“Sitting is the new smoking” is a new health slogan emerged over the last few years. Adults spend more than half their waking hours, sitting. Sedentary lifestyle has been shown to increase your risk of cancer, decrease your quality of rest, lead to back and neck pain, promote greater psychological stress, increase risk of certain chronic diseases, along with a shorter life expectancy. However, just because you have a desk-based job doesn’t mean you have to spend hours on end sitting on your. An under desk treadmill or walking treadmill, can keep you steadily moving throughout the day, boosting your metabolism and cardiovascular fitness with every step.
We’ve rounded up some of the top choices for the best under desk treadmills below, all of which can help you be more physically active and boost your overall mental and physical well-being whilst in a restrictive environment.
What is an under desk treadmill?
Under desk treadmills are designed to slide underneath standing desks. These treadmills operate at a lower speed, usually .5 mph to a max of between 2.5 and 4mph so you can maintain your balance as you work at your desk.
While you can’t necessarily train for a marathon on most of these treadmills, they allow you to walk whilst on calls, video meetings, or when performing work. Under desk treadmills are also one of the more compact types of cardio equipment, so they won’t take up too much of your office space.
They requires either an standing desk or a riser if you’re going to use the treadmill for office work. Even if you don’t have a standing desk, these yoga-mat-size treadmills are a great way to accommodate a fitness equipment in a small space.
What is the benefit of an under desk treadmill?
- Increasing the energy and speeding up the metabolism: Since the scientists recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity each week, hopping on a treadmill desk while you work can be an effective way to increase energy expenditure and metabolic rate, according to BMC Public Health.
- Improving brain health. Physical activity like walking is good for your body and mind as it can increase oxygen flow as well as the growth of new nerve cells and connections, or synapses, between brain cells which make it a no-brainer “must” for brain health.
- Reducing the amount of pressure on your back and neck. An under desk treadmill desk may also help alleviate neck and back pain, which was a major complaint of nearly 45,000 office workers who participated in another study published in the same journal.
- Burning calories while you work. Merely standing raises the body’s basal metabolic rate (BMR) significantly, as the heart has to work harder to keep the body erect. Walking at a slow pace of 1 to 2 mph raises the BMR further still, and with it, our background calorie burn.
- Bosting your productivity and mood. A recent study published by the University of Minnesota on the benefits of under desk treadmills in the workplace, involving 43 volunteers on treadmill desks. The study finds that workers with a treadmill desk are more productive than their sedentary counterparts.
The best under desk treadmills you can buy today
1-GOYOUTH 2 in 1 Under Desk Electric Treadmill
🏆BEST UNDER DESK TREADMILL FOR RUNNING
Key Specs
- Size (L x W x H): 50.59 x 22.44 x 5.51 inches
- Item weight: 50.7 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 220 pounds
- Maximum Speed: 6 mph
- Special Features: Built-in Bluetooth speaker, Quiet belt, remote control, LED display, Low noise motor, Shock absorption design, Transport wheel
Pros:
- Offer speeds for walking, jogging and running
- Offers 12 exercise programs
- LED display provides speed, calories burned, step count and distance in real time
- Bluetooth is easy to assemble
Cons:
- Supports up to 220 pounds
GOYOUTH 2 in 1 is one of the best under desk treadmills withcompact size and only 50 pounds weights, and the wheels underneath make it a breeze to move around, allowing it to be stored in any desired location. Despite being lightweight, it is sturdy, and can reach speeds up to 6 mph, which makes it one of the faster models on our list.
You can get a run in with many of under desk treadmills treadmills on this list, but this one has a non-slip belt and built-in shock absorption system, so it’s a walking jogging machine for home/office use.
It has an LED screen that displays time, speed, calories burned, distance, and steps, and can be controlled with the included remote. If you want to jam out to some music, simply connect your phone to the treadmill’s speakers via Bluetooth.
