Why you should add a walking pad to your Christmas wish list
Many of us could do with moving more. Research by Nuffield Health has revealed that almost three in four Brits aren't reaching the NHS guidelines of 150 minutes of weekly exercise, and even more worryingly, the average UK adult spends around nine hours a day sat down.
Whether it’s on the train, in the car, at our desks or on the sofa, it’s a fact of modern life that many of us spend our days sitting for prolonged periods. Throw in our hectic schedules and the unpredictable British weather and finding the time and inclination to exercise can feel impossible.
That’s where the best under-desk treadmills come in. These clever bits of fitness kit are designed to increase your step count and help keep you moving throughout the day. They’re all over the internet right now, but are they actually worth the hype? Our Good Housekeeping Institute experts put a range of designs to the test to find out.
The best under-desk treadmills to buy now
What is an under-desk treadmill?
An under-desk treadmill – also known as a desk treadmill or walking pad – is a walking-speed treadmill with a flat base and no handles that's small enough to fit under your workstation.
Unlike standard running treadmills, which can withstand many miles of pounding, these compact machines are designed to be used at lower speeds – most have a range up to 5mph.
Some high-end models come with a built-in desk, but if you don’t want to spend over the odds, you’ll need to purchase a standing desk or a standing desk converter (the more affordable option) to complete your work-from-home set-up.
How we test
Our GHI team trialled each walking pad over a period of a few weeks. They followed the accompanying instructions to set the machine up and tried all the different speed settings before providing detailed feedback on their experience.
Our experts also assessed each model for comfort, cushioning, design and ease of use. They considered everything from how loud the motor was to how easy it was to move it from room to room. After all that, the walking pads was awarded a final score.
Without further ado, here are our winners...
UREVO Walking Pad with Incline
Score: 83/100
With an optional manual 3% incline, this simple but effective walking pad stands out from the crowd – it offers an extra level of difficulty (trust us, you'll feel your thighs burning) and adds some variety to your walking workouts.
To make use of the incline feature, you simply have to bend down and flip up the legs at the bottom of the machine. Our expert said it was a straightforward process, but noted it might be awkward for those with mobility issues.
The machine is ready to use on arrival and it provides a good level of cushioning, while the motor isn’t too noisy. There are also transport wheels so you can store it away easily when not in use.
Top tip: if you wear a fitness watch, we suggest strapping it to your ankle because steps aren’t tracked accurately when your wrists are stable on the desk.
Mobvoi Home Walking Treadmill
Score: 78/100
If you’re super short on space, whether you live in a flat or your box room doubles up as your office, look to this compact Mobvoi machine. It’s just 40 inches long and 16 inches wide, so it won’t take over your entire living space and it’s lightweight enough to wheel around and store away on your own.
Our tester had no issues with the set-up process – it will take a matter of moments to get going and there’s no need to faff around with lengthy instruction manuals, screws and bolts.
The simple LED screen is bright and reveals your key metrics, including speed, duration, distance and calories burned. There's also a neat, responsive remote control to cycle through the speeds.
UREVO Walking Pad with Double Shock Absorption
Score: 77/100
Another UREVO option, this one doesn’t have an incline, but it still impressed our tester thanks to the highly cushioned belt – handy if, like us, you have long-suffering knees.
Despite the budget price tag, the machine feels extremely sturdy and robust, and it comes with a simple but clear LED display so you can monitor your progress as you get your steps in.
We found the stats displayed (including step count and speed) were accurate, it’s simple to adjust the speed with the remote control included, plus the quiet motor won’t draw attention during work calls. If comfort is key, this one is our top recommendation.
JTX Movelight Walking Treadmill
Score: 74/100
The JTX Movelight Walking Treadmill arrives fully assembled and the detailed instruction manual means you will get to grips with the machine in no time at all. The treadmill itself is just the right size, and it has a wheeled base so you can stash it under the sofa or bed when you’re not using it. At 30kg, it was light enough for our expert to wheel it around.
It comes with a basic remote control for adjusting the speed while you’re walking and has a clear LED display, which shows your step count, speed, distance and time, so you can monitor your progress as you move. The smooth belt felt comfortable to walk on, even during lengthier sessions and the motor proved quiet enough, so we were able to take walking meetings on the machine without any awkward questions.
The benefits of an under-desk treadmill
It’s a convenient way to exercise
Having a walking treadmill at home will help you be less sedentary and meet the NHS guidelines, which recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week. “You can get your steps in while working, when watching TV in the evening or just whenever you have 10 minutes spare during the day,” points out Steph McInally, expert fitness trainer at The Gym Group.
They’re particularly handy during the winter months as they allow you to exercise from the comfort of your living room, regardless of the cold, rainy weather outside. There’s also the safety element – you don’t need to worry about walking in the dark or slipping on rocky, uneven paths.
Walking does wonders for your wellbeing
According to Hollie Grant, founder of Pilates PT, daily walking can be hugely beneficial for your health, beyond just burning calories. “It can strengthen the muscles and joints, improve your heart health, prevent Alzheimer’s and boost the immune system,” she says.
