FitDesk Exercise Desk Bike Review

For busy people, finding time to work out is often a challenge. But many of us spend hours every day on the computer, in front of the TV or playing video games. FitDesk desk bike was invented just for people like us because it allows you to exercise WHILE you're working or playing, thereby eliminating the struggle to find time in a busy day to work out.

This is the only piece of exercise equipment I've ever owned that I haven't gotten bored with after about two months. I love it!

(Image credit: FitDesk)

My FitDesk review

I work at home, so I spend a lot of time sitting at a desk every day, and have been working on finding ways to exercise at my desk. Under desk exercisers, such as pedal exercisers, are inexpensive, but sometimes finding the right position is awkward, and the exercisers have a tendency to move if you pedal too vigorously. Now there's an alternative; FitDesk is a bike and desk together - an exercise desk! The semi-recumbent bike design lets you enjoy the design of a regular exercise bike, and the built-in desk allows you to use your laptop, read a book, watch TV, or play video games while riding. And as far as exercise equipment goes, it's quite affordable - under $300.

What I like best about the FitDesk exercise desk/bike is that you're sitting on a bike, not in a desk chair. With under-desk pedalers, you never get the feeling that you're riding a bike and you're never in quite the same position as you'd be if you're on a bike. You're still sitting in your comfy office chair. With FitDesk, you're sitting on a bike and in position to cycle, so it feels very natural to keep your legs moving while working. For that reason alone, I prefer the FitDesk exercise desk.

As of this update (Dec 2011), I've had my FitDesk bike for about six months, and it is the ONLY exercise machine I've ever owned that I wasn't bored with by this time. That's because I hardly notice that I'm exercising while reading email, posting on Facebook, or creating Squidoo pages. If you spend a lot of time on the computer and want to get some exercise while doing it, I highly recommend this bike. (You can also see my FitDesk Exercise Desk/Bike Review on HubPages.)

But don't just take my word for it. Here are other some pros and cons of the original FitDesk, based on reviews from Amazon customers:

Pros of FitDesk Desk Bike

- Allows you to exercise while you work, watch TV, or playing video games

- Lightweight, folding design makes it easy to move or store

- Seat height can be adjusted

- Quiet and sturdy design

Cons of FitDesk Exercise Bike/Desk

- laptop attachment is basically a giant rubber band

- some users say the seat isn't very comfortable (reviews based on old seat, but new seat, offered in Feb 2011, is better!)

- some complained that the shelf to hold laptop is simple molded foam

(Photo of the new FitDesk X1 by Lisa Howard)

This is the original FitDesk model shown below. There's also a newer X1 version now, that has a completely redesigned desktop and new features such as a massage bar.

If you ask me, the only thing better than the original FitDesk is the new and improved X1 model. It has a sliding desk platform, improved cycle meter with odometer, massage rollers for your arms, and a backrest for the seat.

If you already have fitness gear at home and don't want to add any piece of equipment, FitDesk may not be the answer for you. Instead, you may want to turn your existing equipment into an exercise desk with the addition of an inexpensive SurfShelf.