2-UREVO Foldable Under Desk Treadmill
🏆BEST WITH HANDRAILS
Key Specs
- Size (L x W x H): 55.2 x 5.1 x 27.8 inches
- Weight Capacity: 260 pounds
- Max Speed: 7.5 mph
- Special Features: 12 pre-set training programs, handrails, LCD display, phone holder, transportation wheel, Non-slip mat
Pros:
- LCD display and phone holder
- Large running surface
- Stabilizing design
- 12 pre-set training programs
- Anti-slip belt and soft-grip handlebar
Cons:
- Some viewers points issue with ease of folding
With speeds ranging from .5 up to maximum speed of 7.5 mph, this Urevo model is fast enough to allow most runners to get in a satisfying jog. This treadmill comes with 12 preset training programs and an LCD screen that displays time, distance, speed, and calories burned.
The machine’s wide belt gives you more stability and the freedom to walk with a wider gait, rather than forcing you to adjust your step pattern to suit a narrow belt, which can put you out of proper alignment. When you are finished with your workout, the treadmill folds up to fit under a bed or couch.
3-UREVO 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill
🏆BEST WITH WHEELS
Key Specs
- Size (L x W x H): 52.7. x 26.2 x 5.1 inches
- Item Weight: 59 LBS
- Weight Capacity: 265 pounds
- Max Speed: 7.6 mph
- Special Features: Remote control, Quiet motor, Adjustable bar, Widened belt, Pre-assembled, Energy saver, Photo holder, Anti-skip, Shock-absorbing, Safety lock, Rotatable handrails
Pros:
- Foldable
- Comes with a media holder
- Has handrails
Cons:
- Limited warranty
The UREVO 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill operates as a treadmill that can be folded up and stowed under your desk, but also as a normal stand-up treadmill with handrails. Thanks to its wheeled base and light, 59-pound weight, this treadmill is easy to move and store as needed.
It’s just over 5 inches high at its tallest point, so it can be propped up against the wall or slid under a bed without taking up significant room. It’s pretty quiet, and as long as it is lubricated properly, is apartment friendly.
The UREVO includes a speed range of up to 3.8 mph for walking and 7.6 mph for running with the handrails up.
An LED display tracks key metrics, and you can place your tablet or device on the treadmill’s media holder.
4-GoPlus 1HP Walking Treadmill Desk
🏆Best under desk treadmill for walking
Key Specs
- Size: : 51.5 x 23.5 x 6 inches
- Item Weight: 55.5 lb
- Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
- Max Speed: 4 mph
- Special Features: Wireless Remote Control, Compact Size & Lightweight, Touchable Multi-function LED Display, Shock-proof Design & Safety Features, Widened running platform, Emergency brake on remote
Pros:
- Easy to move thanks to the wheels
- Slight incline
- Touchscreen LED display
- Compact size
- Preassembled
Cons:
- Noisy
- Doesn’t come with a warranty
- 220-pound weight limit–Loud
The GoPlus 1HP is one of the Walking Treadmills which is great for anyone looking to push themselves a little harder when walking, as there are 12 built-in programs that the manufacturer states can help build cardiovascular strength. These programs automatically change the speed of the treadmill as you walk over 30 minutes, pushing you to pick up the pace as you work.
Also, Goplus Under Desk Treadmill offers a slight incline which is a simple way to to amp up the intensity that’s ideal for walking.
The GoPlus 1HP Walking Treadmill also comes ready assembled, and located at the front of the treadmill is an easy-to-read LED touchscreen that displays time, speed, distance, and calories burned when using the tread.
Its Shock absorption design ensures your knees are protected, and the slim, compact design allows you to easily stow it away or slide it under your desk.
The downside here is that both the treadmill and the belt are pretty noisy, making this one unsuitable for use in a shared working environment.
