Cubii offers compact, seated elliptical machines, also known as under-desk or recumbent elliptical trainers, designed to allow users to pedal while seated. The Cubii brand aims to make fitness and exercise accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical ability, lifestyle, or age. These seated ellipticals offer various health benefits, including reducing sedentary behavior and potentially aiding in weight management by increasing energy expenditure. They may particularly benefit people who sit all day, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with pain or prior injuries.
Overview of Cubii Products and the Company
The Cubii device is a small machine designed to fit under a desk or table. It is a mini elliptical machine that minimizes impact forces on the user when operated. It exercises the lower body and leaves the hands free, allowing the user to focus on other tasks, such as reading or working.
Cubii launched through a Kickstarter campaign in 2014. At the time of writing, the brand has no customer reviews on BBB and has closed seven complaints over the past 3 years. Cubii has a 3.5-star rating out of 5 on TrustPilot based on two reviews. Its first-generation flagship product, Cubii JR1, has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon based on 9,690 global customer reviews. The latest in the flagship line is the Cubii JR2+, which is lighter, smaller, and has Bluetooth functionality.
Cubii Models
Cubii currently offers three mini elliptical machines:
- Cubii JR1
- Cubii JR2+
- Cubii Go
These models share several standard features, including low sound production and eight resistance levels. Cubii also states that they are “whisper quiet” when in use. All Cubii products come with a 1-year warranty. This policy does not extend to products that people have bought from third-party retailers. Cubii ships to Canada and the United States. People ordering from other places can check Amazon to see whether it ships to their region.
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Cubii JR1
Cubii JR1 is an elliptical machine with a compact and ergonomic design that allows it to fit in front of chairs and under most tables. It has an LCD monitor that displays a person’s rotations per minute (RPM), distance traveled, calories burned, and active time. Its frame features a built-in handle for easy portability.
Cubii JR2+
This Cubii seated elliptical is more compact and lighter than previous models. Similar to the Cubii JR1, it uses an LCD monitor and has a built-in handle on its frame. The JR2+ has Bluetooth connectivity to sync with the Cubii app and multiple smartwatches, such as the Apple Watch and Fitbit.
Cubii Go
Cubii Go is a specifically portable variant of Cubii ellipticals. It is available with glass-filled nylon construction, making it much lighter than the original model. It has retractable handles and built-in wheels so people can move it to different rooms or locations. However, unlike other models, Cubii Go is fully assembled and individuals can use it immediately. It also has an illuminated LCD monitor.
Other Products and Services
In addition to ellipticals, Cubii sells several accessories, including:
- Smart Start Training Series
- Comfii Fit Workout Tee
- Squishii Grip Strengthener Bundle
- Cushii lumbar cushion
- Theraband + Cubii Individual Workout Bands
- Cubii socks
- Cubii replacement parts, such as wheel stoppers and pedals
People may also benefit from Cubii Studio+, an online service that provides custom classes using the elliptical machine. These are available live and on demand for $7.99 for one month or $74.99 for a whole year. Cubii is designed with you in mind. Find your perfect fit. Cubii lets you add more strides to your day, all while you sit. When it comes to recovery, motion is the potion.
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Health Benefits of Seated Ellipticals
A 2019 study found that seated ellipticals can help reduce sedentary behavior in older adults. About 31 million adults ages 50 years and over do not exercise at all. Low physical activity can contribute to heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Regular physical activity significantly reduces the negative health effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
Beyond reducing sedentary behavior, regular physical activity offers numerous benefits, including:
- Reducing feelings of anxiety and depressive symptoms
- Lowering blood pressure
- Promoting better sleep
- Supporting weight management
- Lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Lowering the risk of stroke and hypertension
Can You Lose Weight with Cubii?
Cubii elliptical machines can help a person lose weight. However, doctors or fitness trainers may also advise doing other exercises rather than depending on the Cubii device.
It’s important to have realistic expectations. Under-desk ellipticals aren't the most effective tool to lose weight. You burn some calories while using an under-desk elliptical, but not that much. On average, users will burn 150 calories an hour, which qualifies as a slow burn compared to how much you'd typically burn on a regular elliptical machine in an hour, Alexander says. If you're using an under-desk elliptical while working, it may be difficult to go at a high speed with resistance (both important for weight loss) while working, says Carol Michaels, a personal trainer in West Orange, New Jersey, and founder of Recovery Fitness, an exercise program developed to improve the recovery from cancer surgery and treatments and osteoporosis. Changes to your diet should be more of a focus if you want to lose weight, Michaels says. A healthy diet paired with exercise is the best method for weight loss.
