While mindbodygreen believes that taking your stroll outdoors is the gold standard, anything that gets you moving (and cuts down on sedentary time) will do the body good. That’s where home workout equipment comes into play. If you’re feeling stagnant during your workday, these best under-desk treadmills could be just what you need. So naturally, one of the major benefits of a treadmill desk is that it encourages you to stay active throughout the day, even when you’re tied to a computer or stuck in a meeting. “In my opinion, doing extra activity during the day is always a good thing,” says elite personal trainer Chiheb Soumner, CPT, founder of Fairfax Training Club in Los Angeles. “With a treadmill desk, you can literally get your steps in while getting your work done…plus you’re more likely to have good posture with this setup.” He notes this may be especially beneficial for anyone with an overwhelming, busy job who doesn’t have too many opportunities to leave their office for a walking break. Soumner points out that it’s important to be mindful while multitasking with your under-desk treadmill—you don’t want to trip or fall in the middle of a meeting. To mitigate this hazard, consider slowly acclimating to your new desk setup. Perhaps start with a walking meeting first before moving on to emails or more typing-intensive activities. Another potential downside: the cost. Whereas walking is a free fitness activity, under-desk treadmills are not—but there are some budget-friendly options to consider. If a treadmill desk aligns with your personal budget and lifestyle, it’s a fantastic tool for supporting your well-being goals. If you’re hoping to use the same treadmill for running, it’s important to note speed ranges, too. You’ll also want to consider whether you’ll be working with other people in the room or using your treadmill while talking on work calls—in which case, you’ll probably want a quieter model. Ultimately, there are a wide range of under-desk treadmills on the market right now, with varying features. Taking your unique needs and concerns into account will help pinpoint a treadmill you’ll feel satisfied with…and actually use. To help out, we’ve rounded up the best under-desk treadmills and included our criteria below. The treadmill also features “smart foot sensing speed control,” which is meant to mitigate slips or falls, keeping you safe while you’re walking and working. Just know, this convenient piece of equipment won’t go any faster than 4 miles per hour, which means it isn’t well suited for running or jogging. It’s built to last and is praised by various customers for being durable and convenient, even this frequent user who shares: “I’m putting about 20k steps on it everyday and it seems to be holding up just fine and the belt stays put.” On the flip side, as many reviewers point out, you have to hold on to the handles to keep the belt moving—so you probably can’t use this one while typing. The handlebar may also interfere with how well the treadmill fits with some desk models. Not to mention, it features a nonslip, shock-absorbing running belt, which is ideal for supporting your joints as you log miles. While you can use the remote control for lower speeds, you need to download the app or use the buttons on the treadmill to go faster than 3.8 miles per hour. The handrail is optional and can be folded away while not in use. One not-so-great feature customers have called out is the auto shutoff function. The treadmill will automatically stop after 40 minutes of use, and then you’ll be waiting 5 to 10 seconds before you can turn it back on. This is fine if you don’t mind a break but not ideal for continuous use. It’s important to note that the tread only permits “running mode” when the handlebar is raised; otherwise, it won’t exceed 3 miles per hour. While the treadmill is a great, compact space-saver, the shorter belt size isn’t meant for all strides, as noted by a few complaints from reviewers. While the incline certainly adds a heart-pumping challenge to your workday, the lower max speed is a bit limiting. What’s more, it comes preprogrammed with 12 exercise programs to choose from, if you’re looking to change up your usual walking routine and make your workouts a bit more interesting. The remote-controlled speed ranges from 0.5 to 6 miles per hour. At a max of 6 mph, you’re looking at more of a jog than a run—something to note if you’re interested in the latter. For ease of use, this unit includes an LED display on both the remote control and the handlebar, to help monitor and adjust your speed as needed. Thanks to the high max speed, many reviewers highlight using this treadmill for both walking and running, noting that it feels sturdy and stable during either activity. Some customers do mention that the remote control can be a bit finicky. Another potential downside is the higher price—but depending on your current needs, it could be an excellent value.
