Sitting at a desk all day is not good for your health. In fact, it's been linked to several health problems, including obesity and heart disease. But what can you do? You need to earn a living! You can't exactly take a break every 20 minutes to go for a run or hit the gym—or can you? Enter the desk bike.
Desk bikes are exactly what they sound like: bicycles that you can use at your desk. And there are plenty of benefits to using one. For starters, desk bikes are a great way to sneak in a little exercise during the workday. They also can help improve your productivity and reduce stress levels. Not to mention, many desk bikes come with a host of other features, like built-in desktops and tablet holders, that make them even more versatile.
There are various desk bike models on the market, so you're sure to find one that fits your needs and budget. And if you're unsure where to start, we've got you covered!
How Do Desk Bikes Work?
Desk bikes work by letting you pedal away while you work. That's it! No need to worry about changing into workout clothes or showering afterward—you can just hop on the bike and start pedaling away. Most desk bikes have adjustable resistance levels, so you can customize your workout to match your fitness level. And when you're not pedaling away, you can use the desk bike as a regular chair.
Most desk bikes are quiet, so you won't disturb your co-workers. And many come with built-in features that make them even more versatile. For example, some desk bikes have built-in desks, so you can work on your laptop or write a report while you pedal. Others have tablet holders, so you can stay entertained while you get your workout in.
The Deskcise Pro V9 All-in-One Desk Bike from Flexispot is a great example of a versatile desk bike. It has a built-in desk, tablet holder and has even won the 2018 CES Innovation Awards. Its whisper-quiet operation makes it perfect for use in an office setting, and its low-profile design means it won't take up a lot of space in your office.
Pros Of Using a Desk Bike
There are plenty of reasons to use a desk bike, whether you're looking to improve your health or your productivity. Here are just a few of the benefits of using a desk bike:
Get A Workout Without Breaking a Sweat
For many of us, working out is something we have to fit into our already busy schedules. Fitting in a workout often means getting up early or going to the gym after work, which can be tough to do daily. Desk bikes offer a convenient and easy way to get a workout while you're working at your desk. And because you don't have to change into workout clothes or shower afterward, it's perfect for those days when you're short on time.
Boost Your Energy Levels
If you're struggling to make it through the workday, a desk bike can give you the boost of energy you need. The pedaling motion helps to increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which can help improve your focus and concentration. And since you're getting your heart rate up, you'll have more energy to power through your workday.
Improve Your Productivity
If you have a sedentary job, you may realize that you have more energy and focus when you use a desk bike. Studies have shown that people who sit less during the day are more productive. So, if you find yourself getting easily distracted or feeling sluggish at work, a desk bike could be just what you need to increase your productivity.
Reduce Your Risk of Health Problems
There are plenty of health benefits to using a desk bike. For one, it can help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. It can also help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Additionally, it can help you maintain a healthy weight, reducing your risk of developing obesity-related health problems such as type 2 diabetes.
Make Your Workday More Enjoyable
If you have a desk job, chances are you spend a lot of time sitting down. This can lead to back pain, neck pain, and other health problems. Using a desk bike can help alleviate some of these issues. Additionally, it can make your workday more enjoyable. Pedaling at your desk can help you take a break from work and clear your mind. It can also help reduce stress levels and improve your mood.
Save Money on Gym Memberships
If you're looking for an affordable way to exercise at work, look no further than the desk bike! With prices starting as low as $300, investing in a quality desk bike is far cheaper than buying a gym membership (which can cost upwards of $500 per year). It's obviously not a one-to-one comparison, as you don't get access to all the other amenities that a gym offers. But a desk bike is a great option if you want to save money and still get a good workout.
Are There Any Downsides to Using a Desk Bike?
Like with anything, there are a few potential downsides to using a desk bike. Let's go over a few of the potential drawbacks:
You May Distract Your Co-workers
It may be a bit distracting if you're pedaling away on your desk bike while your co-workers are trying to focus. Of course, this is only an issue if you don't have a private office. You can pedal away without disturbing anyone if you have your own space. But if you share an open office, you must be considerate of your co-workers and pedal quietly.
You Might Get Sweaty
If you start to pedal hard, you may start to break a sweat. This obviously isn't ideal if you have an important meeting or presentation coming up. But if you pedaled earlier in the day or before work, you should be fine. Just make sure to have a towel handy in case you do start to sweat.
You Might Look Silly
This one is more of a personal concern. If you're worried about what others might think, you may be self-conscious about using a desk bike. But keep in mind that most people are more focused on their own work than what you're doing. And even if they are looking, chances are they'll think it's cool that you're getting a workout in while you work.
Not A Replacement for A Regular Bike
If you're an avid cyclist, a desk bike is not a replacement for your regular bike. It's great for getting in a quick workout, but it's not going to give you the same workout as a real bike.
Buyer's Guide to Desk Bikes
Now that we've gone over the pros and cons of desk bikes let's take a look at what you should consider when purchasing one.
Budget
Your budget is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a desk bike. Desk bikes can range in price from around $300 to over $1,000. Of course, the more expensive options will usually offer more features and be of higher quality. However, there are also some great budget-friendly options that can still provide a great workout. It is important to think about what you need and want in a desk bike before making a decision. Once you have a good idea of your budget, you can start narrowing down your options and choosing the perfect desk bike for you.
Features
As we mentioned before, desk bikes can come with various features. When choosing a bike, consider what features are most important to you. For example, if you want to be able to track your progress, you'll want to look for a bike with an LCD that tracks your speed, distance, and calories burned. If you want to be able to use your bike without disturbing your co-workers, look for one with a quiet belt drive system. And if you're concerned about storage, choose a bike that is easy to fold up and store away when not in use.
Size
Another important thing to consider when choosing a desk bike is size. You'll want to ensure that the bike is the right size for you, so you're comfortable while pedaling. Most bikes will have adjustable seat heights and handlebar positions, so you should be able to find a position that is comfortable for you. If you're unsure about what size bike to get, it's always best to err on the side of caution and go with a larger size. You can always adjust the seat and handlebars to make it smaller, but you can't make a small bike bigger.
Resistance
The ability to adjust the resistance level is important if you want to be able to customize your workout. If you're just starting out, you'll want to look for a bike with low resistance so that it's easy to pedal. As you get more comfortable, you can pedal faster and increase the resistance to make it more challenging. Most desk bikes will have at least 8 levels of resistance, but some may have up to 16.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity is another important consideration, especially if you are on the heavier side. You'll want to ensure that the bike can support your weight, so you don't damage it. Most desk bikes can accommodate users up to 250 pounds, but there are some that can support up to 300 pounds.
Warranty
Finally, you'll want to consider the warranty before making your purchase. A good warranty will cover the frame and parts of the bike in case anything breaks. Most warranties will last for at least a year, but some may be as long as three years.
Our Two Cents
A desk bike is a great way to sneak in a workout at work. It's also a great way to improve your productivity and focus. And even if they are looking, chances are they'll think it's cool that you're getting a workout in while you work.
When choosing a desk bike, there are several things you should consider, such as budget, features, size, resistance, weight capacity, and warranty. Once you have a good idea of what you want and need, you can start narrowing down your options and choosing the perfect desk bike for you.
