TikTok has accelerated online trends at an unprecedented rate. Many of them don’t particularly apply to us, but recently, one has caught the eye: placing a slim treadmill under a standing desk to get a hit of low-intensity cardio while working.
It's not difficult to see why this trend has taken off; sedentary working can be pretty detrimental to fitness goals. Sitting for prolonged periods can lead to back, shoulder and neck problems, which can affect general health and performance. It can also be difficult to keep active throughout the working week, especially in winter months.
While it won’t provide particularly intense training, the steady-state cardio provided by walking is not to be scoffed at. It can help improve posture and alignment, and provides low-impact exercise for active recovery.
What is an under desk treadmill?
An under desk treadmills, or walking pads, as they're also called, are essentially slimmed down treadmills that are designed to be compact and suitable for walking on.
Typically, they're built to be slim enough to fit under your standing desk so you can use them while working.
As they're designed predominantly for walking, rather than running, they tend to have a lower top speed, while many will also be designed to make a minimal amount of noise so it doesn't disrupt you while working.
If you’re considering giving an under desk treadmill a shot, we’ve rounded up some of the best options for you to consider. Our picks are based on in-depth research and analysis of consumer reviews.
Best under desk treadmills and walking pads
CitySports Treadmill
This option from CitySports is said to support speeds from one to 6km/h, adjusted by remote control. It features a control panel, allowing you to track your progress with data such as speed, calories expended, number of steps, time and distance travelled.
There's also a built-in Bluetooth speaker, which the brand says can be connected to your phone to provide an extra push through your workouts.
Designed for home use, CitySports state the motor and belt allow for a quiet workout — if you’re on a zoom call, the background noise should be kept to a minimum. The treadmill is able to support a maximum user weight of 110kg and comes with wheels on one end to help you move it around or store it away.
LifeSpan Treadmill Desk
Firstly, yes, this is an expensive desk. However, if you're committed to the walking while working craze, this desk-treadmill hybrid is about as advanced as it gets.
The height of the desk is entirely electronically adjustable, using a console attached to the front of the desk. The height can range from 69cm to 128cm, so you can choose how high you want your PC or laptop and ensure it’s suitable for all users.
LifeSpan has also fitted an LCD monitor to the desk so you can easily view your time, distance, steps, calories and speed. The treadmill is said to facilitate speeds up to 6km/h and has a maximum user weight of 159kg.
JTX Movelight Walking Treadmill
This JTX treadmill features a large LED display for tracking workouts, including time, distance, calories, speed, and step count.
The running deck is made from eight pieces of elastic, which JTX claims helps cushion footsteps, so you can exercise around the clock without worrying about annoying your neighbours. It’s able to support a maximum user weight of 100kg and the highest speed it can reach is 6km/h.
There’s also a wireless remote control, helping to adjust the speed and view activity data. While it isn’t foldable, it weighs in at just under 30kg and features built-in transport wheels to help make it easier to move.
Abodefit Health WalkSlim WalkPad 630
- Buy now from Vitality4Life (£664)
This treadmill features a slim profile and is said to be lightweight as well. It comes with a shock absorbing, anti-slip tread belt. It offers an automatic speed control, using pressure sensors to adjust according to the location of your steps and how quickly you walk. There's also the option to manually adjust your speed with a remote control.
The maximum speed possible is 6km/h and there's also Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect to a device for compatible fitness apps.
ManoMani Folding Treadmill
- Buy now from ManoMano (£259.99)
This folding treadmill from ManoMano features a remote controller to adjust speed, as well as an LED display to track speed, time and calories. There's also a handy built-in Bluetooth speaker, so you can listen to music while exercising.
The handles, complete with a phone holder, can be folded up or down for your convenience. One thing that's worth noting is that this treadmill can only reach a maximum speed of 4km/h, so if you're looking for a slightly faster speed, this might not be the best option for your walking needs.
GoYouth Treadmill
This treadmill from GoYouth features an LED screen for tracking metrics such as time, speed, calories, distance and steps. There’s a remote control used to adjust the speed, which can reach a maximum of 6km/h. The treadmill is powered by a motor, which GoYouth says will remain quiet while in use and can support users up to 99kg.
It's fitted with a shock-absorbing non-slip running belt to help reduce the stress on joints and is made from five layers of fabric. Like some of the others featured here, there's a built-in Bluetooth speaker, which could be used to follow workout routines, listen to Zoom calls or play some of your favourite music.
WalkingPad A1 Pro
This ultra-slim treadmill from WalkingPad is said to be entirely foldable, using a hinge system to ensure it can be stored under desks, sofas and beds without taking up too much room.
It also features transport wheels so its 27kg frame is slightly easier to transport.
Like a couple of others featured here, the WalkingPad A1 Pro features adaptive speed control, using pressure sensors to detect where your feet land, but it can also be controlled with a manual remote, which can be set at speeds up to 5km/h. The tread uses EVA cushioning, which is said to keep noise to a minimum and ensure workouts are as smooth as possible.
Top image credit: Getty Images