Bike Desk vs. Treadmill Desk: Which Is The Best for You?

Like most people, you probably spend much time sitting at your desk. Whether working from home or in an office, sitting for extended periods can negatively affect your health and productivity. One way to combat this is by using a bike or treadmill desk. But which one is best for you?

In this article, we'll quickly do a bike desk treadmill desk comparison, going over the benefits and drawbacks of each to help you decide which is right for your productivity.

Cycle Desks: The Benefits and Drawbacks

Cycle desks, also known as under desk bikes, are desks with stationary bikes attached to the bottom, allowing you to pedal while you work. These foldable treadmills are popular for those looking for a low-impact workout while working at their desk.

When it comes to under desk bikes vs treadmills, cycle desks can be used in various settings, including home offices and corporate workplaces, and can be a cost-effective way to stay active while working.

If you're looking for a low-impact workout while you work, a cycle desk might be the right choice.

Pros

• Pedaling while you work can help you burn calories, improve your cardiovascular health, and reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
• Using a bike desk can help you maintain focus and boost your energy levels throughout the day, leading to increased productivity and better work performance.
• If you struggle to find time to exercise, a bike desk can help you multitask and get your workout in while you work.
• Exercise has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve mental health, so using a small treadmill for home, like a  bike desk, could help you feel more relaxed and focused while you work.
• Bike desks are more affordable than treadmill desks, making them a great option for those on a budget.

Cons

• Unlike a treadmill desk, a bike desk only allows for lower body movement, which may be better for those seeking a full-body workout.
• Sitting for extended periods can cause discomfort, so it's important to ensure your bike desk is comfortable and properly adjusted to prevent pain or injury.
• Bike desks come in fewer varieties than treadmill desks, so there may be limited options.

Treadmill Desks: The Benefits and Drawbacks

Treadmill desks, also known as walkable treadmills, are desks with treadmills attached to the bottom, allowing you to walk or jog while you work. They are a popular choice for those looking for a more intense workout while working at their desk.

When it comes to under desk treadmill vs. bike, treadmill desks can come in various models and styles and can be a more expensive option than cycle desks. However, they offer the advantage of full-body movement and can burn more calories than a cycle desk.

Pros

• Walking or jogging while you work can burn more calories than a bike desk, making it a great option for those looking to lose or maintain a healthy weight.
• Unlike a bike desk, a treadmill desk allows full-body movement, improving posture and strengthening core muscles.
• Treadmill desks come in various models and styles, allowing you to choose one that best fits your needs and preferences.
• These desks can improve circulation and prevent the negative effects of prolonged sitting, such as blood clots.
• Treadmill desks can also be used for more than work, making them versatile exercise equipment.

Cons

• Treadmill desks are more expensive than bike desks, making them less accessible to those on a budget.
• Treadmill desks require more space than bike desks, so it may not be ideal for those with limited space.
• These treadmills can be noisy, which may not be suitable for those working in shared spaces or apartments.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're new to using an office gym or are considering a cycle or treadmill desk, you may have some questions. In this section, we will answer some common questions about using these types of equipment in an office setting.

Under desk bike vs. stationary bike: what’s the difference?

Under desk bikes are designed to fit under a desk or table, allowing you to pedal while you work. On the other hand, stationary bikes are standalone exercise bikes that can be used for a more intense workout.

The main difference between the two is their design and intended use, with under desk bikes being more geared towards multitasking while stationary bikes are focused on exercise.

How many calories can I burn on a stationary bike workout?

Calories burned when using a stationary bike or treadmill desk are very changeable and are affected by variables such as user weight, effort level, and time spent exercising. Although a treadmill desk may burn an average of 600 to 800 calories each day, a cycle desk can burn 400 to 600.

Can I use a bike or treadmill desk during conference calls or meetings?

Using a bike or treadmill desk while on conference calls or during meetings may not be suitable, as it can be distracting or noisy. However, you can still use the desk for shorter periods throughout the day, such as during breaks or while checking emails.

Can I adjust the resistance on a bike desk?

Most bike desks come with adjustable resistance levels, allowing you to increase or decrease the intensity of your workout as needed.

Can I use a treadmill desk if I have joint problems?

Using a treadmill desk may not be suitable for those with joint problems, as the impact of walking or jogging can be hard on the joints. A bike desk or other low-impact exercise may be better if you have joint problems.

Conclusion

With the rise of remote work, more people spend extended periods at their desks. This sedentary lifestyle can negatively impact physical and mental health, decreasing productivity. Many are turning to desk exercise equipment to combat this, which allows for low-impact workouts while working.

Both bike and treadmill desks can offer various benefits for those looking to improve their health while working. In this bike desk treadmill desk comparison, we discussed that if you're looking for a low-impact workout and have limited space, a bike desk may be the best choice for you, and if you're looking for a more intense workout and have a bigger space, a treadmill desk may be the way to go.

Whatever option you choose, incorporating exercise into your workday can have significant benefits. So, get up, move, and see the difference for yourself!