Get active with a desk job fitness essential
If you’ve noticed your activity level going down while working from home, an under-desk treadmill may be the perfect solution. When paired with a standing desk, it helps you keep moving. This wards off the negative health effects associated with sitting still all day. If you’re tired of coming up with excuses to avoid exercise, slide one of these treadmills under your desk to transform your day and your lifestyle.
Shop this article: WalkingPad P1 Ultraslim Foldable Treadmill, GoPlus Under Desk Treadmill and Urevo 3-in-1 Folding Treadmill with Removable Desk.
Why get an under-desk treadmill
Getting your steps in has many health benefits. Walking for even a few minutes each day can accomplish a multitude of good things for your body, both physically and mentally, such as:
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Strengthen your heart to reduce the risk of heart disease.
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Lubricate joints and strengthen muscles to ease knee and hip pain.
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Improve mood and energy levels.
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Clear your mind to help you think creatively.
Walking on an under-desk treadmill means you can get these benefits without having to alter your schedule or endure bad weather. That said, walking inside on a treadmill doesn't have all the same positive effects as taking a walk outside. But, it’s better than sitting for hours, especially if you turn off your screen and focus solely on walking for a few minutes.
Treadmill size
If you want to store your treadmill when not in use, get one small enough to fit under your bed or sofa or against the wall. Make sure it's also lightweight enough for you to move easily. Built-in wheels help make storage easier. Some treadmills even fold up for more convenient storage.
Conversely, if you’re tall, check the treadmill’s specifications carefully. Many treadmills designed to fit under desks are also compact and may not offer a long enough stride length for taller people to use comfortably.
Treadmill controls
Under-desk treadmills have collapsible handles or no handles at all. They also lack a traditional interface for controlling the treadmill’s programs and speed. Most desk treadmills make up for this by coming with a remote control. Some also offer app controls to use the treadmill through your smartphone. Others change speed automatically according to where you’re walking on the footpad.
Noise level
If you want to bring your desk treadmill into an office environment, or if your home office is in an apartment, quiet operation should be a high priority. Look for a motor of around 2 horsepower and a sound level of fewer than 50 decibels for the quietest — and least disruptive — operation. Placing your treadmill on a mat can help minimize noise while also protecting your floors.
Safety features
Use desk treadmills cautiously since they don’t have handrails like a traditional treadmill. Look for ones that stop operating when they detect that the user has stepped off the treadmill. If you plan to run at your desk, choose a model with collapsible handles that fold out for use when running. Finally, make sure the treadmill has a high enough weight capacity and maximum speed for you.
Best under-desk treadmills
WalkingPad P1 Ultraslim Foldable Treadmill
This treadmill features a remote control plus app control. Its super-slim design is less than 3 inches thick. It's storable upright or folded up to measure 32 inches by 21.5 inches. It can go up to 4 miles per hour and includes technology to slow down and stop the treadmill to prevent falling.
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GoPlus Under Desk Treadmill
Compact yet heavy-duty, this under-desk treadmill has wheels to roll it in and out of storage. It features a shockproof rubber footpad to reduce vibration, a remote control, and a bright LED screen. It offers 12 programs and speeds up to 4 mph. It’s 6.5 inches tall at its highest point and supports up to 220 pounds.
Sold by Amazon
Urevo 3-in-1 Folding Treadmill with Removable Desk
This treadmill offers a weight capacity of up to 286 pounds. With fold-up handles and speeds topping out at over 8 mph, it even lets you run. Silicone shock absorbers help reduce the impact on your joints. The bar display on the handles is convertible into a workspace thanks to the included small desk.
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Sunny Health and Fitness Walkstation
This compact, budget-friendly model delivers everything you need to exercise at your desk. It’s lightweight and reaches 3.75 mph, while a large display shows the time, calories burned, distance and more. It comes with a remote control and safety features such as pausing when no weight is detected on the treadmill.
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WalkingPad A1 Pro Smart Walk Folding Treadmill
Sleek and easy to set up, this folding option has an elegantly minimalist display screen and quiet operation. Control your speed through the app or where you stand on the treadmill: walking near the front makes it speed up while walking near the back slows it down. It supports up to 220 pounds and tops out around 3.7 mph.
Sold by Amazon
Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
The walking mode has speeds up to 2.5 mph and run speeds up to 7.5 mph supported by collapsible handlebars. It offers a remote control, LED display, a quiet motor and a Bluetooth speaker to play your favorite workout playlist.
Sold by Amazon
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Laura Duerr writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
