6 Under Desk Treadmills That Are Actually Worth Buying, According to Certified Trainers

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MANY OF us are spending time at a home office for at least a few hours per week these days. Whether it's working your 9-5, surfing the web, or even doing taxes (AH!), it's become somewhat normal for hours to slip by without moving much more than your fingers on the keyboard. Unless you're making a concerted effort to get your daily steps in, there's a good chance you could use a little help.

But there is hope for breaking up your most sedentary days: a treadmill desk. While it can't substitute a rigorous workout, an under desk treadmill, like the best under desk exercise bikes, can help you burn calories and get some steps while sending emails, watching tv, or frankly, any otherwise sedentary activity. Plus, most of them fit nicely beneath your favorite standing desk. And no, you don't need to hit 10,000 steps a day to reap the benefits.

A 2007 Mayo clinic study found that people who sat in chairs burned in 72 calories per hour. However, when they used a walking workstation at 1.1 mph, subjects burned 191 calories per hour. So yeah, that means an under desk treadmill just may help you stay in shape. And no, it's not a substitute for a cardio workout. But hey, it's never a bad thing to get a little more activity into your day.

Sitting for extended periods has been linked to various health problems, including obesity, poor posture, musculoskeletal problems, cardiovascular disease, and even diabetes. And upping your daily step-count via a treadmill desk is an approachable way reduce sedentary behavior and its associated health risks.

Increasing your daily movements by even 10 minutes can still make a positive impact on your longterm health. So if you're looking to add an under desk desk to your work-from-home setup, we've got you covered. For the past two years, Men's Health's fitness team researched and tested over a dozen under-desk treadmill desks from top home gym and cardio machine brands to find the best treadmill desks to buy in 2023.

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Folding Treadmill with Desk

Unlike many other treadmill desks on the market, this one comes with a standing desk that can be adjusted to your preferred height (although it's best suited for those 4.1-6.5 feet tall). After researching and testing the Funmily treadmill desk, our editors loved the desktop area's spacious design.

Best of all, it has incline capabilities (3 levels), which many other treadmill desks do not. Incline, speed, pause, and other functions are controlled via manual adjustment buttons on the handrails, allowing for quick access. A digital LED display (housed on the desktop) shows the user performance metrics like speed, time, distance, calories burned, and heart rate. Although we haven't come across reviews indicating this design has posed issues in use, one downside to this machine could be an overcrowded desktop interface.

It's designed to be super quiet, too, so you won't disturb roommates, or your significant other. The electric motor features an advanced noise reduction system, all the while producing a powerful 3.25 horsepower. With a top speed of 8-mph and built-in speakers, this product offers a lot of robust features for the price.

What do buyers say? "I use this while watching movies and also while gaming, im 6’4 and around the 300lbs range starting off and this treadmill has handled me just fine walking at 3.5mph," said one Amazon reviewer.

Read more: Best Folding Treadmills

2 in 1 Folding Treadmill

This folding treadmill has five layers of non-slip texture for plenty of cushion and support, as well as removable handles. What truly sets this one apart is the maximum speed. It tops out at 2.5 miles per hour with the handrail lowered. But, lifting the handrail opens this treadmill desk up to a respectable 7.5-mph top speed. While that's not on par even with most budget treadmills (and certainly not with any high-end treadmills), it's decent enough to get a quick desk-side jog in. The belt is on the small side, however, so serious runners will need to be cautious or consider upgrading to a more generously sized model.

The 2.5-horsepower motor is powerful enough, plus it's quiet and runs smooth even at its maximum setting. The maximum weight capacity is listed at 265 pounds. But, many buyer reviews we researched cautioned keeping it closer to 200 pounds for safety, especially while running.

The built-in wheels and foldable design are ideal for stowing away under your desk or under a piece of furniture. Other features include an LED display with a phone holder that shows time, speed, distance and calories. It's also Bluetooth-enabled to help keep you motivated while you move.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 8,100 Amazon reviews, 76% recommend the Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill with at least a 4-star rating.

