How do I convert a treadmill to a treadmill desk?

You can convert a treadmill into a treadmill desk by purchasing a desk riser to position your workstation at the correct height. You will need to consider the treadmill's handles and console to determine whether it will interfere with your workstation. There are walking treadmills with no rails that are more suitable for being placed under a desk. Some treadmills come with a suitable platform for placing your work materials, or you can purchase a treadmill accessory to provide a desk surface.

Are treadmill desks safe?

Treadmill desks are safe so long as you use them correctly. Do not try to run or jog while working, as that places you in an improper stance that could cause falls. Be sure your arms and wrists have support to prevent strain, and do not place a computer on an unstable or weak surface. Be cautious of wires and plugs that could get in your way. Always wear proper footwear.

How do I set up a treadmill desk?

Set up your treadmill desk ergonomically so you will not have to crane or bend your neck while working. Your computer screen should be at eye level, and you should be able to rest your forearms on the worktop at a 70- to 135-degree angle. Be sure you are not hunching your shoulders.

How often should I use a treadmill desk?

You can use your treadmill desk every day. Just as regular walking is a healthy activity that you can do every day, so is treadmill walking while working. However, you should consider limiting yourself to an hour or two at first if you are not used to walking long distances. Adjust the speed to your ability, and take breaks to sit during the day to prevent any potential strain or overuse. Work your way up to more prolonged bouts of walking.

How much does a treadmill desk cost?

A quality treadmill desk will cost anywhere between $80 and $3,500. While cheaper options do exist, they'll likely have issues with stability, noise, adjustability, and overall use. Higher-priced options also exist, but you can find lower-priced options for similar functionality. If you already have a treadmill, you can save money by purchasing a treadmill desk attachment, like the cheapest on our list, which is just $80. But for a complete treadmill desk, our top recommendation is the iMovR Lander Standing Desk , which was $2,910 when we published this list.

The 8 Best Treadmill Desks of 2023

When you work a desk job, it can be challenging to squeeze in your steps. Luckily, using a treadmill desk is one of the easiest things you can do to increase your daily movement. It provides the opportunity to take thousands of extra steps while you work. And walking while working is a great way to increase productivity and improve overall fitness.

“Active movements for otherwise idle activities boost metabolism and energy, especially for that post-lunch lull,” says John Groves, DPT, a practicing physical therapist and CEO of Fit for Work. “And you will be amazed at how much less back soreness and joint stiffness you feel when you intersperse walking instead of sitting.”

We researched dozens of treadmill desks and evaluated them for the assembly process, price, quiet operation, design, and workspace size. Each of the treadmill desks chosen in this article was determined to be the best of these factors.

We also had a a walking coach and certified group fitness instructor from our Review Board review this article for accuracy surrounding what to look for in treadmill desks, their safety, and how often they should be used.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall :

iMovR Lander Standing Desk at Imovr.com

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

BiFanuo 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Small Spaces:

WalkingPad C2 Smart Folding Treadmill at Amazon

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Best Quiet:

LifeSpan Fitness TR1200-DT3 Treadmill Desk at Lifespanfitness.com

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Best Treadmill Desk Attachment:

HumanCentric Treadmill Desk Attachment at Amazon

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Best for Fitness:

Rhythm Fun Folding Treadmill at Amazon

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Best Folding:

REDLIRO Under Desk Treadmill at Amazon

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Best for Running:

Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

Imovr

View On Imovr.com

Pros

Adjustable keyboard tray
Smartphone compatibility
Tracks user stats

Cons

Expensive

We chose this treadmill desk as our top choice because it comes almost entirely pre-assembled; has intuitive, high-tech controls; and includes several unique and premium features. It's expensive but well worth the price for a top-ranking walking workstation.

The Lander Standing Desk comes with a touchscreen console that can track your steps, distance, time, and more so you can hit the the right number of daily steps that's right for you. You can track the same user stats via Bluetooth connection on the free downloadable app, and you can program the desk's control paddle and compatible app to remind you to stand at customizable intervals.

