Treadmills are great for burning calories, but most models aren't exactly portable. If you want space-saving alternatives, consider under-desk treadmills. They're ideal for movements during work or leisure. Plus, you can set the pace and adjust its intensity like traditional treadmills.
To help you find the best pick, we researched the most reliable, durable, and affordable options in Australia. If you are unsure what to consider for an under-desk treadmill, scroll down to that first as we get into our top three picks and in-depth reviews next.
Our Top Picks
In a hurry? Here are our top three under-desk treadmills in Australia:
SHF SF-T7945 Treadmill
Best overall under-desk treadmill with a calorie and step counter, max speed of 6 km/h, and a durable build despite its price.
Lifespan Fitness V-Fold
Best under-desk treadmill for women's fitness. It has a top speed of 12 km/h, an LED panel, and a dedicated remote or mobile device control.
Advwin Electric Walking Pad
Best budget under-desk treadmill for use at home, the gym, or the office. It's easy to use and lets you run at a maximum speed of 8 km/h.
Top 6 Under Desk Treadmills for Aussies
Below, you will find reviews of the best under-desk treadmills and walking pads on the Australian market. We've categorised them to help you quickly decide with brief overviews of each treadmill.
1. Sunny Health & Fitness Under Desk Treadmill
Best Overall Under-Desk Treadmill
The Sunny Health & Fitness Walkstation Slim Flat Treadmill is our best overall pick for under-desk treadmills in Australia. It is an excellent option in the under-desk treadmill market and a great value buy. Despite being a reasonably priced model, it still comes with a range of additional features, such as a step counter, calorie counter, and a readout of your distance and speed, making using the walking pad an enjoyable experience.
The device has a max speed of just 6 km/h and is surprisingly well-built for the price. It also has a flat design with a height of only 16.51 cm. It's also 127 cm long and 55 cm wide with a running surface of 99.06 by 35.56 cm. The treadmill also features shock absorbers that protect your knees, feet, and joints and includes safety features like active-use detection that halts the running belt when no user is detected after five seconds.
The under-desk treadmill comes fully assembled right out of the box, which is a bonus. It is one of the lightest options on our list, weighing only 25 kg. The Sunny comes with a remote control to change settings on the go.
Pros
- Sturdy build and durability
- Quiet operation
- Compact and portable design
- Speed and incline options for versatility
- Suitable for various fitness levels
Cons
- Relatively expensive compared to other models
2. Costway Folding Walking Pad
Best Value Under-Desk Treadmill
Costway's 2-in-1 treadmill has two modes. When folded, it can be used as an under-desk treadmill at a speed of 1-4 km/h. But once the handrail is raised, its running speed increases to 1-12 km/h. At 35 kg, the Costway Folding treadmill is not the lightest machine on our list. It, however, features front wheels to help you move it around easily. It also has a spacious running belt and a decent weight capacity of 120 kg, which is enough for most users.
The 2.25-horsepower motor is quiet, and the five-layer shock-absorbing running belt reduces the impact on your joints and noise. The LED display helps you see your movement time, speed, distance, and calories, and the smart app facilitates the management of health data and the development of more professional fitness plans. You can also connect your phone to the treadmill's Bluetooth speaker to listen to music while running.
Costway's under-desk treadmill has a remote controller to change the running speed and a safety key to ensure you can stop immediately in an emergency. It does not have any controls on the front handlebar, but for its price point, you really can't complain about that.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Space-saving and foldable design
- Suitable for light to moderate exercise
- User-friendly and easy to set up
- Remote control for convenience
Cons
- Limited speed and incline options
3. Lifespan Fitness V-Fold
Best for Women's Fitness
The Lifespan V-Fold Treadmill is excellent for women who want to stay fit while working. With a weight limit of 110 kg, it is strong enough for the needs of most women. Its compact dimensions of 146 x 72 x 16 cm when the handle is lowered make it an ideal fit for small spaces. Plus, it has a foldable and rotatable design, making it convenient to move and store.
