Work can sometimes be really stressful that fitness tends to go straight to the back of your mind.
All you want to do at the end of a stressful work day is lay down on your couch, watch Netflix, and stress eat all the junk you can get. However, there is an easier way to make your work life healthier and fitter, and that is by investing in under desk treadmills.
Under desk treadmills usually go at a slow pace as you continue to work. Buying equipment this expensive can be confusing, though. I’m here to help you out with that and switch to a healthier lifestyle. Here are the best under desk treadmills on the market.
Best Under Desk Treadmills Compared and Reviewed
| Image | Name | Brand | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | LifeSpan TR1200-DT3 Under Desk Treadmill | LifeSpan | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Sunny Health & Fitness ASUNA Space Saving Treadmill | Sunny Health & Fitness | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill | Goplus | Check Price on Amazon |
 | RHYTHM FUN Under Desk Treadmill | RHYTHM | Check Price on Amazon |
 | REDLIRO Under Desk Bed Treadmill | REDLIRO | Check Price on Amazon |
#1 - LifeSpan TR1200-DT3 Under Desk Treadmill
I find that this is really only useful under a desk, though. The reason I say that is because this treadmill has no option to use as a normal treadmill with handlebars.
Still, if you’re keen on getting a treadmill meant to be used while working on your desk, this is a great option as it has all the features you need.
You can easily roll this treadmill under your desk with the wheels it has underneath. Conveniently, a portable console is also included. This has a LED display of your distance, calories burned, time, step count, and speed (a range of 0.4 to 4.0 MPH).
With this console, because of its portability, you can easily place it on your desk.
It also includes a USB charging port. If you want to include Bluetooth speakers, you’ll have to choose their two different models, TR800-DT3 or TR5000-DT3.
This model has a weight capacity of 350 pounds, which is quite accessible to more fitness enthusiasts.
Some users have complained about receiving defective items because of it being badly packaged, so be wary of that hassle. Users also find its beeping a bit annoying.
PROS
- Easy transportation with wheels
- Portable console that is very easy to use
- USB charging port
CONS
- Multiple complaints about badly packaged items
#2 - Sunny Health & Fitness ASUNA Space Saving Treadmill
I must warn you that this isn’t your normal under desk treadmill that can work with no handlebars. Although you can use this treadmill with the handlebars folded by the treadmill platform, this is also where you’ll find the console, which might bring up problems in changing speed if you keep it there while walking.
You can place a table or platform for your laptop on the handles, though, so no problem! It has quite a powerful motor, with its speed ranging from 0.6 to 8 mph.
It’s easy to store this treadmill since you can fold this with the folding key, and you can transport it with the wheels underneath.
I also really like the console! It’s very sleek, almost like it was built into the handlebar in front of you seamlessly, and it’s nothing like I’d ever seen in a treadmill of this power.
Its display can show you your time, distance, speed, and calories burned. It has an aux port where you can connect your phone or computer to and listen to your music or podcasts on the built-in speakers of the treadmill.
There are some durability issues, though. It also doesn’t have incline or anything, but if you’re using it as an under desk treadmill, that should be fine.
PROS
- Relatively inexpensive
- Bigger speed range than other treadmills
- Sleek and compact design
CONS
- Durability issues reported by users
#3 - Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
You can lower the handrails to make it your classic under desk treadmill. This way, you’ll have a range of 1 to 4 kph for a chill walking pace.
If you raise the handrails, you’ll have a speed range of up to 12 kph which you can use for running. Pretty neat, huh?
I also like how the belt has 5 layers, giving you extra protection for your joints. This means that it tends to absorb the shock that your joints usually get from your feet hitting the ground.
Its added features are also quite great: a Bluetooth speaker for your tunes, and a remote control to adjust your speed. The LED display shows you your time, speed, distance, and calories burned.
Users don’t think this is the best treadmill for running, though, since it is quite small. Users also get the sense that this is not as durable as you would like treadmills to be.
PROS
- 2 in 1 treadmill which changes treadmill function
- Bluetooth speaker
- 5 layer belt
CONS
- Might not be the best treadmill for running
- Not very durable
#4 - RHYTHM FUN Under Desk Treadmill
For example, its wide running belt makes it much safer to run on if you choose to. Its belt does have 7 layers, which lessens the shock that your joints are going to absorb when it is instead absorbed by the belt.
Because it is essentially just a platform, it’s very easy to store, under a bed or leaning on a wall. The motor is also quite silent, which is great if you’re living with other people.
