10 'Desk Fitness' Items That You Can Use While You Work

Buzz Feed

28-01-2025

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Finding ways to move your body while you work is the ultimate multitasking move.
Most people know that it isn't exactly great to live a sedentary lifestyle and spend the majority of your life sitting around. If you have a desk job, that means you have to get creative with how to incorporate movement into your workday. Otherwise, you're upping your risk for aches and pains — especially in the neck, shoulders, and back.
So how do you do it? All of the fitness items rounded up here can be used right at your desk. Some of them can be used while you're typing away while others can be used while you're stuck on virtual calls (though you might want to be camera off, in that case). Keep reading for 11 items that can help you stay fit even while working long hours.
1. An under-the-desk walking pad
Amazon
Get your 10,000 steps in while working at your desk by using a walking pad. This one, by Sperax, is one of the most popular ones on Amazon. More than 10,000 people purchased one in the last month alone. What makes this one stand out is that it's quiet, so it isn't disruptive on calls.
Promising review: 'Some days you just can't get away from your desk. This was a great addition to my office space. Low noise and I can get some movement in while being productive at my job. Variable speeds that were easy to control. I didn't realize how fast an hour could go while working/walking! Really enjoying this product. Easy and lightweight to move out of the way for the times I just need to stand or sit. The mat part is adequate for lots of steps and seems like it will hold up well.' — Vicky Courtright
2. This laptop mount for treadmills
Amazon
If you already have a treadmill, you can convert it into a workstation with a laptop stand, like this one. It's compatible with all treadmills and is adjustable so it will be the perfect height.
Promising review: 'I love this thing. I've been using it for seven days. It's a bargain for what it allows me to do. I found it easy to assemble once I found all the parts in the box—it's clever how they packed it—and everything was there but at first, it was not clear to me where everything was. It's sturdy despite what many low-raters said. There is a very slight amount of wobble, but it's not bad at all with my 15" MacBook Pro. Also, I'm 6' 4" tall, so I worried it would be less stable because I need it relatively higher than most people but I found it plenty stable. Finally, it comes on and off really easily. Definitely recommend it!' — Troyble
3. A folding pedal exerciser
Amazon
If a walking pad or treadmill takes up too much space or you find it hard to work unless you're sitting down, an under-the-desk pedal exerciser is a great option. It's small enough that you can even bring it into the office if you don't work at home. This one folds up, making stashing it away after work hours easy.
Promising review: 'I like that I can sit in a comfortable chair to protect my broken tailbone and back while exercising my legs; I sit at the kitchen table to exercise my arms! Oh yea! It has carry straps, so you can carry it wherever you need when traveling and it folds away easily; this model is not bulky and got approval from my mother's physical therapist she has been seeing for cardiac rehab at home. I applaud myself on this purchase for my mother's rehabilitation.' — Joint Freedom
Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in three colors).
4. These adjustable dumbbells
Amazon
Strength train during virtual calls by lifting a pair of dumbbells while at your desk. This pair can be adjusted to weigh between two to five pounds per dumbbell.
Promising review: 'These weights are amazing. Very sturdy, easy to use, easy to add or remove additional weight. The option of simply snapping on additional weight without having to buy another set of weights is a game changer. I hate having all of these weights I no longer use just lying around the house collecting dust. Adding additional weights takes less than five minutes and just snaps on. Very simple to understand and they do not fall off during a workout. Great buy....affordable price. Super impressed with this product and will recommend it to my gym friends.' — Kristie Hyde
5. This exercise bike that doubles as a workstation
Prefer cycling to walking? With this desk, you can cycle while you work. The desk is big enough to fit a laptop and notebook on it and there are eight different speed and resistance levels. You'll be surprised at how quickly the total calories burned and distance covered adds up!
Promising review: 'This was going to be my Christmas present but it came up as a Prime Days deal so we bought it early. Very little assembly right out of the box. I try to get 6 to 9 miles a day on my regular bike but thought this would be great for the winter months. I'm actually using it along with my regular riding. It is great for a busy life style because you can jump on whenever you have a few minutes. I like to use it while I watch podcasts. The desk was the real reason I got it. I can read a book, browse my phone, play solitaire all while keeping a steady cadence. It is smooth and silent. I ride at resistance 2 and feel like it is the best setting for me for long sessions. Due to having the desk for keeping my attention on something else, an hour can go by much faster and easier than other exercise. If you have an hour to watch TV or browse your phone you can do this. You work up a sweat too with little effort. It is also on wheels so I can easily move it out of the way or from room to room. I've only had it a couple of weeks but I don't see this turning into a clothes rack. It is heavy so you may need help getting it out of the box but I'm hoping that is a sign that it is heavy duty and will last and last with my daily use.' — Carl
6. This card deck of desk exercises
Amazon
Get bored easily? Switch up your fitness game by pulling an exercise card from this deck each day so you'll continuously have new ways to move your body. A mix of exercises and stretches, your body will feel so good after completing the move.
