Thinking About Getting an Under-Desk Treadmill? Research Says It Can Boost Your Metabolism and Brain Health

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Even if you manage to squeeze in a daily run, if you're not in an active line of work, you likely spend the vast majority of your day sitting down. Not only has a sedentary lifestyle been linked to health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and an increased risk of early mortality, but it may also mean you're also counteracting some of the hard work you're putting in while running or in the gym.

However, having a desk-based job doesn't mean you have to spend hours on end sitting on your behind. A walking treadmill, or under-desk treadmill, can keep you steadily moving throughout the day, boosting your metabolism and cardiovascular fitness with every step.

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The Best Under-Desk Treadmills

Why Should You Get a Walking Treadmill?

Even though walking treadmills are generally less expensive than standard treadmills, most will still cost a pretty penny, but if you plan on using it daily, it will more than earn its value. To get some professional advice, we reached out to Matt Tanneberg, D.C., a sports chiropractor and certified strength and conditioning specialist.

“Using an under-desk treadmill helps improve your overall health because you will be burning more calories by continually moving throughout the day,” said Tanneberg. He also explained that because you are standing while using your under-desk treadmill instead of slumping over in a chair, it can help reduce your risk of developing neck and upper back pain.

Of course, there is also the question of how long you should use your walking treadmill each day if you want to see benefits. Tanneberg suggests starting with one- to two-hour sessions before taking a break to sit. “Find your own balance by slowly increasing your duration walking each week and continue to monitor how your body is responding to make sure that you aren’t overdoing it,” said Tanneberg.

And on days that you can’t find time to squeeze in a workout, using your walking treadmill is a great way to keep moving and burn some calories without leaving your desk. “Walking at your desk is a perfect supplement to a healthy exercise regimen,” says Tanneberg, who recommends complementing your walking routine with a few days of weight training, as well.

What to Consider in a Walking Treadmill

Because walking treadmills (or under-desk treadmills) are very different beasts than the running treadmills you’re used to seeing, you won’t necessarily be looking for the same features when shopping for one. They typically won’t cost as much, either, as they're not usually designed to withstand miles of intense pounding and frequently offer fewer settings than their counterparts designed for running. When shopping for an under-desk treadmill, here are a few things to consider before clicking buy.

Size

Because most people have a single dedicated workspace in their home or office, any walking treadmill you consider purchasing should be easy to store. After all, while you may want to walk while you work for part of the day, chances are you’ll also want to sit down at some point. A walking treadmill should be lightweight, easy to move, and even foldable, so that you can quickly get it out from under your desk and put it away when not in use.

Speed

The average walking speed for adults is about 3 mph. Most walking treadmills have a range of 0.5 up to 4 mph. If you plan on using your under-desk treadmill to get in some training runs, make sure it has the speed and stability to handle a faster gait. Some models are better for running than others, with some of the options on our list reaching up to 12 mph. However, most under-desk treadmills don't come equipped with handles to hold onto, which can make fast-paced walking or running a bit challenging.

Additional Features

Not only should you consider how easy it will be to put your treadmill away when you’re finished using it, but you also need to think about how you will control it when in use. Many treadmills come with a remote that lets you adjust your walking speed, while others—particularly those equipped with a raised screen—are typically controlled by hand.

Also, treadmills can noisy and disruptive when used in a communal home or office setting, so it’s wise to look for a model with a quiet belt. Finally, consider safety features like an automatic stop when you step off, or an energy-save mode that turns your machine off when it hasn’t been used for a while.

How We Selected

To find the best options among the many under-desk treadmills out there, we used our decades of experience using treadmills at the gym and at home, our deep familiarity with the most trusted treadmill brands, and our understanding of what you should look for—and avoid—when making a purchase. We also researched customer reviews on Amazon as well as expert reviews from trusted sources like Forbes and Techradar to bring you models for all different aesthetics, budgets, spaces, and workout needs.

Looking for more treadmill recommendations? Check out our guides to the best treadmills for your home gym, advanced treadmills, and even treadmill options for your dog.

2-in-1 Under-Desk Electric Treadmill

This treadmill weighs in at only 64 pounds, and the wheels underneath make it a breeze to move around. Despite being lightweight, it is sturdy, and can reach speeds up to 6 mph, which makes it one of the faster models on our list.

