'I’m back on track with my exercise routine' — Amazon customers are loving this affordable under-desk elliptical
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Working from home and sitting at your desk all day can leave you feeling restless and sluggish. If you’re looking for a way to make up for lack of daily steps without skipping a minute of your desk duties, an under-desk bike or elliptical may be just what you need— especially if upping your fitness level is part of your New Year’s resolution.
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A trend that is now on the rise amongst fitness enthusiasts and those recovering from minor injuries, these promising workout accessories are designed to minimize the impact on your joints and help you burn calories. While the bike versions are made to move forward and backwards like typical bicycle, the elliptical version offers a more natural, walking-like movement with their wider pedals. In case you’re in the market for one, we found one that Amazon Canada customers are absolutely loving.
Backed up by more than 5,800 reviews and a 4.2-star rating is the Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer.
Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer
SHOP IT: Amazon, $160
What is it?
A versatile elliptical trainer, this one is made for sitting and standing for a convenient workout you that best suits your needs and your workout space. Whether you’re working at a desk, watching television or reading a book, this elliptical trainer can go wherever you go. On top of all that, you can even stay on top of your progress with the multi-functional fitness monitor, which tracks activity: time, strides per minute, total strides and calories burned.
How does it work?
To engage your core, remain balanced on the elliptical in the standing position. While in the sitting position, you’ll solely target your lower body. Depending on the direction of your pedalling (backwards or forward), you can easily target different muscles in your legs and glutes. But no matter how you use the elliptical, the textured surface of the wide pedals will secure your feet so you can pedal as hard and fast as you want. Control the intensity of your workout by simply adjusting the tension knob.
What are people saying?
“I purchased this item in order to speed up my recovery from a knee injury. Walking is too jarring and this has absolutely changed my range of motion. The system is smooth and I can do it mindlessly (heads up other people with ADHD, this is an amazing ‘fidget.’ I find I'm super focused when I use it). It's fairly heavy, so use care when moving it around,” reads one five-star review. “Couldn't be happier with this purchase.”
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“I’ve been using this as much as I can for a few months ever since I got it and my legs are so toned! I do HIIT cardio standing up, holding onto the back of my workout machine if I need a bit of help balancing and it definitely works you out. If you want to tone you gotta increase the resistance. Pedalling backwards works the glutes! I also have a bad knee and this is much easier to manage than a treadmill,” echoes another.
“I love this elliptical and use it every day. With the lockdown and not being able to go to the gym, I had been slacking on my workouts and binge eating. Now, I’m back on track with my exercise routine and starting to see results thanks to this machine,” says another reviewer. “This machine can give you the same intensity as a regular elliptical at the gym if not more since it’s hands-free and really forces you to work your legs more. Tip: if you would like to use it standing up but have difficulty with balance, just hold on to the back of a chair.”
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