As a mom, I’m constantly multitasking, so I welcome anything that saves me time. Sometimes that also applies to my workouts. I generally like running and walking as my go-to form of cardio, but I’m not the biggest fan of spending time outdoors for too long when the temperature hits below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. I decided this year that I was to keep up with my step count by using an under-desk treadmill. I received samples from Egofit and Costway to try.
I placed one in my living room and the other in my bedroom. Each treadmill came in a tightly packed box that was easy to unbox and set up. What makes having an under-desk treadmill convenient is that you can place it just about anywhere and it won’t take up much room. Some can even be stored under your couch or bed.
I underestimated how fast these treadmills can go. I assumed that under-desk treadmills capped at 3 mph, but the treadmills I tested can go up to 5 (Egofit) and 6 mph (Costway), respectively. That’s a jogging or running pace for some people, so it’s something to consider if you plan on owning one.
Although I don’t have a proper ergonomic desk set up to use an under-desk treadmill while I work, I was able to use it on its own while I answered emails on my phone and listened to a podcast. I enjoyed being able to get some steps in while also doing some work. It made me feel extra productive, and I was able to do all of this without leaving my home.
I aimed to hop on the under-desk treadmills for at least a half-hour on the days I didn’t go to the gym or when I had the spare time. I tend to walk at a fast pace – I guess that’s the New Yorker in me – which made walking on an under-desk treadmill feel more like a power walk than a leisurely stroll. If I was using a treadmill as I worked on my laptop, I’m sure I would’ve reduced the speed to match that of a more casual stroll.
Although there are many different under-desk treadmills to choose from, I can only share my thoughts on the two I had the chance to try out. Below is a quick rundown of each under-desk treadmill, who it’s best for and what to expect.
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~Small profile
~Smooth belt" dislike="~Short tread belt
~Design could be more stylish
~Fast speed questionable without support" image-carousel="[{"uuid":"b787e3ab-70b2-4780-b096-f93334af508f","alt":"img-4135.jpg","caption":"
The LED screen on the Egofit treadmill.
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The LED screen on the Egofit treadmill.
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Like
- Cushioned landing
- Small profile
- Smooth belt
Don’t like
- Short tread belt
- Design could be more stylish
- Fast speed questionable without support
The Egofit ComfortDesk-M2 under-desk treadmill is considered a mini under-desk treadmill, which may matter if you’re limited in space. I found it easy to set up once you get it out of the box, and it has wheels in front, so it’s easy to move it around. The tread belt is smooth and not too loud when it’s on and has a honeycomb comfortdeck cushioning, which provides for a soft landing and is easy on the knees. It comes with a remote control, which lets you increase or decrease the speed or stop the machine.
The LED digital screen is at the front base of the treadmill and it captures speed, steps, time, distance and calories burned during a session. One thing I noticed that may be an issue for some people is that the tread is on the shorter side, so if you are tall and have a longer stride, you may feel like you’re going to slide off. I’m short and had a few instances where I had to be mindful of how long of a stride I took.
I wouldn’t recommend attempting a jog on a treadmill like this one because it could be risky and there’s nothing to grab onto if you lose your footing. If you are someone who has balance issues, I would avoid under-desk treadmills because it can put you at risk of a fall. However, this can be a suitable option if you’re looking for a treadmill that you can use for a casual walk while you take calls or do some work. It also has a fixed 5% incline, so it’s more challenging since it feels like you’re walking slightly uphill.
