Treadmill Desk FAQs

In this article, get the answers to treadmill desk FAQs that cannot be found anywhere else on the internet! Whether it’s your first time purchasing a treadmill workstation or whether you’ve been using one for a while, you’re guaranteed to learn something new and useful to help you make the most out of your treadmill workstation.

Find out nuggets of information about treadmill desks including:

Whether treadmill desks help you lose weight
How much treadmill desks cost
How to prevent sweating on a treadmill desk
The best types of footwear to use

Also, and most importantly, find out if treadmill desks are any good!

Plus, I disclose some expert tips which will get you thinking like a pro whether you’re purchasing or using a treadmill desk.

Did you know? Research has revealed that people spend as much as 50 – 86% of their workday completing sedentary actions. Source

Can you lose weight on a treadmill desk?

Treadmill desks help to increase your energy expenditure when compared with standing or sitting. Therefore, by walking at a treadmill desk, you can burn more calories and lose weight. So, if you changed nothing about your lifestyle except to start walking on a treadmill, you should see a gradual weight loss, depending on how often you use the under desk treadmill and the intensity that you walk at.

However, if a person increases their calorie consumption while using a treadmill workstation, this can negatively impact on the amount of weight loss that they can achieve.

It could even cause weight gain if too many calories are consumed.

Weight loss = energy expenditure > energy consumption, i.e., calories burned must be higher than calories consumed to achieve a caloric deficit.

How much weight you can lose with a treadmill desk?

The amount of weight loss that can be achieved by using a treadmill desk will vary from person to person. While there are so many variables to consider when calculating the number of calories that can be burned, studies have offered some insight into how much weight loss was achieved by the various test groups

One such study has shown the average number of calories burned per hour by people using a treadmill desk for sitting, standing and walking.

Sitting	Standing	Walking
80 calories per hour	88 calories per hour	210 calories per hour

Another study on obese office workers that walked at 1 mph showed that they burned an extra 100 calories per hour. The researchers estimated that these people could burn around 40 – 60 pounds per year by walking on a treadmill desk for 2 – 3 hours a day.

In a separate study, the actual weight loss was measured in 36 individuals that used a treadmill workstation for around 1 hour per day. On average, people lost between 3.1 – 7.5 pounds after a year of using a treadmill desk.

However, the number of calories burned is often overhyped by companies and tend to be inaccurate on calorie burn counters.

Therefore, caution should be taken when considering the weight loss figures provided by a company or calorie counter.

This is particularly true if the data isn’t backed up by reliable studies or the source of the research isn’t disclosed.

Are treadmill desks worth it?

Treadmill desks are one of the most effective methods of becoming active at your desk and increasing energy expenditure while you work. There are a wide range of health benefits to be reaped from walking at a treadmill desk, including physical and mental health advantages. Most importantly, treadmill desks can help eliminate static postures and it can also help you to evade “sitting disease” which is becoming a growing epidemic! Desk treadmills are also a good means of burning calories while you work, and they can also contribute to weight loss. Some under desk treadmill can also be used for intense cardio workouts. Despite this, treadmill desks are certainly worth the investment.

Using an under desk treadmill and standing desk both encourages and grants you the freedom to adopt a greater number of active postures.

Treadmill workstations are a positive intervention which enable you to achieve one of the high amounts of movement at a desk compared to other active office furniture.

Click here to uncover the life changing health benefits of using a treadmill workstation.

An increasing amount of research is pointing towards the benefits of treadmill desks from a productivity and mental health perspective.

In one study, treadmill desks were perceived to increase memory and attention span of workers.

Are treadmill desks expensive?

On average, walking treadmills can cost anywhere in the range of $217.99 – $1999. This is assuming you don’t also need to purchase a standing desk to go with it. The cost of a standing desk can range from $150 – $2000 or more. This makes them an expensive active workstation and they may not be within the budget of many people. However, treadmill workstations do tend to have a long lifespan, and you could expect to knock 5 – 10 + years out of them. Plus, the under desk treadmill can also be used for fitness and shared with others. Fortunately, there are cheaper options available, and you don’t have to opt for the branded or most expensive treadmill or standing desk.

