Is the Cubii Worth It? A Personal Trainer’s Honest Review
Working out from home has become more popular over the past two years. There are more home exercise equipment options now.
The Cubii elliptical is a new product that offers an aerobic workout from the comfort of your desk, couch, or chair.
The Cubii is owned by Fitness Cubed, Inc., a company that is trying to change the way the world views fitness.
“The company’s mission is to make staying active a way of life, not just a daily commitment to going to the gym.”
The Cubii under-desk elliptical is the flagship product of the company and is designed to make exercise more accessible regardless of your physical ability.
The brand currently has four under-desk elliptical models.
The Cubii under-desk elliptical products are reviewed in this article, which gives a critical and firsthand review of their ease of use, user experience, product design, and effectiveness as a workout tool.
Pros
- Convenient size.
- Quiet operation.
- The design is ergonomics.
- It is easy to assemble.
- Appropriate for all fitness levels.
- Cubii Studio+ app has workout classes.
- The Cubii JR2+ model has a wireless connection.
Cons
- It may be It is expensive. for some budgets.
- The motion is limited by limited joints and muscles.
- The benefits of weight bearing exercises are not provided.
- It is not enough intensity for drastic changes to your fitness level.
- After 30 minutes of pedaling, the workout can get tiring.
- “It’s unlikely to be effective for serious improvements to body composition.”
The Cubii is a machine that can fit under your desk and is operated by pedaling. The Cubii should only be used while you are sitting down.
There are four models available.
- The Cubii JR1 is a toy.
- The Cubii JR2 is a toy.
- The Cubii JR2 is a toy.+
- The Cubii Go is a game.
Each model is small and easy to fit under desks.
The pedaling motion of the Cubii is similar to that of a traditional elliptical machine. However, as the primary motion involves pushing with your feet and ankles, pedaling requires a much smaller range of motion at your knees and hip joints.
Cubii Studio+
Cubii devices have access to the Cubii Studio+ companion app.
The Cubii Studio+ has a range of pre-made workout programs, the ability to track your workouts, and the option to attend live workout classes. Some classes will use equipment like a resistance band or dumbbell in addition to the Cubii elliptical.
Cardio, flexibility, strength, and mind-body workouts are included in the classes. Cubii Studio+ costs $74.99 per year for an annual subscription.
“The Cubii product line currently includes four models, which are available directly through the company’s website.”
While only The Cubii JR2 is a toy.+ offers Bluetooth capabilities, all of the devices include access to the Cubii Studio+ app. All Cubii models come with a 1-year warranty and can be returned for free within the first 30 days.
Free shipping is available on orders over $49 to locations in the contiguous United States.
Here is a closer look at the features and specifications of each model.
Cubii JR1
Price: $269
“The Cubii JR1 is the company’s original elliptical model.”
The design features a black body with two pedals and a purple or aqua flywheel.
The JR1 offers eight resistance levels, which can be used to match the intensity to your current fitness level and phase of your workout, such as a warm up or more intense portion of your training session.
Depending on the intensity level, the company claims that The Cubii JR1 is a toy. can burn up to 150 calories an hour, though the number of calories were burned will vary by person and workout session.
The device has an easy-to-read display that will keep you apprised of your progress during a workout.
- calories were burned
- The distance traveled was long.
- The rotation per minute is per minute.
- active time
The Cubii JR1 is fairly portable with a built-in handle on the frame. It also features an The design is ergonomics. that readily fits under a desk, table, or in front of your couch.
It is quiet so you can use the machine without being distracted by the sound of a fan or wheel.
Additional features include:
- Cubii Studio+ app has a 7-day premium subscription.
- display batteries
- nonslip workout mat
- There are wheel stops for your office chair.
The retail price of The Cubii JR1 is a toy. is $269, but it’s currently on sale for $189.
Cubii JR1 at a glance
Dimensions: 23 × 17.5 × 10 inches (58.4 × 44.5 × 25.4 centimeters)
Weight: 27 pounds (12.3 kg)
Features: 8 resistance levels, LCD screen, comes with workout mat and wheel stoppers
The pros are:
- The price is lower.
- Everything needed to start exercising.
- Multiple color options.
The cons are:
- The function of the flywheel is not perfect.
- No ability to use a mobile device.
- Older models are more awkward than heavier ones.
Cubii JR2
Price: $279
The Cubii JR2 has the same features as the JR1, but with a few improvements.
The JR2 has a ZeroGravitii Flywheel that provides a quieter and smoother workout experience.
The Cubii model with the foot straps improves the experience of pedaling on the elliptical.
As with the JR1, The Cubii JR2 is a toy. includes an LCD, batteries, a nonslip workout mat, and a 7-day subscription to the Cubii Studio+ premium app.
The chair lock included in the JR2 is an upgrade from the wheel stops provided with the JR1, making it even easier to stop your chair from rolling.
