The best under desk treadmills come with adjustable walking speed. They also monitor the calories you consume as well as the time you spend walking. Some of them also come with a stand-up design that allows users to save storage space when not in use.
You might think it’s weird having a treadmill under your desk. But it’s a proven method of staying in shape and constantly burning a small number of calories each day to stay in shape in the long term. Smaller than traditional fitness treadmills, these under desk walking treadmills are also easier to use.
The science behind under desk treadmills
If you thin a treadmill under the desk doesn’t help you stay fit, you’ll be surprised by just how much it can help.
Treadmill exercises improve fitness. Even 15 minutes of walking can burn around 55 calories. This means you can burn up to 200 calories per day when walking at least 1-2 hours per day. Since you will also sit at the desk and stand alternatively, you rarely burn more calories. But over a week, you can easily burn around 2000 calories by walking on an under desk treadmill for at least an hour per day. If you do it right, walking can be as efficient as the morning jog session which you can now skip as you stay fit while working. To stay fit while working, you can use any of the following under desk treadmills.
1. Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Under Desk Treadmill
Most under desk treadmills are only made for walking. But this 2-in-1 design is also a running treadmill. It allows users to toggle between running and walking and it represents one of the most interesting options for enhanced fitness either at the office or when working from home.
The treadmill supports speeds between 1 and 12kmh (7 miles per hour maximum speed).
This means you can alternatively use it for walking and running to stay in great shape. Based on its rather potent 2.2HP motor, this treadmill offers one of the best options for anyone looking to maintain a healthy physique, a task that is not easy to accomplish with a desk job.
The running belt and its support system are what recommend this under a desk treadmill above all others. It comes with 5 layers.
Wear-resistant layer – this is the layer your feet are in constant contact with
Sound insulation layer – reduces sound to a maximum of 60 db
High strength support layer – adds support and strength
Shock absorption layer – absorbs all walking shocks
Compression layer – protective base layer for your joints
Pros
- Made with a non-slip running belt
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
- It holds a IEC certification
- Designed to fit under a standing desk
- Included phone holder
Cons
- No incline function
2. Goplus Under Desk Electric Treadmill
As far as under-desk treadmills go, modern designs aren’t easy to find. The outdated design of many treadmills can get them banned in some offices. But this Goplus office treadmill is different. It features a modern built-in LED display you can count on.
This display looks great, but it’s also practical. It shows speed, time, calories, and the distance you walk or run while working.
The display is situated right at the end of the treadmill and while it’s not properly visible from all angles given it’s situated at the height of the running surface, it still looks better than the digital display on most other under the desk treadmills.
If you want to burn calories and stay healthy at the office, you also need to minimize the noise the treadmill makes. This isn’t an issue when working from home. But when you walk on the treadmill in the office, it’s 8 supportive legs help diminish floor vibrations.
Speed is adjustable on this treadmill. You won’t necessarily use it for running, but you will rely on it for walking at a good high or low pace. Speed adjustments vary from 0.5mph to 4mph.
With a weight of 55lbs, this treadmill isn’t particularly heavy either. But the star of its practicality side is the compact remote control with full walking control.
Pros
- Best under desk treadmill display design
- Rubberized foot design reduces noise
- Shock absorption design for reduced knee pain
- A bit lighter than other treadmills
- Scroll wheels for easier transportation
Cons
- No include function limits intensity
3. Rhythm Fun Under Desk Treadmill
With a width of just over 5 inches when folded, this under desk treadmill from Rhythm is one of the most interesting simple designs you can choose. It isn’t made to rival a more traditional treadmill but for your office, it offers just sufficient power and even 12 training programs you can count on to stay fit.
This standing desk treadmill comes with a folding design with handlebars that recline completely flat.
It has a speed range with a maximum of 7.5 miles per hour which means it can be fast. But it can only be as fast as you are. If you want to build cardiovascular endurance, it’s going to be the closest design a work treadmill can be to a regular fitness treadmill.
It also tracks calories you burn, the time you spend on the treadmill for desks, and the steps you take on each session. These are all basic cardiovascular health indicators.
