If you’re looking for a way to add more movement to your workday, you may benefit from an under-desk treadmill. This will give you the opportunity to incorporate some simple exercise into your busy schedule.
Holly Roser, a certified personal trainer from California, calls the under-desk treadmill "an excellent tool for integrating more movement into the majority of people’s sedentary workday..." She says that using one "offers a practical way to increase daily activity and daily step counts without needing to leave your desk."
Shop TODAY tapped our team of shopping editors and several certified personal trainers to learn more about the benefits of under-desk treadmills. Experts even shared some of the best ones you can add to your setup to help meet your step goals while working.
Once you get your hands (and feet) on one of our top picks, you’ll be closer to meeting your work and workout goals; that’s a step in the right direction.
Benefits of an under-desk treadmill | What to look for | Expert-approved under-desk treadmills | Editor-approved under-desk treadmill | How we chose | Meet the experts
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“Regular physical activity, even at a low intensity, is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and obesity — and maintaining an active lifestyle can contribute to a longer, healthier life,” explains Roser.
Alexis Iannucci, New York-based certified personal trainer, notes that under-desk treadmills offer users many benefits including reduced stress, focus and physical activity. Plus, using an under-desk treadmill regularly can help one to meet and exceed their daily step goals.
“Increasing your step count helps to increase your metabolic rate, helping you burn fat and build muscle,” explains Roser.
In addition to maintaining cardiovascular health, Maggi Gao, a New York-based fitness coach, notes that walking can help keep anxiety at bay, keep muscles and joints from feeling too stressed throughout the day.
You might also observe your productivity increase after using an under-desk treadmill, adds Jane VanderVoort, a certified personal trainer based in New York.
What to look for in an under-desk treadmillThe most important things to look for in an under-desk treadmill are design, safety features and speed.
- Design: Gao emphasizes the importance of selecting under-desk treadmills that can fold when not in use. If you purchase an under-desk treadmill that does not fold, minimalist pieces are suitable. “Ensure the treadmill fits comfortably under your desk by checking its dimensions and ensuring it has a compact, low-profile design,” says VanderVoort. “This way, it seamlessly integrates with your workspace without taking up too much room.”Additionally, Jenna Willis, Los Angeles-based celebrity fitness trainer, notes that looking for an under-desk treadmill with a quiet motor can help ensure you stay focused while walking (and working).
- Safety features: When shopping for an under-desk treadmill, looking for safety features is essential as you want to be safe while you work to prevent injury and misuse of the machine. That said, VanderVoort recommends shopping for options that contain automatic shut-off or emergency stop buttons. Iannucci adds that looking for models with stability sensors and surfaces that prevent slipping is also key.
- Speed: Although you shouldn’t expect to move super quickly when using an under-desk treadmill, Chloe Bardos, principal founding instructor at Barry’s Canada, notes that most offer speeds between 0.5 and 4.0 miles per hour. That said, Roser adds you should ensure the machine you’re purchasing can swiftly toggle between various speeds and maintain its balance.
No electricity required: Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Walking Treadmill
What we like
- Doesn't require electricity
- Affordable option
Something to note
- Handlebars may get in the way
Dimensions: 20"L x 23"W x 50"H | Weight: 49 pounds | Weight capacity: 220 pounds | Highest speed: Not listed (manual) | Easy to store? No
Although this under-desk does not require electricity, Keith Hodges, a Performance Coach and Founder of Mind IN Muscle Coaching, recommends it, as you can position your desk and treadmill anywhere without a nearby outlet or extension cord.
He adds that this is a particularly favorite pick for those who may not be the most tech-savvy because all they have to do is hop on and start walking. This under-desk treadmill features handlebars to help prevent slips, as well as wheels which makes it easy to move around (if needed).
Incline included: YPOO Walking Pad with Incline
What we like
- Has an LED screen
- Incline can reach 8%
Something to note
- Doesn't come with a handle
Dimensions: 48.7”D x 22.4”W x 4.5”H | Weight: 46.7 pounds | Weight capacity: 220 pounds | Highest speed: 7.6 mph | Easy to store? Yes
Gao likes that this under-desk treadmill from YPOO boasts an impressive 8% incline. “If you don’t want to just walk on flat ground and want a challenge, this treadmill can give you up to an 8% incline,” says Gao.
“This is great to boost cardiovascular fitness if you cannot walk too fast (which is OK!) and can add difficulty by just increasing the incline.” You won’t have to worry too much about slipping when using this treadmill as it’s made with a five-layer anti-slip belt.
Built-in device holder: UPREIGN 2-in-1 Portable Treadmill and Walking Pad
What we like
- Available in black and gray
- Has a holder for smart devices
Something to note
- Incline is manual
Dimensions: 48.7”D x 22.4”W x 4.5”H | Weight: 46.7 pounds | Weight capacity: 220 pounds | Highest speed: 7.6 mph | Easy to store? Yes
When it comes to under-desk treadmills with an LED display and a holder for your smart devices, Gao recommends this one. “This is a great 'hybrid' treadmill as there is a stand that folds down to make the walking pad flat, to ensure it fits under a desk.”
