Desk Treadmill

An under-desk treadmill helps you get daily steps while you work, encouraging you to be active at times when you otherwise wouldn’t be.

What is a desk treadmill and why would you use one?

A desk treadmill, also referred to as an under desk treadmill or treadmill desk, is a small flat treadmill you can pull out when you want to get some movement during the office work day.

Designed to slide under the desk, some desk treadmills have handles that fold down for storage and pull up once you’re ready to use it. Others are simple treadmills with a non-slip shock-absorbing running belt that moves so you can walk, jog, or even run in the same spot.

Slide it out, plug it in, and walk in place while going over paperwork, watching a video, or taking a quiet break. Maybe you want to go for a five-minute run but can’t be away from the office. Stuck on hold? Walk in place until the call is answered versus sitting stationary. Desk treadmills are good options if you have minimal space.

Do desk treadmills really work?

A desk treadmill makes it simple to add activity to an office workday when you might otherwise have been sedentary for eight hours straight. If you’re on a phone call, reading a document, watching a video, or doing another passive activity in front of the computer, use this time for light cardio and exercise.

Provided you make use of it, a desk treadmill will help you get more daily activity than you normally would. Conveniently fitting under a desk, it’s easy to pull out, set up, then walk, jog, or run when you can during the workday. An LED display shows time, speed, distance, and calories burned. Work towards a goal, like walking the equivalent of 2 kilometres per day while you work.

Desk treadmills don’t require a lot of space and are a simple way to encourage more physical activity, and getting up every now and then to stretch your muscles.

What to look for with a desk treadmill

Check the measurements of the treadmill and measure the space under your desk to confirm it will fit. Note that you can also place a desk treadmill in a closet, on a shelf, or even safely up against a wall.

Make sure you’re using it on hard flooring only, not carpets to prevent overheating. Look for good cushioning for your feet, back, and joints on the running belt as well as solid traction. Confirm you can plug and unplug it as needed with the cords safely out of the way.

Check the weight capacity: smaller desk treadmills might not be able to accommodate individuals over 220 lbs. while larger ones can accommodate up to 350 lbs. Look for features like a remote, Bluetooth for connecting to mobile devices, and quiet operation so you can still be on a phone call or listen to a video through headphones while strutting your stuff.