Our busy lifestyles have forced us to get creative when it comes to fitting exercise into our schedule. One innovation that has arisen is the under-desk elliptical, which allows you to get in a workout as you work. Two of the best-selling under desk elliptical on the current market are the Cubii Smart Under Desk Elliptical and the Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer. Today we put these two machines face to face to discover which one comes out on top.
Cubii Jr Seated Under-Desk Elliptical
Key Specs:
Ergonomic Design
The Cubii Jr has an ergonomic design that makes it easy on your eye and your joints. It has a lower profile than many competing under desk ellipticals. This means that you can get a full stride motion without your knees hitting the bottom of your desk.
The Cubii Jr has won a number of design awards. It comes in two color options:
- Aqua
- Royal Blue
8 Resistance Levels
The Cubii Jr gives you 8 levels of resistance adjustment so you can progressively increase the intensity of your exercise as you get fitter.
Quiet Operation
The Cubii Jr is virtually completely noiseless to operate. This is an important aspect, as many people will be planning to use their under desk elliptical in an office setting.
Joint Friendly
The design of the Cubii Jr makes it very easy on your joints. The smooth, natural elliptical motion and the low profile of this unit is good news for your ankles and knees.
Display Panel
A built-in display on the base of the Cubii Jr provides you with information on the following training data: RPM, stride, distance, and calories.
Portability
The Cubii Jr is a compact, lightweight unit. It has a handle for ease of transport.
Assembly
The Cubii Jr arrives on your doorstep partially assembled. It will take just a matter of minutes to complete the process and have your under-desk elliptical up and running.
Stamina In-Motion E1000 Compact Elliptical Trainer
Key Specs:
Built-in Display
The Stamina In-Motion has a built-in display that provides you with the same training information that you get with the Cubii Jr – strides, distance, time, and calories.
Functional Design
The Stamina In-Motion has a solid, sturdy frame that is made of steel. It will support a user weight of up to 250 pounds (compared with 300 pounds on the Cubii Jr).
A unique feature of this machine is that you can use it both while seated and standing. This is not something you can do on the Cubii Jr, which is strictly a seated elliptical machine.
The Stamina In-Motion is available in three color options: green, orange, and silver.
Adjustable Resistance
The Stamina In-Motion elliptical provides you with a centrally located control knob that allows you to adjust the resistance level. Unlike many lesser under-desk models, the transition between resistance levels is smooth and jerk-free. Unlike the Cubii Jr, their are no set adjustment levels.
You can also adjust the incline of this machine to increase training intensity.
Forward / Backward Motion
The Stamina In-Motion allows you to exercise in both a forward and reverse motion. This allows you to more fully work the muscles of your legs, with a focus on the calves and hamstrings when you reverse the motion.
Comparing the Two
Cubii Jr | Stamina In-Motion |
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Dimensions: 23 inches x 17.5 inches x 10 inches | Dimensions: 24.5 inches x 17 inches x 11.38 inches |
Weight: 25 pounds | Weight: 24 pounds |
Max User Weight: 250 lbs. | Max User Weight: 250 lbs. |
Bluetooth Enabled: Yes | Bluetooth Enabled: No |
Noise Level: Quiet | Noise Level: Fairly Loud |
Price: $$$$ | Price: $ |
Size & Weight
The Cubii Jr is more compact than the Stamina In-Motion. It is four inches lower in height, which makes it more under desk user-friendly. The recommended minimum under desk height is three inches less than the Stamina In-Motion. The Cubii Jr is also 12 pounds less than the Stamina In-Motion. The Stamina In-Motion elliptical will take up more space than the Cubii Jr.
In terms of size and weight, then, the Cubii Jr comes out on top.
Consoles
Both the Cubii Jr and the Stamina In-Motion have built-in consoles that provide you with information about your workout session. In both cases, however, you have to bend down to get a proper view of the display. Cubii offers an upgrade to the Cubii Pro, which is Bluetooth enabled. This means that you can get the information on your Smartphone.
Noise Level
The Cubii Jr is extremely quiet to operate. However, the Stamina In-Motion is relatively noisy. Some online reviewers have mentioned that their unit tends to squeak at times. That is not good when you are using the elliptical in an office setting.
Price
The price difference between these two under desks is quite dramatic. Although prices may vary, the Stamina In-Motion is 4-5 times less expensive than the Cubii Jr.
Warranty
Both the Cubii Jr and the Stamina In-Motion provide you with a 12-month warranty.
What Other People Are Saying
There are many reviews online for both the Cubii Jr and the Stamina-In Motion. Most Cubii Jr reviews are positive, with verified users commonly making mention of the smooth motion, the aesthetic appeal and the quiet operation of the unit. Negative features mentioned are the relatively high price point and the inconvenience of having to bend down to see the display.
Reviews for the Stamina In-Motion make mention of its low price point, smooth, and natural motion. Some users also wrote about the noise level, relative bulk and lack of a handle.
Final Thoughts
Both the Cubii Jr and the Stamina In-Motion will provide you with a good, gentle under desk workout. The Stamina In-Motion is more versatile because you can use it both standing and sitting. It is also a lot less expensive. However, if price is not an option, then the Cubii Jr will provide you with a quieter, smoother workout. It is also more lightweight, compact and portable.