Looking to get more movement in your day? If you’re someone who has a sedentary job, you may struggle feeling like despite your best effort, you can’t get enough movement into your day to counteract the time you spend sitting. Which leads to wondering about the best under desk treadmills!
Working from home it’s far to easy to move less and we know that our movement throughout the day matters more for our weight than just those few minutes in the gym.
Maybe you already have a standing desk with a balance board or you sit on a stability ball. Those are great ways to change things up and engage muscles while working. But maybe you’re looking to take your efforts to the next level and tackle your step count goals without reducing your productivity.
If so, an under desk treadmill may be just what you’re looking for! As with everything thing there are pro’s and con’s, so let’s talk about them. I’ve tried it with mixed results, so let’s see if it’s right for you.
I’ve also compiled my top six favorite under-desk treadmills. But before we get to that let’s learn more about the benefits of an under-desk treadmill and what factors to consider when making your selection.
6 Best Under-Desk Treadmills
Now to my treadmill recs! I opted not to categorize these, but arranged them from lowest priced to highest and focused on their features, both those that are consistent across the board and those that are unique to each.
You’ll notice that unlike a standard treadmill, a walking treadmill doesn’t have a huge console with buttons or a huge platform for shock-absorbing. They are generally designed to be smaller, possibly less sturdy and not maximum speeds of 12MPH.
You may find some of our best treadmills under $1000 as an option if you want to use it for more than work.
I hope this list will help you in your search and potential purchase!
#1. DeerRun A5 Pro Smart 2 In 1
Coach Amanda personally picked out this option when looking for something that could do double duty in her husband’s office. This treadmill allows you to keep the handle bars laid down to slide it under a desk for walking up to 3.8 mph.
Bonus points with the rails down this one makes some nice Instagram content!
Or you can put the handrails up for more stability and and to increase the speed all the way to 7.0mph. Honestly, we tried running that fast on it and felt more than a little nervous. However, it would absolutely work for some light run/walk or even 5.0 runs.
This won’t have the big cushioned deck like many, but will be very small, easy to move and work in multiple spaces.
The belt feels plenty wide, but isn’t overly long. Those of us with longer legs are going to find it less comfortable for running as noted.
- Dimensions (entire treadmill): 52.17 in long, 25.51 inches wide, 42.32 inches high
- Dimensions (belt area): 16.5” x 43.3”
- Weight Capacity: 300 lb
- Speed: 0.6-7.0 mph
- Incline: 0
- Display: small display on base
- Machine Weight: 73 lb
#2 Sunny Health and Fitness SLIM Under Desk Treadmill – $369 (Wider Walking Belt Option)
The Sunny Health and Fitness Slim Walkstation is just that…slim! It’s also on the affordable end of the spectrum at only $369, plus they ALWAYS have discounts on their site.
This is similar to a few units I tested previously and even as a tall person, I found the size just fine because well I’m not working out, I’m meandering as I type.
I like the wheels on the front to more easily maneuver it if you don’t want to leave it in place under your desk all the time.
The lightweight unit comes with a remote control to adjust speed and has a large digital display showing you time, speed, calories, steps and distance. Its speed range goes from 0.5-3.75 mph. The treadmill has an emergency stop clip, shock absorption, power saving technology and wheels for easy moving.
- Dimensions (entire treadmill): 50”L x 21.5”W x 6.5”H
- Dimensions (walking area): 39”L x 14”W
- Weight Capacity: 220 lb
- Speed Range: 0.5-3.75 mph
- Machine Weight: 55.1 lb
- Incline: Fixed
- Warranty: 3 year (structural frame), 180 days (parts and components)
2. Goplus 2-in-1 Superfit Treadmill – $359 (Potentially for workouts too)
One of the perks about this treadmill, besides the lower price point, is it has two modes: one for a jog and one for walking.
In theory, if you want a single treadmill option for both work and workouts this could be an option. I would say only an option if you are running above a 10 minute mile or a good option if you’re doing run, walk. Otherwise I’d look for more stability with one of the at home treadmills for running.
Again that’s based on my testing a ton of treadmills and looking at what you need for a long lasting workout treadmill.
It boasts a foldable handrail, which allows access to the full range of speeds, bluetooth speaker connectivity, LED display showing your metrics, and a remote control. It’s rated at less than 60 decibels and has a 2.25 horsepower motor. Because of the option to run, this is a bit heavier to move around.
Another added bonus: it comes in multiple color schemes. While that doesn’t really impact functionality, it is fun!
- Dimensions (entire treadmill): 63”L x 28”W x 7”H
- Dimensions (walking area): 47”L x 18”W
- Weight Capacity: 220 lb
- Speed Range: 0.5-3.7 mph
- Machine Weight: 69.5 lb
- Incline: Fixed
- Warranty: 3 months
4. Rhythm Fun Treadmill – $119 (Only Incline Option Option)
One of the main reasons I wanted to include this treadmill was because incline walking absolutely burns more calories. This one actually goes up to 8%, so whether you use it just under your desk or for some additional power walking workouts you’ll get a lot out of this small price tag.
The treadmill has a large front display with speed, time, distance, and calories burned and comes with a remote control. Plus, it also has an app where you can utilize additional features and keep track of your walks.