Furthermore, there are also other budget-friendly types of active office furniture which you can opt for instead of a treadmill workstation.

For instance, you could start off by researching the top selling standing desks price comparison table.

Thankfully, the average lifespan of standing desks is decent and can go into double figures. Heck, some of them might even outlive you!

Then at a later stage, you could add on a treadmill base.

For more information on the price of treadmill desks and to avoid being ripped off, I compiled this treadmill desks price comparison article on 20 of the most popular and budget-friendly options.

My recommendation for a budget-friendly branded treadmill is the Sunny treadpad slim under desk treadmill.

That said, they are not as cheap as desk bikes. For example, the most cost-efficient type of desk exercise equipment is the under desk bike which ranges from costs as low as $29.99.

Can you use treadmill desks on carpet?

Treadmill desks can be used on carpet, provided that it is a flat carpet as opposed to a very thick carpet that will interfere with the functioning or stability of the treadmill desk.

However, while most under desk treadmill casters can move on carpet, a thick carpet could hinder your movement as the wheels are likely to flow less easily on the material.

This is only one of the common mistakes to avoid when using a treadmill desk properly.

Tip: If the casters provided on your treadmill desk become worn out, are unsuitable for the flooring or are simply just poor quality, you can sometimes get replacement casters separately.

Do treadmill desks damage the floor?

Treadmills are relatively heavy objects which can leave indentations on the floor or carpet. If the treadmill base falls, moves or slides, this can scratch the floor too. Putting an under desk treadmill on a hardwood floor could damage the floor and cause the treadmill to move or slip as you walk or run.

A treadmill mat is a popular accessory which minimizes the risk of floor damage from a treadmill.

Treadmill mats can also improve stability and dampen the noise caused from a treadmill.

Treadmill mats can be used on carpets too as they help to minimize the amount of carpet fibers and dust rising from the carpet into the treadmill.

Shoppers should check the website or salesperson to confirm that the wheels or non-skid pads are made of high-quality materials that won’t damage the floor.

Instead of these rubber inserts, some treadmill desks balance on caster wheels.

Treadmill desks generally feature wheels which are made of materials that minimize floor damage.

That factor aside, if the weight of the treadmill desk is higher, you probably won’t be able to easily lift it, which could lead to dragging it on the floor.

This could increase the risk of damaging or scratching the floor if no casters are provided.

Tip: Polyurethane wheels or polyurethane coatings on the bottom of the treadmill desk are one of the best materials to minimize scratching or damage to floors.

Are treadmill desks portable?

Under desk exercisers are the most portable type of treadmill due to their lighter weight and compact size. Under desk treadmills come in compact and large sizes. The larger under desk treadmills are less portable due to their weight and size. When compared with a standard running treadmill, under desk treadmills have a much smaller footprint and weight. They also may come with handrails which are foldable for more compact transport. Most desk treadmills feature caster wheels which helps you to wheel them within a room or on the same ground level.

The lightest under desk treadmill weighs 40 pounds.

However, a standard treadmill does have more components to account for and is a heavier, sturdier unit in general.

Manual and electric treadmills weigh in the range of 60 – 210 pounds.

This combined with a larger structure makes it bulkier to move. If the treadmill is foldable, it should make it easier to transport.

If portability is a priority for you, then you should review the weight of the most popular treadmill desks to narrow down your search in seconds!

Where can I use a treadmill desk?

While they are traditionally marketed for use in office areas, treadmill workstations can be used in a wide range of environments.

Alternative locations that you can use a treadmill workstation at include:

studying or working at a desk
while watching TV or reading
for light computing
for light gaming
at a workshop
in a meeting room
as a hot desk

Can I use a treadmill desk at my current standing desk?

