There are a lot of benefits to working from home; no long commutes, coffee breaks minus the small talk, and answering a work call in your pyjama bottoms - smart on the top casual on the bottom, as always. But, there are also a few downsides, and for many, working from home means less movement, with steps only being taken to and from the kitchen. That's where under desk treadmills come in.
Recent studies from YouGov have shown that nearly half (48%) of British people acknowledge that they don't walk enough daily. The study suggests that encouraging individuals to increase their daily step count could play a crucial role in minimising the rates of chronic illness, but, with more ways than ever to get moving (e.g. the hot girl walk or the viral 12-3-30 treadmill workout) this doesn't have to be the case. In fact, there are ways to get moving without even departing from your desk, no walking boots necessary.
Best under desk treadmills at a glance
An under desk treadmill can make for a great addition to your WFH setup, after all working out mid-day can help with heightened focus, improved circulation and a surge in creativity. Get ready for these lightweight, foldable and movable contraptions to transform your home office and maybe even improve your mood (and let's be honest - we all need that on a Monday morning).
Shop the best under desk treadmills.
SHOP: The best under desk treadmills
Best overall under desk treadmill
Best overall under desk treadmill
AmazonThis UREVO treadmill is perfect for smaller spaces, like under your desk because it has convenient wheels for easy storage when not in use. Done with your quick lunchtime workout? Simply wheel the treadmill away to maintain a clutter-free home. Plus, this treadmill has a handy LED display screen to provide real-time monitoring of speed, distance, time, steps and calories, while the remote control enables swift adjustments for a streamlined workout.
Pros
- Intuitive manual incline
- Five layer running belt
- LED display screen that shows speed, distance, time, steps and calories
Cons
- Not ideal for individuals over six foot tall
| Dimensions | H13 x D120 x W50cm |
| Weight | 20.4kg |
| Programmes | Unknown |
| Incline | 3% |
Best under desk treadmill for design
Best under desk treadmill for design
AmazonCompact and versatile, this Maksone treadmill fits underneath your desk so you can strut your stuff mid-WFH (probably not recommended by your bosses though). It has a non-slip running belt to avoid any embarrassing mishaps, and has a shock reduction system to make sure that each stride is secure and steady. With 12 versatile programmes, a speed of up to 6kmp and a gorgeous wooden finish, the Maksone makes sure that your treadmills looks great, while you feel great.
Pros
- Aesthetic design with wooden frame
- Generous 12 programmes
- Powerful motor
Cons
- Quite heavy to move around considering the size
| Dimensions | H16.5 x D131 x W64cm |
| Weight | 25kg |
| Programmes | 12 |
| Incline | 1.6% |
Best white under desk treadmill
Best white under desk treadmill
AmazonIf you've got a minimalist home or just love the minimalist look - you might want to listen up. This GOYOUTH white treadmill blends in with any interior so you won't have to worry about ruining the aesthetic of your home office. For features, the treadmill comes with an LED display, remote control and shock-absorbing and non-slip running belt. Plus, if DIY is a no-go in your house, this treadmill comes ready assembled so you can try it out right after unboxing.
Pros
- LED display
- Minimalist white design
- Remote control can adjust speeds while you're running
Cons
- Not the quietest treadmill
| Dimensions | H16.5 x D139 x W68cm |
| Weight | 29kg |
| Programmes | 12 |
| Incline | No |
Best under desk treadmill with hand rest
Best under desk treadmill with hand rest
Debenhamswww.debenhams.com
With two different modes - running and walking - this treadmill is great for individuals who want a machine that can do it all. If you find yourself needing extra support while walking or running, simply use the armrest as a handy stabiliser, although this can be folded down when you're using it under a desk. Plus, it's got a powerful motor that runs relatively quietly so you can get your daily steps in without disturbing anyone else.
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Five layer non-slip running belt
- Hand rest can be used for extra support
Cons
- Not the most robust build
| Dimensions | H102 (with hand rest up) x D121 x W49cm |
| Weight | 24kg |
| Programmes | 2 |
| Incline | No |
Best under desk treadmill for tiny spaces
Best under desk treadmill for tiny spaces
AmazonDubbed as the world's smallest and lightest treadmill, this Egofit treadmill is perfect for flats and compact spaces. Despite its mini size, it packs a punch with a powerful motor, ensuring a satisfying workout experience wherever you are, whether that be your office, living room or bedroom. Once you've finished your walk, effortlessly move the treadmill and store it under your sofa or bed, making a gadget that can sometimes be an eyesore, a thing of the past.
