These Under-Desk Treadmills Help You Get Your Steps in Despite a Busy Schedule

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Over the last few years, a new health slogan emerged: “Sitting is the new smoking.” And with good reason—one study on sedentary behaviors of Americans published in JAMA discovered that one in four adults sit for more than eight hours each day. Plus, the long-term effects of too much couch and chair time can be startling, including an increased risk of certain chronic diseases, along with a shorter life expectancy.

However, putting one foot in front of the other is an easy way to be more physically active and boost your overall health and well-being, says Karen Litzy, P.T., D.P.T., owner of the Manhattan-based practice Karen Litzy Physical Therapy. “In fact, walking has been shown to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, reduce risk of diabetes and help with the management of osteoarthritis,” she states.

Since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity each week, hopping on a treadmill desk while you work on your laptop can be an effective way to increase energy expenditure and metabolic rate, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal BMC Public Health. A treadmill desk may also help alleviate neck and back pain, which was a major complaint of nearly 45,000 office workers who participated in another studypublished in the same journal.

How we chose the best treadmill desks

Dr. Litzy lists a few factors to consider when purchasing a treadmill desk, starting with size. “You want to make sure you have space around the treadmill to get on and off and ensure nothing will interfere with the functioning of the treadmill,” she says. Other features include weight of the desk, weight capacity, adjustability, noise levels, speed (if you’re looking to walk and run) and safety features (such as a slow starting speed, emergency stop button and handles, if that’s your preference). We also took into account comments (and complaints) from reviewers.

Our top picks

If you’d like to reap the many benefits of walking but can’t seem to find time to get your steps in, try one of the best under desk treadmills to encourage movement throughout the day.

Putting one foot in front of the other is an easy way to be more physically active and boost your overall health and well-being, says Karen Litzy, P.T., D.P.T., owner of the Manhattan-based practice Karen Litzy Physical Therapy. “In fact, walking has been shown to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and help with the management of osteoarthritis,” she states.

Since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity each week, hopping on a treadmill desk while you work on your laptop can be an effective way to increase energy expenditure and metabolic rate, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal BMC Public Health. A treadmill desk may also help alleviate neck and back pain, which was a major complaint of nearly 45,000 office workers who participated in another study published in the same journal.

Meet the experts: Karen Litzy, P.T., D.P.T., owner of the Manhattan-based practice Karen Litzy Physical Therapy; and Ashley Nowe, certified pre and postnatal corrective exercise specialist and owner of Get Mom Strong.

Our top picks

Read on for the very best under-desk treadmills to keep you moving even when you’re busy at work.

2 in 1 Folding Treadmill

With adjustable speeds ranging from 1 to 8 mph, this treadmill desk is made with seven layers of a non-slip running belt in order to provide extra cushioning for joints, muscles and back without breaking the bank. It’s quiet and supports up to 265 lbs.

User review: “I can use it in my apartment’s spare room while watching a movie and no one can even hear me or it move. That’s AWESOME!” wrote one Amazon reviewer.

Under Desk Treadmill Walking Pad 2 in 1

Ashley Nowe, certified pre- and postnatal corrective exercise specialist and owner of Get Mom Strong, recommends this treadmill, and it’s the perfect option if you already own a standing desk. Its slim design without handle bars allows it to fit right under your couch when it’s not in use. While it’s one of the more affordable options, the overall price will be higher if you need to purchase a standing desk.

User review: “Despite its affordability, this under-the-desk treadmill doesn't compromise on quality. The walking surface is comfortable, and the speed settings provide a customizable workout experience. It has become my go-to for getting some light exercise while working, helping me stay active even during long hours at my desk.”

2 in 1 Folding Treadmill

The multilayered, anti-skid running belt allows for a quiet walk or run with speed range options between 0.5 to 6.5 mph. It’s also portable and has a maximum weight capacity of 260 lbs.

User review: “I have been looking for a way to get more steps in while indoors because I live in an area with four distinct seasons and WFH means less times for real breaks! Enter this beauty. I needed something that could fit in a small apt and stow away under my sofa on the off chance I have company. I also needed something quietish because I have neighbors downstairs,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “Well, this one worked out great.”

2 in 1 Under Desk Electric Treadmill

If you already own a standing desk, this lightweight under-desk treadmill will likely fit right under it. This treadmill allows the user to change speed levels, which range from 0.5 to 6 mph, via remote control. The shock-absorbing rubber belt makes running a quiet experience.

User review: “ This thing has been absolutely awesome. I live in an apartment and you can barely hear it when I’m walking on it. You can put a show on and an hour later you've hit 6,000 steps. Game changer for folks who WFH and have a small space. The machine is also fairly easy to move,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “I haven't had any issues with the remote and appreciate the ability to mute the machine. I did a bunch of research on walking pads before purchasing and I'm glad I went with this one!”

Under Desk Treadmill

The shockproof, running belt made from silicon provides a quiet walk or run with extra stability to feet and joints. There is a maximum speed of 5.5 mph, bluetooth, and an app with workout programs for you to follow.

User review: “This is lightweight enough to move it easily, but sturdy enough to get in a good walking workout,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “Would be great under a desk but I have mine set up in front of the tv to break a sweat while I Netflix binge.”

Walker Pro

This compact (38-inch long, 22-inch wide) under-desk treadmill desk offers adjustable speeds ranging from 0.6 to 3.0 mph, as well as design that provides a 5% incline.

