Is an under-desk pedaler worth it?

Mfp_Mn
Mfp_Mn Posts: 1 Member
I do call centre work from home. I use a large non-adjustable desk with a lot of equipment, and a new table suitable for a walking pad is not an option. I was looking to get one of those under-desk mini elliptical peddlers as I'm at my desk all day four days a week, and want to know if this would make much of a difference as far as getting exercise in. I feel guilty for not being able to do anything four days a week. I know it won't make any difference in my weight, it's more about staying active. Thank you!

Replies

  • csplatt
    csplatt Posts: 1,206 Member
    This would give you MOVEMENT which could be related to your activity level but I cannot imagine it would elevate your heart rate or be difficult enough to count as an exercise session? Curious what others say.
  • ehju0901
    ehju0901 Posts: 394 Member
    I don't think it will make a huge difference in calories burned, but as @csplatt stated, it will give you movement and sometimes that's huge just for mental health. Any movement is better than no movement. :)

    My other thought is maybe you could get some of the smaller weights for different arm exercises while you are on a call? Or maybe some exercises with a band?

    I also work from home and I try to make it a point to get up every hour and walk a few laps around my kitchen and living room. My goal is usually 60 minutes per day, but that usually involves walking during my lunch too.
  • kaferine69
    kaferine69 Posts: 212 Member
    edited June 4
    I bought one recently! I also sit at a desk all day, and then my stress relief to decompress from work at home is playing video games... at a desk, lol. So I sit a lot. I wanted one to peddle while I am just lazily playing video games.

    It does provide movement, which is important for people that need the extra help with mobility. But it does NOT elevate heart rate in the same way that a recumbent bike or stationary bike would.

    I would recommend getting one if you can find one that has a resistance setting, so you can increase/decrease as needed. Increasing it would likely elevate your heart rate more. The one I bought was on sale and I didn't really think about the resistance, until I got it and realized that it is just a simple peddler without any resistance at all. For your reference, mine was on sale for $30 on Amazon and it does not come with any resistance setting.

    Also, make sure you get one that has a strap. You loop the strap around your chair and the peddler. Otherwise, you will continually slide away from your desk. The one I have did come with one. I also just moved my recumbent bike so it was directly behind my desk chair, for additional support.