DESKCYCLE™ FAQ’S

How do you use the DeskCycle?

Just put the DeskCycle on the floor under your desk and pedal it like a bicycle. Like a bicycle you what to pedal it in a downward direction. To see a visual and for more information read this page for more detail on How to use the DeskCycle.

Will the “Magnetic Resistance” Mechanism affect my computer or pacemakers?

No. The magnetic field in the DeskCycle is contained. The DeskCycle is safe for computers and pacemakers. As an example, if it were possible to put 1000 DeskCycles next to your computer, they would still not be able to affect your computer system.

What is the Difference Between the DeskCycle and the MagneTrainer?

The best explanation will be found on this web page called DeskCycle Vs MagneTrainer

What is the Maximum User Weight of the DeskCycle?

The DeskCycle is not made to be stood on but pedalled while sitting in a chair. The Chair will be supporting the majority of your weight so the DeskCycle can be used by a person who is up to 350lbs.

Will the DeskCycle work at any Desk?

The DeskCycle was made to be pedalled comfortably at desks as low as 27 inches for most people under 5’10”. This is measured from the floor to the underside of the desk. If you are taller than 5’10” then you will likely need to push your bike a little farther away so you can extend your legs enough to keep them from hitting the underside of your desk. You can also lower your chair as well. Another option is to get a taller desk or to elevate the one you have with a couple of blocks or bed rails.

Other magnetic resistance mini pedal bikes are 15 inches to the top of their pedal height making them too big to use under the desk. The DeskCycle is 10 inches.

If you are sitting there in your office chair trying to get the feel of what having a DeskCycle will be like, try this;

While seated extend your legs out and bed your knees so you are at a 25 degree angle.

Take note where your feet are now resting and place a 10 inch pile of books at that spot. That is the maximum height of your pedals. Now place one of your feet on the top of the books so your toes are pointing forward. Keeping your knees bent at the 25 degrees, gently push downward.

Remember to pedal downward like a normal bike and not forward like a recumbent. Pedalling forward will push it away from you unless you use the tether or block at the front.

Can I get a good cardio workout with the DeskCycle?

Sure you can. The resistance can be super cranked making it quite difficult and you can also speed up your pedalling. Many people are able to reach their maximum heart rate by just using the 4 setting and pedalling at about 30 mph.

How do I keep from sweating while pedalling?

You don’t need to use the DeskCycle as though you are in a race. Using the lower resistance settings and pedalling at a slow to moderate pace will still give you wonderful benefits without working up a sweat.

Exercise Suggestions and Tips

The DeskCycle can be used for low and high cardio workouts and for physical therapy. Below are some tips and suggestions for using the bike.

Tips

Tip 1. Pedal Downward

In order to keep the bike in place you will need to pedal downward. See this article for details.

Tip 2. Start out Slow, Listen to your body

Start out at the minimum resistance (level 1) and pedal the bike at 10 to 15mph. This will give you a chance to get used to pedalling downward. For those who don’t ride a bike regularly, it will give you a chance to get your muscles used to using the bike. Increase the resistance as you get used to the bike. The first workout should be no more than 30 minutes. If you’re not sore the next day you can increase it.

Tip 3. Keep your upper body Still

Keeping your body still makes it easy to focus on your work.

• Pedal with your legs, not your body.
• Don’t rock from side to side.
• Pedaling downward makes this easier.

Tip 4. Sit up straight

Don’t slouch, sit up straight. Sitting up straight while using the DeskCycle will help strengthen your core. It’s also good for your spine and better for your neck.

Tip 5. Keep your Back Supported

Depending on your chair design and your height, you may need to sit towards the front of your chair in order to use the bike. In this case you might want to place a lumbar cushion behind your back for support.

Tip 6. Extend your legs

When the pedals are at their farthest point, your legs should be bent at about 25 to 30 degrees from fully extended. This is healthiest for your knees.

Tip 7. If Your Knees Hit your Desk

If your desk is short or if you are tall, your knees may hit the underside of your desk when you pedal the bike.

Below are some tips that will help prevent this.

• Lower your chair. This can lower your knees by several inches. In most cases this is all you will need to do.
• Point your toes upward on the upward pedal stroke. When your toes are pointing upward, your knees will be lower by an inch or more. Then point your toes forward on the downward pedal stroke. This exercises your calves as well.
• Move the bike farther away from you and extend your legs more. Extending your legs lowers your knees. You may not be able to do this if your desk is not very deep underneath.

Exercise Suggestions

Below are a couple of suggestions on how you can use the bike. You can modify these to suit your needs.

Suggestion 1: 1-8 hours per day at low intensity

This is recommended for those who work at your desk while pedalling. This is a low-speed and low-resistance exercise. When using the bike like this it soon becomes second nature.

Be sure to read and understand all of the tips listed above before reading this section.

We recommend starting at a resistance setting of 1 and pedal for no more than an hour the first day. If you are not sore the next day then add 15 minutes each day until you are where you want to be. After that you can increase the resistance 1 step per week until you find the highest level that still feels comfortable and doesn’t interfere with your work. This gradual increase lets your legs build up strength and endurance. It also lets you get used to pedalling the bike downward.

Pedal Speed: 10 to 15 MPH. This slower pedal speed makes it easy to keep your upper body still.

Duration: 1 to 8 hours per day, 5 days per week

Resistance Setting: This depends on your strength. Most people will be between 1 and 3. Note that higher resistance levels may make it more difficult for your to keep your upper body still.

Benefits:

• Burn lots of calories.
• Improve your health
• Increase the blood flow to your brain throughout the day
• Increase your energy level
• Extend your life; reduce the risk factors associated with the “Sitting Disease”.

Pedal Speed: 25 to 30 MPH

Duration: 30 minutes total per day. You can break this up into 3, 10-minute sessions.

Resistance Setting: This depends on how in-shape you are. Most people will be between 1 and 4.

Start slow: The first workout should be at a pedal speed of 15mph and a resistance setting of 1. Increase the speed each day until you are up to 25 mph. Then increase the resistance each week until your are up to your target heart rate. Consult your doctor If you feel weak or dizzy during these workouts.