5-DAEYEGIM Portable Under Desk Electric Treadmill
🏆Best quietest walking treadmills
Key Specs
- Size: : 49.2 x 19.3 x 5.3 inches
- Item Weight: 40.34 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
- Max Speed: 5 mph
- Special Features: Smart remote control, Space-saving & easy to move, high quality LED display, Transport wheels, Shock absorbing, non-slip straps belt, Lower noise motor
Pros:
- Allows you the ability to run
- Features an LED screen
- Quiet even while you run on it
Cons:
- Some reviewers dislike the 40 minute auto shut-off feature
DAEYEGIM treadmill’s reportedly even quiet while you run on it, which is a major bonus if you plan on using for walking or jogging silently without disturbing your family and colleagues.
It features an LED screen that measures speed, distance, and the amount of calories you’ve burned. And the 5.3” thickness can help you save space, and the widened(15.3″) running belt can meet your needs.
You can use this remote to do on/off, accelerate/decelerate, and this walking pad is not only used in walking but also widely used in jogging. The compact, foldable design saves more space, so it can be easily placed Under the bed, Corner, or Sofa(built-in transport wheels for easy movement).
6-Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M Foldable Manual Walking Treadmill
🏆Best well priced for the value
Key Specs
- Size: : 49 x 23 x 50 inches
- Item Weight: 46.7 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
- Max Speed: 0.1 mph
- Maximum Incline Percentage: 13.5
- Special Features: LCD monitor,Dual flywheels, Non-slip foam handlebars, Transportation wheels, Non-slip running surface, Floor stabilizer
Pros:
- Slightly fixed incline
- Easy to move around
- Compact size
- Requires no plugs or electricity
Cons:
- Incredibly basic Console
- Parallel bars are odd to hold onto
For being around $150, it’s kind of a miracle that Sunny Health was able to pack so many features in to this treadmill. It’s foldable, offers an incline up to 13 percent, tracks distance and calories, and does it all without needing to be plugged in so you can really take it anywhere.
Create goal-specific workouts with the LCD monitor that allows the user to track time, speed, distance, calories burned, and scan. With an available ‘scan’ option, you can scan through your performance data without lifting a finger.
Dual flywheels provide an endless source of resistance by requiring more force to be produced by the user when increasing speed, power output and tension. Sweat guard protection covers keep flywheels free of sweat and debris.
High-density rubber handrails are slip resistant and provide additional support as you continue a steady pace.
7-WalkingPad A1 Pro Smart Walk Folding Treadmill
🏆BEST FOLDABLE UNDER DESK TREADMILL
Key Specs
- Size: : 35 x 25 x 7.5 inches
- Folded Size: 35 x 25 x 7.5 inches
- Package Weight: 27.22 Kilograms
- Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
- Max Speed: 3.72 mph
- Special Features: LED panel, Easy to move, Intelligent speed control, Child lock function, Automatic standby, Overload protection
Pros:
- Fast set up
- Remote is easy to use
Cons:
- App is glitchy
- Switches between miles and kilometres
Those of you who’ve been doing some research know that WalkingPad is kinda the celeb of the under-desk treadmill world.
WalkingPad A1 Pro under-desk treadmill has a nifty design that makes stowing the treadmill when you’re not using them a breeze — they can be folded in half, 32 inches wide.
The WalkingPad A1 Pro is fast to set up, has an easy-to-use remote control, and a screen on the front of the treadmill that displays your distance walked, time, and speed. The treadmill also has two different modes — manual and automatic. When the treadmill is in manual mode, you can change the speed of the treadmill using the remote, or the app on your phone. In automatic mode, the belt speeds up or slows down depending on where you position yourself. Walk closer to the front, it speeds up; walk closer to the back, it slows down.
The WalkingPad A1 Pro is fairly quiet. Overall, this is a great option, although some viewers say that the KS Fit app was a little glitchy.
