Get ££ off an under-desk treadmill
Despite some companies trying to label working from home as an excuse for employees to be 'lazy' or 'unmotivated' (theories disproven by countless productivity studies), we all know that's far from the truth. But, for some, WFH can actually mean less movement throughout the day (no more sprinting for a train in the morning or walking to the office... if your office is in fact just four steps away from your bed). It can be easy to get so engrossed in your work too that by the end of the day, you're about 9,999 thousand steps short of the 10,000 we're often told to aim for.
Even though the Amazon Spring Sale is over, some of the top under-desk walking pads and treadmills are still up to 15% off, so there’s really no excuse not to have a browse of our top picks.
Thankfully, there are options. Along with lunchtime walks and regular stretch breaks, under-desk treadmills and walking pads are revolutionising the home office. Yep, you don't need to leave your desk to get your steps in. Hurrah!
Granted, not everyone wants to spend meetings on their feet. But, if you're keen to enjoy a less sedentary work day or get your steps in while watching TV, we've rounded up our favourite under-desk treadmills (which tend to be smaller and more compact than traditional treadmills) to get you on the move.
Plus, Personal Trainer & Founder of Sculptrition Amanda Place shares how to make the most of your treadmill or walking pad. Spoiler alert: you probably don't want to spend all of your day walking. So, it's a good job these treadmills are often lightweight, foldable, and easy to store away too!
8 best under-desk treadmills for your home office
Pink Walking Pad
‘Work smart, not hard’ is our MO, so this walking pad gets our seal approval because it comes fully assembled. Not only is the pink option super-cute but it has a retractable handlebar and device holder, so you can watch your fave shows while you work out.
With speeds ranging from 1 to 12 kilometres per hour, it’s great for getting your steps in during long meetings and even has a built-in Bluetooth speaker. Post-work treadmill party, anyone?
Wooden Walking Pad
If you’re all about aesthetics, this pretty walking pad will be right up your street. Not only will it slot perfectly under your standing desk, but the wooden panels will help it slot seamlessly into your decor, too. Trés chic!
Again, this little lifesaver requires no assembly. All you need to do is unpack, switch on and get those steps in.
Under Desk Treadmill
If you’re a night owl who gets most of their work done under the cover of dark, this is the under-desk treadmill for you. With dual shock absorption and silent operation, this walking pad features eight silicone absorbers and 2 rubber pads for double-layer cushioning, plus, a quiet motor.
Looks like those late-night laptop sessions are about to get a whole lot sweatier.
Walking Pad Treadmill with Incline (9%)
For those who want to feel the burn and build up their glutes/thighs, this Toputure walking pad offers a 9% incline option to help increase the resistance as you walk, jog or run. It has three different modes you can tap into, too.
The handy remote control means you don't have to worry about having to balance adjusting the settings mid-walk (a potential health hazard!) either.
Under Desk Treadmill with 5% Incline
This compact offering is a real space saver and should fit ideally under most desks (the running/walking area is 86cm x 42cm).
Fans of the Home Fitness Code walking pad point out how quiet it is (a bonus mid-Zoom meeting, I'm sure we can all agree) and one said in their review: "Great little walking pad. Small incline definitely gives you a good workout.
Easy to move around and quiet when in use."It can hold up to 120kg of weight and has a speed range of 1-6KPH.
Under Desk Treadmill with Bluetooth Speaker
It’s rare to find an under-desk treadmill under the £150 price point, so this one is an absolute steal. With speeds of up to 12km per hour, built-in Bluetooth, zero assembly agg (hooray!) and an ultra-quiet motor, it’s the perfect way to get your steps in when you’re WFH or the weather’s taken a turn for the worse.
A1 Pro Folding Treadmill
While not boasting the largest speed range, this nifty number has the canny ability to not only help you get your steps in but record each one for you, too. It also has a heftily discounted price at the moment.
Fans of the WalkingPad A1 praise its sturdiness and ease of use, with one happy reviewer writing, “[While] a little more expensive than others available [it is] well worth the money due to the build quality, space saved when folding up and low amount of noise emitted”.
2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
You can walk, jog, and sing your heart out on this 2-in-1 treadmill, perfect for anyone short on space. Simply fold up the treadmill and wheel away (using the two built-in wheels) when you're ready to sink back into your desk chair.
Just be sure to switch off your mic if you plan on a karaoke sesh mid-Zoom.
How long should I walk on a treadmill?
The number of steps you should aim for each day will vary based on your age, health status, and lifestyle, among other factors, explains Place. 10,000 steps is a common goal (as "reaching this target can contribute to meeting the recommended daily physical activity levels for good health") but it won't be suitable for everyone, the pro warns.
For instance, you may need to adjust your goal if you have a heart-related health condition, osteoporosis or are just starting out your fitness routine, she says. The key is to consult with a qualified fitness expert and any relevant medical professionals before switching up your exercise regime.
That being said, once you've established what looks like a healthy goal it's important to know fitness is a marathon not a sprint. So, you should start gradually. "If you're not used to a high level of physical activity, start with a realistic goal and gradually increase it over time (e.g. start at 5k steps and increase to 6k, and so on)," advises Place.
You'll also want to break down your daily step goal into smaller, more manageable chunks. If you're aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, this equates to "using the treadmill for a few hours a day, with breaks in between to stand and stretch".
To be clear, nobody is suggesting spending your whole working day on the treadmill. "Begin with short sessions to allow your muscles and joints to adjust and progress from there."
Do I need to adapt my desk when using a treadmill?
While you're using the treadmill, do keep your posture in mind. "Keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and engage your core muscles. And make sure to place the treadmill at a height that allows for a natural arm swing," advises Place.
You may also need to make some adjustments to your desk. "Set up your desk and computer in a way that allows you to maintain an ergonomic and comfortable position while walking."
FYI, standing desks and desk converters exist if you're interested. Oh, and remember you'll still need to wear appropriate (read: supportive) footwear when working out at home.
Other than that you're all good to go. Walking (whether you enjoy getting your steps in at your desk or outdoors) comes with multiple benefits, from improved cardiovascular health to enhanced muscle strength and reduced stress, the list goes on...
What speed range should the treadmill cover?
We're going to leave this one up to you decide. But you may find the following guidelines from the British Heart Foundation helpful when choosing your treadmill - and looking at the different maximum speeds on offer.
According to BHF, a fast walking pace for someone with excellent fitness is 5 miles per hour or 8 kilometres per hour. Meanwhile, a moderate walking pace might be closer to 4 miles per hour or 6.4 kilometres per hour (so this is worth keeping in mind if you're hoping your walking pad will double up as a jogging treadmill).
PS: You may also want to check out the length of the treadmills if you're on the taller side as this is something regularly mentioned by online reviewers.
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