Treadmills are a great way to burn calories, but they're not exactly portable. If you're on the lookout for space-saving alternatives, consider under-desk treadmills. They boost regular movement during work or leisure. And like traditional treadmills, you can set the pace and intensity to suit your needs.
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 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.
If you're after a full-fledged treadmill, check our guide on the best treadmills in Australia. But if you have limited space and want to attend a meeting while you walk and do some other work, then deep dive below to find your best pick.
Top 6 Under Desk Treadmills for Australians
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 easily decide and included brief descriptions of each treadmill to learn more.
1. Sunny Health & Fitness Treadmill for Under Desk
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 that has 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 so that you can 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 Treadmill
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 clearly 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 so you can 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. WalkingPad A1 Pro Smart Walk Folding Treadmill
Best Lightweight Under-Desk Treadmill
Another under-desk treadmill with a focus on portability, the WalkingPad A1 Pro Smart Walk Folding Treadmill literally folds in half, making it easy to transport and store. It is powered by a 120-watt motor, which offers speeds of up to 6.4 km/h, which is enough for an under-desk walking treadmill. The running belt measures 33 x 51 cm and is also pretty standard for these machines. It can also support a maximum user weight of 100 kg.
The downside of the WalkingPad A100 is that there are really no bells and whistles. While it does have a remote control, that is about it in terms of extras. It’s really just a basic but very portable machine. Weighing only 25 kg, you'll find lighter ones on this list, like the Sunny Health & Fitness Treadmill, but that costs about twice the price of the walking pad.
If you’re looking for an affordable under-desk treadmill that gets the job done without any fuss, the WalkingPad A100 is a good option, especially for a smaller space. You get a user manual, a power cable, a hanging rope, a wrench, silicone oil, and a remote control in the package. Note, however, that it does not come with a handrail by default.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Slim design for easy storage
- App connectivity for tracking and customization
- Quiet operation
- Decent speed range for walking or jogging
Cons
- No default handrail
- Not ideal for intense workouts
4. iMovR ThermoTread GT Office Treadmill
Best Quiet Under-Desk Treadmill
If you work in a particularly quiet office or are easily distracted by noise, the iMovR ThermoTread GT Office Treadmill might be the perfect option. Specifically designed for commercial office use, this treadmill features a commercial-grade 3.0 HP motor that is basically silent during use. It also has a built-in safety key that will automatically shut the treadmill off if you fall or step off. However, despite being designed for the office, it looks quite similar to a full treadmill, like those you might find at your favourite 24-hour fitness centre.
The iMovR ThermoTread GT has a digital display that will show you your current speed, time, distance travelled, and calories burned. With a desk-mounted control and readout, it's also easy to operate and can store workout data for up to five different users, making it ideal for sharing with your workmates. The sturdy frame has a maximum user weight of 181 kg weight limit.
The main downside is that it is the most expensive option on this list and seems to go in and out of availability in Australia. However, it is on this list as it is state-of-the-art and the only “enterprise-class” office treadmill on the market. Plus, you get a lifetime warranty on the treadmill frame and a 10-year warranty on the motor and electronics.
Pros
- Exceptionally quiet operation
- Designed for office use with a standing desk
- Suitable for all-day walking
- Robust build quality
- Adjustable speed and multiple safety features
Cons
- Higher price point
- Larger footprint compared to compact options
5. Lifespan Fitness V-Fold Treadmill With Smartstride
Best Under-Desk Treadmill for Women's Fitness
The Lifespan V-Fold Treadmill Under Desk Treadmill is an excellent choice for women who want to stay fit while working. With a remarkable weight limit of 110 kg, it caters to 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, its foldable and rotatable design makes 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 clearly. 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 top speed of the V-Fold treadmill is 12 km/h but automatically adjusts to your speed when in use. You can switch to manual mode and control your speed with the dedicated remote or your mobile device when configured. The under-desk 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
- Supportive handrails
- Foldable for storage
- Designed with women's fitness needs in mind
- Quality construction and durability
- Various workout programs and tracking features
Cons
- Pricier than basic models
- Can be too specialised for some users
6. Advwin Walking Pad Electric Machine
Best Budget Under-Desk Treadmill
The Advwin Under Desk Treadmill is great for use at home, the gym, or the office. 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 making 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 that features 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
- Durability may not match higher-end options
Standing Desks: Under Desk Treadmill's Best Running Mate
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 really need a standing desk if you plan to have an under-desk treadmill.
Standing desks offer their own 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 of the time they spend at work.
To help you choose the best standing desk to compliment your under-desk treadmill, we've done a deep dive into the best standing desks available in Australia. Similarly, you can get a normal high-quality treadmill and pair that 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 also shows that people who sit long hours continuously have a high risk of cardiovascular disease.
It’s hard to be happy and enjoy your life to the fullest when you have these problems. To combat this, a walking treadmill may prove useful. 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 elderly 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, as opposed to 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 improve 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 by using weight resistance bands or hand-held weights while walking on a treadmill.
According to research in the American Journal of Public Health, spending more than eight hours a day sitting down increases the risk of early death or the onset of several chronic diseases by 10% to 20%, especially for those with underlying illnesses.
While the best office chairs focus on comfort and ergonomics to limit the extreme side effects of prolonged sitting, we suggest pairing them with gentle, low-intensity exercises. These workouts can 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.
When it comes to selecting the models we recommend, we based our choices on durability, quality, size, and price point. In addition, we looked at customer ratings and reviews to ensure that these treadmills are the best of the best.
Are Walking Pads the Same as Under-Desk Treadmills?
Fundamentally, walking pads and under-desk treadmills are very similar. Both signify compact, streamlined treadmills that enable walking (and, on occasion, a light jog), specifically designed to nestle comfortably beneath a standing desk. The main idea behind these machines is to help you move more during your usual workday. 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. You control the speed with a remote or app. In contrast, under-desk treadmills are more like traditional treadmills that can also fit under a desk. They may have a control panel and handles and are typically larger and heavier compared to walking pads.
Buy an under-desk treadmill if you want a wider range of speed options and the capability to run, but choose a walking pad if you only care about walking at a slow to moderate pace and prefer a more compact and lightweight option.
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 potentially amplify your energy levels, elevate your mood, and enhance productivity by infusing movement and combating prolonged periods of sedentary behaviour. Additionally, they encourage an active work environment, encouraging physical activity and countering the negative 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 when 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.
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 having to leave your desk.
Pair your under-desk treadmill with one of the best standing desks; you've got the perfect combo for a healthy workday.
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