With a walking mode (0.6 to 3.8 mph) and running mode (0.6 to 7.6 mph) this under-desk treadmill can provide increasingly intense workouts than some of our other picks.
The hybrid: Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
What we like
- Quite motor
- Versatile design
Something to note
- On the larger side
Dimensions: 52.5”D x 29”W x 44.5”H | Weight: 69.5 pounds | Weight capacity: 265 pounds | Highest speed: 7.5 mph | Easy to store? Yes
VanderVoort recommends this under-desk treadmill from Goplus for its versatility. “The Goplus two-in-one is perfect for those who want flexibility, as it doubles as a traditional treadmill and an under-desk model, making it a great choice for a seamless workout experience (especially if you work from home and have a little extra room).”
This device is equipped with a larger surface area (39.3 inches by 16 inches) and an LED display which you can use for key workout information such as calories burned and Bluetooth settings.
Worth the splurge: LifeSpan Fitness TX6 Under Desk Treadmill
What we like
- Heavy and stable
- Increased weight limit
Something to note
- More expensive than most
Dimensions: 60”D x 27.6”W x 6”H | Weight: 88 pounds | Weight capacity: 400 pounds | Highest speed: 4.0 mph | Easy to store? Yes
If you’re looking for an under-desk treadmill that will elevate your home office, look no further than this one from LifeSpan. Willis especially appreciates this device as it is high-quality, quiet, and contains auto-stop features.
With a weight limit of 400 pounds, this gadget opens access to more people who want to get their steps in during their workday. We can’t forget to mention that this treadmill comes with a remote for simplified control.
Editor-approved under-desk treadmillSimple and effective: Redliro Mini Walking Pad
What we like
- Wheels for easy movement
Something to note
- "Louder than expected"
Dimensions: 48.1”D x 21.1”W x 3.8”H | Weight: 50.1 pounds | Weight capacity: 265 pounds | Highest speed: 4.0 mph | Easy to store? Yes
Sarah Jacoby, a health reporter at TODAY, tried this walking pad and said it fit "seamlessly" into her workout schedule.
However, she previously noted, "I do have a standing desk, but I don’t use my walking pad there. Instead, I like to set it up in the living room next to the kitchen counter. That way, I can easily catch myself if I feel unsteady and I can watch something on TV while I walk."
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several key differences between standard treadmills and under-desk treadmills. One of the main differences between the two types of exercise equipment is size.
Hodges notes that standard treadmills tend to be larger and reach higher speeds and inclines, but tend to be louder and more expensive as a result.
Although under-desk treadmills are similar to standard treadmills in that they both can allow for walking and movement at slower speeds, these kinds of treadmills are generally smaller (with regard to their dimensions) and typically aren’t able to reach high inclines, notes Hodges.
That said, he adds that under-desk treadmills are usually accompanied by a more affordable price tag but don’t usually come with all of the bells and whistles and advanced technological features.
Although the volume under-desk treadmills will vary depending on the brand, model, speed, etc., they generally are fairly quiet machines, and typically more so than standard treadmills.
Hodges notes that a lot of this is because these machines don’t allow for sprinting or running which could lead to increased volume.
“Most models feature noise-reducing technology to ensure they don’t disrupt your work, calls, or conversations,” says VanderVoort. “It’s a good idea to check the reviews or product specifications for specifics on noise levels if you’re concerned about this."
Under-desk treadmills can be safe if used correctly. “They come with safety features like emergency stop buttons or automatic shut-off mechanisms to quickly halt the treadmill if necessary,” explains VanderVoort.
“Most models also have non-slip surfaces to prevent accidents and are designed to operate at lower speeds, which reduces the risk of falls and makes them suitable for walking rather than running."
She adds that it is important to become acquainted with the treadmill by reviewing the manufacturer’s guidelines and participating in shorter (and/or slower) walking sessions at the outset.
To compile our list of the best under-desk treadmills, Shop TODAY considered the recommendations provided to us by certified personal trainers we interviewed. We also included an under-desk walking pad that was tested by an editor at TODAY.
Meet the experts- Maggi Gao NASM CPT, is a New York City-based fitness coach.
- Keith Hodges, NASM CPT, is a Performance Coach and Founder of Mind IN Muscle Coaching.
- Alexis Iannucci, NASM CPT, is a New York-based NASM-certified personal trainer.
- Chloe Bardos, CPT, CSFC, is the principal founding instructor at Barry’s Canada
- Holly Roser, NASM CPT, is a California-based certified personal trainer and owner of Holly Roser Fitness Studio.
- Jane VanderVoort, NASM CPT, CFSC, is a certified personal trainer and founder of Movement & Mindset in New York City.
- Jenna Willis is a Los Angeles-based celebrity fitness trainer.
Jenna Clark
Jenna Clark is a freelance writer based in New York City.
