Last Updated on June 5, 2023 by Thalia
Going on a hot girl walk and hitting 10,000 steps daily seems to be all the rage right now.
Influencers flock to Instagram stories to share how far they’ve walked that day (even I’m guilty of this) in a bid to show off their workout gear and “hot girl bodies” but also to encourage you to get your daily step count in too.
But sometimes even going on a walk, let alone hitting 10,000 steps can feel slightly overwhelming, especially if you’re elbow-deep in a to-do list the size of Mount Everest.
Not to mention, being bombarded with videos of “hot girls” wearing stylish athleisure wear going on their daily walks and not even breaking a sweat can be a little bit deflating. I mean, hands up if you’ve ever like you’re not “hot” enough to go out on a walk.
But what if I said there was a way to hit your daily step count while not leaving your (home) office?
Introducing under-desk treadmills.
A convenient and effective way to hit your daily step count while simultaneously working at your desk.
What started off as a TikTok trend has now gained traction as the latest productivity and wellness hack you never knew you needed.
Even Love Wellness CEO, Lo Bosworth, who prefers an “always-on approach to health and wellness,” swears by her under-the-desk treadmill saying that “treadmill life” has dramatically changed her mood and focus.
So let’s look at the best under-desk treadmills that not only help you to easily hit 10,000 steps (or more) a day but also boost your productivity and physical well-being.
N.B. Although this post focuses on hitting your daily step count inside, I still encourage you to get outside whenever possible as there is no better therapy than fresh air! (Apart from actual therapy). So this is your gentle reminder to take a break, go sit outside and read through the rest of this blog post while basking in the sun.
What are the best under-desk treadmills?
It’s been suggested that you don’t need to hit that magic number of 10,000 steps a day (7000 – 8000 will do you just fine). But whatever the baseline you set as your daily step count, an under-desk treadmill will help you reach that goal easily and comfortably.
And the best bit about these under-desk treadmills is that you can still work while you walk. Yes, that’s right, you can now simultaneously balance your productivity with your physical well-being.
So, when looking for an under-desk treadmill, it’s vital that it’s small enough to slide right underneath your desk. So don’t get it confused with a large-scale treadmill that you’d usually find at the gym.
An under-desk treadmill is narrow and compact and needs to easily fit within your desk frame.
Because the height of most standard desks is low, you might want to consider using a standing desk to get the right desk-to-body ratio. But if you’re looking for a more affordable option, you can purchase an adjustable desk converter that sits on your current desk and rises to the level you need.
Another must for your treadmill is that it’s quiet. You don’t want it to be distracting for you or your colleagues so make sure you choose one with a super silent motor.
It’s also important to add, that under-desk treadmills operate at a lower speed than running treadmills so you can maintain your balance while you work.
So without further ado, let’s dive deeper into each of these under-desk treadmills and find out why they’re the best:
- WalkingPad C2 Treadmill
- Bluefin TASK 2.0 Treadmill
- LifeSpan Fitness Classic Desk Treadmill
- CitySports Electric Walking Machine With Built-In Speaker
- WalkingPad X21 Folding Treadmill
1 | WalkingPad C2 Treadmill
The best overall under-desk treadmill
Multi-task your way to fitness with the WalkingPad C2.
This under-desk treadmill has an adjustable speed setting so it lets you walk as fast or slow as you want while you’re working. The WalkingPad C2 is easy to set up and use, plus it’s super quiet so you won’t disturb your coworkers as you get your steps in. The walking surface is textured and slip-resistant, so you can walk or run while keeping your balance and not worry about losing your footing.
Highlights
- The unique folding design makes it easy to store, even if you’re short on space
- Compact and sleek design
- The whole WalkingPad C2 weighs only 25 kg
- Has 2 wheels at the bottom, so you can easily move it around your (home) office
- Maximum speed of up to 6 km/h
- Comes in black or white
- Easy to use, no assembly is required
- Belt dimensions are 120 x 40 cm
- The 1 HP motor is efficient, durable and runs quietly
- 30-day return and a one-year warranty
→ Price: £379 with free delivery from Amazon
My thoughts
Whether you’re trying to lose weight, get in shape, or simply improve your health, the WalkingPad C2 Treadmill is a great way to fit exercise into your busy life. This under-desk treadmill does exactly what it says. It fits sleekly under the desk so you can work while hitting your daily step count and it folds away nicely so you can store it out of site.
