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Over the last couple of decades, life, as we know it today, has changed rapidly. We are now a society that doesn’t just benefit from technology, we now rely on it for virtually all of our everyday tasks and activities. The invention of the internet was, of course, ground-breaking and revolutionized modern life as we know it today. Countless tasks, which once upon a time requires a lot more physical work and manual labor could now be performed on a computer, without workers leaving their desks.
It should come as no shock, however, that since more and more people started working office-based jobs, obesity levels have shot up, and there are now more chronic health conditions plaguing the general public than ever before. Leading a sedentary lifestyle and working a sedentary job might be easier on paper, but this lack of exercise is literally killing us.
So, what can be done? It’s easy to tell people to exercise more at work, but if you’re in the middle of a critical article or report, you can’t just leave your desk and go do some exercise in the break room. The solution, however, comes in the form of under desk treadmills without handles, and it is these very creations which we’re going to be looking at today.
- Compact
- Non-slip running surface
- Accurate console readouts
- Track workouts and progress
- Slightly less powerful motor than most, at just 2.25HP but it does the job
- Heavier than some users expected
- Only 55.5lbs in weight
- Wireless remote control & Touchscreen LCD
- Noise-reduction features
- Wide walking platform
- Max user weight is 220-pounds
- Some users said that the timer on the display is a little inaccurate
What is an under-desk or fold-up treadmill?
An under-desk treadmill, also known as a mini treadmill or treadmill without handles, is a revolutionary new invention for office workers, and people that spend a lot of time sat down. Now, we’re sure that you all know what a treadmill or foldable treadmill is and what it looks like, so there’s no need to go over that. However, under desk treadmills are slightly different. These treadmills are designed differently and uniquely. They’re basically flat treadmills that are designed to be placed underneath a desk (these desks are called treadmill desks or standing desks) or even your bed.
The idea then is to use them gently merely while you are working. Numerous pieces of relevant research have found that under-desk treadmills can provide countless benefits to their users. The idea behind these treadmills is that you place them under your treadmill desk, and walk or gently jog on them as you do your work, usually stood up. Typically, users utilize these under-desk treadmills for anything from 1 – 3 hours per day. They allow users to perform gentle cardiovascular exercise while working, without having to leave their desk and interrupt their workflow. Needless to say, you will need to use them with a standing desk, as you wouldn’t be able to utilize them while sat down at a regular-sized desk for obvious reasons. These treadmills provide countless benefits for their users, like burning calories, reducing stress and decreasing back pain; this is why it’s so important to purchase the right ones.
Detailed Reviews
It’s safe to say that we have seen significant developments and advances in under desk treadmills last years and many quality products are in the market. But which were the best? Well, while that is, of course, subjective, we’ve compiled a list of 6 of the top under-desk treadmills of 2021.
#1
- Compact
- Non-slip running surface
- Accurate console readouts
- Track workouts and progress
- Slightly less powerful motor than most, at just 2.25HP but it does the job
- Heavier than some users expected
#2
- Only 55.5lbs in weight
- Wireless remote control & Touchscreen LCD
- Noise-reduction features
- Wide walking platform
- Max user weight is 220-pounds
- Some users said that the timer on the display is a little inaccurate
#3
- Handlebars can be used as part of the exercise
- Controls on the handlebars
- Soft drop system that allows for it to unfold seamlessly for use
- Minimum noise
- Turns off when the users step off it
- A little heavier than the avg: 85+ lbs
- No stationary hand bar for safety purposes
#4
- The flat design allows secure storage
- It is very portable
- It features a safety and power-saving mode
- The walking area is narrower than a traditional treadmill
- It shuts off every five seconds
#5
- Just 10 inches in height
- 20-year warranty on the frame
- Ready assembled
- 2-year warranty on parts
- Treadmill is a little louder than other similar models
#6
- LCD touchscreen design
- Tracks speed, distance, calories burned, steps, time, and more…
- Different pre-sets to monitor multiple users
- Powerful 3HP 4000 RPM DC motor
- Can be a little confusing to figure out all of the settings at first
Why not use a regular treadmill?
Now that we’ve looked at some of the most popular under-desk treadmills currently on the market today, we now need to take a look at why people should opt for walking under desk treadmills as opposed to those designed for running. Now, running treadmills, like those you see at the gym, are designed differently to under-desk walking treadmills. These running treadmills provide insufficient levels of torque when operated at low speeds. This means that using them at slow speeds for walking on for a prolonged amount of time is a recipe for a damaged treadmill. As they are not designed to be operated at such low speeds, frequent use in this manner can result in them becoming damaged or broken, in which case you would need to get them repaired or buy a replacement.
