Working from home has many advantages; no long commutes, coffee breaks minus the small talk and answering a business call in pajama bottoms – smart on top, casual on the bottom as always. But there are a few downsides, and for many, working from home means less movement, only taking steps to and from the kitchen. That’s where under-desk treadmills come in.
Recent YouGov research shows that nearly half (48%) of Britons admit they don’t walk enough every day. The study suggests that encouraging people to increase their daily step count could play a crucial role in minimizing rates of chronic disease, but with more ways than ever to move (eg the hot girl walk or the viral 12-3-treadmill 30 training) this does not work they have so be it. In fact, there are ways to get moving without even leaving your desk, no walking boots required.
The best under-desk treadmills at a glance:
Best Overall Under Desk Treadmill: UREVO Treadmill, £259.99 at Amazon
Best Treadmill Under Desk Design: Makesone Under Desk Treadmill, £339.99 at Amazon
Best White Treadmill Under Desk: GOYOUTH Under Desk Treadmill, £299.99 at Amazon
An under-desk treadmill can be a great addition to your WFH setup, after all, a mid-day workout can help with increased focus, improved circulation and a burst of creativity. Get ready for these lightweight, foldable, and portable contraptions to transform your home office and maybe even improve your mood (and let’s be honest—we all need that on a Monday morning).
Shop the best under desk treadmills.
SHOP: The best under-desk treadmills
The best overall under desk treadmill
AmazonThis UREVO treadmill is perfect for smaller spaces, such as under your desk, because it has convenient wheels for easy storage when not in use. Are you done with your quick lunchtime workout? Just spin the treadmill to keep your home clean. Plus, this treadmill has a convenient LED display screen that provides real-time monitoring of speed, distance, time, steps and calories, while the remote control allows for quick adjustments for a streamlined workout.
Professionals
- Intuitive manual tilt
- Five-layer running belt
- LED display screen that shows speed, distance, time, steps and calories
cons
- Not ideal for people over six feet tall
Best Treadmill Under Desk Design
AmazonRRP: £379.99
Price: £339.99
Compact and versatile, this Maksone treadmill fits under your desk so you can strut your stuff in the middle of WFH (probably not recommended by your bosses, though). It has a non-slip running belt to avoid embarrassing accidents and has a shock reduction system to ensure that every step is safe and stable. With 12 varied programs, speeds up to 6 kmmp and a gorgeous wood finish, Maksone ensures that your treadmills it seems great while you I feel it great.
Professionals
- Aesthetic design with a wooden frame
- Generous 12 programs
- Powerful motor
cons
- Quite heavy to move considering the size
RRP: £379.99
Price: £339.99
The best white under desk treadmill
AmazonIf you have a minimalist home or just love the minimalist look – you might want to take a listen. This white GOYOUTH treadmill fits into any interior, so you won’t have to worry about ruining the aesthetics of your home office. As features, the treadmill comes with an LED display, remote control, and a shock-absorbing and non-slip running belt. Plus, if DIY is prohibited in your home, this treadmill comes pre-assembled so you can try it right out of the box.
Professionals
- LED display
- Minimalist white design
- The remote control can adjust the speeds while running
cons
- Not the quietest treadmill
The best under desk treadmill with armrests
DebenhamsPrice: £188.99 (was £259.99)
With two different modes – running and walking – this treadmill is great for people who want a machine that can do it all. If you find you need extra support while walking or running, just use the armrest as a handy stabilizer, although it can be folded up when you use it under a desk. It also has a powerful motor that runs relatively quietly, so you can take your daily steps without disturbing others.
Professionals
- Powerful motor
- Five-layer non-slip treadmill
- The armrest can be used for extra support
cons
- Not the sturdiest build
Price: £188.99 (was £259.99)
The best under desk treadmill for small spaces
AmazonRRP: £399.00
Price: £399.00
Dubbed the world’s smallest and lightest treadmill, this Egofit treadmill is perfect for apartments and compact spaces. Despite its diminutive size, it’s powerful with a powerful motor, providing a satisfying workout experience wherever you are, whether it’s your office, living room or bedroom. After you’re done with your walk, effortlessly move the treadmill and tuck it away under your sofa or bed, becoming a gadget that can sometimes be a thing of the past.
Professionals
- Super small size – great for small spaces
- Maneuvering wheels below
- LDC monitor that counts steps
cons
- Not the quietest treadmill
RRP: £399.00
Price: £399.00
Best Price Under Desk Treadmill
AmazonIf you’re looking for a treadmill with a little added challenge, this one has an adjustable 4% incline. It’s also equipped with multiple shock absorbers (your knees will thank us later) and an LED display so you can see how close you are to reaching your 10,000 daily steps. Like most under-desk treadmills, this one comes with wheels, so you can easily get it out of sight if you don’t quite a lot match your decor.
Professionals
- Adjustable tilt
- Multiple shock absorbers
- A cure
The best high end under desk treadmill
JTX FitnessAlthough it’s a little more expensive (we can take reservations if it’s good for our health—right?), this walking treadmill is one of the most beloved options on the market. With a quiet motor and an easy-to-use remote control, it stops any distractions or interruptions in your online meetings. After all, you don’t want to be that a person who forgets to turn off the sound during a presentation.
Professionals
- Intuitive remote control function
- Elegant and simple design
- 8 Piece Resilient Cushion Running Deck
cons
- Best for walking and light jogging
How can I motivate myself to get in my steps?
When your sofa looks too tempting, you may find it hard to motivate yourself to get on it. But Hayley Broughton-McKinna, a mental health and wellbeing trainer, has teamed up with clothing giant Joules to explain how to make your steps less of a chore. She says that “increasing the number of small positive experiences that will come as a result of a walk can make it more meaningful and rewarding, even when we don’t particularly want to.”
This could mean treating yourself to a biscuit (or five) or a cup of tea after your time on the treadmill. Haley suggests “taking your favorite tea bag in your favorite mug on the kitchen counter after a walk.”
It could also mean writing down your walk as one of the things on your to-do list, or for example using half an hour from your lunch hour to do your steps. Hayley says that “planning the walk and timing it can help because your time is now counted instead of waiting for motivation to strike!”
The last way (which we think is also the best way) is by blasting Taylor Swift. Okay, so it doesn’t have to be Taylor Swift, but put on your favorite playlist, plug in your headphones, and it’ll keep you from getting bored during your workout. In fact, the science says so: “listening to your favorite songs can help improve your mood, which can help you feel more optimistic about your walk and can increase your dopamine levels,” Haley says. “Both are important for movement, initiating tasks and increasing our motivation.”
How many minutes of walking are 10,000 steps?
The exact time it takes to walk 10,000 steps depends on several different things such as your pace and stride length. Although on average it will usually take you 60 to 90 minutes of brisk walking. However, don’t let these numbers scare you. It’s totally fine if it takes you longer or shorter.
Do Under Desk Treadmills Really Work?
Absolutely! Most desk jobs require people to sit for about seven or eight hours a day. So, under-desk treadmills allow you to walk while working, facilitating a continuous flow of movement and preventing sitting for hours. You never know, walking at work could be a game changer after all, as walking helps boost energy levels and concentration.
Whether you’re looking to burn calories, reduce stress levels, or simply stay active while you tackle tasks, under-desk treadmills are a great exercise gadget to have in your home.
_Gemma Lavers is a fitness, fashion and wellness product writer at Bauer Media. She writes for brands such as Grazia, heat, Closer and What’s Th_e Best.
