Are Under Desk Treadmills Worth It? Here’s What Science and Real Users Say

If you work from home, chances are you’ve already heard about under desk treadmills — those compact walking pads people are raving about on TikTok and Reddit.
Some call them a “productivity hack,” others say they’re “just another home gym fad.”

I was skeptical, too. But after sitting through one too many 9-hour workdays (and too many cups of coffee trying to stay awake), I decided to give it a shot.

Here’s what I learned after a month of walking while working: the real pros, the cons, and whether an under-desk treadmill is actually worth it.

Why Everyone’s Suddenly Talking About Under Desk Treadmills

Scroll through TikTok or any WFH Reddit thread, and you’ll see professionals walking while typing, logging thousands of steps without ever leaving their desk.

It’s not hype. It’s a quiet shift in how people approach productivity and wellness at home.
Because after years of sitting through back-to-back calls, many are realizing that the real problem isn’t work — it’s the chair.

That’s where under-desk treadmills come in. They’re not gym equipment, and they’re not meant for true athletes. They’re for anyone who spends long hours at a desk and wants to move more, think clearer, and feel better without disrupting their day.

What changed when I started using it

Here’s the surprising part: the difference wasn’t physical first. It was mental.

The moment I started walking, my afternoon brain fog lifted. That 3 p.m. slump that usually sends me reaching for a snack or caffeine? Gone.

My focus improved. I wasn’t fidgeting in my chair or zoning out during meetings.

And after about two weeks, I noticed something else — I was hitting 10,000 steps before dinner, without carving out a single “workout session.”

What science says (and why it backs this up)

It turns out this isn’t just a placebo. A Study from Oregon State University published on the National Library of Medicine has found that treadmill desks can:

• Increase energy expenditure by around 100 calories per hour

• Improve mood, alertness, and engagement during long tasks

• Reduce the total amount of sedentary time in a day

As you can see in another under desk treadmill review article, walking slowly still counts. "The moment you start walking, even at a glacial 1 MPH, the fog lifts. "

The real pros (from someone actually using one)

You actually move, without thinking about it.
It’s shocking how easy it is to walk for hours while answering emails or watching webinars.

No space problem.
Most foldable walking pads (like the Lichico Portable Treadmill) slide under your desk or bed. It’s apartment-proof.

Better focus, better mood.
Something about moving while working just makes you feel more awake. It’s like your brain stays switched on.

You feel productive and healthy.
This one is huge. You finish your workday and realize you’ve already done your steps — no guilt, no after-work workout stress.

The downsides (because yes, there are a few)

You can’t type at full speed right away.
Walking and typing an art form. You’ll find your rhythm, but it takes a few days.

You need a stable standing desk.
A shaky table + treadmill vibration = chaos. Adjustable desks are your best friend here.

Not a full workout.
You won’t get shredded or build muscle with a walking pad — it’s about activity, not intensity.

Are under desk treadmills worth it, then?

If you spend 6+ hours sitting daily, the answer is absolutely yes.

It’s not a fitness gadget. It’s a lifestyle upgrade. You move more, think clearer, and feel better, without changing your routine. But if you already move a lot or don’t have space for a standing desk setup, it might not be necessary.

Using an under-desk treadmill changed how I work. It made staying active something automatic — not something I had to plan or motivate myself to do.

If your job keeps you glued to a desk, this might be one of the simplest (and smartest) ways to invest in your health and productivity.

Because the truth is, movement isn’t optional — it’s essential. And if you can build it into your workday, that’s not just worth it… it’s a game-changer.

More tips on Under Desk Treadmill? Be my guest.

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