Upon purchasing, you'll be asked to select your preferred desk size, color, and finish. You will have the option to purchase optional add-ons, including a standing mat, monitor arm, laptop mount, and more.

Because it's super-quiet, it won’t disrupt your train of thought, work calls, or nearby coworkers. The package includes the desk, but you will have to purchase the treadmill separately. If you don't already have one, iMovr's Unsit Office Treadmill.

Price at time of publication: starting at $2,910 (additional sizes, colors, and finishes are available at higher prices)

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 30 x 41, 47, 53, 59, 65, 71, 77, or 83 inches | Folding: No | Weight Capacity: Not applicable | Maximum Speed: Not applicable}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Comes fully assembled
Suitable for walking or running
Compact

Cons

May not run smoothly for heavier weights
Tracking may not be 100% accurate

If you’d like to try a treadmill desk but don’t want to sacrifice a lot of space or money, this compact, budget-friendly folding treadmill is a great option. The foldable, portable design is ideal for tight spaces, while the quiet motor, shock-absorbing structure, and anti-skid noise-reduction belt minimize disturbances to officemates or neighbors.

Although it doesn’t have a ton of fancy features, the treadmill does offer a built-in Bluetooth speaker and phone holder. With a speed range between 0.5 to 6.5 miles per hour, it’s suitable for both walking and running, making it a more versatile option than some other models. What’s more, it arrives fully assembled, so you can start using it right away.

Price at time of publication: $280

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 50 x 26 x 42 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Maximum Speed: 6.5 miles per hour}

4.6

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walkingpad.com

Pros

Compact
Noise-reducing
Easy to move

Cons

Can’t be used directly on carpet
Low weight capacity

Regardless of whether you’re converting a corner of your apartment into a home office or your real office is limited in the square footage department, expect this WalkingPad treadmill to fit with ease. Better yet, it can be folded in half for easy storage when it’s not in use, making it easier for those who like switching up their workouts with other exercise equipment, like the best under desk bikes. It has two use modes—navigate manual mode with the remote control, and activate auto mode by starting to walk on the treadmill and letting it react to your movement.

The walking belt is slip-resistant and noise-reducing, and it features both child lock and overload protection. And if you’re interested in your movement statistics, you can download the accompanying WalkingPad app.

Price at time of publication: $499

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 56.38 x 21.54 x 5.08 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Maximum Speed: 3.75 miles per hour}

Life Span

View On Lifespanfitness.com

Pros

Quiet operation
Comes fully assembled
Low-profile design

Cons

Heavy to move
No Bluetooth compatibility

This compact treadmill is one of the quietest options you’ll find on the market. Its continuous-duty motor and impact-absorbing shocks power the belt nearly silently and dampen the sound of each step you take. It features a portable console that occupies a small space on your desktop and displays readouts for your steps, time, distance, calories, and speed.

The treadmill is sturdy enough to support up to 350 pounds for years of use. Built-in safety features ensure the treadmill only moves when it senses you standing on it. Bonus: It arrives fully assembled, so you simply roll it into place beneath regular or the best standing desks and start moving,

Price at time of publication: $1,699

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 63 x 28.5 x 7.25 inches | Folding: No | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Maximum Speed: 4 miles per hour}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Plenty of work space
Easy to put on and take off
Adjustable for most treadmill designs

Cons

Expensive
Straps could be longer

Already have a workout treadmill at home? You can outfit it with this sturdy desk attachment and convert it into a safe and reliable space to work and move simultaneously. This desk attachment features a premium rubber surface that is ideal for both laptops and tablets, and it can be installed on your treadmill’s handlebars in just a few minutes.

What the Experts Say: “My mantra is ‘Motion is lotion.’ Moving more increases blood flow throughout the body, which has benefits for the heart, lungs, and muscles. Movement also reduces muscle wasting from being sedentary and lubricates joints. What’s more, once you start moving, you are more likely to want to keep moving even after work hours, so you can compete in those step challenges with your co-workers and win!” — Erin DiGangi, PT, a physical therapist in La Grange Park, Illinois

The Velcro straps are secure enough to keep you and your devices safe, yet easy to remove when you want to bring your workday to an end and go for a jog instead. The adjustable straps also make it an excellent fit for most treadmill designs.