Promising review: 'Ever heard the term movement snack? I have a demanding desk job and find myself working hunched over my computer for multiple hours at a time for up to 14 hours a day. I was getting very achy and sore and stiff all over. I decided to try these out, and I have already started to feel less tight and achy. I keep the deck on my desk to remind myself to take breaks. The prompts and illustrations are easy to follow. I feel invigorated after taking a quick break and ready to get back to the grind!' — Jen
Remember when oversized rubber balls were the must-have desk seating of choice for trendy workplaces? This chair is the updated, way more comfortable version of that. The seat swivels around on the wheel, forcing you to maintain proper posture and engage your abs while you sit.
Promising review: 'I have awful sciatic issues that are exacerbated by sitting at the computer all the time. Like everybody else who's been working from/stuck at home during Covid, my time at the computer, and 'sitting time' in general has increased, and so have the sciatic issues. It's been a huge difference since I got this chair/stool! It's such a simple concept, but it makes total sense…Movement creates blood flow in your muscles and nerves, your hips aren't stuck in the same position all the time, your posture is better because you just naturally sit properly to balance yourself and the stool does all the work while you just sit on your… On that note, I confess that 'work' isn't the full story here. This thing is great for just watching TV, way better than couch potato mode, and fun! I got the orange seat, FYI. If they'd make it in purple, I'd have to buy another one.' — Kimberly B.
8. This balancing board for standing desks
Those who use a standing desk already have a leg up, so to speak, on having a more active workday. Want to level up even more? Instead of placing your two feet on the floor, balance on a wobbly board, like this one. It forces you to engage your core; otherwise, you'll fall off.
Promising review: 'This is a fantastic balance board! You might be tempted to try another brand or even that 'as seen on tv' board. The fact this board has a flat surface and that surface's large standing space make this board superb. I work eight to 10 hours a day and bought a converting standing desk last year. With that, I'd stand for one to three hours a day.... with the board I'm standing for two to five hours. It's more comfortable throughout the day than the regular floor. The ability to shift weight, stretch calves, do toe raises, etc., make standing fun. The deck is super solid with a fantastic grip on the standing area. The underside of the deck has soft rubber pieces in the uppermost corners. This is helpful to keep the deck from sliding out from under you if you lose balance... when tilted to the extreme, the rubber makes contact with the floor. This also helps keep the deck in place if you are intentionally rocking it (toe raises for example). They have a 30 day money back guarantee... but you'll never have to use it.' — Mark Gilbertson
Get it from Amazon for $179 (available in three colors).
9. This grip strengthener
Amazon
You can improve hand strength by using a grip strengthener at your desk. This set also comes with a finger stretchers and weights (which helps strengthen the fingers, hands and wrists) and a stress ball.
Promising review: 'I've been using this kit for a couple of weeks now and I'm already seeing an improvement in my grip while climbing. Great value for so many different strengthening exercises.' — lindach
10. This foam roller
Amazon
Spending a few minutes at the end of the work day foam rolling is a way to reward your body for the toll sitting at a desk all day can take. More than 112,000 people have purchased and rated this one, giving it a collective 4.6 out of five stars.
Promising review: 'I recently purchased the Amazon Basics High-Density Round Foam Roller, and I couldn't be more pleased with its performance. This foam roller is a game-changer for anyone looking to enhance their fitness routine or alleviate muscle soreness. The high-density foam material provides just the right amount of firmness to effectively target and massage tight muscles. Whether I'm using it for my back, legs, or shoulders, the roller offers consistent pressure and support, helping me achieve a deep tissue massage experience. What sets this foam roller apart is its durability.
Despite frequent use, it has maintained its shape and resilience, showing no signs of wear and tear. The compact size makes it convenient to store and travel with, allowing me to enjoy its benefits wherever I go. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a casual fitness enthusiast, this foam roller is an affordable and reliable option that delivers results. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve their flexibility, mobility, and overall well-being.' — Slitton
If you're still shopping, check out these home workout items that physical therapists recommend for older folks:
11. A set of resistance bands with handles
Amazon
'Our number one choice is usually resistance bands with handles,' DeRosa explained to us. 'They are cost effective and come in varied resistance so people can use lighter or stronger bands if they feel the exercises [are] too easy or too hard."
DeRosa recommended this five-pack of bands to start off with.
'Routines with the bands can be used to build upper body strength and lower body strength and of course should never be painful when performing,' he said. 'We always like to incorporate functional exercises, like sit to stand from a chair or bed and supported step ups as these are weight-bearing exercises that not only build strength but also help increase bone density [since] our bone density decreases as we age.'
Get them from Amazon for $22.97 (available in four colors).
12. A pair of ankle weights
Amazon
"Adjustable ankle weights are great for doing upper and lower body exercises and allow you to increase or decrease resistance as needed," DeRosa explained.
DeRosa recommended this pair of ankle weights, which are each adjustable from one to five pounds. They also have adjustable straps to ensure a comfortable fit. They're available in multiple colors and with higher weight offerings.
Get them from Amazon for $22.99+.
13.
'Falls are one of the most common way seniors injure themselves. Incorporating safe balance training to a program is essential,' said DeRosa. He recommended this book to get started, and also noted that many older folks enjoy chair yoga to improve balance and overall strength.
Get it from Amazon for $15.95+ (available in four formats).