10 best under-desk treadmills | Medical News Today

10 best under-desk treadmills | Medical News Today

Under-desk treadmills are a space-saving and convenient way to engage in daily exercise. People can walk while working with desk add-ons or make the most out of a smaller space with foldable treadmills.

A quick look at 10 of the best under-desk treadmills

Adults spend more than half their waking hours, or roughly 10–13 hours a day, sitting. Treadmills are one way to engage in exercise, and people may use under-desk treadmills to exercise while working.

This article discusses what to consider in an under-desk treadmill, some treadmills available to purchase online, and answers frequently asked questions.

Research shows that using an under-desk treadmill can have the following positive effects:

  • increasing the number of calories a person burns
  • speeding up the metabolism
  • reducing the amount of time a person spends sitting down

Research also suggests that using an under-desk treadmill improves glucose and HDL cholesterol levels.

People should ensure that it is easy to transition between walking and working when using an under-desk treadmill.

While these treadmills do not appear to affect workplace productivity and concentration, people should still ensure that the under-desk treadmill will not adversely affect their working hours.

Medical News Today chooses fitness equipment that meets the following criteria where possible:

  • Price: MNT chooses products available for a wide range of budgets.
  • Size and capacity: MNT selects products to suit people of different heights, weights, and strengths.
  • Connectivity: Where fitness equipment has fitness memberships or subscriptions, MNT ensures variation in classes and services that benefit a person’s health.
  • Materials: MNT chooses products with safe and durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
  • Ease of use: MNT selects simple-to-use products that have clear instructions. If set-up is complicated, MNT chooses brands that offer a set-up or installation service.
  • Quality: MNT chooses companies that adhere to high quality manufacturing processes that ensure its products are safe for personal use.
  • Reputable: MNT chooses products from businesses that adhere to industry best practices and that offer reliable customer service and support.

Below are some under-desk treadmills a person may consider purchasing online.

Best dual-purpose: Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill

  • Price: list price of around $500
  • Size: 49 x 27 x 42 inches (in)
  • Top speed: 3 miles per hour (mph)
  • Maximum user weight: 265 pounds (lb)

This under-desk treadmill has a riser that people can fold for walking and raise when running. The 2.25 horsepower motor is quiet, and the company states that the five-layer running belt reduces the impact on joints and muscles.

This treadmill weighs 69.5 lb. Additional features include:

  • phone holders
  • remote control
  • LED display
  • Bluetooth connectivity

However, some people may find switching between walking and running set-ups complicated.

Best for meetings: ThermoTread GT Office Treadmill

  • Price: list price of $2,199
  • Size: 67.5 x 28.35 x 9.5 in
  • Top speed: 2.5 mph
  • Maximum user weight: 400 lb

The manufacturer claims that this treadmill is one of the first to be designed specifically for the office environment. It has a 3.0 horsepower motor, and the manufacturer states it has a noise level lower than an office heating and cooling system, which may mean it is suitable for use during meetings.

This treadmill weighs 147 lb. The manufacturer states that this product is compatible with any height standing desk.

However, this treadmill is more expensive than some other products.

Best for smaller spaces: Egofit Walker M1/M1T

  • Price: list price of around $400
  • Size: 38.39 x 21.85 x 6.89 in
  • Top Speed: 3 mph
  • Maximum user weight: 242.5 lb

This small treadmill is lightweight and has wheels, which means it may be easier to move and store away. The manufacturer ships this product fully assembled and claims that the fixed ergonomic incline of this treadmill may help a person burn more calories while walking.

This product is suitable for most standing desks, and as it is lightweight and portable, people can store it elsewhere if they have a smaller living or working space.

However, some reviewers state that the treadmill either did not work or became stuck at a certain speed when they turned the product on.

Best for a high speed, small treadmill: GOYOUTH 2 in 1 Under Desk Electric Treadmill

  • Price: list price of around $390
  • Size: 50.59 x 22.44 x 5.51 in
  • Top speed: 6 mph
  • Maximum user weight: 220 lb

This treadmill has a 2.25 horsepower engine and speeds of 0.5–6 mph, making it suitable for running and walking. Additional features include Bluetooth connectivity and an LED screen for tracking key fitness metrics.

This treadmill is compact and portable, and the manufacturer states it has a quiet motor.

However, this product does not have any handrails, and some reviewers state the running deck is small.