If you already own a standing desk, then you should be able to find a treadmill that can fit underneath your desk. Almost all under desk treadmills can be used in conjunction with a height adjustable standing desk.

It’s a matter of measuring the width of the space between the frame and comparing this with the width of the under desk treadmill.

There should be at least 1 inch of clearance on both sides of the treadmill when it is fitted underneath the standing desk.

Treadly even advise that there should be 2m of clearance around the treadmill.

The only desk exercise treadmill which can’t be used at a sit-stand desk are all in one treadmill desk stations which already encompass a built-in table.

Keep an eye on what exactly you are buying as sometimes a standing table is included in the promotional pictures to illustrate how the treadmill would look under a desk.

At least with an all-encompassing treadmill workstation, you don’t have to worry as much about the width of the treadmill fitting under the standing desk.

Using a treadmill under a sit-stand desk results in you being placed in a higher standing position.

It’s important that your heigh-adjustable desk can be raised up adequately to ergonomically accommodate you at a higher height.

If the height-adjustable desk doesn’t have a large enough height range to suit you while you stand on the under desk treadmill, it could lead to your workstation being too low for you.

If this occurs, it could cause you to look downwards at the screen and encourage other poor ergonomic postures to be adopted.

How fast should I go on a treadmill desk?

The speed at which you walk or run on a treadmill desk will be dictated by treadmill desk capabilities and also the tasks that you are performing. Not all treadmill desks are designed for intense workouts. Most treadmills have speeds ranging from 2 – 8 mph. Furthermore, if you intend to use the desk treadmill for building muscle or cardio, it’s likely that you’ll need a treadmill with higher speeds or a treadmill with an incline function.

The majority of people using a treadmill could achieve a pace of around or below 2 mph while doing computer work. However, some people found this speed too easy after a while and increased the speed in increments of 0.5 – 1 mph till they were adequately challenged.

Consuming content is easier when walking than creating content.

The activity that you’re performing while you walk will also dictate how fast you can walk while comfortably being able to complete your tasks.

For instance, if you’re using a treadmill desk while typing on a laptop or working in an office, it’s likely you won’t go much above 2 – 4 mph since this would make it difficult to type.

The higher the speed you walk at, the greater the likelihood of errors that you make while typing.

However, if you’re on a webinar or watching something, it’s likely that you can achieve higher walking speeds.

This is all part of learning how to use and choose the perfect treadmill desk, which will come with time!

Plus following a good care and maintenance plan for your treadmill will keep it in the best shape.

Tip: Many popular treadmill websites feature exercise plans and videos that you can follow to achieve a quality and heart-pulsing workout.

Can you use a treadmill desk without sweating?

People can walk at their treadmill workstation without sweating by adopting a low speed on the treadmill desk. At a pace of 2 mph or less, you can minimize the risk of sweating while you walk. Walking around 3 mph or more is considered a brisk walk. However, since everybody has a different body composition, some people may sweat easier than others. There are various other techniques which you can follow to reduce the likelihood of sweating occurring:

Incorporating short breaks from walking
Maintaining a cool temperature in the room
Drinking cool liquids and staying adequately hydrated
Wear light, breathable clothing

The best place to position your treadmill desk may be near a window or away from heaters.

Are treadmill desks suitable for children?

Treadmill desks are suited for children and teenagers provided they can fit the treadmill, have a standing desk that accommodates their height while on the under desk treadmill. Plus, they would need to be mature enough to use it.

Some manufacturers state that treadmills are not suitable for children, this should be included in the user manual for the product.

Can you sit on a treadmill desk?

Desk exercise treadmills are not designed for being sat on. Instead, you should move the treadmill out of the way and wheel in your chair to sit down. Alternatively, if you have enough space on your desk and in the area, you could position your chair next to the treadmill and work on the side of the table.

L-shaped desks may be more suitable for this setup as they tend to be larger desks. Plus, they can allow you to divide the desk up for different activities on different sides of the desk.