Price at time of publication: $80

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 34 x 14.4 inches | Folding: Not applicable | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Maximum Speed: Not applicable}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Bluetooth speaker
Comes fully assembled
Suitable for walking or running

Cons

Low weight capacity
No pause feature

If you plan on using your treadmill for fitness training, like treadmill walking workouts, as much as for daily movement at work, consider this two-in-one pick. It’s similar to the Redliro option (see below) in how it alternates modes based on the placement of the handlebar. However, it features a more resilient shock reduction system for heavier use, and its lightweight profile and minimal noise creation make it a better choice for running in spaces like apartments.

It also includes a Bluetooth speaker that makes it easy and fun to listen to your favorite playlist while running or walking. It’s maneuvered via remote control and features a smart workout app pairing to help you keep all of your wellness statistics organized. It also arrives fully assembled.

Price at time of publication: $699

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 61 x 30 x 8 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Maximum Speed: 7.5 miles per hour}

Amazon

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Pros

Suitable for walking or running
Comes fully assembled
Easy to move

Cons

Buttons are not user-friendly
Handlebar release is inconvenient
Low weight capacity

This folding treadmill design gives you the best of both worlds. When the handlebar is lowered, the treadmill fits perfectly under your desk for walking while working and is limited to a speed of 4 miles per hour. But then, when the handlebar is raised, the treadmill transforms into a more classic piece of workout equipment, reaching a maximum speed of 7.5 miles per hour, which is optimal when you want to do high intensity interval training on the treadmill.

Equipped with both a dashboard and remote control, it’s easy to navigate the treadmill’s various settings safely and with the method you prefer. It also features a built-in safety key, so it will shut off instantly in the event of an emergency. The treadmill arrives fully assembled and ready for use as soon as it's unpacked.

Price at time of publication: $480

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 51.9 x 24.8 x 42.1 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Maximum Speed: 7.5 miles per hour}

4.8

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Provides excellent shock absorption
Compact
Bluetooth speaker

Cons

No incline options
Belt is on the small side

Some treadmill desks max out at speeds of 3 or 4 miles per hour, so they’re not suitable for running. If you’re a runner looking for a more versatile option, consider this Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill that offers both walk and run modes. It goes up to 2.5 miles per hour when its handrail is lowered, and up to 8 miles per hour when it's lifted.

While the treadmill has a less powerful motor than some high-end running treadmills, it’s quiet and shock-absorbing, and it runs very smoothly. It offers an easy installation as well as a foldable design and built-in transport wheels, so it’s ideal for limited spaces.

This model features a Bluetooth speaker, phone holder, and remote control for adjusting your speed. Although the weight capacity is 265 pounds, some users say it’s closer to 200 pounds for running safely at higher speeds, one of the many things users should keep in mind when running on a treadmill.

Price at time of publication: $340

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 49 x 27 x 42 inches | Folding: Yes | Weight Capacity: 265 pounds | Maximum Speed: 8 miles per hour}

What to Look for in a Treadmill Desk

Stability

It's essential that both the treadmill and working surface to support you properly. For instance, some users prefer wider treadmill elements to prevent missteps that can result in injury. You certainly don’t want the desk to feel rickety as you rest any part of your arms on it to type or write. Sturdy construction and dimensions that suit your body are not negotiable.

“Make sure that you select a brand that has solid construction and if there is an option between the base model and a more heavy-duty model, it is money well spent to go with the heavier duty model,” says physical therapist John Groves.

Noise

Just like fitness treadmills, desk treadmills do make some noise as the belt rotates. But if you prefer a workspace that is quieter than a gym, it’s important to consider the noise output of your treadmill desk. There are plenty of options known for being unobtrusive to daily workflow, like the LifeSpan Fitness TR1200-DT3 Treadmill Desk on our list.