Treadmill Under Desk

At just 2.3 inches tall, Rhythm Fun's Super Slim Under Desk Treadmill is one of the shortest, most compact models we've seen this year. The folding, lightweight design (less than 80 pounds) is compact and easily transportable wherever you need it in your home office setup. Fully collapsed, it fits neatly under almost any bed, sofa, or even in a closet.

It requires zero assembly, and is very low maintenance. Just follow the directions to add lubricant to the oiling position, and you're ready to roll—er, walk.

The 18-inch wide running belt provides a smooth, anti-slip, shock-free walk/run platform. The 1.5-horsepower is among the smallest on this list, but is still powerful enough to provide a max speed of up to 3.7 miles per hour—more than enough for most WFHers. Plus, the durable alloy-steel frame is solid and stable enough for anyone up to 220 pounds.

The included remote controls many of this treadmill desk's functions. And a large LED display tracks essential metrics like elapsed time, distance moved, speed, and calories burned in real time. At under $500, it's the best mid-range treadmill desk we've found.

What do buyers say? "Absolutely love this product. 10/10 would recommend this if you are looking to elevate your WFH set up/raise your step count and keep active," said one Amazon reviewer.

Portable Treadmill with Foldable Wheels

Most treadmill desks and under-desk treadmills are designed for "set it and forget it" workouts. Just dial in the speed you want, and be on your way. This portable treadmill from Umay offers a dozen exercise programs and six speed options with a maximum speed of 4 mph. That's plenty adequate for a decent walk or even a slow jog—your call. It's all adjustable via the included remote control. Connecting your phone by Bluetooth with the SPAX app also allows you to control many of the treadmills features remotely.

The 1.5-horsepower motor is on the weak side. But the top speed should be enough for most casual WFHers looking to get their steps in. While the frame is durable alloy steel, it's only capable of supporting 198 pounds, making it the least sturdy of the treadmill desks on this list.

What do buyer say? "I love this for walking while at my desk working. It's quick, small, easy to put away, and easy to use," said one Amazon reviewer.

Unsit Under Desk Treadmill

Most of the ultra-budget-friendly models we tested are barebones treadmill desks with modest features.The Unsit Under Desk Treadmill is in a class all its own. At nearly $2,500, it's the most expensive model we found. But, that premium price tag also sets this one well above every other model in our roundup too.

The wide frame and belt provide 55% more usable walking space. That equates to easier, more comfortable walking with more naturally paced strides to help prevent soreness and injuries. It's also safer, because you're not trying to "fit" your natural gait into an unnaturally small footprint. This model is arguably the quietest on this list—"library quiet," according to Unsit and many reviewers. It's also built with heavy-duty, commercial-grade materials (supports up to 400 pounds) so it's designed to last for years.

It's also the only model we've found with a dedicated smartphone app. It connects the under-desk treadmill to your phone to track steps, distance, calories, and other stats all with a one-touch control setup.

On the downside, that beefy construction makes this the heaviest desk treadmill on this list at more than 160 pounds. We were surprised to find that the maximum speed is only 2 miles per hour. But, this is definitely more of an under-desk treadmill designed specifically to use while you work, rather than a portable treadmill that happens to fit in your office. Because, really, who is literally running during their hourly Zoom meetings?

What do buyers say? "Love! Very easy to use. Well-made ... Best decision I made for my back!" said one InMovement.com reviewer.

C2 Smart Folding Treadmill

After testing this for a few month, we like to think of this one more as a walking pad than a treadmill desk, because that's how it's branded. Ultimately, it has the same function, but the low-profile aesthetic of the C2 Smart Folding Treadmill can be really attractive.

Especially if you are in an apartment or small office space, the size and look of this design offer a lot of functional benefit. When you're not using it, simply fold it up and tuck it away. It's not only foldable, but super lightweight, so you can move it from room to room or under the sofa with ease.

It has a maximum speed of 3.7-mph, so it's great for even fast walkers. A remote control allows you to easily adjust the speed of the treadmill, switch between modes, and turn it on and off. This makes it easy to customize your workout without having to stop or bend down. Buyers have noted the remote battery is not included, so be aware.

