It’s no secret that movement is medicine. But in a fast-paced and forever on-demand world, where we are sitting more and standing less, how can you stay active and hit your 10,000 steps? Introducing: under-desk treadmills.
Under-desk treadmills might be nothing new (it’s believed the first was created in 2015), but they are having a moment right now. And it’s for good reason. Easy to unbox, easy to use and even easier to clock up some mileage before, after or during work, the best under-desk treadmills make maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle easier than before. Especially during the cold and winter months. You can multitask by hopping from email to email and video call to video call while walking and ticking off your to-do list.
Better yet, according to a piece of research published in PLOS One, it’s been claimed that treadmill workstations improve physical activity and work performance as well as levelling up your step count. This is very important considering research has shown us that walking 10,000 steps a day is associated with a lower risk of dementia, heart disease, cancer and even death.
Shop the best under-desk treadmills at a glance:
What are the benefits of an under-desk treadmill?
According to personal trainer Luke Hughes, CEO and co-founder of OriGym, the benefits of an under-desk treadmill don’t stop there. He says: “They include increased productivity, reduced stress, improved cardiovascular health, lowered blood pressure, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes as well as improved posture. They have seen a rise in demand because of how practical they are for people who work from home.”
However, as Hughes warns: “The benefits of using a desk treadmill are only implemented with regular and prolonged use. It’s also key to remember that using a desk treadmill shouldn’t replace your usual exercise. So whilst the benefits of a desk treadmill are huge, they also need to be used frequently to make a difference.”
Here are some of the best under-desk treadmills we found.
Home Fitness Code Space Saving Motorised Treadmill Walking Machine with LCD Display
Under £200? Tick. Compact design? Tick. Although Home Fitness Code’s space-saving motorised treadmill walking machine might be one of the most affordable treadmills in our guide, it certainly doesn’t skimp on features. Along with being able to be remotely controlled, the treadmill allows you to adjust the speed from anywhere between 1-10 km/h, meaning you can run on this treadmill without having to leave your home.
And if you suffer from achy knees after pounding the pavements outside, you’ll be pleased to know that this small-but-perfectly-formed treadmill comes with a running belt that has five non-slip and shock-absorbing layers. Meaning? It puts your joints first. All while keeping count of your calories, distance travelled and running time on its small LCD screen.
Buy now £159.99, Home Fitness
JTX Movelight: Walking Treadmill
One of the best things about the JTX Movelight: Walking Treadmill is just how minimal it is. It comes with a large, easy-to-read LED screen so you can keep track of your time, distance, calories, speed, and step count. But that’s about as maximal as it goes.
The JTX Movelight walking treadmill is remote controlled meaning you can simply turn it on and power through your schedule. It isn’t the fastest under-desk treadmill in our lineup, as it allows you to reach speeds of up to 6 km/h, but it does come with an eight-piece elastic cushion running deck which provides support for your joints as you walk.
Buy now £449.00, JTX Fitness
LifeSpan TR5000-SC110, Under Desk Treadmill
LifeSpan’s TR1200-DT3-BT Under Desk Treadmill makes staying active, effortless. The brand prides itself on making wellness part of your daily life by giving you the tools you need to put your health and wellness first. And its under-desk treadmill offering is no different. Coming with a built-in pedometer to count your steps, a long-running belt so you can walk comfortably and two front transport wheels so you can easily wheel it into place, who said multitasking was hard?
To use this, all you need to do is unbox it, plug it in and it’s good to go. And once you’ve hopped on it, you (or your video call colleagues) would never know you were working and working out, thanks to its super silent 2 HP motor and running belt that comes with high shock resistance. While you won’t be able to run on this machine, as it goes up 6.4km/h, you will be able to burn some calories while you concentrate on the job at hand. We’re impressed!
Buy now £1699.00, Amazon
WalkingPad C1 Mini Foldable Walking Treadmill
Short on space? It doesn’t mean you need to go without. The WalkingPad C1 Mini Foldable Walking Treadmill folds up into itself meaning you don’t need to sacrifice square footage to stay active during the 9-5. Simply unfold this treadmill, plug it in and then get to walking. The mini machine measures 144.9 cm long and 52.8cm wide once unfolded. It comes with a digital monitor so you can see your speed, steps and calories burned and it can reach up to 6 km/h.
It’s also fitted with four layers of shock-absorbing, durable, and anti-static belt design to help you walk to your heart’s content without any discomfort. Looking for a treadmill that complements your space? Crafted in five different colours — including white, black, yellow, red and purple, there really is something for every taste.
Buy now £259.00, Amazon
Home Fitness Code Space Saving Motorised Treadmill Walking Machine with LCD Display
Best for: petite living quarters
Another option for those with a more compact living space, Home Fitness Code’s Space Saving Motorised Treadmill Walking Machine with LCD Display comes in three colours to suit any interior. Designed in black, grey or pink, you can fall in love with walking all over again all thanks to this lightweight, compact and easy-to-assemble piece of kit.
But perhaps the best thing about this machine, (along with the price and compact nature), is the fact you can walk or jog on this treadmill. Its speed ranges between 1 to 10 km/h meaning you can get a sweat on without leaving your house if you wanted to — although we wouldn’t advise doing so while working. It also has an LCD display, so you can monitor your time, speed, distance and calories burned.
The treadmill measures a flat-friendly 122 cm x 49 cm x 14 cm, meaning it can be slipped out once your WFH day is done.
Buy now £159.99, Home Fitness Code
Nero Walk Under Desk Treadmill Walk Pad
There are not many under-desk treadmill machines that you can get a lifetime motor warranty on. But this walk pad, from Nero Walk, is one of them. Coming with a slimline style, six auto programs and a running surface of 120cm x 40cm, you can clock up your steps while working without your treadmill taking up too much room, too.
You might not be able to run on this machine, as it can reach speeds of up to 6 km per hour, but you can certainly walk yourself happy. Plus, once you’ve finished your 9 to 5, you can wheel it away, under your bed, sofa or desk easily thanks to its handy transport wheels and dense design.
Buy now £190.01, Amazon
Citysports Under Desk Treadmill
As the brand name suggests, Citysports caters to exercise fans based in the city. The under-desk treadmill is portable and offers a speed range of 1-6km/h - suitable for walking, jogging, and running. Whether you need a post-work wind-down or a pre-commute wake-up, you’ll be able to rely on the non-slip belt and lightweight pad for an effective workout.
Even better still, the equipment comes with LED lights that track your workout duration, speed, distance and calories burned. Adjust the speed using the remote control, while the shock-absorbing belt reduces pressure on your joints.
Was £269
Buy now £136.79, Amazon
Verdict
Thanks to its compact design and more affordable price point, we’re crowning Home Fitness Code’s space-saving motorised treadmill walking machine as the best under-desk machine. Giving you the flexibility to walk or run, you get more bang for your buck with this fitness equipment. Plus, the running belt puts your comfort levels first as it is crafted with five non-slip and shock-absorbing layers. We’re sold!
