We're about to hit you with some hard facts. Are you sitting down?
Just kidding — you don't have to answer that. Studies show that the average adult sits for nearly 10 hours every day, so there's a good chance that you are right now. But what is particularly worrisome is that sitting for more than just four hours per day can lead to a higher risk of back aches and depression at best, and heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer in the worst-case scenarios. Those risks just get riskier with more time spent sitting, but the American Heart Association notes that even light-intensity activity (like walking) can offset some of the worst side effects of being sedentary.
Right, so sit less, move more — simple, right? Well, if you work a job where you need to have your eyes glued to a screen for the vast majority of your workday, it can be surprisingly difficult to add in that "move more" part. You can sit less by switching to a standing desk, of course, and that can be a significant health improvement on its own. However, adding some actual physical activity into the mix is even better, so move over, standing desk — the treadmill desk has entered the chat.
What is an under-desk treadmill?
As the name implies, under-desk treadmills are simply treadmills that are made to fit easily under a standing desk in your home office (even if that’s just a corner of your living room). They're typically narrower than a traditional treadmill, and they either have a handrail that can fold down flush around the treadmill's deck, or they don't have a handrail at all.
Do under-desk treadmills work?
Just like any other piece of at-home gym equipment, under-desk treadmills only work if you use them. Also sometimes referred to as “walking treadmills” or "walking pads," most of them are not designed to go very fast, so you shouldn't expect to get the same kind of workout as you would on ordinary treadmills. This also makes sense because typing and reading on a screen while trying to run is an uncomfortable — if not impossible — task.
Rather, under-desk treadmills are designed so you can walk at a relatively leisurely pace during the course of your workday to help you burn some extra calories and smash your daily step count goals. Does it replace going to the gym for a heart-pumping sweat session? No. But is it an infinitely healthier choice than just sitting down all day? Absolutely.
Whether you utilise it while answering emails, writing reports, or listening to low-participation meetings with your camera and mic turned off, a treadmill workstation can help you improve circulation, avoid body pain from sitting too long, and reduce your risk of an early death. Bonus (as if that’s not enough): It could even help boost productivity and creativity, and lower stress levels.
Just make sure that you keep good posture while walking on your under-desk treadmill, and gradually work your way up to longer desk-walking sessions; no need to attempt a marathon on your first day — or even in your first few months, for that matter.
How do you choose a treadmill for under your desk?
When shopping for a walking pad or under-desk treadmill, consider the following:
- Speed range — All walking pads will be suitable for taking leisurely strolls of 2 MPH or slower. However, some under-desk treadmills can reach higher speeds more comparable to a running treadmill — sometimes over 7 MPH — so you can speed-walk, run, and generally maximise your workout both at your desk and away from it.
- Dimensions — If you already have a standing desk setup in your home office, you'll want to keep a close eye on the overall dimensions of the under-desk treadmill or walking pad you'd like to purchase. If it's too wide to fit under your existing desk, you won't be able to use it properly. Similarly, consider both the deck width and length to ensure that the walking area will accommodate your stride. Some taller folks may have a longer stride that could overreach a treadmill deck that's too short in length, but a longer deck may not fit in small spaces.
- Ease of storage — The size of the walking pad also comes into play when you think about where you'll store it when not in use. Some walking treadmills are built with a fold-up handrail for use away from your desk as well, so just make sure that component can fold flat. Generally speaking, a walking pad should be able to slide easily under a bed or sofa, making it the perfect solution for small spaces.
- Weight capacity — You'll also want to consider the maximum weight recommendation for users; many walking pads tend to have a weight capacity of about 220 pounds, but you can definitely find options that are more accommodating.
- Maneuverability — Speaking of weight, consider the item's weight and whether or not it has built-in transport wheels that make the walking pad easy to move around your home office, living room, bedroom — wherever. The easier it is to set up and put away, the more likely you are to keep up with the habit.
Keep these points in mind when shopping around for an under-desk treadmill.
Do any under-desk treadmills incline?
Most under-desk treadmills do not have an incline feature as it would make it a bit more tricky to use while working at a desktop. That said, they're not impossible to find.
Can you use an under-desk treadmill on carpet?
Using your under-desk treadmill on a low-pile carpet should be okay, but a more plush carpet could cause the treadmill to overheat. Fortunately, you can get a treadmill mat to place on top of your carpet to keep air flowing and act as a safety shield from dust and carpet fibers. That said, you may also want to place a mat under your treadmill if you have hardwood floors to avoid damaging them (and to dampen sound a little bit if you live above neighbours).
Are under-desk treadmills better than under-desk bikes?
When comparing under-desk treadmills and under-desk bikes, it honestly comes down to your fitness goals and the nature of your work. While we've already noted that typing and reading can be a little tricky while walking at your treadmill workstation because of the full-body movement, an under-desk bike typically keeps your upper body stationary, so you might find it easier to get work done.
That said, there are several different styles of under-desk bikes — some of which may make it more difficult to work comfortably, especially if you have longer legs. Some under-desk bikes also allow you to achieve a much more strenuous cardio workout than walking treadmills, though you may need to reserve those sweat sessions for low-participation meetings when your mic and camera are off, just as you would for more intense workouts on an under-desk treadmill.
But, just like the difference between walking pads and ordinary treadmills, there's still a big difference between under-desk bikes and a true cardio workout on a Peloton or other fitness bike. Neither of these under-desk versions of gym equipment should replace true workouts, but they're both great options for adding activity to your daily routine.
What is the best under-desk treadmill?
There are a lot of options out there to suit everyone. To give you the best chance of finding something that works for you, we have highlighted a selection of standout models from a range of top brands.