Adjustability

Consider your height and ergonomic preferences in selecting a treadmill desk to ensure that the desk component itself makes for a comfortable workstation. “You have to ensure that the table height is adjustable to your needs,” Groves advises. Adjustability is especially critical if the treadmill is going to be used by multiple people.

“You do not want to be leaning over in an unnatural posture while on a treadmill desk,” says Palak Shah, PT, OCS, MLC, a physical therapist and head of clinical services at Luna, an in-home physical therapy platform. “Leaning forward will lead to increased hip flexion and will reduce the use of your gluteus muscles efficiently, which is a benefit of walking.”

The treadmill itself will also offer a range of speeds, so think about the pace at which you want to move as you work and make sure the one you select supports your needs. “Regular treadmills have speed adjustment in increments of 0.1 miles per hour, which enables good control,” says Shah. “Avoid a treadmill that does not provide a range of speed or limits your stride.”

Belt Length

The belt length is critical to make sure you’re walking comfortably and avoiding injury. “Too short a belt will result in shorter steps, which may cause tightness, increase joint impact, and negate the benefits of walking,” Shah explains. “So make sure the belt will accommodate a longer, natural stride that is closer to your normal gait pattern.”

Assembly

Just like many other pieces of furniture and home gym equipment, some treadmill desks assemble easily and intuitively, and others require hours of frustration and reworking. Be sure to read product reviews to learn how much effort you should expect to exert in setting up your new workspace (and how much help you should recruit for the process).

If you already own a treadmill and want a simpler assembly option, the HumanCentric Treadmill Desk Attachment is a great choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert a treadmill to a treadmill desk?

You can convert a treadmill into a treadmill desk by purchasing a desk riser to position your workstation at the correct height. You will need to consider the treadmill's handles and console to determine whether it will interfere with your workstation. There are walking treadmills with no rails that are more suitable for being placed under a desk. Some treadmills come with a suitable platform for placing your work materials, or you can purchase a treadmill accessory to provide a desk surface.
Are treadmill desks safe?

Treadmill desks are safe so long as you use them correctly. Do not try to run or jog while working, as that places you in an improper stance that could cause falls. Be sure your arms and wrists have support to prevent strain, and do not place a computer on an unstable or weak surface. Be cautious of wires and plugs that could get in your way. Always wear proper footwear.

Learn More: Proper Walking Posture
How do I set up a treadmill desk?

Set up your treadmill desk ergonomically so you will not have to crane or bend your neck while working. Your computer screen should be at eye level, and you should be able to rest your forearms on the worktop at a 70- to 135-degree angle. Be sure you are not hunching your shoulders.
How often should I use a treadmill desk?

You can use your treadmill desk every day. Just as regular walking is a healthy activity that you can do every day, so is treadmill walking while working. However, you should consider limiting yourself to an hour or two at first if you are not used to walking long distances. Adjust the speed to your ability, and take breaks to sit during the day to prevent any potential strain or overuse. Work your way up to more prolonged bouts of walking.
How much does a treadmill desk cost?

A quality treadmill desk will cost anywhere between $80 and $3,500. While cheaper options do exist, they'll likely have issues with stability, noise, adjustability, and overall use. Higher-priced options also exist, but you can find lower-priced options for similar functionality. If you already have a treadmill, you can save money by purchasing a treadmill desk attachment, like the cheapest on our list, which is just $80. But for a complete treadmill desk, our top recommendation is the iMovR Lander Standing Desk, which was $2,910 when we published this list.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a seasoned health writer, Alena Hall understands the importance of not just staying active but doing so safely and smartly. Over the years, she has reviewed dozens of products, from athletic recovery aids to condition-specific products to homeopathic essential oils, to help readers like you discover products that can help you live your best life.

Additional reporting by Christine Luff

Christine Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. She has tested and reviewed her fair share of treadmills and knows what to look for to get the best bang for your buck.

Additional reporting by Michelle Parente

Michelle Parente is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who is passionate about making well-vetted product recommendations. She specializes in health and fitness content and is always reading up on the latest wellness research.

The 12 Best Treadmill Accessories of 2023