User review: “I was searching and searching for a walking treadmill that wasn't too heavy to move around,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “Besides the price, this treadmill was exactly what I was looking for: Electric, light, compact, and with a small incline—so I finally caved and purchased it!”

Portable Treadmill

This compact under-desk treadmill provides a virtually noise-free experience with a maximum speed of 4 mph. The LED display tracks distance, time, speed and calories burned while the running platform is designed with seven layers for durability and joint support. Also, for the first three months, the app offers free fitness classes and coaching sessions.

User review: “It has been a month since I started to use this walking pad. I absolutely love it. I have tried other treadmills and walking pads in the past, but nothing has been as stable, convenient, sleek, and easy to move as the UMAY walking pad. I have walked just about 45 minutes everyday, and it works great.”

Slim Under Desk Treadpad

With a maximum speed of 3.75 mph, this slim, low-profile treadmill is a hit for those who are looking to walk while at their desks. It comes with a remote to easily start and stop the treadmill and a useful LED display to track time, distance, calories, and more. Plus, reviewers love how easy it is to move around their home offices.

User review: “It's now been two weeks since receiving the treadmill and it is worth EVERY PENNY! I use it intermittently throughout the day when I’m working and usually do 1.8-2.2 easily,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “I’ve been consistently getting 15-20K steps a day now that I’m able to get exercise in while I work at my desk.”

URTM013 3-in-1 Under Desk Walking Treadmill

Ashley Nowe, certified pre- and postnatal corrective exercise specialist and owner of Get Mom Strong, recommends this treadmill for smaller spaces. You can fold down the handles and desk part of this treadmill, and store it away in a closet or underneath furniture. Even better, this treadmill has a high maximum speed for those days you want to pick up the pace. “The Urevo URTM013 is an optimal choice in that it is small; however, it can also be used to jog with a top speed or 8.6 mph,” she says.

User review: “The foldable design of this treadmill is a game-changer for me. It saves a lot of space and makes it easy to store when not in use. I also appreciate that it is easy to fold and unfold, so I don't have to struggle with it every time I want to use it.”

TR1200 Under Desk Walking Treadmill

This high-tech under-desk treadmill offers a display that keeps track of your step count, operates only when you are moving and comes to a stop when you hop off. The speed ranges from 0.4 to 4.0 mph. It’s also Bluetooth enabled, so your daily stats can be sent to your iPhone or Android.

User review: “I had this for about 2 weeks and it’s one of my best investments,” one reviewer stated. “I work from home and don’t get out much, especially in the winter and with this I get in some type of exercise. I get at least 4 miles in a day without having to leave my home.”

How to choose an under-desk treadmill

✔️ Consider the restrictions of your space before making a purchase—is a smaller, more compact pick better, or is the sky the limit in terms of space? Do you need to carry the product up a flight of stairs, or is it going into a ground-floor office? The product’s weight might be a factor here too.

✔️ How big of a desk space do you need? Should it hold a laptop, or do you need even more space to spread out? Different models offer different options, so it’s best to consider your workspace needs before you hit “add to cart.”

Is an under the desk treadmill worth it?

Walking and increasing your daily steps is beneficial to your mental health and heart health, and can reduce your risk of obesity and high blood pressure. “Walking for even just 30 minutes a day has multiple benefits including increased cardiovascular health, reduced body fat, and improved bone density,” Nowe says.

An under-desk treadmill is convenient for people who spend their time sitting at a desk during the workday: They can get their daily steps in while staying focused. “When it comes down to it, we are primal beings and very much not intended to sit for 8 hours a day, staring at a computer screen,” Nowe says. “Not only is this bad for our physical health, it is bad for our mental health, too.”

Walking has even been proven to increase productivity and creative thinking. Next time you’re looking for a solution to a problem or need a creative idea, walking while you think it through might help. “In short, [an under-desk treadmill] will boost your mood, productivity, and help you preserve good health,” Nowe says.

Can I run on an under the desk treadmill?

It depends. Most under-desk treadmills have a maximum speed of less than 5 mph, which Nowe says comes to a very slow jog. If you are looking for a treadmill for walking and running, check the specs and opt for one that has a faster maximum speed. “The best bet is to purchase a standard treadmill and utilize a treadmill desk attachment,” says Nowe, who recommends Nexanic’s treadmill laptop desk. “Simply take the desk off when running, and reattach it during work hours. It is a simple shift that only takes seconds.”

Which under-desk treadmill is best?

Whichever under-desk treadmill will get you walking is the best option. Nowe believes under the desk treadmills are worth it if you can commit to using it. “Like anything, it takes persistence to develop a new habit,” Nowe says. “Start by picking select times to walk and work on the treadmill. For example, maybe you answer your morning and afternoon emails while walking. Schedule it in, so the habit sticks.”

How we chose the best under-desk treadmills

Dr. Litzy lists a few factors to consider when purchasing a treadmill desk, starting with size. “You want to make sure you have space around the treadmill to get on and off and ensure nothing will interfere with the functioning of the treadmill,” she says. Other features include weight of the desk, weight capacity, adjustability, noise levels, speed (if you’re looking to walk and run) and safety features (such as a slow starting speed, emergency stop button and handles, if that’s your preference). We also took into account comments (and complaints) from reviewers.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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