The Cubii JR2 has a black frame with a neon green one on the flywheel.
The JR2 is 25% lighter than the JR1. It is 10% more compact.
The retail price of The Cubii JR2 is a toy. is $279, though it’s currently on sale for $199.
Cubii JR2 at a glance
Dimensions: 22.2 × 11.8 × 11.6 in. (56.4 × 30 × 29.5 cm)
Weight: 18.9 lbs. (8.6 kg)
Features: 8 resistance levels, LCD screen, adjustable foot straps, comes with workout mat and ChairLock
The pros are:
- It is lightweight and compact.
- Attach via ChairLock.
- ZeroGravitii Flywheel has a quieter operation.
The cons are:
- Less durable than the models that are more sturdy.
- No ability to use a mobile device.
- Only one color choice.
Cubii JR2+
Price: $299
The Cubii under-desk elliptical lineup has the most advanced and It is expensive. model.
“The JR2+ is different in that it is smaller and has pedals with padding, but it doesn’t have foot straps.”
The JR2+ is the only model that offers async to fitness apps with the exception of Cubii Studio+. It also syncs with other devices.
The Cubii JR2+ is only available in aqua.
Cubii JR2+ at a glance
Dimensions: 22 x 11.5 x 11.5 in. (55.9 x 29.2 x 29.2 cm)
Weight: < 20lbs. (9 kg)
Features: 8 resistance levels, LCD screen, Bluetooth, comes with attachable wheel cup
The pros are:
- It combines both durability and portableness.
- It is possible to use the Bluetooth enabled.
- smooth design
The cons are:
- It is expensive.
- Only one color option.
Cubii Go
Price: $299
The Cubii Go is the only model that is ready to use out of the box, and no assembly is required.
It has the largest ZeroGravitii flywheel, which allows for the smoothest operation.
The backlit LCD allows you to easily view your workout metrics in low-light settings, such as under a desk.
The Go comes with an office chair wheel cup, which is different from the JR models.
The Cubii Go has a retractable handle that makes it more portable.
It is 25% lighter than the JR1 model.
Cubii Go at a glance
Dimensions: 24.5 × 17.5 × 9 in. (62.2 × 44.5 × 23 cm)
Weight: 19.4 lbs. (8.8 kg)
Features: 8 resistance levels, backlit LCD screen, retractable handle, wheels, built-in wheel cup
The pros are:
- lightweight
- It is portable.
- Smooth ZeroGravitii Flywheel.
The cons are:
- No internet access with a wireless device.
- high price for value
- Only one color option.
Additional Cubii products
Cubii plans to release a TotalBody+ elliptical that has resistance bands so you can work your upper body while you pedal.
The Cubii website has several accessories, such as:
- Premium subscription for studio
- Getting started with reference cards.
- Comfii Fit workout clothes.
- Squishii grip strengthener bundle.
- dumbbell bundle
- The bundle has hand weight.
- The cushion is made of lumbar material.
- The straps on the pedal are fastened.
- Cubii mat for exercising.
Replacement pedals and LCDs are also available for purchase online.
Cubed Fitness agreed to send me a Cubii JR2 for my try out of the elliptical.
Assembly and setup
“The device was easy to assemble and you don’t need a screwdriver to install the pedals.”
The Cubii easily fit under my desk, and the chair stopper prevented my chair from rolling away.
Using the device
I was impressed by the smooth motion of the elliptical and how quietly the flywheel operated when I used the device.
My only gripe was the short range of motion, as after 15 minutes, my legs felt the urge to move through a less restricted range of motion like you would on a traditional elliptical machine.
The Cubii is designed to be operated while sitting.
I burned 98 calories after pedaling for 45 minutes at level 6.
Overall experience
The Cubii was easy to use but became a distraction when it was needed the most.
The machine is better suited to being used while watching TV. You could stop pedaling if you got distracted by your show, which would reduce your calories burned.
I also found it difficult to get a substantial increase in my heart rate while using the Cubii, though this will vary depending on your fitness level.
This suggests that the Cubii is unlikely to have drastic improvements in aerobic endurance.
I found it difficult to pedal past 30 minutes.
You would need to use the machine for longer periods of time to burn more calories.
Finally, compared with resistance training or jogging, the Cubii doesn’t stimulate the muscles in your lower body to any significant degree, making it unlikely to cause noticeable gains in muscle or drastic cardiovascular adaptations.
The Cubii is an effective way to exercise, but is it effective?
“Cubii products don’t live up to the hype of being a convenient and efficient way to get fit”
While it’s true that using the Cubii does burn calories, which can support weight loss, the overall number of calories were burned is likely insufficient for any real change in body composition.
Cubii claims to burn up to 150 calories per hour with nonstop use. Compared with other mainstream forms of exercise like weight training, jogging, or interval training, this is less than half of what you would expect to burn doing any of the aforementioned activities (
Many snack foods have more than 150 calories per serving. Without a focus on nutrition, burning those extra calories can be accomplished by eating a few handfuls of nuts or chips.