Either way, your bank account is taking a hit, which could quite easily have been avoided. Now, the main difference between the two is that an office treadmill does not have safety handles like regular treadmills do. Rather than a large display screen, there is instead a small portable console that you place onto your desk and operate it that way. Using a regular treadmill would not only damage the machine, but because of the pedestal console and safety handles, actually reaching your laptop and desk to work would be near impossible, and you’d get nothing done. Not only that, but a walking treadmill also has shorter bases, because users can’t run on it. The faster the treadmill, the longer the base and walking/running platform would need to be.
Features to Consider before buying a treadmill base
So, now that you know what an under-desk treadmill is, why they’re beneficial, the differences between commercial treadmills, and some of the best devices on the market so far, we’re now going to help you choose the right one. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking to purchase one to use at home while you work, or if you’re an employer looking to help your employees get fit and healthy, choosing the right walking under desk treadmill is vital. To help you make the right choice, here’s our ultimate under-desk treadmill buying guide.
Consider your environment
First and foremost, one of the first things you need to consider when deciding on an under-desk treadmill is the environment it will be located in. Remember, even though these treadmills are smaller than average, they still take up a lot of room, and they need plenty of clearance. If the office or desk area that you plan on using the treadmill/treadmills in is cluttered with not a great deal of open space, you will either need to reconsider or make some adjustments to the room in question. Ideally, you want plenty of clearance behind, in front, and to the sides. If the room in question is lacking space and is quite cluttered, throwing an under-desk treadmill in there will pose a severe safety risk. If you are an employer, if an employee was to become injured using one of these treadmills, you could potentially face legal action and may be sued or prosecuted. Yes, health and safety in the workplace really is taken that seriously.
Will noise be an issue?
Okay, we’ve mentioned a few times how treadmills bases are designed to be much quieter than standard treadmills, but that certainly doesn’t mean that they’re silent. If you plan on installing under-desk treadmills at work, you need to ask yourself whether the noise will be an issue. Not every employee will want to use the treadmill, and if you install them in the same office where other employees are trying to concentrate, the noise could be an issue. If so, it is best to have a designated area in another room/office away from other employees that would prefer to work in silence.
Will the treadmills be a distraction?
First and foremost, if you’re an employer and are trying to run a business, making money and ensuring that your business succeeds will be your main priority. A company is only as strong as its employees. If you find that your employee productivity is dipping because of the installation of under-desk treadmills, this will need rectifying. Under-desk treadmills are quite the novelty, and naturally, when you install them, employees will all come over to be inquisitive and take a look at what they are and how they work. This may result in them falling behind on their work.
Furthermore, the noise of the machines could be distracting, as we mentioned earlier. As well as that, if you’re sat at your desk and you can see somebody in your peripheral vision walking and jerking around while using the treadmill and working, this could be off-putting. Again, it is best to have designed rooms and workspaces purely for employees who are looking to use these treadmills while they work, leaving the rest of the employees to get on with what they’re supposed to be doing.
Floor space
We’ve mentioned how the environment that the treadmill bases will be placed in is so important, but how about floor space? Exactly how much floor space do you have to spare, and how much is needed? To support the length of the treadmill, you will require at least 6-feet in length of free floor space. Behind the treadmill, you will expect at least 3-feet of clearance. The desk, however, will also take up space, and it will naturally be wider than the treadmill itself by quite a fair amount. These widths can vary from around 40 inches, up to an average of 75 inches. Now, if you are just using the treadmill for your home office, if you can find the space, you can go with a wider desk. In offices and shared environments where space is lacking, typically, you’ll find that 38 – 40-inch desks are the most common. Before installing the treadmills, take measurements and ensure that they will fit with the amount of free floor space you have.
Safety
Walking treadmill bases are considered to be much, much safer than regular treadmills, but when it comes to any form of physical activity, accidents do happen. As an employer, you simply must ensure that you cover all bases when installing these treadmills in the workplace, especially those relating to safety. The last thing you want is for an employee to injure themselves on one of these treadmills at work. First off, it’s not nice to see a valued employee injured, and secondly, there is the risk of being sued and legal action. Consider the max walking speed of the treadmills, and if safety is an issue, we recommend treadmills with a max walking speed of just 2 mph. This is low enough to be safe, yet still high enough to be beneficial. If the treadmill is for home use and you are feeling a little bolder and want to step up the intensity slightly, you can opt for a walking treadmill with a top speed of around 4 mph. All under-desk treadmills should come complete with an emergency shut off and safety button. If not, don’t even consider investing in one as it isn’t safe.
