforms ounces into pounds of force. You will find yourself amazed at how it magically becomes challenging to rotate your wrists while maintaining your grip on this amazing design of physics and kinesiology.

Sorry fidget spinners, there’s a bigger force in town, and it offers more than simply curbing one’s boredom. Just don’t let it go at high speed! There is a reason this bad boy is made with military-grade, break-resistant plastic.

Pros

• Generates 26.8 lbs of torque at 10,000 RPM
• Made with military-grade plastic
• No batteries required
• The size of a tennis ball takes little space on a desk or fits in a drawer

Cons

• It takes some practice to get the inside ball rotating consistently
• Operation is not silent; it could disturb others near you

VEICK Resistance Bands Set

Elastic bands are perfect for a break-time workout at your standing desk. This set comes with 150 lbs of resistance yet takes little space and can be stored in a drawer or hanging from a hook. They can be anchored by a door strap, under your own feet, or almost anything solid and non-moveable.

This package includes five bands, two padded handles, two ankle straps, a door anchor, a carrying back, and an exercise chart. Use the bands separately or in combination for added resistance. They are a great option for a home office workout. With a standing desk, you can squeeze in a few reps every time you have a break.

Pros

• Lightweight, easy to store out of site
• Five bands up to 150 lbs
• Easy fast set up for standing desk use
• Included ankle straps allow for lower body work out too

Cons

• Some bands have been reported breaking under high tension
• Some customers report that labeled resistance “weight” is higher than actual resistance

FAQs

Bottomline

Now that standing desks are becoming more popular, people have started to ponder, “how can I hack this great Idea into something even better”? It did not take long before we began to see under desk treadmills, bikes and balance boards come into play. 

Home offices can lead to becoming sedentary. Something that requires a little extra effort is, most probably, a wise investment. Get out and walk in the sun when you can but in the meantime, walking while working is far better for your body than sitting all day and may enhance your work productivity too.

I am all for it. If you have to stay home, then do your best to stay healthy at home.