Cubii under-desk elliptical review: A multitasker’s dream come true

Is sitting the new smoking? Plugging away at a seated desk job for eight hours each day may appear to be a benign routine, but a growing body of research suggests that a desk-bound lifestyle may actually affect your health.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee evaluated dozens of reviews, analysis and original research articles on physical inactivity, concluding that “strong scientific evidence demonstrates that exposure to high amounts of sedentary behavior significantly increases the risk of all-cause mortality" as well as rates of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The committee also found that increased physical activity has been shown to lower such risks.

While we may not be able to abandon the 9-to-5 workday model in the name of long-term health just yet, there's nifty gadgets on the market to help offset the effects of a sedentary lifestyle and improve fitness without having to hop off Zoom. TikTok's favorite? The Cubii under-desk elliptical. 

First released in 2016 by Fitness Cubed Inc., the Cubii is a compact and seated rendition of a traditional elliptical machine that enables a low impact, lower body workout from the comfort of your home or office. Ideal for all ages and athletic abilities, the Cubii is designed to increase strength and mobility without putting stress on the joints, knees or back.

While data on the specific health benefits of under-desk ellipticals is limited, TikTok users praise the Cubii’s unobtrusive design, convenience and heart-elevating results. As an internet-trend guinea pig with a desk job, this anecdotal evidence was enough for me; I immediately hopped on the social media bandwagon and got a Cubii Move — the brand’s starter seated elliptical model — and tried it out for 60 workdays to see if it was worth the hype. 

What is a Cubii under-desk elliptical? 

Billed as “the world's first under-desk elliptical trainer,” the Kickstarter-backed exercise unit employs a similar pedaling motion as a traditional elliptical machine but is intended to be used while seated. Designed to be quiet, portable and ergonomic, the Cubii offers a seamless solution for a sedentary lifestyle via low-impact movements that can be mindlessly coursed throughout work and leisure hours. In other words, it’s a multitasker’s dream. 

There are currently five Cubii models available, including:

• Cubii JR2
• Cubii JR2+
• Cubii Go
• Cubii Move 
• Cubii Total Body+

For this review, I tried the Cubii Move, one of Fitness Cubed’s newer models that boasts the strength and cardio benefits of its predecessors at their most accessible price point. 

Notable differences? Unlike the other models that offer up to 12 resistance levels, the Cubii Move only has six. And while it’s the most lightweight design available, it doesn’t include a handle for portability like its counterparts. It’s a no-frills iteration that’s best (and cheekily) described by the company’s website as a “starter elliptical designed to help you take your first step on your wellness journey.”

The unit consists of two stationary pedals attached to a metal base and doesn’t require any power source to get started. On its front-facing, backlit LCD display, the Cubii Move automatically clocks metrics including the number of strides, miles, time and calories burned during use. According to the manufacturer, Cubii users can expend an average of 150 calories per hour while pedaling. 

The machine comes with an the accompanying smartphone app, which grants free access to more than 300 guided workout classes and functions as a space to log workout data. (While models like the Cubii JR2+ and Total Body+ offers Bluetooth syncing between the machine and app to track progress, the Cubii Move lacks this feature and requires data to be manually entered.)

Cubii delivery and setup 

Amazon Prime members can enjoy free two-day shipping with their Cubii order. All models can also be purchased through the manufacturer's website with standard shipping options. 

My Cubii Move arrived in a box that weighed around 23 pounds, and I was able to get it up a few flights of stairs solo. The package contains all the parts necessary for setup and an included manual — the entire process took me 15 minutes. 

Cubii cost 

Cubii under-desk ellipticals range from $199 to $449 depending on the model. The Cubii Move is marketed as the company’s most budget-friendly at $199. Fitness Cubed offers regular promotions directly through its website (typically discounts of around $20), and Amazon also runs deals (usually up to 11% off, a few days each month). Amazon additionally has Cubii bundles with add-ons like a slip-proof mat and hand weights starting at $249, but available models do not include the Cubii Move. 

You can also snag a discontinued or refurbished Cubii at a discounted price, with models starting at $189 on Amazon.

Cubii Move under-desk elliptical review 

For this review I used the Cubii Move seated elliptical during work hours for 60 days, with at least one hour of uninterrupted activity each day on the highest resistance level. I did not consult with a doctor prior to use, and have no notable health conditions — this is my personal experience. My goals were to burn more daily calories, tone up my leg muscles and improve my long-term health.  

Admittedly, I felt a sense of inflated productivity typing away on my work-issued laptop while pedaling like a gerbil on my stationary under-desk elliptical. If the prospect of maximizing your 9-to-5 excites you; the Cubii Move is just the machine for you. 

Turns out, it was just the machine for me: Between the Cubii’s whisper-quiet operation, unobtrusive size and sweat-free workouts, it offered a simple outlet for restless energy and was an easy enough habit to integrate into my day. 

