Do you have a desk job that makes you glued to your desk for most of the day? Well, you are not alone in our fast-paced world. Sitting at your desk for extended hours forces you to neglect physical activity. Even after the end of your shift, you might feel powerless and unable to hit the gym.
So, should you give up on your physical fitness and your overall wellness? The good news is that you can now make use of this extended sitting period to exercise. These game-changing exercise tools help you incorporate physical activity into your desk time.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best desk workout equipment and explain how it contributes to your overall wellness. So, read on!
Best Desk Workout Equipment – Top 7
The concept of desk workout machines has been around since the 1950s. However, they evolved and became popularized during the 1980s. Over time, numerous new machines were added to the extensive list. This includes desk treadmills, desk cycles, resistance bands, and pedal exercisers.
Now let’s delve into the top desk job workout equipment in 2023:
1. Stability Balls
As you sit for hours on a desk chair, your correct posture will gradually be affected. Moreover, the health of your back and core will deteriorate. However, you have a chance to reverse the damage by replacing the standard chair with a stability ball chair.
A stability ball chair is also known as a balance ball chair. It is primarily an inflated rubber ball that works on improving your core health, balance, and posture.
This ball does not have a standard back like a traditional seat. Therefore, it forces your core muscles to work to provide you with balance and stability. Additionally, sitting on this ball chair boosts your posture by straightening up your spine and pulling back your shoulders.
2. Standing Desk
As the name suggests, a standing desk is a desk that allows you to work while standing. This equipment is a way to avoid the negative effects of extended desk sessions. A standing desk improves blood circulation, which prevents leg stiffness and back pains.
Additionally, working while standing is known to boost concentration and energy levels. With a standing desk, you have a better chance to do some exercises such as knee lifts, hand stretches, and calf raises.
3. Under-Desk Elliptical
This is one of the best workout equipment for anyone sitting for long. These portable machines can fit under any desk. With this equipment, you have a chance to exercise your legs as if you are running. However, it is a lower-impact exercise that does not burn as many calories as an under-desk treadmill.
One of the best things about under-desk ellipticals is that you can use them even if you have an injury. Moreover, you do not have to be all intensive about it. You can adjust the exercise intensity as per your preferences and physical readiness.
4. Under-Desk Bike Pedals
These pedals are also known as pedal exercisers. They are similar to ellipticals, but the motion is very different. Instead of the back-and-forth motion of ellipticals, pedals allow you to move your legs in a circular motion.
Peddling your legs while typing on a keyboard or attending a Zoom meeting makes the work hours pass fast and in a more enjoyable way.
This desk job workout equipment is compact and easily fits beneath any desk. You can relocate them using their handles and check their screens every now and then to check your progress in burning calories.
5. Resistance Bands
A resistance band is one of the best home workout equipment for those over 50 who are looking for low-intensity arm muscle stretching. They are commonly made of latex and are not heavy to carry. You can use these bands to exercise alone or with a colleague.
In addition to arm and shoulder exercises, you can benefit from these bands by training your legs and back. Despite their suitability for all ages and fitness levels, these bands offer different levels of resistance. Therefore, you can start off with a light resistance band until you master it.
6. A Desk Bike
When you hear the name “desk bike”, you might think it is just another name for desk peddles. However, they are totally different desk exercise machines. A desk exercise bike is a desk that has the design of a bike. This means it has a seat, peddles, and handles, while desk peddles are only compact peddles.
Working on a desk bike improves your productivity and mood by boosting your focus and the production of happy hormones. It also eliminates the chances of having leg aches and back pain.
7. Foot Rocker
This piece of equipment offers you relief from muscle stiffness without much effort or taking much of your workspace. It is compact and facilitates the rocking motion of your feet. The idea behind a foot rocker for a desk worker relies on boosting blood circulation in the feet and legs in general.
Rocking your feet does not require a fitness expert, as it is a suitable activity for all physical levels. It is particularly important for activating the calves and fascial ligaments. These two parts play a crucial role in alleviating pain and reducing the risk of blood clot formation in the leg.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have an answer to the question, “What is the best desk exerciser?” You can choose the best desk workout equipment depending on your budget, physical readiness, and available space.
For instance, in a tight office, compact equipment such as a foot rocker, pedals, or ellipticals seems more convenient. Additionally, a desk treadmill or bike is more costly than portable rockers and bands.
All in all, regardless of your choice, you will find a better result than sitting tied to your chair without any sort of physical activity. Any of the suggested equipment will give you a chance to burn extra calories, break the boredom of a routine job, and improve the health of your core and spine.