We try before you buy: Our honest thoughts on the desk treadmill
Ten thousand steps a day is an ambitious goal for your average office dweller, but thankfully, there's a trend online that might be able to help.
Walking while we work, at our desks, is now possible thanks to the random social media interest in desk treadmills – mini treadmills, if you will – that slide easily under a standing desk and allow you to get your steps up on the job.
They have a shorter-than-average walking belt, and a shorter front bar, which can be lowered to the ground for easy storage. And while it might sound daunting to someone who's a bit of a poor multi-tasker, it's actually very easy, and almost hypnotic, to walk slowly as you work.
While nothing beats walking outside, this is a much more convenient way to make sure you're moving your body every day – especially if your daily grind leaves you time poor for exercise.
We found three willing staffers to try out the Centra Electric Treadmill Walking Pad (everyone's talking about on TikTok), and here's what they had to say.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Centra Electric Treadmill Walking Pad
Name: Immy
What made you want to try it out?
I think I first learnt about treadmill desks from one of my favourite podcasts. Each week on Happier in Hollywood, US television showrunners Liz Craft and Sarah Fain have a segment called 'From the Treadmill Desks of…' where they talk about their career working in American television. Since then, I've always wanted to try a desk treadmill.
I'm a natural fidgeter, always moving. So I had an idea that a standing treadmill would be good for me. But I did have some hesitations, the price and a worry that I might not use it as often as I thought. Thankfully, after a little pilot run with an office version of the treadmill, I was able to prove to myself that I could use it every day.
How often did you use it?
Daily!
On average, how long did you use it for once you hopped on?
At least an hour. I often found myself doing 'shifts'. An hour of walking, followed by a meeting sitting somewhere, or standing.
What kind of tasks did you do while using it?
Most tasks: writing, reading, emails and building reports. I found it fairly easy to do most of my main jobs while walking. I'm even answering these questions while using it. That said, anything intensive that requires your full attention, is probably best done not using the treadmill.
Was it easy to set up?
Incredibly easy to set up. All you need to do is screw in the safety bar and insert the remote control battery. It's that easy. You can start walking moments after the treadmill arrives on your doorstep.
What about storage? Where do you store it?
Storage was a concern for me at the start, but now I pack it up each day I use it and store in it a small cupboard. It's quite slim when it's folded up. A negative though, is that it's quite heavy. So you might need some strong arms before moving or packing it up every day!
Would you recommend it?
Yes! I loved using the office one so much, I conned my family into buying me one to use at home. I even use it now while watching TV!
Who would you recommend it to?
Everyone really! Particularly those who want to keep active, or appreciate a multi-task (getting paid at work, while remaining active).
Rating out of 10: A solid 9/10.
Name: Kristine
What made you want to try it out?
I had seen people using it in online videos and wanted to see how it actually worked.
How often did you use it?
A few times around the office.
On average, how long did you use it for once you hopped on?
Never for more than 20-30 minutes at a time.
What kind of tasks were you doing while using it?
I could do admin type tasks like answering emails, planning content, and basic writing, but I found it a little difficult to type. I couldn't do more fiddly things like work in Photoshop.
Was it easy to set up?
Super easy to set up, straight out of the box, and very easy to turn on and off.
What about storage? Where do you store it?
It has two stands on the front, so it was easy to stand up if you wanted to store against a wall or in a corner, but it wasn't foldable so, it does take a decent amount of floor or wall space.
Would you recommend it?
Definitely!
Who would you recommend it to?
If you work from home and struggle to take the time for regular breaks for steps, it's the perfect solution.
Rating out of 10? 7/10
Seeing it on TikTok was a huge factor, as was the idea of being able to get my daily steps in without leaving my desk.
Name: Maddison
What made you want to try it out?
Seeing it on TikTok was a huge factor, as was the idea of being able to get my daily steps in without leaving my desk. I get sick of sitting all day too, so it seemed like a no-brainer!
How often did you use it?
I first tried it out in the office. I'd say I used it 2-3 times a week, but knew I'd probably use it more if I could set it up at home rather than using it in the office, where I'm not really dressed for a workout.
On average, how long did you use it for once you hopped on?
I'd walk for a minimum of 45 minutes, but I usually tried to hit closer to 1.5 hours.
What kind of tasks were you doing while using it?
I mostly did admin work on my computer while walking. Things like answering emails, organising my diary and research were easy but it was hard to focus on more involved work where I had to really use my brain.
Was it easy to set up?
So easy to set up! The only downside is that it's a little heavy, but I may just have weak arms.
What about storage? Where do you store it?
At work, we just stored it leaning upright against a wall out of the way, which was pretty easy. At home, I fold it up and store it under my couch or bed so it's out of sight.
Who would you recommend it to?
I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to get some more steps in, stay active while working from home or who doesn't like the feeling of sitting still all day. It would even be great for just setting up for a stroll in front of the TV while bingeing a show on Netflix.
Overall, what's your verdict?
I loved the treadmill and would definitely buy one for myself. I'd give it an 8/10 just because it's quite simple and I'm sure there are fancier options out there.
Rating out of 10? 8/10
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