Can you walk backwards on a treadmill desk?

The running belt on treadmills only operates in one direction, so you can’t make your treadmill go backwards. Instead, you can just turn yourself the other way around and walk or run backwards. Some manufacturers advise against walking or running backwards on the treadmill. Plus, this comes with a warning as it’s not generally advised to do this on the grounds of it posing a safety risk. To make it safer, start at a slow speed while holding onto the handrails.

The practicality of walking backwards on a treadmill workstation is somewhat questionable. There are probably not a whole pile of tasks that you can execute when walking backwards, besides perhaps having calls or conversations with people.

There are physical benefits of walking backwards though. It engages your muscles in a different way to walking forwards.

The benefits of reverse walking may include:

Improving your coordination
Reducing knee strain
Strengthening leg muscles
Adds variety to your treadmill experience

Plus, there are some mental benefits to walking backwards too:

Enhancing your bodily awareness
Sharpens your thinking
Reducing workout boredom
Encourages you to step outside your comfort zone

Ultimately, the most important thing is to know how to use a treadmill desk properly.

Tip: Check with the manufacturer to determine if it is safe to walk backwards on a treadmill.

Can you wear heels on a treadmill desk?

Wearing heels or practically any footwear with sharp edges can damage the belt of the treadmill. Furthermore, walking with heels is unlikely to be comfortable and can encourage poor postures and increase the risk of injury as you walk. The best footwear to use on a treadmill is flat footwear designed for walking or running.

Tennis shoes are a commonly recommended type of footwear for use on treadmills.

Most treadmill desk manufacturers don’t specify the type of footwear to be worn on a treadmill desk. I reached out to multiple popular treadmill desk companies.

Treadly advise against going barefoot on the Treadly treadmill if they find it comfortable. Although some people may find that their foot slips while barefoot.

Are treadmill desks suitable for tall/short people?

The size of the treadmill and the treadmill belt will be a significant factor in determining if it’s a suitable treadmill for taller people.

Since taller people tend to weigh more than shorter people, the weight capacity of the treadmill should also be considered. Treadmill desks are suitable for a wide range of weights.

There are even desk treadmills suited for children and teenagers. If the treadmill desk needs to accommodate multiple people, most desks can fit a range of heights.

A larger treadmill would be preferable to ensures that there is an adequate running belt footprint to accommodate everybody.

When choosing the perfect treadmill desk for you, height in respect to treadmill belt length is one of the key factors to consider.

What are the most popular types of treadmill desk?

Treadmill desks are primarily available in the below formats which are listed in order of most popular types of treadmill desks on the market:

Under desk treadmill for walking and running
Under desk treadmill for walking

Tip: If it’s a popular brand of desk treadmill, there are often videos on YouTube or on the website demonstrating how to use and assemble it.

Conclusion

Hopefully you found these treadmill desk tips and FAQs valuable and learned something new! Do you own a treadmill desk or are you considering buying one?

With treadmill desks being considered a positive intervention and helping to evade sitting disease while increasing your activity, energy levels and blood flow.

If you’re enthusiastic about finding out more about one of the most active workstations available or you are still in the process of choosing a treadmill desk, then this article will help to ensure you choose the right one first time around: How to choose a treadmill desk and what to watch out for!

If the fantastic range of health benefits of using a treadmill desk sound appealing to you, then checkout my personal favourite products listed below for the under desk treadmill that I would recommend.

However, treadmill desks are not for everybody, and far be it from me to try and ram the advantages of it down your throat.

If you’re looking for alternative active workstations, fortunately for you, I have been looking into the many other ways which can be employed to create movement in your workstation.

The below items are what I’ve looked into so far in order of preference:

My top 5 personal favorite products so far are the:

My aim with this website is to help you on all matters related to your home office and your work area. With that in mind, if you have any questions or comments on the above, please drop them in the box below. I’d love to hear them!