The LED display shows your speed, time, distance and calories burned. It’s quite a hassle to change your speed as the buttons are on the platform itself, so be careful when changing settings!
The remote they provide will help with that, though. You can also change the speed through their app! The app will also help you track your stats.
Like most under desk treadmills, there is no incline included. However, there is a need to oil the machine apparently, which I haven’t really seen in any other.
Although regular maintenance is needed, the fact that they have an oiling pocket makes me think you have to oil it regularly.
PROS
- Belt has 7 layers for shock absorption
- Wide running belt for safer use
- Has an app for control
CONS
- Seems to require regular oil maintenance
- Durability issues
#5 - REDLIRO Under Desk Bed Treadmill
Compared to other treadmills, this has more of a mechanical look to it, so it’s not as sleek as others. With the handrails folded, you’ll get up to 4 mph, which is already quite a fast walking pace if you’re using this while working.
With the handrails up, you get a 7.5 mph maximum speed for your normal running, which I think is a great 2 in 1 treadmill!
The controls can be seen in the handrails integrated into it where you’ll find buttons to change speed, start, stop, and change modes. You can also use the remote it has.
The LED display is right on the treadmill platform, where you can see your time, speed, calories burned, and distance.
It’s a compact treadmill you can transport around and store easily. It can support up to 200 pounds of weight.
There are, however, some durability issues. The remote also is flimsy, and you can easily observe that the controls on the handrails look quite cheap. But, I guess, you get what you pay for.
PROS
- 2 in 1 treadmill
- 220 pounds of weight capacity
- Easy storage
CONS
- Durability issues
- Seems to be quite cheap
My Number One Pick
- Console readouts include: distance traveled, calories burned, walk and run time, step count and adjustable belt speed of 0.4 to 4 MPH.
- Dimensions - Treadmill: 63 L x 28.5 W x 7.25 H | Console: 12.5” W x 3” D x 2” H | Belt Size: 20” W x 50 L
- Treadmill has portable wheels for lightweight mobility providing space saving and storable versatility. Deck Suspension: 6 Independent Compression Shocks
- Fully assembled out of the box
What To Look Out For When Buying Under Desk Treadmills
Although under desk treadmills are usually not that complicated, you might have your own preferences that you want to keep in mind.
For example, you might want to be able to use the treadmill both with or without your desk. You might also want Bluetooth speakers integrated into your treadmill.
First, let’s talk about what you can get from under desk treadmills.
What is an under desk treadmill?
The health community has been saying that sitting is the new smoking.
Considering most of us who work 8 hours a day tend to be sitting in front of the computer, hearing this might be quite scary.
However, although it can be agreed upon that a sedentary lifestyle isn’t the healthiest thing in the world, health researchers see this as a misleading sentiment.
Researchers of the American Journal of Public Health think that this statement might undermine the very real effects of smoking. Studies on the health hazards of too much sitting are not as numerous as those of smoking.
Still, it’s important to find a way to integrate exercise into your everyday life and not just as an extracurricular activity.
An under desk treadmill can promote more movement as you work your desk job. Expect that you’ll be more effective if you walk at a slower pace.
Unlike a normal treadmill where you focus all your energy on the willpower and technique you need to run long distances or sprint quick and fast, under desk treadmills are there for a more passive exercise.
The important thing is you’re moving!
Benefits of under desk treadmills
The benefits of under desk treadmills are similar to that of traditional exercise, except maybe a little less intense.
You won’t see the effects right off the bat. You’ll have to do it consistently, everyday, and one day it won’t even feel like you’re doing anything different at all!
Improved strength
Walking while working instead of slouching in your chair can improve your strength in everyday life, specifically your bone strength.
I don’t mean that you’ll be able to lift weights just by walking at a comfortable pace. When you continue to work on your strength consistently by doing just a little bit of walking everyday, you’re able to warm up your bones and muscles and maintain their strength.
That doesn’t mean you should let go of exercising completely, though. Think of this as a supplement, a way to be healthier, but not the sole solution to all your fitness problems.
Lower blood sugar levels
If high blood pressure is one of your health problems (which, let’s face it, might be caused by the high stress from work), you might want to look into treadmill desks.
According to a study in the Journal of Sports Sciences, a 3 to 4 percent decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure responses were lower. All this group did was do 20 minutes of light-intensity walking hourly, then they got back to sitting.
With just that little time, you can already improve your health.