“Regular walking can also help you feel more energised, less stressed and, in turn, help you sleep better.”
It’s low impact
We’re often led to believe that we have to push ourselves to our limits with speedy runs and sweaty HIIT workouts, but there’s plenty of evidence to show the humble walk can be just as effective. One 2013 study found that walking briskly could improve your heart health just as much as running, while another recent study claimed that walking 7,000 steps a day can lower the risk of premature deaths by 50% in mature adults.
Grant also points out that walking – unlike running and high-intensity training – doesn’t place lots of stress on your body. “It’s a low-impact, moderate-intensity physical activity that requires no skill, meaning it’s safe for most individuals including those who are pregnant, postnatal, injured or elderly.”
It can help with productivity
Physical rewards aside, walking while working can also improve your concentration and productivity levels. “If you sit down to work for long periods, you often find yourself feeling lethargic, but getting your steps in can help improve your focus, creativity and general productivity,” says McInally.
Evidence backs this up, with research showing that walking can increase your creative output by as much as 60% and enhance your productivity by a massive 46%.
What are the drawbacks of an under-desk treadmill?
It can’t replace time outside
For Lesley Brown, senior physiotherapist at Ten Health & Fitness, it’s important an under-desk treadmill doesn’t stop you going outdoors and getting that essential natural vitamin D, which is necessary to regulate the circadian rhythm.
“Time in nature and away from screens is also extremely important for your mental wellbeing, so make sure to prioritise this,” she advises.
It could be a trip hazard
Grant highlights that walking while working comes with the risk of tripping and injuring yourself. “When you’re multi-tasking, it’s crucial to go slowly, pay attention to how your body feels and be conscious of your technique,” she says.
She also recommends being mindful of your posture: “If you significantly increase your screen time without the posture to cope, you may struggle with backache or neck pain. It’s worth supplementing this type of activity with something like Pilates to support the extra time spent standing.”
Regular breaks to reset your posture and avoid slumped shoulders are also a good idea.
It’s not for everyone
Keep in mind that while walking is low impact and generally safe for most people, an under-desk treadmill isn’t for everyone.
“It may not be suitable for those with balance difficulties, anyone undergoing cardiovascular investigations or certain neurological conditions, and those who use mobility aids such as crutches or a frame,” says Brown.
If you have any underlying health conditions, she advises consulting your doctor before embarking on a new exercise regime.
How long should I walk on a walking pad?
McInally suggests starting with around 20 to 30 minutes each day, depending on your personal fitness levels and daily routine. “This should be ample to get a good number of steps in and experience the physical benefits,” she says.
If you find your body is responding well, you can slowly increase this to up to an hour, but make sure you don’t jump in too quickly and spend hours at a time on the treadmill. This can put you at risk of an overuse injury, she warns.
Wearing the right footwear – comfortable, supportive trainers or specialist walking shoes – is also important and make sure you stay hydrated as you get your steps in.
Can you get a good workout on a walking pad?
Yes, absolutely. Walking on under-desk treadmill can do wonders for your cardiovascular fitness and even help build some strength in your leg muscles.
To really get your heart rate up and reap the rewards, crank up your walking pad to its highest speed and do 20-30 minutes of power walking. Alternatively, you can plod along for an hour or 90 minutes to work on your stamina.
Can an under-desk treadmill help with weight loss?
Yes, using an under-desk treadmill can help with weight management. It can help you move more consistently throughout the day – when you're working or watching TV – and burn some extra calories, which could contribute to weight loss over time. But it's important to combine your walking pad routine with a balanced diet and strength training.
How to store your under-desk treadmill
Under-desk treadmills tend to be more smaller and compact that standard treadmills for running. TheJTX MoveLight Walking Treadmill has transport wheels, so you can easily stash it underneath your sofa or bed and it won't draw unwanted attention.
Our final verdict: is it worth buying an under-desk treadmill?
If you spend most of your days sitting down and you're after for a convenient way to increase your activity levels, then it’s a resounding “yes” from us.
Having a walking pad at home revolutionised our senior health and wellness writer work-from-home routine – not only did they reach their 10,000-step goal each day, but they experienced fewer afternoon slumps and felt more productive on the whole. It was also a total lifesaver when the weather was atrocious and they couldn’t face heading outside to exercise.
For under £450 (depending on which model you choose), it’s a worthwhile investment for your health and work. Walk this way...
Our UREVO winner is available to buy on Amazon for just £229.99 right now.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
The GHI's senior wellness writer, Priyankaa Joshi, has written about hundreds of fitness products and interviewed numerous personal trainers and wellness experts about the kit worth investing in. She's also in the process of completing her level 2 personal training qualification, so knows a thing or two about the best exercise equipment.
Our wellness tester, Kim Hawley, is a level 4 qualified personal trainer with 30 years' experience in the fitness industry and has worked in leading health clubs across the UK.
And of course, we test thousands of products every year the Good Housekeeping Institute, so we've seen every innovation you can imagine when it comes to health and wellness tech.
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