The treadmill is also Bluetooth enabled and has built-in speakers, so you can listen to music or watch videos while you exercise. But with a weight capacity of just 220-pounds and a compact walking surface, it's not the most suitable choice for bigger or taller guys.

What do buyers say? "Works well under desk, particularly due to the folding feature," said one Amazon reviewer.

What to Look for in the Best Treadmill Desk

Under-desk treadmills and treadmill desks aren’t that much different than traditional treadmills. So, shopping for them is similar. Here are the most important things to consider to find the best treadmill desk (for you):

• Size: This probably goes without saying, but you’ll want to double-check that the treadmill desks you’re shopping will physically fit your home office. Pay close attention to the overall dimensions, so you can be sure it will fit under your desk. But, it also helps to have a few feet in every direction around the treadmill to allow enough freedom of movement.

• Stability: Like all home gym equipment, stability equals safety. You want a treadmill that’s sturdy enough to properly support you. Look for metal frames which often mean a heavier, more stable construction. If spending a little more money will “upgrade” your purchase from a cheaper, less stable frame, to a stronger one, opt for the more expensive option. That increased peace of mind is always money well spent.

• Adjustability: If the treadmill desk setup you’re considering includes an attached or complementary desk, be sure it adjusts to a height that’s comfortable for you. Most feature varying table heights, so be sure that it can elevate to a position that’s ideal for your workflow. Also, treadmills often allow for an adjustable range of speeds, typically in 0.1 mile-per-hour increments. This guarantees the versatility to adapt to your growing fitness needs.

• Noise level: Belt-driven treadmill desks and under-desk treadmill models make noise just like standard treadmills. Not every manufacturer lists the average noise level of their treadmill. But, if a quieter workspace is important to you, be sure to ask or research reviews from other treadmill desk buyers to see what they have to say.

• Belt length: Finding a treadmill desk with an appropriate belt length that matches your overall height and stride length is critical. Shorter belts force shorter steps, which can lead to muscle tightness, cramping, and less-than-optimal workouts. Too-long belts usually mean a larger overall treadmill size which takes up too much room unnecessarily.

• Assembly: Many treadmill desks require at least light assembly. If you’re not DIY-inclined or just prefer your at-home gym equipment arrive preassembled, check the manufacturer’s website to see just how much assembly is required. In some cases, your retailer may offer assembly, either free or for an additional fee.

How to Convert a Sitting Desk to a Treadmill Desk

You can convert your traditional sitting desk into a treadmill desk by elevating your existing work surface to accommodate a walking pad or purchasing a walking pad that includes an attached standing desk. If you are purchasing a treadmill desk that doesn't include a work surface, you'll need to consider the dimensions of your surroundings, the walking pad you wish to purchase and your desk to ensure the layout will fit well. You will need to consider the treadmill's handles and console to determine whether it will interfere with your workstation.

Read more: Best Walking Shoes for Men

Why Is Walking While Working a Good Idea?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the average American was taking 3,000 to 4,000 steps each day prior to 2020 (which is still less than ideal). These days, many Americans are becoming even more sedentary. And we know how hard it is to pull yourself away from work between meetings and deadlines to get out for a quick walk, but treadmill desks provide a solution for that dilemma.

Compared to a traditional sitting desk, treadmill desks simply allow you to increase your physical activity levels while working. This can help improve your cardiovascular health, increase calorie burn, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle. And c'mon, who doesn't love a tool that helps you multitask these days?

While research isn't conclusive, some studies have shown that using a treadmill desk can even improve productivity and cognitive function. Walking increases blood flow and oxygenation to the brain, which can enhance mental clarity and focus.

But it is important to note that a treadmill desk may not be suitable for everyone. If you have an existing health condition, it's important to consult a healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your activity levels.

Read more: Walking for Weight Loss

How We Selected

We researched and tested dozens of the most popular and best-reviewed treadmill desks currently on the market. Men's Health fitness editors and experts paid close attention to the most important features, including stability, noise level, adjustability, overall size, ease of assembly, and, of course, price. Our top picks took into account verified buyer ratings and reviews from top retailers and other sources we trust. The list above represents our carefully chosen picks of the best treadmill desks to consider in 2023.

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