Get active with an under-desk treadmill
If you’ve noticed your activity level going down while working from home, an under-desk treadmill may be the perfect fitness equipment to buy. When paired with a standing desk, it helps you keep moving. This wards off the negative health effects associated with sitting still all day. If you’re tired of coming up with excuses to avoid exercise, choose the best under-desk treadmill to transform your day and your lifestyle.
In this article: WALKINGPAD Foldable Walking Pad Treadmill, UREVO Walking Pad and Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
Why get an under-desk treadmill?
Getting your steps in has many health benefits. Walking for even a few minutes each day can accomplish a multitude of good things for your body, both physically and mentally, such as:
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Strengthen your heart to reduce the risk of heart disease.
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Lubricate joints and strengthen muscles to ease knee and hip pain.
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Improve mood and energy levels.
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Clear your mind to help you think creatively.
Walking on an under-desk treadmill means you can get these benefits without having to alter your schedule or endure bad weather. That said, walking inside on a treadmill doesn’t have all the same positive effects as taking a walk outside. But, it’s better than sitting for hours, especially if you turn off your screen and focus solely on walking for a few minutes.
What to consider when buying an under-desk treadmill
Size
If you want to store your treadmill when not in use, get one small enough to fit under your bed or sofa or against the wall. Make sure it’s also lightweight enough for you to move easily. Built-in wheels help make storage easier. Folding treadmills offer more convenient storage.
Conversely, if you’re tall, check the treadmill’s specifications carefully. Many treadmills designed to fit under desks are also compact and may not offer a long enough stride length for taller people to use comfortably.
Speed
Under-desk treadmills offer different speeds, which affect their functionality. Walking pads only reach around 3 miles per hour. Under-desk treadmills that allow for jogging typically reach around 4 mph. For running capabilities, look for a treadmill in the 6- to 8-mph speed range.
Controls
Under-desk treadmills have collapsible handles or no handles at all. They also lack a traditional interface for controlling the treadmill’s programs and speed. Most desk treadmills make up for this by coming with a remote control. Some also offer app controls to use the treadmill through your smartphone. Others change speed automatically according to where you’re walking on the footpad.
Noise level
If you want to bring your desk treadmill into an office environment, or if your home office is in an apartment, quiet operation should be a high priority. Look for a motor of around 2 horsepower and a sound level of fewer than 50 decibels for the quietest — and least disruptive — operation. Placing your treadmill on a mat can help minimize noise while also protecting your floors.
Safety features
Use desk treadmills cautiously since they don’t have handrails like a traditional treadmill. Look for ones that stop operating when they detect that the user has stepped off the treadmill. If you plan to run at your desk, choose a model with collapsible handles that fold out for use when running. Finally, make sure the treadmill has a high enough weight capacity and maximum speed for you.
Best under-desk treadmills
WALKINGPAD Foldable Walking Pad Treadmill
This model folds in half for easy storage and has a 47-inch walking length. It has an aluminum frame making it durable and lightweight. It has a digital display remote control and is quiet so you can use it while watching TV or working.
MERACH W50 TrekPad Walking Pad
Compact yet heavy-duty, this under-desk treadmill has front wheels to roll it in and out of storage. It features a 12% incline and reduced stress on the joints thanks to its shock-absorbing nonslip belt. It has a 400-pound capacity and runs for 600 minutes on a single charge.
This Urevo under-desk treadmill offers a weight capacity of up to 220 pounds. With fold-up handles and a top speed of 6.2 mph, it even lets you jog. It has 12 built-in programs and a folding set of handlebars with an LCD screen.
This folding under-desk treadmill is packed with features, including 12 preset programs and manual modes, an LED display and a remote control. It reaches up to 7.5 mph, so you can walk, jog or run. It can support users up to 220 pounds.
Sunny Health and Fitness Walkstation
This compact, budget-friendly model delivers everything you need to exercise at your desk. It’s lightweight and reaches 3.75 mph, while a large display shows the time, calories burned, distance and more. It comes with a remote control and safety features, such as pausing when no weight is detected on the treadmill.
Redliro Walking Treadmill with Long Handrail
If you want a walking pad but still need a handrail for balance, this foldable and lightweight option could work for you. It has an easy-to-use LCD display and can go as fast as 5.5 mph. It supports people up to 300 pounds and comes with 12 preset modes.
Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
The walking mode has speeds up to 2.5 mph and run speeds up to 7.5 mph supported by collapsible handlebars. It has an LED display, a quiet motor and comes with a remote control. Plus, a speaker with Bluetooth connectivity lets you play your favorite workout playlist.
This under-desk treadmill reaches up to 3.8 mph, offering both walking and jogging capabilities. It’s a lightweight option, making it easy to move around. It has an LED display and comes with a remote control. The weight capacity is 265 pounds.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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