Best treadmill and desk combination: LifeSpan Fitness TR1200-Power (DT7) Treadmill Desk

  • Price: list price of around $2,000
  • Size: 68.5 x 38 x 27.5 in
  • Top speed: 4 mph
  • Maximum user weight: 350 lb

This electronically operated, adjustable height standing desk comes with an under desk treadmill base. The manufacturer states that people can change the unit from a standing desk to a sitting desk by pushing a button and placing a stool on the treadmill.

This treadmill weighs 242 lb. The manufacturer states that it has a quiet operation.

However, this product is more expensive than some other options. A person may wish to consider another product if they already own a standing desk.

Best for a compact treadmill: Sunny Health & Fitness Walkstation Slim Flat Treadmill

  • Price: list price of around $369
  • Size: 50 x 21.5 x 6.5 in
  • Top speed: 3.75 mph
  • Maximum user weight: 220 lb

The manufacturer claims this compact treadmill can fit almost anywhere and is compatible with most standing desks.

Additional features include:

  • 14 x 5 in LCD monitor that tracks fitness metrics
  • wireless remote control
  • quick-stop safety clip
  • power saver mode

However, some reviewers state that the customer service team does not resolve problems quickly.

Best for a foldable treadmill: WalkingPad A1 Pro Foldable Walking Treadmill

  • Price: list price of $699
  • Size: 32.5 x 21.5 x 5 in
  • Top speed: 3.7 mph
  • Maximum user weight: 220 lb

The manufacturer states this foldable treadmill has a unique, 180-degree folding design that allows for easy storage. Additional features include:

  • automatic speed control
  • brushless motor for quiet operation
  • remote control
  • LED panel that tracks fitness metrics

However, some reviewers state that the customer service is unresponsive.

Best for walking: GoPlus 1HP Walking Treadmill Desk

  • Price: list price of around $460
  • Size: 51.5 x 23.5 x 6 in
  • Top speed: 4 mph
  • Maximum user weight: 220 lb

This under-desk treadmill has 12 different walking programs that the manufacturer states can help build cardiovascular strength. It comes with a remote control equipped with an “emergency brake” capability.

People can use the LED touchscreen or the remote to control this product.

However, some reviewers state that this treadmill is too loud for a work environment.

Best for light use: TR800-GlowUp Under Desk Treadmill

  • Price: list price of $1,099
  • Size: 60.5 x 26 in
  • Top speed: 4 mph
  • Maximum user weight: 215 lb

The manufacturer states that this treadmill is compatible with any standing desk. It has a portable console that sits on top of the desk and a USB charging port for mobile devices.

This treadmill has customizable settings, a quiet motor, and is portable.

However, some reviewers state that the treadmill is not durable and took a long time to receive repairs.

The manufacturer recommends only using this treadmill for an average of 3 hours per day.

Best for the office: Inmovement Unsit Under Desk Treadmill

  • Price: list price of $2,495
  • Size: 39 x 56 in
  • Top speed: 2 mph
  • Maximum user weight: 400 lb

This under-desk treadmill is shorter and wider than many other similar products. The manufacturer states that this design takes advantage of the width of standing desks so that the treadmill will not stick out too far in an office.

This treadmill requires 39 in of space between the desk legs. The manufacturer states that it is a heavy-duty, commercial-grade construction.

This treadmill has one of the highest maximum weight limits, Bluetooth connectivity, and a quiet motor.

However, this treadmill does not have as high a maximum speed as some other products.

Below are some common questions about under desk treadmills.

Are under-desk treadmills worth it?

Whether an under desk treadmill is worth it depends on a person’s budget and motivation to use the product.

Prices for these products range from around $400–$2,500. A person should also consider whether using the treadmill will affect their work productivity.

Can I lose weight with under-desk treadmills?

Using an under-desk treadmill is a form of physical activity. All physical activity can support weight loss programs alongside eating a healthy, balanced diet.

Are under-desk treadmills safe?

Using an under-desk treadmill is generally safe.

However, as a person may be doing two things simultaneously, such as working and walking, it is important to use caution. Purchasing a unit with handrails could provide an additional level of safety and reduce the risk of injury.

Are under-desk treadmills good for running?

A person who intends to use under-desk treadmills for running should consider the top speed of the product. Some treadmills may not reach the speed a person requires if they intend to run.