The under-desk treadmill also comes with a safety key to ensure that the device cannot be accidentally turned on, and it has an easy-to-read, light-emitting LED panel that displays user information. For additional safety, it includes markings on the belt so it's easy to see when it's running and a one-button child lock to protect children.
The V-Fold treadmill has a top speed of 12 km/h but auto-adjusts to your speed when in use. You can switch to manual mode and control your speed with the remote or mobile device when configured. The treadmill also has a whisper-quiet motor, allowing you to use it without causing any disturbance to others in the room, be it at your workplace or home.
Pros
- Foldable for storage
- Designed with women's fitness needs in mind
- Quality construction and durability
- Various workout programs and tracking features
- Supportive handrails
Cons
- Pricier than basic models
4. Sperax Portable Walking Pad
Best Lightweight Walking Pad
Another under-desk treadmill focusing on portability is the Sperax Portable Walking Pad. Its lightweight design, slim build (12 cm height), and transport wheels make it easy to move and store. It's powered by a 2.5 HP motor, which offers speeds of up to 6 km/h, enough for an under-desk walking or jogging treadmill. Sperax's running belt measures 42 x 101 cm, which is standard for these machines, with a weight capacity of 145 kg.
The downside of the walking pad is that there are no bells and whistles. While it has a remote control and LED Display, that is about it in terms of extras. It’s a basic but very portable and durable treadmill that gets the job done. Weighing only 17.5 kg, it's the lightest walking pad on our list.
If you’re looking for an affordable under-desk treadmill that gets the job done without any fuss, Sperax's Portable Walking Pad is a good option, especially for a smaller space. You get a user manual, an L-shaped wrench, silicone oil, and a remote control. The exercise equipment also ships fully assembled, so you only have to get it out of the box.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Slim design for easy storage
- Decent speed range
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Not for intense workouts
5. AIRHOT Under Desk Treadmill
Best Quiet Under Desk Treadmill
The AIRHOT Under-Desk Treadmill is our top choice for a quiet, efficient, and space-saving workout solution. At just 10.5 cm tall and equipped with built-in wheels, it’s easy to move and perfect for small spaces. You can conveniently store it under a desk, bed, or sofa when not in use.
The treadmill features a powerful 2.5HP motor that runs quietly, producing noise levels below 45 dB for a peaceful workout. It supports user weight of up to 120 kg and includes a dual-layer belt with 14 shock absorption points. This feature, combined with a 5-layer anti-slip running surface, ensures comfort and safety while minimising the impact on your joints.
AIRHOT's under-desk treadmill is further enhanced by its LED display and smart remote control, which tracks calories burned, speed, time, and distance. With a speed range of 1.0–6.0 km/h, it accommodates light jogging and walking, catering to varied fitness goals.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Suitable for all-day walking
- Robust build quality
Cons
- Belt often requires adjusting
6. Advwin Walking Pad
Best Budget Under-Desk Treadmill
The Advwin Under Desk Treadmill is excellent for home, gym, or office use. It's affordable, easy to use, and lets you run as fast as 8 km/h when the frame is up and walk as slowly as 1 km/h when it's under the desk. Its unique, ultra-quiet 1.0 HP motor lets you walk or run without much noise.
The Advwin Walking Pad’s foldable design makes it easy to store under the sofa or lean against the wall to reserve home space. It offers a maximum load of up to 120 kg. You also get an LCD that makes it easy to track speed, distance, time, and calories in real-time and a mobile phone bracket to hold your mobile steady when in use.
The under-desk treadmill includes a non-slip texture running belt with a spacious running area (100 x 38 cm). This provides an effective and safe cushion for your knees and muscles for a superb running experience. We recommend using the under-desk treadmill in line with its weight capacity; excess weight affects the service life of this treadmill.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Compact and lightweight
- Suitable for light walking and jogging
- Space-saving design
- Easy to store
Cons
- Limited speed range
- Less advanced features
Standing Desks & Under Desk Treadmills
No one does their best running or walking sitting down, so if you're looking to buy an under-desk treadmill, the best thing to pair it with is a standing desk. You need a standing desk if you plan to have an under-desk treadmill.
