It seems like every day there are new and exciting ways to get in your daily work out on your own terms. And now, with the evolution of under-desk ellipticals and bikes, working out from the office is becoming more and more of a reality for people who seek to fight the negative effects of sitting all day. Similar to a full-sized elliptical or stationary bike, under-desk trainers combine resistance and pedals for a workout that you can perform when seated. One of the most widely reviewed under-desk ellipticals on the market today is the Cubii JR1.
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With over 13,000 reviews on Amazon, the >Cubii JR1 is wildly popular. It is compact and designed to fit under almost any desk or table, so you can pedal away as you work or catch up on your favorite media. Cubii claims that it is possible to burn up to 150 calories per hour while seated with the JR1, which begs the question, is the Cubii JR1 the next best thing to hit the world of fitness? Or is it just another tool destined to collect dust from lack of use? Read on for the low down on the Cubii JR1 in this review to determine if it is the next best thing for you.
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A Quick Look at the Cubii JR1
The Cubii JR1 can help provide an outlet to get fit while you sit and is suited for all fitness levels. This compact and ergonomic piece of cardio equipment fits under any desk or table, making it possible to work out at the office, at home, or anywhere you are seated. In today’s hectic world, the Cubii JR1 seeks to give users the gift of time, taking the stress out of finding a way to fit in a regular workout.
With eight resistance levels, an LCD monitor, a patented whisper-quiet build, and its online fitness platform, the Cubii JR1 is one of the most feature-packed under-desk seated ellipticals. And the JR1 connects to third-party apps, including Fitbit and Apple HealthKit, allowing those who love to track and share workout stats to stay connected. So, whether you are short on time and space or want to keep your legs moving while seated all day at work, survey this review to learn everything there is to know about the Cubii JR1.
The Cubii JR1
- Footprint: 12.6"H x 24.25"L x 12.91"W
- Resistance levels: 8 levels
- Monitor: LCD monitor that tracks calories burned, strides, distance traveled, and other fitness stats
- Weight: 27.5 lbs.
- App: Cubii Studio+
- Warranty: 1-year manufacturer warranty, 2-year additional protection plan available for $24.99 on Amazon
Footprint and Portability
The Cubii JR1 is a compact unit and measures 12.6-inches high, 24.25-inches long, and 12.91-inches wide, giving the JR1 seated elliptical a low profile. Those who plan on using this fitness tool under an office desk or table should allow for a 2- to 3-inch above the knee clearance to accommodate a full range of motion.
While deemed a portable machine, the Cubii JR1 weighs approximately 27.5 pounds, and its size and weight can make it awkward to carry around. But it is small enough to make for a great addition to your home workout equipment and in-office use.
Intended Purpose and Use
Cubii states that the JR1 can be an efficient low- to no-impact cardio tool on which you can hit those fitness goals, whether that be losing weight, getting in shape, or toning muscles. Additionally, the JR1 can potentially help users focus while at work by improving circulation and alertness. Since it emits minimal noise, you also don't have to worry about disturbing those around you.
Cubii states that this machine is helpful for rehabilitation along with weight loss. Users are said to burn up to 150 calories an hour while pedaling away inconspicuously when working or chatting on the phone with an old friend. If you are more experienced, you know that how many calories you burn is directly proportional to both exertion level and weight. As such, this claim may be a bit suspect and highly subjective.
If you are looking for a hardcore, gym-worthy exercise experience, you will not find that on the Cubii JR1. There are a few negative reviews about its lack of intensity, but some users found its resistance challenging enough to provide a good leg burn. The truth is, this little machine isn't intended as a replacement for a hard workout. It can aid in helping to achieve fitness goals, but it certainly shouldn't be used for any high-intensity training.
Using the Cubii JR1
Getting started on the Cubii JR1 is very easy. Assembly is intuitive and requires screwing in just four screws, then placing the machine in front of your chair, anchoring your seat, adjusting your resistance level, and starting to pedal.
The Cubii JR1 uses an adjustable tension knob with eight resistance levels, allowing for variability in training and for users to choose an intensity best suited for their fitness intent. Are you looking to get in a good sweat? Then crank up that resistance and pedal fast. Are you just interested in keeping your legs moving during a long day at the office? Then maintain a low resistance and pedal with minimal effort. Towards that end, the Cubii JR1 is very much a machine appropriate for all fitness levels.
A small LCD monitor is located at the top of the Cubii JR1 and tracks progress for calories burned, strides, distance traveled, and minutes active. Additionally, the JR1 syncs with Fitbit and Apple Health Kit so users can upload their fitness metrics and monitor progress on their favorite fitness app, which is a helpful feature for anyone who loves to analyze their stats.
Cubii App
Perhaps the most notable attribute of the Cubii JR1 is that Cubii has its online wellness platform, Cubii Studio+. This platform houses high-quality live and on-demand classes taught by world-class trainers and there is a range of class offerings that vary by class time, length, and type. Cubii Studio+ allows users to personalize their workout routine and provides daily motivation to help you reach your health and wellness goals. Offering new classes daily, the Cubii Studio+ costs only $7.99 a month or $74.99 for a yearly membership.
Warranty
Cubii offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all products. In addition, there is a 1-year warranty for the JR1. When purchased via Amazon, buyers can get an additional 2-year membership for $24.99.
PROS- Quiet
- Online fitness platform available
- Fits under most office desks and tables
- Low impact
- Easy assembly
- Easy to use
- Syncs with Fitbit and Apple Health Kit
- Some find it distracting when used at work
- Awkward shape and weight make transporting it cumbersome
Final Thoughts on the Cubii JR1
So, is the Cubii JR1 worth the hype? The answer to that question really depends on your expectations. If you seek to bring more movement into a normally sedentary lifestyle or have a lower-body injury that needs rehabilitation, the Cubii JR1 lives up to the hype. However, if you are an experienced athlete hoping for a revolutionary machine that will give you gym-quality workouts from a comfortable seat, sorry to disappoint, but this is not the machine for you.
The Cubii JR1 is, however, a high-quality under-the-desk elliptical with some unique features that make it an attractive option for many. It is compact, ergonomic, user-friendly, has low to no impact, and its online fitness platform is an excellent perk for those who prefer or need guidance. Emitting virtually no noise other than the soft swish of the pedal stroke, the Cubii JR1 can be used in the office without disturbing coworkers. It is a fantastic multi-tasking tool that can get your legs moving, your blood pumping, and yes, can even help you reach some of your long-term fitness goals.
FAQs about Cubii JR1
Does the Cubii JR1 really work?
In a word, yes. The Cubii JR1 is very effective in adding movement to an otherwise stationary day, burning some extra calories, and working to tone some leg muscles with additional resistance. If your goals are aligned with the intention of this product, then the Cubii JR1 can be a great help towards achieving those goals!
What muscles does the Cubii JR1 work?
The pedal stroke of the Cubii JR1 is shallower than its full-sized counterpart, so it will not work your muscle groups in the same way. According to Cubii JR1 users, the machine did help tone hip flexors, glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves, and core muscles, so the higher the resistance and effort, the more your muscles can become engaged.
Is the Cubii JR1 good for seniors?
Absolutely. The Cubii JR1 offers a some- to no-impact workout valuable for seniors. Additionally, the machine is easy to use and assemble, making it accessible for seniors looking to add movement to their day while seated.