Plus, this is the exact treadmill Lo Bosworth uses so you know it’s a winner for me!
2 | Bluefin TASK 2.0 Treadmill
Best versatile under-desk treadmill
This stylish walking pad doubles up as an under-desk treadmill and a running machine so you can switch it up to suit your needs. With speeds of up to 8km/h, you can choose between walking and running exercises.
The Task 2.0 treadmill was also designed to be used under any standing desk so you can “burn up to 90 calories per hour” as you breeze through tasks. And with its sleek and compact design, this space-saving walking pad can be conveniently hidden away under furniture when not in use.
Highlights
- 2-in-1 folding treadmill for both running and walking
- Maximum speed of 8 km/h
- Safety key for an immediate stop
- Adjustable tablet shelf
- Choose from 6 automatic training programmes, or adjust the speed manually to suit your exercise requirements
- Wearable remote control so you can easily control your training
- LCD digital fitness console
- Integrated Bluetooth speakers
- Track and analyse your fitness performance with The Kinomap App which is compatible with your smartphone or tablet
- Sleek and compact design for easy storage
→ Price: From £427 with free delivery on Amazon
My thoughts
I love how Task 2.0 doubles up as a regular treadmill so not only can you use it to hit 10,000 steps while you work but you can also use it for more intense exercise at the weekend.
3 | LifeSpan Fitness Classic Treadmill Desk
Best all-in-one solution
If you’re in need of a treadmill and desk combo, then look no further than the LifeSpan Fitness Treadmill Desk. Yup, that’s right, this under-desk treadmill includes a standing desk! Talk about a match made in heaven.
The standing desk is adjustable, so you can find the perfect height for your needs. Plus, the sturdy frame and belt have been designed for heavy use so you won’t need to worry about toppling over. And the built-in shock absorbers also prevent vibration so you can work in stillness.
Highlights
- The standing desk has an adjustable height ranging from 85 to 113 cm
- Quiet motor engine so you won’t disturb those around you
- Shock absorbers to prevent vibration
- Comfy armrest so you can lean on your desk
- Customise your treadmill with 4 different colours to choose from for the base and desk
- A strong 2.25 HP Continuous Duty motor ensures a long and intensive running time
- Internal cable routing so you can avoid tripping on wires
- Integrated console so you can track speed and time
- Marked belt so you can see the treadmill moving
- Non-slip plastic frame and sturdy design
→ Price: From £1263 with fast delivery
My thoughts
This is a great all-in-one solution if you are looking to maximise your steps at work. Yes, it is on the pricier side, but the LifeSpan Fitness Treadmill Desk has everything you need to embrace treadmill life. The standing desk is adjustable to 113 cm so it is appropriate for anyone measuring between 147 and 203 cm.
Plus I love how you can customise both the frame and the desktop so you can choose the colours that work for you and your office. Ready to officially make this treadmill your new active workspace?
4 | CitySports Walking Machine With Built-In Speaker
Best budget-friendly under-desk treadmill
This cost-effective under-desk treadmill is easy to use and comes with everything you need to get started. Just put it under your desk, plug it in, and start walking!
The CitySports Electric Walking Machine has a built-in speed controller so you can adjust your speed as you go. And if you ever need to take a break, the treadmill has an emergency stop button that will immediately stop the belt. It also features a compact and lightweight design so it’s easy to move around and store. But don’t let that deter you, this machine is extremely well-made and is still strong and durable. Plus, the built-in Bluetooth speaker lets you listen to your favourite music or podcasts as you walk and work.