This under the desk treadmill also comes pre-assembled. There are no screws to install and no other adjustments you have to make. It means you can order it directly to your home or directly to the office.
Pros
- Made with a powerful 2.5HP motor
- Designed with a shock-absorbing running belt
- It can be stored vertically to save space
- Designed with a walking and a running mode
Cons
- Not the most stable handlebar
4. FYC 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
You can use this 2-in-1 design both as a running treadmill and as a walking treadmill that you place under a desk. Both of these modes can be used with you keeping an eye on performance. Even if you’re not the type of person to dig deep for data, this can still be one of the leaders in everyday use by tracking calories you burn while walking.
The treadmill also tracks steps and walking speed alongside the calories you burn.
When the handlebar is up (most likely in the running mode) you also get access to some buttons such as start-stop or speed controls. But there’s even a small remote control that ships with the treadmill when you want the hands-free operation. It’s always a plus to see extra physical buttons in case you lose the remote control.
With a folding design, this treadmill can also be transported around the house or the office. It features small transportation wheels (careful on those delicate hardwood floors) you can count on for free movement.
Pros
- 5mph maximum running speed
- 4mph maximum walking speed
- It keeps you active at the office
- Made with a shock-absorbing running belt
Cons
- Not the most attractive design
5. Citysports Home Under Desk Treadmill
If you’re after a simple standing desk treadmill, Citysports has the right product for you. This treadmill comes with a compact design which makes it easily fit under a desk. But some people use it as a walking desk in front of the TV to keep fit and to burn extra calories.
It comes with a small remote control with only 3 buttons. One button increases walking speed, another button decreases the walking speed, and the third button stops or starts the treadmill. The same controls are present on the treadmill itself as well.
There’s a small speaker added to the treadmill so that you can also connect it to your favorite bands or audiobooks.
While it lacks the functionality of some of the most expensive walking treadmills for desks, these Citysports designs are affordable and easy to use.
Pros
- Compact with a running belt length of 43”
- Sturdy construction
- One-piece design
Cons
- Limited walking programs
6. Umay Portable Treadmill
This Umay design is great if you need a simple cheap under desk treadmill. You’d be under considerable pressure looking for a simpler setup. But its minimalistic design is not the only reason so many users are interested in it.
This is the quietest treadmill on our list.
You can use it when working in a cubicle or an office with other people. You can also use it at home where the only sound it makes is the sound of your feet touching the running belt.
Made with a small 1.5hp motor, it still powers walks with speeds of up to 4mph. There are 6 speeds you can select when walking on it. But these Umay treadmills that fit under a desk also come with Bluetooth. You can easily transfer your walking data and your calorie-burning data to apps such as MyFitnessPal to keep an eye on your fitness journey.
Pros
- Low noise under desk treadmill
- Included remote control
- It can be controlled through an app
- Protects knees with shock absorption
Cons
- Not the most powerful motor
| Under desk treadmill | Maximum speed | Walking belt size | Remote control | Upright storage | Weight |
| Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Under Desk Treadmill | 4mph | 41” x 17” | Yes | Yes | 55lbs |
| Goplus Under Desk Electric Treadmill | 3.7mph | 47” x 18” | Yes | Yes | 63lbs |
| Rhythm Fun Under Desk Treadmill | 7.5mph | 50” x 18” | Yes | Yes | 97lbs |
| FYC 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill | 4mph | 41.3″ x 15.8″ | Yes | Yes | 57lbs |
| Citysports Home Under Desk Treadmill | 4mph | 43” x 17” | Yes | Yes | 60lbs |
| Umay Portable Treadmill | 4mph | 41” x 16” | Yes | Yes | 66lbs |
Final words
Office treadmills aren’t new. But since standing desks have risen in popularity, under desk treadmills seem to be a good addition if you want to stay in shape. Given most people are now living a sedentary lifestyle due to the pandemic, it can even take a lot longer to get back in shape simply by working out after work. But all of the extra weight you carry can be gone within months simply by alternating periods of standing, periods of sitting on a standing desk chair, and periods of walking while working at the desk.