Pros
- Super small size - great for tiny spaces
- Manoeuvrable wheels underneath
- LDC monitor that counts steps
Cons
- Not the quietest treadmill
| Dimensions | H17.5 x D97.5 x W55.5cm |
| Weight | 22kg |
| Programmes | Not specified |
| Incline | 5% |
Best value under desk treadmill
Best value under desk treadmill
AmazonIf you're looking for a treadmill with a little added challenge, this one has an adjustable 4% incline. Plus, it comes equipped with multiple shock absorbers (your knees will thank us later), and an LED display so you can see how close you are to hitting your 10,000 daily steps. Like most under desk treadmills, this one comes with wheels so you can easily get it out of sight if it doesn't quite fit with your décor.
Pros
- Adjustable incline
- Multiple shock absorbers
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not the best max speed
| Dimensions | H11.5 x D127.5 x 54.5cm |
| Weight | 20kg |
| Programmes | Not specified |
| Incline | 4% |
Best high-end under desk treadmill
Best high-end under desk treadmill
JTX Fitnesswww.jtxfitness.com
Although a little on the more expensive side (we can make allowances if it benefits our health - right?) this walking treadmill is one of the most well-loved options on the market. With a quiet motor and easy-to-use remote control, this stops any distractions or interruptions to your online meetings. After all, you don't want to be that person who forgets to mute during a presentation.
Pros
- Intuitive remote-control function
- Sleek and simple build
- 8-Piece elastic cushion running deck
Cons
- Best suited for walking and light jogging
| Dimensions | H12.5 x D147 x W60cm |
| Weight | 29.5kg |
| Programmes | 4 |
| Incline | None |
How can I become motivated to get my steps in?
When your sofa looks a little too tempting, you might find that motivating yourself to get your steps in is hard. But, Hayley Broughton-McKinna, a mental health and well-being trainer, partnered with clothing giant Joules to explain how to make getting your steps in seem like a less boring task. She says "increasing the number of small positive experiences that will come as a result of going for the walk can make it feel more meaningful and worthwhile, even when we don't particularly want to."
That could mean treating yourself to a biscuit (or five) or a cup of tea after your stint on the treadmill. Hailey suggests "having your favourite teabag in your favourite mug on the kitchen counter' post-walk."
It could also mean writing your walk down as one of the things in your to-do list, or for example using half an hour of your lunchtime to get your steps in. Hailey says that "planning your walk and scheduling time can help, as your time is already accounted for, as opposed to waiting for motivation to strike!"
The final way (which we think is also the best way) is by blasting Taylor Swift. Okay so it doesn't have to be Taylor Swift, but put on your favourite playlist, plug your headphones in and it'll stop you from getting bored while exercising. In fact, science says so: "listening to your favourite songs can help to improve your mood, which may help you to feel more optimistic about the walk, and can increase our levels of dopamine" Hailey says. "Both are important for movement, initiating tasks and increasing our motivation."
How many minutes walking is 10,000 steps?
The exact time it takes to walk 10,000 steps depends on a few different things like pace and stride length. Although on average it typically will take you anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes of brisk walking. However, don't let these numbers scare you off. It's completely fine if it takes you longer or shorter.
Do under desk treadmills really work?
Absolutely! Most desk jobs require people to be sitting down for around seven or eight hours a day. So, under desk treadmills allow you to walk while working, facilitating a continuous flow of movement and prevents sitting for hours. You never know, walking while working might be a game-changer after all, as walking helps to boost energy levels and focus.
Whether you're aiming to burn calories, tone down your stress levels, or simply stay active while tackling tasks, under desk treadmills are a great exercise gadget to have in your home.
_Gemma Lavers is a Fitness, Fashion & Wellness Products Writer at Bauer Media. She writes for brands such as Grazia, heat, Closer and What’s Th_e Best.