Price
Now, in an ideal world, cost would be no object when buying under-desk treadmills. Life is not perfect, though; in fact, it is quite the opposite, and most of us have limited budgets when it comes to these types of expenses. Even though there are various tax incentives that can be enjoyed by installing under-desk treadmills at work, they still aren’t the cheapest in the world. Do your research and see how much the average price of a decent treadmill seems to be. Don’t just look for the most affordable treadmill that you can find as the cheaper budget ones will likely be inferior, flimsy, and potentially unsafe. Figure out the average price, decide how many you can afford and fit in your office, and then give yourself a budget and try to stick to it whenever possible.
Read reviews
Under-desk treadmills are just like any other fitness products out there. Some are efficient and are great value for money, and others, well, they’re not so great. We want you to purchase the best possible quality under desk treadmill that you can find, which is why it’s so important to take the time to read reviews. Reviews left by previous customers who have purchased specific models of under desk treadmills give you an idea of the overall quality and function of the devices. Some are, of course, great and others, not so much. Reviews help you determine which ones are worth purchasing and which ones are worth avoiding. When you come across a model of under desk treadmill that you like the look of, be sure to take the time to search online for reviews left by other people. Ideally, you want to find a model with heaps of positive reviews, though if reviews are 100% positive, sometimes this can be suspicious as manufacturers have been known to remove negative reviews and only post positive ones. You should also be wary of models with no reviews of feedback at all, as this means that you’ll have no idea of whether or not it is any good.
Usage
Another critical factor to take into consideration is how much usage you anticipate the treadmill to receive. If the treadmill is intended for use at home, it obviously won’t receive a tremendous amount of use, maybe 3 – 6 hours per week? If the treadmill is intended for use at work, by multiple employees, though, the usage will be considerably higher. This means that you need to take into consideration the overall quality of the treadmill before buying. If you intend to buy a treadmill for use by multiple workers, it will get a lot of use and will need to be hard-wearing and of a high spec. This means you may wish to look into commercial quality models. If you just want a good quality under-desk treadmill that you can use at home a few hours per week, you can look at models designed for home use.
Don’t forget the standing desks
So far we’ve only focussed on the treadmills, but now it’s time for us to look at desks. Without the right-standing treadmill desk, your device is useless. There are two types of standing treadmill desks. You can either go with an integrated desk or a free-standing desk. The built-in desk is attached to the treadmill. The free-standing treadmill desk stands alone. When it comes to choosing a desk, you need to deice on which one is right for you and your requirements. Ideally, you want a desk that is adjustable because different workers are of different heights. A 6ft 3 worker, for example, is not going to have the desk set at the same height as a 5ft 2 worker. Again, you will also need to make sure that the desk itself fits where you need it to install and doesn’t take up much space.
Under-Desk Treadmills FAQ
Before we leave you to jump online and start searching for your ideal under-desk treadmill, we’re going to leave you with a few frequently asked questions and answers, of course, relating to under-desk treadmills. Some of the most common questions people ask about under-desk treadmills are the following:
Can you run on a treadmill base?
The answer is no for most models. These treadmills are sometimes known as walking treadmills, and they are not designed for running. Because of this, they only have top speeds of between 2 and 4mph, which is certainly not running speed. Running while trying to work on your treadmill desk would be dangerous as there are no safety bars or rails. Besides this, you wouldn’t be able to type up an accounting report if you’re sprinting at 14mph.
Can you lose weight with an under-desk treadmill?
Yes. The idea behind these devices is that they counter the ill-effects of sedentary office jobs by providing gentle cardiovascular exercise as you work. Walking is an excellent form of cardio, and if you watch your diet and use these treadmills enough, you will create a caloric deficit, which will result in you dropping weight and decreasing back pain.
Do under-desk treadmills require maintenance?
Generally, not really. These machines will look after themselves if you do your part and use them as instructed. Many of them also offer warranties for additional peace of mind. For hygiene reasons, we do recommend keeping them clean.
Is there a max amount of time the treadmills can be used?
Generally, no. The exercise is gentle walking, and there is usually no time limit on how long you can walk. Most businesses find that the treadmills get between 6 and 8 hours of use per day, by multiple users.
How easy is it to move the treadmill, as I have limited storage?
Very easy. These treadmill bases generally are just flat platforms roughly 8 – 10 inches in height. They weigh between 45 – 120 pounds on average, so they are portable and can snugly slide under beds if storage is an issue.
Is it really possible to work efficiently when using under-desk treadmills?
As you might expect, people often worry that they won’t be able to focus and work when walking on their treadmill desk. Studies have found that once using the treadmill becomes routine, it becomes second nature, and you will work just as efficiently as you would if you were sat at your desk. Exercise boosts blood flow and oxygen transportation, which actually helps to improve brain power so you may even work more efficiently.
The article has been researched & compiled by the Editorial F5F Team, a group of experienced fitness & health writers.