Of course, there’s more to fitness than just burning calories.
Cubii fails to stack up in those departments.
“Enhancing cardiovascular fitness requires a high heart rate for a while. The Cubii doesn’t provide enough intensity to cause a meaningful increase in heart rate.”
If you have done moderate or intense exercise, you will know how hard it is to get office work done while sweating and breathing hard.
Another downside of the Cubii is the lack of weight bearing inherent in this exercise modality.
Research suggests that weight-bearing exercises, including traditional weight training, jogging, and walking, can improve bone mineral density, which is a vital health marker when it comes to aging (
The Cubii is not able to provide many of the benefits associated with other forms of exercise because of its lack of weight bearing.
Potential benefits
There are some positives to using the Cubii.
For example, if you don’t find the pedaling motion distracting, using the Cubii will allow you to burn more calories than you would sitting at your desk.
If you tend to get restless, the Cubii could help you get the wiggles out.
The Cubii may be more of a full-body workout if the classes use a resistance band or dumbbell.
The extra calories burn from a nutrition plan from a healthcare professional could help you lose weight.
“If you can’t bear weight or perform other forms of exercise, the Cubii is a good alternative.”
For example, if you have knee issues that make weight bearing difficult, the Cubii might be a good way to get some lower body movement without stressing your joints.
“Cubii could be a viable option if you can’t go outside and have an indoor workout area.”
If you think Cubii workouts are a good fit for you, you should still consult with your healthcare professional.
The Cubii is not a primary method of exercise, but it is still worth purchasing.
If you want to get a small boost to your calories burned, the Cubii may be worth considering.
If you like to move while you work, the Cubii is a good option.
However, if your fitness goals include improved bone health, muscle building, weight loss, or major aerobic gains, the Cubii is unlikely to deliver what you need.
When it comes to alternatives to the Cubii products, there are a number of options on the market. Here’s a quick look at how The Cubii JR2 is a toy.+ compares to the DeskCycle2 and FlexiSpot All-in-One Desk Bike.
Price | Dimensions | Weight | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cubii JR2+ | $299 | 22 x 11.5 x 11.5 in. (55.9 x 29.2 x 29.2 cm) | < 20lbs. (9 kg) | • elliptical movement • under-desk position • 8 resistance levels • Bluetooth • works with Cubii Studio+ and other apps |
DeskCycle 2 | $147.99 | 10.2 x 24 x 20.1 in (26 x 61 x 51 cm) | 23 lbs. (10.4 kg) | • cycling movement • under-desk position • can pedal forward and backward • built-in straps • 8 resistance levels |
FlexiSpot All-in-One Desk Bike | $409.99 | 37.6 x 22.8 x 48.4 in. (95.5 x 57.9 x 122.9 cm) at max height | 51 lbs. (23 kg) | • cycling movement • option to include a desktop • wheels • 300-lb. (136.1-kg max weight capacity) • 8 resistance levels |
The range of motion on the pedals is wider and you can pedal both forward and backward, which is a big plus for people with a desk. The pedals have built-in straps.
The Flexispot All-in-One desk bike is a small stationary bike that can be set up in front of a desk, which is ideal if you want something closer to a stationary bike. You can pay an additional fee for a built-in desktop. It has a larger range of motion than the Cubii ellipticals.
While all three options have 8 resistance levels, only The Cubii JR2 is a toy.+ offers Bluetooth integration.
Is the Cubii as good as walking?
Working out on the Cubii does not provide the same benefits as walking. For example, you’re not bearing your own weight when you use the Cubii, so your muscle and joints aren’t challenged to the same degree as they would be during walking.
That said, using a Cubii elliptical or similar device may help increase overall physical activity levels, especially during otherwise sedentary activities like watching TV (
What muscles does the Cubii work?
The Cubii mimics the movement of a regular elliptical trainer without the upper body component. That said, the Cubii won’t work the glutes, hamstrings, and quads as much as a regular elliptical does because it can only be used while you’re seated.
Due to the angle at which your legs and feet fit into the pedals, the Cubii will primarily engage the muscles in your lower legs like your calves and tibialis anterior, which is the muscle that runs along your shin.
Is the Cubii good for older adults?
While using the Cubii can be a good way for older adults to get some movement in their daily routine, it should not be considered a replacement for a structured, comprehensive workout program that includes other components like resistance training, flexibility, and balance exercises (
Cubii ellipticals are designed to burn calories without getting up from the couch, and are available in four models.
However, as the machine has a limited range of motion and may not provide enough intensity, you’re unlikely to notice any meaningful improvements in your overall fitness.
If you want to gain muscle, improve your aerobic conditioning, or burn calories, you should buy a traditional elliptical machine.
If the Cubii is in line with your goals and you can afford to purchase the device, it is worth giving it a try.