These are the best under-desk treadmills in 2023.
WalkingPad P1 Slim Foldable Treadmill
Best For Storage
- Can be stored flat: Yes
- Deck length: 57 inches
- Deck width: 16 inches
- Item weight: 28 kg
- Maximum speed: 4 MPH
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Weight capacity: 100 kg
The WalkingPad P1 stands out from the pack with a longer deck than most other under-desk treadmill options, allowing taller users to achieve a more comfortable stride without running out of room. Deck lengths are usually kept significantly shorter than the WalkingPad P1's generous 57 inches so that they can be stored away easily in small spaces. However, the P1 is also unique in that it boasts a 180-degree folding design so you can easily slide it under a couch, your bed, or even an armchair when not in use.
While the WalkingPad P1 has a relatively simple design as far as under-desk treadmills go, it really impressed our assistant reviews editor Miller Kern. She found it very easy to set up and use, and she particularly liked the connected app which allows users to control the treadmill's speed, make workout plans, and track walking distance. The WalkingPad folding treadmill also comes with a remote control, and you can even change the speed with your foot placement on the walking pad itself.
Sunny Health & Fitness Slim Walking Pad
Best For Adjusting
- Can be stored flat: Yes
- Deck length: 47.2 inches
- Deck width: 15.7 inches
- Item weight: 58 kg
- Maximum speed: 6.2 MPH
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Weight capacity: 108 kg
Whether walking, jogging, or running, you can adjust the treadmill wirelessly via the controls built into the desktop. It also features a small display where you can track your walking or running speed, distance walked, calories burned, and cycle through the 10 preset workout programs. The running surface is decently sized and has built-in shock absorption to ease stress on your feet and joints. You can also manually adjust the incline up to 4.9 degrees, which is a somewhat rare feature for under-desk treadmills.
UREVO Folding Treadmill
Best For Running
- Can be stored flat: Yes
- Deck length: 43 inches
- Deck width: 16.5 inches
- Item weight: 36 kg
- Maximum speed: 7.5 MPH
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Weight capacity: 120 kg
This under-desk treadmill from UREVO has a generous max speed of 7.5 MPH in running mode and a deck length of 43 inches, though it has a slightly wider deck than some others. It also has a five-layer, non-slip running belt with silica gel column support to cushion the impact on your joints, especially while running. Its remote control, fitness-tracking LED display (with time, speed, distance, and calories burned), and built-in phone holder and controls on the handrail give it the upper hand on some other models. However, the handlebar height cannot be adjusted, so it may not be the most supportive or comfortable fit for taller users.
Egofit Walker Pro M1/M1T Under Desk Treadmill
Best For Incline
- Can be stored flat: Yes
- Deck length: 47 inches
- Deck width: 16.5 inches
- Item weight: 25 kg
- Maximum speed: 3.1 MPH
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Weight capacity: 100 kg
If flat treadmills won't provide enough of a challenge for your workday workouts, this desk walking treadmill is designed with a 5-degree incline to amp up the action. Just keep in mind that this is a fixed incline design, so it is not adjustable. The speed, however, is adjustable up to 3.1 MPH.
This Egofit walking pad is relatively lightweight and has two wheels at the front, so it's pretty easy for one person to manoeuvre. It's also a particularly compact treadmill in terms of footprint — though it stands a bit taller because of the incline, so it may not fit as easily under low-clearance furniture, like a sofa.
THERUN Under Desk Treadmill
Best For Noise
- Can be stored flat: Yes
- Deck length: 55 inches
- Deck width: 17 inches
- Item weight: 38 kg
- Maximum speed: 7.5 MPH
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Weight capacity: 120 kg
It's not easy to find something negative about this under-desk treadmill, particularly as reviews are so strong.
The THERUN under-desk treadmill comes with a powerful and quiet motor, and supports speeds of up to 7.5 MPH and has a weight capacity of 120 kg. That means you can enjoy your daily workout without disturbing others, including colleagues on your video call.
The running belt is wide enough and has shock absorbing properties that support your joints. The foldable design and built-in transport wheels make it easy to move around the house. When it is folded down, it's small enough to be stored under a sofa or bed.
Recommended For You
-
These are the best Target Circle Week deals on Apple WatchesBecome a Circle member for free to claim the savings. -
Google launches kids Fitbit with gaming featuresGoogle is betting that both kids and parents will love the new Fitbit Ace LTE. -
These are the best Target Circle Week deals on Apple WatchesBecome a Circle member for free to claim the savings.
-
Google launches kids Fitbit with gaming featuresGoogle is betting that both kids and parents will love the new Fitbit Ace LTE.
-
The 12 best roller skates, according to the internet's favorite skatersWhether you skate in a rink or outside, we've found the best pair of skates for you.
Trending on Mashable
-
'Deadpool 3': Hugh Jackman, Shawn Levy fail at guessing Ryan Reynolds' favorite Taylor Swift song; Can you?Hint: It has a special connection with his daughters. -
BTS' Jungkook creates history, becomes first soloist with 9 songs at no. 1 in 100 countries on iTunes worldwideBTS' Jungkook lives up to his 'Golden Maknae' nickname. -
'Gladiator II' trailer is glorious, maximus Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal?ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?? -
UAE influencer Salama Mohamed reflects on divorce with Khalid Al Meri: ‘I was reborn that day’She is now focused on living an independent life. -
Is 'Kalki 2898 AD' inspired by 'Harry Potter'? Nag Ashwin reveals details, while praising VFX teamNag Ashwin directorial 'Kalki 2898 AD' was released on June 28.