8-WalkingPad foldable treadmill P1
🏆The best folding under-desk treadmill for home use
Key Specs
- Size: : 47 x 16.5 inches
- Weight: 3.5 mph
- Maximum User Weight: 220 lbs
- Top speed: 0.4 -4 MPH
Pros:
- Easy to use and set up
- Can be folded away
Cons:
- Display–Remote is glitchy
The WalkingPad P1 is $100 cheaper than the WalkingPad A1 Pro, but is similar in design. The main difference between the two is that the WalkingPad P1 doesn’t have a screen to show you your pace, distance, and time on the treadmill itself. However, to make up for this, the remote is larger and comes with a small screen.
The motor of the WalkingPad P1 is also a bit less powerful and a bit louder.
Like the WalkingPad A1 Pro, the WalkingPad P1 can be folded in half and stowed under a couch when you’re not using it. Like a lot of sizable electronics, the WalkingPad P1 comes with a fairly short power cord (six feet), so you’ll want to find a spot for it that’s close to an electrical outlet.
Similar to the WalkingPad A1 Pro, the app is a little glitchy, but according to a lot of the recent reviews it seems that most of them have been fixed with a recent update. Overall, this is a great option for most, but if you’re keen on seeing your stats as you walk, it won’t be for you.
9-Egofit Walker Pro Under Desk Electric Walking Treadmill
🏆BEST UNDER-DESK TREADMILL WITH INCLINE
Key Specs
- Size (L x W x H): 38.39 x 21.85 x 6.89 inches
- Maximum User Weight: 245 pounds
- Item Weight: 55 pounds
- Max Speed: 0.6–3.1mph
- Special Features: Remote control, Incline 5, LCD monitor, Maneuverable wheels, Patented walking traction control system
Pros:
- Featured incline
- Fully assembled
- It’s quite
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer ability to run
If you don’t have a ton of floor space to spare but want to be more active throughout the workday, this Egofit treadmill could be the perfect addition to your WFH setup. At just 38 inches long and under 22 inches wide, it’s among the most petite under-desk treadmills on the market, and its 55-pound weight makes it easy enough for one person to move alone.
It’s also a hit with buyers, who give it an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars, calling it the “perfect compact treadmill.”
Most under desk treadmills don’t offer an incline, because the point is that they’re supposed to be flat, but Egofit’s slight 5 percent incline is perfect to be used for long periods of time, so you can be on it for hours without feeling a burn 10 minutes in to your weekly team meeting.
10-Lifespan TR1200-GlowUp Under Desk Exercise Treadmill
🏆The best under desk treadmill for those with a bigger budget
Key Specs
- Size: : 62 x 27.5 x 5.5 inches
- Weight: 130 lb
- Maximum User Weight: 350 lbs
- Top speed: 0.4 -4 MPH
- Deck size : 55L x 20W in
- Special Features: 6 impact-absorbing compression shocks, Red LED display, Intelli-Guard™ Safety Technology, Integrated Step Counting, Automatic pause, Customizable Personal Settings, Non-Slip Plastic
Pros:
- Whisper-Quiet motor
- Red LED display
- Fully Assembled
- Large remote control
- Heavier maximum weight
- Lifetime warranty on the frame
Cons:
- No incline
- Heavier than other treadmills on the list
- Control console is on the larger size
- Bluetooth can be unreliable
The Lifespan TR1200-GlowUp Under Desk Treadmill is one of the best on the market, but it comes at a cost.
It has a higher weight limit of 350 pounds, a top speed of four miles per hour, and has wheels that allow you to move the treadmill when you’re not using it. It also has a large console with big buttons that make changing the speed as you work easier. The console also acts as the treadmill’s screen, displaying all the stats you need, such as distance, steps taken, and calories burned.
The major selling point here is how quiet the treadmill is — the treadmill has six impact-absorbing zones on the belt to minimize sound as you walk. You also will like the Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to upload your walks onto the LifeSpan Active Track fitness app, helping you to get a better idea of your progress at the end of the working day.
