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Cubii sells compact, seated elliptical machines, also called under-desk or recumbent elliptical trainers. These machines allow a person to pedal while seated. The Cubii brand aims to make fitness and exercise accessible, regardless of the individual’s physical ability, lifestyle, and age.
Seated ellipticals offer various health benefits, including reducing sedentary behavior and increasing energy expenditure, which could help people manage their weight. They may particularly benefit people who sit all day, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with pain or prior injury.
This article discusses Cubii’s customer reviews and product range. It also considers the potential benefits of seated ellipticals and lists some alternatives.
Learn more about the best under-desk ellipticals of 2022 here.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
The Cubii device is a small machine that fits 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.
The Cubii brand launched through a Kickstarter campaign in 2014. People can buy Cubii products through the company website, Amazon, QVC, and retailers such as Costco and Target.
Cubii does not have accreditation from the Better Business Bureau but has a A+ rating on the platform. 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 currently offers three mini elliptical machines:
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. To take advantage of the warranty, people should register their Cubii elliptical and create an account through Cubii’s website.
Customers can return or exchange any Cubii products they have purchased through the website or Amazon within 30 days, effective from the delivery date. 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.
Cubii JR1
| Features and accessories | wheel stoppers, display batteries, and nonslip workout mat |
|---|---|
| Colors | aqua or purple on black |
| Weight | 27 pounds (lb) |
| Price | $269 |
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+
| Features and accessories | built-in adjustable foot straps, attachable ChairLock, display batteries, and nonslip workout mat |
|---|---|
| Colors | aqua on black |
| Weight | Less than 20 lb |
| Price | $299 |
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
| Features and accessories | display batteries and wheel stoppers |
| Color | orange on gray |
| Weight | less than 20 lb |
| Price | $329 |
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
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.
People looking to become more physically active may wish to consider other types of home exercise equipment, such as:
- Under-desk treadmills: These devices fit underneath standing desks to suit persons working at home or in an office. Learn about compact treadmills here.
- Recumbent bikes: A recumbent bike allows a person to sit in a reclined position while cycling. Learn more about recumbent bikes here.
- Exercise bikes: Certain exercise bikes allow a person to ride while doing other activities. Learn more about the best exercise bikes here.
A 2019 study found that seated ellipticals can help reduce sedentary behavior in older adults. Another study involving this population found that using these devices while performing seated activities increased energy expenditure.
Research also suggests that compact elliptical devices can help increase energy expenditure in adults ages 25–65 years.
This form of exercise may also be more effective than cycling for gait training and rehabilitation.
According to the
In a 2018 research paper, the CDC also reported that inadequate physical activity was a causative factor in
According to the
- 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
Below we answer common questions about Cubii:
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.
What muscles does Cubii work?
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.
Does the Cubii work?
The operation of a Cubii mini elliptical burns around 150 calories per hour.
However, using a Cubii device does not require the user’s full attention, as they can perform other activities while seated, such as working at a desk or reading.
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.
Cubii sells a range of seated elliptical machines that can fit under desks or in front of chairs. They are portable and run quietly while providing a gentle workout for the legs.
Regular physical activity significantly reduces the negative health effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Cubii under-desk ellipticals offer people of all ages, abilities, and lifestyles a way to be physically active while they work or perform other everyday activities.