Highlights
- Maximum speed of 6 km/h
- Dual LCD Display
- Built-in Bluetooth speakers that connect directly to your smartphone
- A powerful but quiet motor means minimal noise and vibration
- Knee protection design
- Water-resistant
- Durable, silicon belt achieves anti-slip and noise reduction
- Control your machine with a wireless remote
- Ultra-thin with a 4.92″ thickness, meaning it can be stored under your sofa or bed
- Child-lock protection
→ Price: From £239 with free delivery from Amazon
My thoughts
The thing that stands out to me the most with this under-desk treadmill is the built-in Bluetooth speakers. You can easily connect them straight to your phone or laptop and enjoy calming music while you walk and work.
Or better yet, dial into meetings on Zoom without breaking your stride. Great for anyone, like me, who has small ears and has trouble keeping their AirPods in.
5 | WalkingPad X21 Folding Treadmill
Best Foldable Under-Desk Treadmill
The WalkingPad X21 Folding Treadmill is the perfect workout companion for people who want to stay active and fit even with a bust schedule.
This under-desk treadmill is ideal for small spaces as its sleek design and unique double-folding system make it easy to store away. And this particular model has an innovative LED display which shows your speed, distance, and time so that you can keep track of your progress. The WalkingPad X21 is also equipped with safety features such as a low-speed mode and an emergency stop button.
Highlights
- Clear and easy-to-read LCD display showing time, speed, distance and calories burnt
- App control connects straight to your smartphone
- Detachable phone and tablet holder
- Patented folding system that you won’t find anywhere else
- Maximum speed of up to 12 km/h
- An ideal at-home treadmill for both slow walking and fast running
- Low noise, a quiet drive of <75dB
- Eco-efficient, 1HP brushless motor
- Belt dimensions of 46 x 121 cm
- Two small wheels on the bottom to make it easy to stow away
→ Price: £699 with free delivery from Amazon
My thoughts
The WalkingPad X21 was designed with the idea that everyone could exercise at any time in the comfort of their home, as well as being space-saving. So it’s a perfect choice if you want to stay active, but don’t have the space!
This is a great treadmill, but the only downside is the handlebar cannot be folded down. So if you are looking to use it under your desk then it will be best suited with a standing desk.
How can an under-desk treadmill boost productivity?
We all know that walking is good for us.
It benefits cardiovascular health, helps to improve mood, and can even aid in weight loss.
But did you know that walking can also boost your productivity?
That’s right! An under-desk treadmill can help make you be more productive in a number of ways.
For one, it’s a low-impact form of exercise that is gentle on your joints, helps to improve circulation, and even reduces stress levels. When you walk, your body releases endorphins, which have been shown to improve cognitive function and concentration. Walking also increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which can lead to a clearer mind.
Together, all of these benefits can lead to a significant increase in productivity.
Because when your health is improved, you’re more likely to be able to focus better on your work.
Additionally, under-desk treadmills can help combat the monotonous nature of office life. By keeping your body active while you work, you’ll be less likely to experience the aches and pains that come from sitting in one place for too long.
So if you’re looking for a way to boost your productivity and physical well-being, an under-desk treadmill might just be the answer. This helpful resource runs through all you need to know about an under-desk treadmill so you can stay active even while working from home.
Final thoughts
Under-desk treadmills are an effective and easy way to hit your daily step count, whether that is 10,000 steps or 7000.
They help to improve your physical well-being while at work as well as boost brain function, focus and overall productivity.
So if your work day consists of sitting down for a long period of time, then it might be time to invest in an under-desk treadmill to keep you active and productive.
To help you find the right under-desk treadmill for your walking needs, here’s a quick recap of the best ones to choose from:
- WalkingPad C2 Treadmill
- Bluefin TASK 2.0 Treadmill
- LifeSpan Fitness Classic Desk Treadmill
- CitySports Electric Walking Machine With Built-In Speaker
- WalkingPad X21 Folding Treadmill
I can’t wait to hear which one you go for and how it helps you walk your way to health!
Until next week,
Thalia xx
Disclaimer: Please note, this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links then I will be rewarded at no extra cost to you. Any money earned through affiliates will be put towards running my blog and newsletter.
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