Cubii Jr 1 Review: an elliptical that fits under your desk to help you exercise while you are on the computer!

Are you looking for an exercise you can do while sitting? That's exactly what I was doing 8 months ago!

Maybe you have a job or hobby that has you at a desk for hours on end. You might even worry about your physical wellness being impacted by how much time you spend sitting. 

I know I do! 

You probably already know that sitting too much isn't good for you. While I was working full-time, sitting at a desk all day, the inactivity concerned me. Even now, working for myself, I'm often at my computer writing, paying bills, scheduling appointments, etc. 

In addition, my favorite hobby is knitting which I do while sitting, although I try to limit that to less than an hour per day.

This had me brainstorming how to exercise while I sit. I looked at various methods of exercise you can do while sitting. Because I want to be free to use my hands it would have to be a lower body workout, so no arm circles, or lifting dumbbells while sitting.

We all want to stay healthy

My mom watches television while riding a stationary bike. You know that is a great way to keep from being a couch potato! Especially if you love to binge-watch drama series.

Although my mom was on to something, a big stationary bike wasn't an option for me. Mainly because I didn't want a huge piece of exercise equipment in my living room. Plus, I needed to be able to use it at my desk as well as in the living room where I knit each night.

Building on her idea, I started searching for a pedaling machine that would fit under my desk or in front of a chair. I got some mixed feedback when I asked around. Still, I decided to try the Cubii Jr 1. because I was determined to increase my heart rate while I knit or work on my computer.

Standing to work at my computer might be better than sitting, but it isn't cardio!

Standing Desk vs. Exercise While Sitting

Both my husband and I believe in and each of us has stand-up desks. My husband started using a stand-up desk back in 2016. Some of his coworkers even joined him. 

However, standing in one spot for long periods of time has drawbacks.

Using a stand-up desk for hours every day may lead to swollen ankles or even varicose veins. Standing at a desk can also lead to back pain unless you maintain good posture. Many people hunch their upper back at a stand-up desk because they're trying to type or aren't close enough to the computer monitor. 

So if you use a stand-up desk, make sure to keep your back straight and practice good posture to prevent pain.

Still, standing is not exercising. 

When I stand at my desk I'd try to do calf raises but not many because moving up and down while looking at a computer monitor wasn't ideal.

Exercise you can do while sitting at a computer

Using the pedal exerciser, I am working on several muscle groups including my glutes, calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, and even my hip flexors. Not bad for such a small workout machine.

Cycling, while I'm working on my computer, allows my upper body to remain stable while my lower body pedals away! Surprisingly, I'm even coordinated enough to pedal while knitting. 

On a side note, when trying to find ideas for exercising while knitting I discovered that many people walk and knit at the same time! Crazy, right? I haven't tried that one yet.

Because the Cubii Jr 1 is portable, with a compact design, and has a built-in handle, I'm able to easily move it from my workspace to my living room. This functionality allows me to work out wherever I happen to be sitting. I store it under my desk when I'm not using the machine.

The Solution: Exercise You Can Do While Sitting

Cubii Jr. 1 exercise machine allows you to practice healthy habits while you sit. I was curious if the Cubii would get my heart rate during a knitting workout. 

It's practically noiseless,