An unexpected bonus: I run as cold-blooded as a reptilian and find myself regularly frigid in office and WFH environments — the Cubii kicked my heart rate up just enough to stay toasty without breaking a sweat throughout cold winter mornings.

Pros 

• Compact size 
• Quiet 
• Versatile for all ages 

Workspace is limited at home; my 275-square-foot studio layout only allows for a 25” x 25” desk. To my surprise, the portable (but not exactly “lightweight”) 17.6-pound Cubii Move fit perfectly underneath my small desk with its 21.7” x 19.7”  x 9.7” dimensions. The pedals had ample room for my feet and were comfortable to use with all types of shoes (I personally put my beloved Crocs into sport mode and got to it). My knees did not hit my desk while pedaling, courtesy of the Cubii’s ergonomic design. 

Cubii is one of the pricier brands on the market (basic seated ellipticals can be found on Amazon for under $125), but truly delivers on the promise of quiet operation. After a few months of continuous use, the Cubii still produces a barely audible whisper of a noise whilst pedaling. I was able to pedal during Zoom calls (although, on the highest setting, my shoulders visibly moved in the frame a bit) and while completing my daily work tasks at my desk. If you’re worried about disrupting a noise-sensitive office neighbor, the Cubii is worth shelling out a few extra bucks for peace of mind.    

The Cubii Move’s approachability is one of its key draws: I found it to be a positive addition to my routine as a relatively fit and active 28-year-old, but the machine is versatile for all ages. Seniors and those with a limited range of motion may find the accessibility of this starter elliptical beneficial. 

Cons 

• Limited range of motion 
• Manual progress tracking 
• May not provide difficult enough workout for athletes
• Slides around 

The Cubii Move is not marketed as a full-body workout, so those who are expecting to sweat may be disappointed by the machine’s limited range of motion. While this was not a deal breaker for me, if getting an upper- and lower-body workout simultaneously is important to you, the Cubii Total Body+ includes an ergonomic pulley system similar to a rowing machine to activate more muscle groups (although it may hinder your ability to crunch out work emails). 

My biggest gripe: The Cubii Move is one of the company’s two current models that does not tout Bluetooth compatibility. When it comes to accurate and consistent progress tracking, a model like the Cubii JR2 is ideal; workout data seamlessly populates in the accompanying Cubii App which is a major time saver for those who routinely log their exercise. 

I appreciated the Cubii Move’s six interchangeable levels of resistance, and how easy it was to change speeds with the dial. At its toughest level with consistent pedaling, I was able to feel my heart rate elevate (which was validated by my fitness tracker). However, as a long-distance runner, any level below that felt like I was doing nothing more than ridiculously flailing my legs. Those who want to maximize calorie burn may prefer to opt for a model like the Cubii Go, which has similar features as the Cubii Move but with 12 levels of resistance.

A final note: The Cubii Move is the brand’s most lightweight design, which makes it more prone to shifting around on hard floors while in use. I recommend investing in a non-slip workout mat to alleviate this annoyance.  

Cubii Move results 

Within the first week of using the Cubii Move, I experienced soreness in my calves, which I interpreted as evidence that the machine was actually working out my lower muscle groups. By the 60-day mark, my legs were noticeably more toned, and I was able to tackle staircases and hilly San Francisco sidewalks with extra spring in my step. 

As a bad multitasker, I was skeptical that I would be able to concentrate on my work while pedaling on the Cubii. There was a learning curve, but after the first two days it became second nature to mindlessly move my legs while replying to emails and other tasks. For deep work, I still found myself pausing my motions for maximum concentration.  

I question the accuracy of the Cubii Move’s LCD display screen; I didn’t feel like the workout was significant enough (even at its max resistance level) to torch the 150 calories the brand claims users burn on average, per hour. My Apple Watch 6 did not register the Cubii as steps (which makes sense as it doesn’t provide a weight-bearing workout), but I noticed an average uptick of about 70 calories on my fitness tracker per hour of rigorous use at the highest resistance level. My advice? Take the data with a grain of salt. 

Where to buy the Cubii under-desk elliptical 

The Cubii Move is available through the manufacturer and Amazon. Best Buy also has Cubii models, but the Move is not an available option. 

Cubii Move - Amazon (free two-day shipping for Prime members) 

Cubii Move - Fitness Cubed, Inc. 

Is the Cubii under-desk elliptical worth it? 

The Cubii Move is a quality fitness machine that adds a little more movement to an otherwise slow day. It’s ideal for small spaces, offices and home working environments, and for those who struggle to find time to engage in exercise throughout the week. 

What the Cubii Move is not: A full-body workout machine that replaces more intense exercise regimens. Although an excellent starter elliptical, athletes and those with weight loss goals may appreciate the added rigor and Bluetooth features of the Cubii JR2, which has two additional resistance levels as well as seamless app connectivity. 

Is the Cubii under-desk elliptical worth it? My answer is yes, but find the model that suits your individual goals and needs best.