Best under-desk treadmills in 2023 (UK)

This content originally appeared on Mashable for US audiences and has been tailored for UK audiences.

I’m about to hit you with some hard facts. are you sitting?

just kidding. No need to answer. According to research, The average adult sits for about 10 hours each day(opens in new window), there is a good chance that you are now. But of particular concern is that sitting for just four hours or more a day increases the risk of back pain and depression at best, and heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer at worst. It is possible that These risks increase with more time spent sitting, American Heart Association(opens in new window) Note that even mild activity (such as walking) can offset some of the worst side effects of being sedentary.

Yes, sit less and move more — simple, right? Well, if your job requires you to keep your eyes glued to a screen most of the day, then the “move more” part. can be surprisingly difficult to add. Of course, switching to a standing desk can help you spend less time sitting, which in itself can be a huge health improvement. But it’s better to add some real physical activity to the mix, so move on and move to your standing desk. Treadmill Desk has joined the chat.

What is an under-desk treadmill?

As the name suggests, an under-desk treadmill is a simple treadmill made to fit easily under your standing desk in your home office (even in the corner of your living room). they are usually traditional treadmillwith railings that can fold flat around the deck of the treadmill or no railings at all.

Do under-desk treadmills work?

like other works home gym equipment, the treadmill under your desk only works if you use it. They are sometimes called “walking treadmills” or “walking pads,” but most of them aren’t designed to run very fast, so you shouldn’t expect the same kind of workout as a regular treadmill. It also makes sense because typing or reading on the screen while you’re trying to do it is an unpleasant, if not impossible, task.

Rather, under-desk treadmills are designed to allow you to walk at a relatively slow pace during work hours to help you burn extra calories and reach your daily step goal. Is it an alternative to hitting the gym and pounding sweaty sessions? No, but is it a much healthier choice than sitting all day? Absolutely.

Whether you use it when replying to emails, writing reports, or listening to meetings with fewer participants with cameras and microphones turned off, the treadmill workstation improves circulation and reduces the stress caused by sitting for long periods of time. It helps avoid body pain and reduce the risk of premature birth. death. Bonus (and that doesn’t seem enough): It can increase your productivity and creativity, and even lower your stress levels.

Try to maintain good posture when walking on the treadmill under your desk and gradually work your way up to longer desk walks. You don’t have to try to run a marathon on day one — for that matter, even in your first few months.

How to choose a treadmill to put under your desk

Consider the following when purchasing a walking pad or under-desk treadmill:

• speed range — All walking pads are suitable for slow walks of 2 miles per hour or less. However, some under-desk treadmills can reach high speeds comparable to running treadmills (sometimes in excess of 7 MPH), so you can enjoy speed walking or running on or off your desk. You can go and generally get the most out of your workout.

• size — If you already have a standing desk in your home office, you should pay attention to the overall dimensions of the under-desk treadmill or walking pad you want to purchase. If it’s too wide to fit under your existing desk, it won’t work properly. Similarly, consider both the width and length of your deck so that your walking area can accommodate your stride. Some taller people have longer strides and treadmill lengths that are too short he may reach the deck, but the longer deck may not fit into tight spaces.

• Ease of storage — The size of the walking pad is also important when considering where to store it when not in use. Some walking treadmills incorporate folding handrails for use away from your desk, so make sure the components fold flat. Generally speaking, a walking pad should slide easily under your bed or sofa, making it a great solution for small spaces.

• load capacity — You should also consider the maximum weight recommended for the user. Many walking pads have a load capacity of around 220 pounds, but you can find more comfortable options.

• Maneuverability — Speaking of weight, consider the weight of the item and whether it has built-in transport wheels that make it easy to move the walking pad to your home office, living room, bedroom, or anywhere else. The easier it is, the more likely you are to catch up with your habits.

When buying an under-desk treadmill, keep the following in mind:

Is the treadmill under your desk slanted?

Most under-desk treadmills don’t have a tilt feature, which makes them a little harder to use when you’re working on your desktop.

Can I use an under-desk treadmill on carpet?

Using an under-desk treadmill on low-pile carpet is fine, but plush carpet can cause the treadmill to overheat. Luckily, you can place a treadmill mat on top of your carpet to help keep air flowing and act as a safety shield from dust and carpet fibres. That said, if you have hardwood floors, you can put a mat under the treadmill to avoid damage (and if you live above your neighbors, it will dampen the sound a bit). increase).

Are under-desk treadmills better than under-desk bikes?

When it comes to comparing an under-desk treadmill to an under-desk bike, it honestly depends on your fitness goals and the nature of your work. Having said that, an under-desk bike usually keeps your upper body still, which may help you get to work. end.

That said, there are several different styles of under-desk bikes, some of which can be difficult to work comfortably on, especially if you have long legs. Some can achieve much more intense aerobic exercise, but as with more strenuous exercise, you should reserve those sweating sessions for meetings with fewer participants when microphones and cameras are off. There may be a treadmill under your desk.

But just like the difference between a walking pad and a regular treadmill, there’s a big difference between an under-desk bike and a true cardio workout. Peloton or other fitness bikeNeither of these under-desk versions of gym equipment will replace a true workout, but both are great options for adding some activity to your daily routine.

What is the best under-desk treadmill?

There are many options to suit everyone. We’ve highlighted a selection of outstanding models from a variety of top brands to give you the best chance of finding the one that’s right for you.

These are the best under-desk treadmills in 2023.