Increased productivity
Not only will you get better at your health and fitness, you’ll also get a step closer to that promotion!
Research published in the PLoS ONE journal shows that overall work performance improved upon surveying participants and their supervisors. Hit two birds with one stone!
Features To Consider
Buying your new under desk treadmill should be easy. Here are some of the things you should be keeping in mind as you pick one that’s great for you.
What is the speed range of the treadmill?
Checking the speed range of your under desk treadmill is important. The right range will depend on your preferences.
If you want an under desk treadmill that can double as a normal treadmill you can run on, one thing you must look at is if it can accommodate higher speed ranges.
For example, some treadmills will have foldable handrails. When the handrails are lowered, they are usually on the “treadmill desk” mode and will have a speed range of up to 4 mph, which is already brisk walking if you ask me. When you place the handrails normally, the speed range will go up to 8 mph.
What is the weight capacity of the treadmill?
The weight capacity of the treadmill is an important thing to note, especially if you’re on the heavier side.
Higher weight capacity, to me, indicates that the brand is high quality and cares for accessibility to all fitness enthusiasts.
Is it easy to store?
Under desk treadmills tend to be easy to store because it is simply a platform.
Other treadmills will make your life easier, though, by adding transportation wheels. Look out also for handrails that are foldable.
Does it have extra features?
These might be on the back of your mind, but extra features are great to have in your treadmill desk, especially since you’re investing in quite an expensive equipment.
Bluetooth speakers, for example, are great to have so you can blast out your tunes.
Having an app is also great. Sometimes, brands will even include access to online training videos to guide you through your treadmill training.
I also like it when treadmills have USB charging ports, especially while working. Extra charging ports are always fun to have.
Lastly, portable consoles or remote controls are great for under desk treadmills so you don’t have to adjust speed on the platform. You can simply place the console on your desk.
How safe is the treadmill?
Safety is definitely one of the top things you have to think about. You don’t want to slip and fall while working, potentially also ruining your workspace.
Check if your treadmill has an emergency stop or emergency key. This will automatically stop the treadmill when pulled.
Another good thing to have is a belt that has extra layers. Some treadmills will have up to 7 layers of protection, which will absorb the shock that would have otherwise gone straight to joints.
Lastly, I really like having handrails. This is a matter of preference, but it makes me feel a lot safer to have the option of having handrails.
Frequently Asked Questions About Under Desk Treadmills
Q: How long should I use my treadmill desk?
A: This depends on what you want to achieve and your capacity. Some say manufacturers say that the average duration is at 1 to 3 hours in the office setting and longer when the user is at home— around 6 to 8 hours.
As this is designed to be a complementary replacement for the traditional desk, factors like workload and capacity to multitask at a given time is considered. So if you’re eyeing to purchase one, planning your usage will be able to help you decide on the appropriate treadmill for you.
Q: Won’t my treadmill cause distraction with its noise?
A: The main ‘noise makers’ from your treadmill is the impact of your foot on the machine and the vibration from the machine itself. If you’re in an open floor space, this will definitely cause distracted heads to look.
The most effective way to reduce noise is to purchase a quality product. Usually, a great treadmill will have some sort of suspension mechanism to absorb the shock from your foot steps versus bouncing them of and creating more noise.
Another thing is to have the desk separate from the treadmill itself– most of the vibration will be coming from the friction between these two. One way to know is to double check manufacturer claims or test the product before buying.
Conclusion
Under desk treadmills are a great way to integrate more exercise into your everyday work life. It can get really hard to balance your work with your fitness, and having some kind of fitness in your workspace can motivate you to stay healthy.
Make sure to do your research whenever you invest in something this expensive. Some people are willing to give you tips and give advice on whether or not this equipment is right for you or not.
If you’re looking for the usual alternatives, check out these workout machines for weight loss we’ve reviewed. Another similar post we’ve done you can check out is the one on exercise machines for weight loss. It’s nice to have a treadmill under the desk to help you lose weight, but nothing beats a vigorous workout that gets your heart pumping!
Happy training!
Sources:
https://www.lifespanfitness.com/workplace/resources/articles/the-benefits-of-adding-a-treadmill-desk-to-your-office
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiegold/2018/08/27/should-you-get-a-treadmill-desk-and-how-to-plan-for-it/?sh=1b5e5f0b5f25
Marko Rakic is a trail runner and fitness enthusiast from Sydney, Australia. He is the lead writer for The Ultimate Primate and believes the best way to live a happy life is through constantly challenging yourself.