Take A Break, Stay Active: Our Top Picks For Under-Desk Treadmills
Top-Picked Walking Pads as Recommended by Our Editorial Team
In today's world, when long hours at the desk seem inevitable, it's essential to mix work with a bit of physical activity to keep the body active and the mind fresh. That's where under-desk treadmills, or walking pads, come in handy. These compact devices enable you to step up your work-from-home (WFH) life while getting your daily exercise fix. Here's our rundown of the best under-desk treadmills that cater to various needs and budgets.
Best For Most: GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
- Footprint: 52 x 27 x 5 inches
- Speed: Up to 7.5 mph
- Incline: None
- Weight capacity: 265 lbs
- Foldable: Yes
Why We Love It: The GoPlus 2-in-1 Treadmill is the perfect fusion of power, ease of use, and adaptability. Its max speed of 7.5 mph allows for light running, while the slim design fits neatly under a desk. Optional side rails contribute to its stability. With a max weight capacity of 265 lbs, it accommodates users of diverse body types. Forbes Vetted senior editor Astrid Taran praised its easy assembly and quiet operation, even at high speeds.
Cons: At high speeds, the platform may not feel as stable, and there's a risk of slipping off. However, its overall balance between features, price, weight capacity, and speed range warrants its top pick status.
Best Budget: Urevo SpaceWalk Lite
- Footprint: 50.9 x 20.7 x 4.9 inches
- Speed: Up to 4 mph
- Incline: None
- Weight capacity: 265 lbs
- Foldable: No
Why We Love It: The Urevo SpaceWalk Lite provides consistent movement at an affordable price point, under $200. Its lightweight construction allows for easy transportation, and a remote control eases speed adjustments. However, the remote is required to change speed settings.
Cons: Changing speed settings without the remote can be challenging, but for budget-conscious users, these minor inconveniences are a fair trade-off for a quality walking pad.
Best Foldable: WalkingPad P1 Folding Treadmill
- Footprint: 56.37 x 21.5 x 5 inches
- Speed: Up to 3.75 mph
- Incline: None
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs
- Foldable: Yes
Why We Love It: The WalkingPad P1's compact design, ease of setup, and lightweight characteristics make it space-saving. Its folding mechanism enables easier storage under a bed or in a closet. While the hinge introduces a weakness, it doesn't diminish the overall performance.
Cons: The folding mechanism is a point of weakness, and over time, there may be concerns about its long-term reliability. However, it's a reasonable compromise for a space-saving design.
Best With A Built-In Desk: Hccsport Walking Pad With Removable Desk
- Footprint: 55 x 27 x 47 inches (with desk)
- Speed: Up to 8 mph
- Incline: Yes, up to 6%
- Weight capacity: 280 lbs
- Foldable: Yes
Why We Love It: This innovative model offers the best of both worlds – a walking pad and a desk – inherently designed to fit under your desk. A height-adjustable, removable desk attachment caters to your convenience, while the built-in wheels ensure easy portability. The max speed of 8 mph supports light jogging post-work hours.
Cons: The built-in speaker offers mediocre audio quality, and the desk may not be suitable for taller individuals.
Best for Plus-Size Users: Lacuffy Walking Pad
- Footprint: 43 x 20 x 4 inches
- Speed: Up to 3.8 mph
- Incline: None
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Foldable: No
Why We Love It: The Lacuffy Walking Pad offers support for users of varying shapes and sizes, with a weight capacity up to 300 lbs. Its max speed of 3.8 mph supports a brisk walk, while Bluetooth app connectivity helps monitor calorie burn and time spent walking.
Cons: The pad isn't as quiet as advertised, but for plus-size users seeking a reliable walking pad, these minor sound emission issues are worth considering.
Remember that an under-desk treadmill is not a substitute for a full-sized treadmill, and pace-picking devices are best suited for light, low-intensity exercise. Nevertheless, incorporating an under-desk treadmill into your daily routine can help boost your overall activity levels while keeping you productive. Explore these top picks and bring a fresh wave of energy to your WFH life.
[1] Taran, Astrid. "Forbes Vetted." Forbes Vetted, 2021. [2] Petrucci, Monica. "Forbes Vetted." Forbes Vetted, 2021. [3] Garrett, Alexandra. "Forbes Vetted." Forbes Vetted, 2021. [4] Anonymous. "Amazon Customer Reviews." Amazon.com, 2023.
In the realm of science and health-and-wellness, under-desk treadmills have emerged as a practical solution for promoting fitness-and-exercise during long work hours. These devices, when integrated into a lifestyle focused on creating a balanced home-and-garden environment, have the potential to boost well-being significantly. By making informed, budget-conscious choices, such as the GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill, Urevo SpaceWalk Lite, WalkingPad P1 Folding Treadmill, or Hccsport Walking Pad With Removable Desk, one can seamlessly merge professional work with physical activity, fostering a healthier, more productive work-from-home life.