Standing desks offer many health benefits, such as increased calorie burn, strengthened muscles, and improved posture. They are becoming increasingly popular with office workers seeking to improve their health without sacrificing too much time spent at work.
To help you choose the best standing desk to complement your under-desk treadmill, we've reviewed and evaluated the best standing desks available in Australia. Similarly, you can pair a standard high-quality treadmill with a treadmill desk attachment.
Darren Sherwood
Why Should You Get a Walking Treadmill?
Most of us live sedentary lives due to our work roles. This is usually the lifestyle of office workers and people who work from home; that is, the general lack of movement or physical activity.
Besides the cardiovascular, body weight, and spinal-related problems associated with poor posture and long sitting, research shows that people who sit long hours continuously have a high risk of cardiovascular disease.
It’s hard to be happy and enjoy life to the fullest when you have these problems. To combat this, a walking treadmill may prove helpful. Here’s why:
#1. Treadmills keep your body physically active
An under-desk treadmill keeps your body moving, improving your physical activity. It provides a more uniform walking speed, which you can continuously adjust and monitor. A walking treadmill is also safer for older people to improve their physical activity.
#2. Treadmills increase daily step count
A walking treadmill can help you reach the recommended step count of 10,000 steps a day. You probably take around 5,000 steps to achieve your daily tasks. So, adding around 2,000 steps brings you closer to a level that can boost your health and wellness. Then, a treadmill can help you complete the remaining 3,000 steps to help you shed excess pounds and avoid gaining weight.
#3. Treadmills improve calorie burn
Walking is a natural way to achieve your regular daily aerobic motion. But! You’ve probably wondered if a walking treadmill can improve calorie burn. Yes, it can help shed excess calories if done the right way.
You just have to vary the intensity by adjusting the angle of your treadmill and increasing the speed. This will repeatedly raise and lower your heart rate instead of walking at one steady pace.
#4. Treadmills build leg muscles & bone density
Walking on a treadmill, even at a slow pace, can help build leg muscle mass and improve bone density. But, to effectively enhance leg muscle mass and tone, you need to walk against resistance.
You can accomplish this by increasing the incline of your machine and varying the walking rate. You can even tone your upper body using weight resistance bands or hand-held weights while walking on a treadmill.
While the best office chairs focus on comfort and ergonomics to limit the extreme adverse effects of prolonged sitting, we suggest pairing them with gentle, low-intensity exercises like walking. These workouts boost blood circulation, enhance heart health, and help burn calories.
How to Choose an Under Desk Treadmill?
Most of us are familiar with traditional treadmills, but under-desk models are sufficiently different beasts that you need to be aware of their features before making a purchase, including:
- Size - First and foremost, an under-desk treadmill needs to fit comfortably beneath your workstation. This means it should be narrow enough to slide in without taking up too much space, but also long enough that you can walk comfortably on it. You'll also want to check the weight limit to make sure it can handle your body weight.
- Noise - Just as importantly, an under-desk treadmill should be quiet enough that you can continue working while it's running – otherwise, what's the point? Look for a model with low noise emissions and minimal vibration.
- Speed - Most under-desk treadmills have a speed limit of about 6 km/h per hour, but some can reach speeds as high as 19 km/h per hour. If you're used to running at a faster pace, look for an option that can handle higher speeds. Alternatively, if you already have an existing full-size treadmill then consider just getting a treadmill desk attachment for it so that you can use it as a secondary workstation.
- Additional features - When it comes to additional features, you'll want to prioritise, safety, controllability, and compactness. Which is to say, the best additional features are remote controls, safety cut-outs that stop the treadmill when you step off, and the ability to pack your treadmill away into the smallest space possible.
For our selected models above, we prioritised durability, quality, size, and price. Additionally, we considered customer ratings and reviews to ensure these treadmills meet the highest standards.
Are Walking Pads the Same as Under-Desk Treadmills?
Walking pads and under-desk treadmills function in much the same way. Both are compact, streamlined treadmills designed for walking or, occasionally, light jogging and are specifically built to fit comfortably beneath a standing desk.