- Dimensions (entire treadmill): 44.8″D x 21.49″W x 4.9″H
- Dimensions (walking area): 37”L x 15”W
- Weight Capacity: 265 lb
- Speed Range: 0.5-3.7 mph
- Machine Weight: 40 lb
- Incline: Fixed
- Warranty: Yes
4. WalkingPad Double Folding Treadmill – $799 (True Space Saver)
This is another option with two modes, one for walking and one for running (sort of) making it a possible addition to your home gym for workouts too. A unique feature of this treadmill is it double folds making for easy storage, even in an upright position.
Walking Pad is one of the more popular brands for an under desk treadmill, especially on social media. Of course that meant we had to do a complete Walking Pad X21 review for ourselves and it turns out…this really is a super stable and great option that saves more space than anything else.
There are a number of cheaper options also from this brand, but I’ve highlighted this because the way it folds up is pretty fabulous for a durable treadmill. I also like that it has a space on the rail to hold your phone or tablet if you are going to use this for workouts.
The treadmill has a digital monitor, phone holder, and foldable and adjustable handrail for use when running. It also has a remote control and a quiet brushless 65 decibel motor. Another feature that stood out was when in walking mode, it offers “intelligent speed control” by sensing your steps.
- $1,199 — code RUNTOTHEFINISHX21 saves you $400 making it $799
- Walking Pad discount code RUNTOTHEFINISH will work for 20% off other products
- Dimensions (entire treadmill): 57”L x 28”W (39.4”L x 28.3”W folded)
- Dimensions (walking area): 47.2”L x 17.3”W
- Weight Capacity: 240 lb
- Speed Range: 0.5-7.5 mph
- Machine Weight: 79 lb
- Incline: Fixed
- Warranty: 1 year
5. Lifespan TR1000-DT3 – $1,499 (Sturdier Feeling)
While getting into more expensive territory, I included this treadmill because not only does it have a higher weight capacity, but it’s overall a heavier machine. This might make it feel a bit more sturdy for users.
This is still not a treadmill for workouts, but if you have any balance issues this may feel a whole lot better. it’s going to feel more like a standard treadmill underfoot. However, being heavier also means you aren’t going to be moving it around.
Another feature I liked was the portable console that can be placed on your desktop to monitor your stats like time, speed, distance, steps, etc. It also has a wider belt at 20”, a shorter base making it a better fit for small workspaces, non-slip side rails, and a super quiet motor.
- Dimensions (entire treadmill): 60″D x 27.6″W x 6″H
- Dimensions (walking area): 44”L x 20”W
- Weight Capacity: 400 lb
- Speed Range: 0.4-6.0 mph
- Machine Weight: 88 lbs
- Incline: 0
- Warranty: 10 years (frame), 2 years (parts), 1 year (labor)
6. Inmovement Unsit Treadmill – $2,495 (Designed for Offices)
While the most expensive unit on my list, this treadmill has gotten some talk and so I wanted to include it to tell you why. This is a model that is an investment for companies who have employees working in office a lot. Whether that’s a single person at a station or perhaps a work station that gets utilized by numerous people all day long.
And no, at this price it doesn’t come with the standing desk. That’s still on you!
The treadmill was designed specifically for office use so it has a more compact footprint (shorter and wider) to take up less space. Meaning if you work in a big office with cubicles, it’s actually going to fit and not be bother some to those around you. They bill it as “library quiet”.
It also has a smaller speed range for walking pace of only 0.3-2.0 mph. At its max speed of 2.0, its motor measures at only 42 decibels, making it super quiet.
It has a bluetooth app that can be synced with some of your favorite health tracking apps and has a separate one-touch control for speed.
- Dimensions (entire treadmill): 56”L x 39”W
- Dimensions (walking area): 40”L x 30”W
- Weight Capacity: 400 lb
- Speed Range: 0.3-2.0 mph
- Machine Weight: 162 lbs
- Incline: Fixed
- Warranty: Lifetime (frame), 2 years (parts), 1 year (labor)
But can I be really honest…if you’re willing to get in to the over $1,000 range for a treadmill then I’d really recommend just buying a GREAT running treadmill that you can use for workouts and work.
Now the drawback to a standard treadmill for working is the console. So you’d instead place something like a board across the two arms and keep them in place with rubber, etc. More DIY for sure.
Benefits of Under-Desk Treadmills
As I mentioned, if you work in a traditionally sedentary job, a treadmill desk can dramatically impact your routine.
While you don’t need to walk all day to reap the benefits, getting out of your chair for a bit of time each day can have positive impacts to your health and fitness. This was made truly apparent in a few recent social media posts where folks talked about walking a marathon during their work day.
Too much time being sedentary has proven to have negative impacts on our health, including weight gain, depression, increased risk of cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular health issues, just to name a few.
Walking is an easy way for both active and inactive people to see better health outcomes and weight loss. A recent study has shown that what’s most important is the number of steps, not necessarily the intensity of those steps.
So while it’s nice to go out and get a run in, walking is truly a great option. Being able to get those steps in without having to leave your office would be a welcome alternative for those who are consistently trapped at their desk.
An added bonus is studies have shown there is little change in cognitive performance when comparing those sitting at a desk versus those walking at a desk. While there is a slight drop, it’s not enough to outweigh the overwhelming benefits of walking while working.
Personally this is something I’ve noticed in using a standing desk. At times, I have more trouble concentrating on my creative thinking when using the standing desk or walking. I have no idea why this is exactly, but it’s noticeable.
Meanwhile, I can respond to emails and do a lot of the other busy tasks with no issue while moving.
Hopefully this list gave you something to think about and ideas for the best under desk treadmill for you!
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