It has an LED screen that displays time, speed, calories burned, distance, and steps, and can be controlled with the included remote. If you want to jam out to some music, simply connect your phone to the treadmill’s speakers via Bluetooth.

2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

Running or walking on a treadmill without hand grips can be a bit difficult at first, but this Goplus treadmill gives you the stability you need to get the most out of your workouts. Better yet, you can also lower the bar to a flat position, making it easy for this model to fit under a desk.

It also has two modes—walk and run. When in walk mode with the handle down, you can reach speeds up to 2.5 mph; in run mode with the handle up, you can reach speeds of 7.5 mph, making it easy to get in a great workout without ever leaving your desk.

Walker Pro Under-Desk Electric Walking Treadmill

If you don’t have a ton of floor space to spare but want to be more active throughout the workday, this Egofit treadmill could be the perfect addition to your WFH setup. At just 38 inches long and under 22 inches wide, it’s among the most petite under-desk treadmills on the market, and its 55-pound weight makes it easy enough for one person to move alone.

It’s also a hit with buyers, who give it an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars, calling it the “perfect compact treadmill.”

Walkstation Slim Flat Treadmill

This affordable Sunny Health & Fitness treadmill helps keep you safe with a sensor that recognizes when you step off the machine, and stops the belt after 5 seconds of no walking detected.

It also has a power-save mode that turns the machine off if it’s not in use for 10 minutes. The treadmill arrives fully assembled and comes with a wireless remote control that allows you to adjust your speed mid-walk.

2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill

Thanks to its wheeled base and light, 59-pound weight, this treadmill is easy to move and store as needed.

It’s just over 5 inches high at its tallest point, so it can be propped up against the wall or slid under a bed without taking up significant room. It’s pretty quiet, and as long as it is lubricated properly, is apartment-friendly. Reaching speeds of 3.8 mph, it's more of a walking treadmill than a running one, but if you are more of a casual jogger, it might suffice on rainy days.

S1 Folding Treadmill

This WalkingPad model may look like a standard under desk treadmill, but it has a feature that makes it unique and incredibly desirable: It can fold in half.

Whether you are dealing with a small space or simply don't want to have to move your treadmill every time you want to use it, this allows you to easily fold it under your desk and out of the way. It also has both a manual mode and an automatic that adjusts to your foot speed as you walk.

Under-Desk Treadmill

This treadmill lets you ball on a budget. While coming in under $400, it looks way more expensive than it is, with a sleek panel, and wooden side pieces. It can reach only 3.7 mph, so it is a true walking treadmill, but that is a brisk pace for anyone, and more than fast enough for walking at your desk. It has wheels for easy transport, and even comes with 12 different exercise programs.

Under-Desk Treadmill

Due to its long length, this treadmill may not be the best for small spaces, but the 63-inch-long belt makes walking a little bit easier for taller people or those with a long stride. It maxes out at 3.7 mph, which is a brisk walk for most, and the slim design fits well under standard desks.

It comes with a wireless remote control, as well as a compatible app that syncs with your phone so you can track critical workout metrics, like your speed, time, mileage, and calories.

Under Desk Treadmill

This treadmill works great for those who want a single do-it-all machine. While it won't reach the speeds of a standard running treadmill, this one can get up to 6 mph, which is a 10-minute-mile pace—good enough for most casual runners to get in a light jog.

It also has a built-in Bluetooth speaker that allows you to listen to music or a podcast without having to wear headphones. Plus, the remote lets you easily control the belt's speed from your standing desk.

Unsit Treadmill Desk

Most under-desk treadmills will be just that: a treadmill. But this one comes with an adjustable desk built right in. While it is definitely the priciest option on our list, it is arguably also one of the best designed. You can choose between a teak, black, or white desk topper, and select either black or white hardware.

The motor is super quiet so it won’t disturb any video meetings, and the treadmill itself is square-shaped, so it doesn’t stick out super far from under the desk and take up unnecessary space.

S1 Folding Treadmill

This WalkingPad model may look like a standard under desk treadmill, but it has a feature that makes it unique and incredibly desirable: It can fold in half.

Whether you are dealing with a small space or simply don't want to have to move your treadmill every time you want to use it, this allows you to easily fold it under your desk and out of the way. It also has both a manual mode and an automatic that adjusts to your foot speed as you walk.