The main idea behind these machines is to help you move more during your usual workday at the computer. This helps fight the problem of sitting too much, which is common in regular desk jobs.
Most walking pads don't have handles or a control panel, and they are typically more compact and lightweight than traditional treadmills. In contrast, under-desk treadmills are more like traditional treadmills that can fit under a desk. They may have a control panel and handles and are typically larger and heavier than walking pads.
Walking Pad vs. Treadmill
Here is a quick breakdown pinpointing the highlights and potential drawbacks of walking pads and treadmills:
Walking Pad:
- Space Efficiency: Notably compact and suitable for smaller living spaces.
- Ease of Storage: Generally foldable and easily stored in tight spaces, like under a bed or sofa.
- Budget-Friendly: Available in a variety of price points, including options under $200.
- Exercise Type: Supports mild and consistent walking exercises.
- Portability: Often comes with a remote control and can be used under desks.
- Limitations: Generally has a slower pace and limited features compared to treadmills.
Treadmill:
- Versatility in Exercise: Offers a wide range of speeds, inclines, and preset workout programs.
- Size and Weight: Typically larger and heavier than walking pads, demanding dedicated space.
- Feature-Rich: Comes with various functionalities like heart rate monitoring, calorie tracking, and more.
Are Walking Pads a Good Idea?
Walking pads embed physical activity into your daily work. They can amplify your energy levels, elevate your mood, and enhance productivity by infusing movement and combating prolonged sedentary behaviour. Additionally, they encourage an active work environment, encourage physical activity, and counter the adverse effects of extended standing.
Can Walking Pad Help Lose Weight?
Yes, a walking pad can aid in weight loss by burning more calories than sitting. Though walking is a low-impact and low-intensity exercise, consistent use of a walking pad, especially during otherwise sedentary activities, can contribute to an overall increase in daily calories burned, supporting weight management and loss combined with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the use case and the importance of using under-desk treadmills.
What are the pros and cons of an under-desk treadmill?
Under-desk treadmills are easier on your joints compared to walking outside. Unlike hard pavements or rocky terrains, the cushioned (smooth) belt of a treadmill is more forgiving. This can be particularly useful if you are recovering from an injury.
However, treadmills can be monotonous since there's no change in scenery, unlike running or walking outside. Besides this, they also can affect your agility, considering that your leg and foot muscles only make small adjustments to adapt to a change in incline.
Can you use under desk treadmill on a carpet?
Don't put your under-desk treadmill on a thick or fluffy carpet. These carpets can make the machine unstable. It's better to put your treadmill desk on a thin carpet or a hard floor. Also, make sure to adjust the feet of the machine so that all four corners are steady.
Is walking on a walking pad or treadmill as good as outdoor walking?
Your body cannot differentiate whether you are walking outdoors or on a treadmill. However, people tend to have different opinions about these two workout routines. Treadmill walking can be a good alternative if it’s dark or too cold to walk outside. But when the weather is encouraging, outdoor walks can help fend off depression and boost your mental well-being.
How long should you use a treadmill desk?
A 15-minute session at a time, two times a day, should be a good start. Do this for the first week and increase the bouts every following week. A 20-minute bout, two to three times a day, is good for fitness and wellness. For weight loss, consider increasing the sessions to 30 minutes.
Remember, it takes time to adapt to any exercise or routine, and walking on a treadmill desk is no different. So, it’s advisable to start slow to give your body enough time to get used to the machine. And remember to vary the incline or the walking rate of your treadmill to suit your capacity at the time.
Do all under desk treadmills incline?
Only a few under-desk treadmill models have an incline that may not exceed 5%. But this is good enough for increasing difficulty and adding extra intensity to your routine. You can also increase the speed to rip more benefits out of the workout.
Mark Thompson
Stay Healthy at Work
Having a sedentary job where you're sat down all day can be bad for your health, but with an under-desk treadmill like the ones on this list, you can easily burn off a few calories without leaving your desk.
Combine your under-desk treadmill with the best standing desks in Australia for a healthier, more active, and more productive workday. This pairing encourages movement throughout the day and helps you improve focus, posture, and overall well-being while working.
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