Who is the Cubii For?
People who may benefit the most from using a Cubii device are those who sit for long periods or do not have time to exercise. For example, people who work desk jobs or wish to exercise while sitting. If you sit a lot during the day, want to get in some movement at your desk, or have balance issues and limited mobility, then an under-desk elliptical might be for you. The Cubii Total Body+ can be used under a desk, even with a wheeled chair, in front of a couch, or at the kitchen table. The Cubii is a great alternative to walking at an under-desk treadmill for those who do not have a standing desk. It is also a great option for users who have balance or mobility issues that limit walking. The Cubii is a great option for seniors because it can be used while sitting down and is very safe.
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Muscles Worked
According to the designers, the Cubii exercises the glutes, quadriceps, and hip flexors when pedaling forward and the hamstrings and calves when peddling backward. If maintaining a proper upright seated position when operating the device, the Cubii may work on the core and lower back muscles. The Cubii Total Body+ engages the upper and lower leg muscles (hamstrings, quadriceps, soleus, tibialis anterior, etc) to flex and extend the knee and ankle joints. The Total Body+ has handles attached to pulleys that allow users to train the arm muscles, too. The exact muscles engaged will depend on the movements performed.
Considerations Before Purchasing a Cubii
Desk Height and Ergonomics
The main challenge to this sort of under-desk device is the height of the desk. If the cycle path is too large, your knees might knock against the bottom of your desk. It may be easier to use an under-desk elliptical if you have a standing desk or one that allows you to adjust your keyboard placement, desk height or both. Before you buy, measure the height of your desk and the distance between your legs when seated, advises personal trainer Michael Hamlin, founder of Everflex Premium Personal Training in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Form and Posture
You may feel awkward using an under-desk elliptical. The machine could be noisy if you're used to a quiet space. And if you're using one under a desk, you might end up hitting your knees or have a problem with flexing or extending the legs. It could lead to poor posture. You may find yourself leaning forward while exercising, and that may increase your chance of neck and back pain, Michaels says. Proper form when using an under-desk elliptical can help you avoid future neck, back or leg pain. It also helps you sustain a longer workout. Aim for a smooth, circular pedaling motion at a moderate pace.
Noise Levels
We love how quiet the Total Body+ is. Most people will be able to place this in front of their chair, whether at a desk or not, without adjusting their seat or position much. Read up on noise levels.
Potential Drawbacks
It can be hard on the knees. Pedemonte advises against using under-desk ellipticals if you have knee and ankle problems, unless you set it at the lowest resistance setting.
Maximizing the Benefits of Your Cubii
- Start Slowly: If you're just getting started, set it at a low resistance and pedal for 10 to 15 minutes, Alexander advises. You can gradually increase the time and tension.
- Add Variety: If you're an under-desk elliptical pro and you want more of a challenge, add dumbbell exercises to work out your upper body at the same time. "Some models come with resistance cables that you can use for this purpose," Alexander says. There are also livestreamed and recorded classes available online geared toward under-desk elliptical users. Remember to take a break every 30 minutes to stretch your legs.
- Track Progress: This can boost your confidence and motivate you to do more. Some under-desk ellipticals can sync with your smartphone and let you know your effort, calorie burn and distance.
- Stay Active: Do your best to add enjoyable physical activity to your life in addition to using an under-desk elliptical. "It's unfortunate that people are working to the point that they have to multitask to get some exercise into their day. Physical activity should be enjoyable," Michaels says. Dancing, hiking, swimming or playing a sport can be fun. Walk around when you take a work call and don’t need to be tethered to a computer. Keep a small water bottle or glass on your desk. Take frequent breaks to stand up and stretch. If you work outside the home, walk to work if you can.
Alternatives to Cubii
An under-desk elliptical may sound appealing if you don't have the space or cash for a full-sized elliptical machine - a midrange full-sized model will set you back $1,000 to $2,000, while an under-desk elliptical may cost around $130 to $350. Until I encountered Cubii, I’d never considered such a thing. For the uninitiated, under-desk bikes also exist.