desk treadmills, according to experts and editors

If you're looking for a way to add more movement to your workday, you may benefit from an under-desk treadmill . This will give you the opportunity to incorporate some simple exercise into your busy schedule.

Holly Roser, a certified personal trainer from California, calls the under-desk treadmill "an excellent tool for integrating more movement into the majority of people's sedentary workday..." She says that using one "offers a practical way to increase daily activity and daily step counts without needing to leave your desk."

Shop TODAY tapped our team of shopping editors and several certified personal trainers to learn more about the benefits of under-desk treadmills. Experts even shared some of the best ones you can add to your setup to help meet your step goals while working.

Once you get your hands (and feet) on one of our top picks, you'll be closer to meeting your work and workout goals; that's a step in the right direction.

Benefits of an under-desk treadmillWhat to look forExpert-approved under-desk treadmillsEditor-approved under-desk treadmillHow we choseMeet the experts

Benefits of an under-desk treadmill "Regular physical activity, even at a low intensity, is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and obesity — and maintaining an active lifestyle can contribute to a longer, healthier life," explains Roser.

Alexis Iannucci, New York-based certified personal trainer, notes that under-desk treadmills offer users many benefits including reduced stress, focus and physical activity. Plus, using an under-desk treadmill regularly can help one to meet and exceed their daily step goals.

"Increasing your step count helps to increase your metabolic rate , helping you burn fat and build muscle," explains Roser.

In addition to maintaining cardiovascular health, Maggi Gao, a New York-based fitness coach, notes that walking can help keep anxiety at bay , keep muscles and joints from feeling too stressed throughout the day.

You might also observe your productivity increase after using an under-desk treadmill, adds Jane VanderVoort, a certified personal trainer based in New York.

What to look for in an under-desk treadmill The most important things to look for in an under-desk treadmill are design, safety features and speed.

Design: Gao emphasizes the importance of selecting under-desk treadmills that can fold when not in use. If you purchase an under-desk treadmill that does not fold, minimalist pieces are suitable. "Ensure the treadmill fits comfortably under your desk by checking its dimensions and ensuring it has a compact, low-profile design," says VanderVoort. "This way, it seamlessly integrates with your workspace without taking up too much room." Additionally, Jenna Willis, Los Angeles-based celebrity fitness trainer, notes that looking for an under-desk treadmill with a quiet motor can help ensure you stay focused while walking (and working).

Safety features: When shopping for an under-desk treadmill, looking for safety features is essential as you want to be safe while you work to prevent injury and misuse of the machine. That said, VanderVoort recommends shopping for options that contain automatic shut-off or emergency stop buttons. Iannucci adds that looking for models with stability sensors and surfaces that prevent slipping is also key.

Speed: Although you shouldn't expect to move super quickly when using an under-desk treadmill, Chloe Bardos, principal founding instructor at Barry's Canada, notes that most offer speeds between 0.5 and 4.0 miles per hour. That said, Roser adds you should ensure the machine you're purchasing can swiftly toggle between various speeds and maintain its balance.

Expert-approved under-desk treadmills No electricity required: Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Walking Treadmill Dimensions: Weight: Weight capacity: Highest speed: Not listed (manual) | Easy to store?

Although this under-desk does not require electricity, Keith Hodges, a Performance Coach and Founder of Mind IN Muscle Coaching, recommends it, as you can position your desk and treadmill anywhere without a nearby outlet or extension cord.

He adds that this is a particularly favorite pick for those who may not be the most tech-savvy because all they have to do is hop on and start walking. This under-desk treadmill features handlebars to help prevent slips, as well as wheels which makes it easy to move around (if needed).

Incline included: YPOO Walking Pad with Incline Dimensions: 48.7"D x 22.4"W x 4.5"H | Weight: Weight capacity: Highest speed: Easy to store?

Gao likes that this under-desk treadmill from YPOO boasts an impressive 8% incline. "If you don't want to just walk on flat ground and want a challenge, this treadmill can give you up to an 8% incline," says Gao.

"This is great to boost cardiovascular fitness if you cannot walk too fast (which is OK!) and can add difficulty by just increasing the incline." You won't have to worry too much about slipping when using this treadmill as it's made with a five-layer anti-slip belt.

Built-in device holder: UPREIGN 2-in-1 Portable Treadmill and Walking Pad Dimensions: 48.7"D x 22.4"W x 4.5"H | Weight: Weight capacity: Highest speed: Easy to store?

When it comes to under-desk treadmills with an LED display and a holder for your smart devices, Gao recommends this one. "This is a great 'hybrid' treadmill as there is a stand that folds down to make the walking pad flat, to ensure it fits under a desk."

With a walking mode (0.6 to 3.8 mph) and running mode (0.6 to 7.6 mph) this under-desk treadmill can provide increasingly intense workouts than some of our other picks.

The hybrid: Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill Dimensions: 52.5"D x 29"W x 44.5"H | Weight: Weight capacity: Highest speed: Easy to store?

VanderVoort recommends this under-desk treadmill from Goplus for its versatility. "The Goplus two-in-one is perfect for those who want flexibility, as it doubles as a traditional treadmill and an under-desk model, making it a great choice for a seamless workout experience (especially if you work from home and have a little extra room)."

This device is equipped with a larger surface area (39.3 inches by 16 inches) and an LED display which you can use for key workout information such as calories burned and Bluetooth settings.

Worth the splurge: LifeSpan Fitness TX6 Under Desk Treadmill Dimensions: 60"D x 27.6"W x 6"H | Weight: Weight capacity: Highest speed: Easy to store?

If you're looking for an under-desk treadmill that will elevate your home office, look no further than this one from LifeSpan. Willis especially appreciates this device as it is high-quality, quiet, and contains auto-stop features.

With a weight limit of 400 pounds, this gadget opens access to more people who want to get their steps in during their workday. We can't forget to mention that this treadmill comes with a remote for simplified control.

Editor-approved under-desk treadmill Simple and effective: Redliro Mini Walking Pad Dimensions: 48.1"D x 21.1"W x 3.8"H | Weight: Weight capacity: Highest speed: Easy to store?

Sarah Jacoby , a health reporter at TODAY, tried this walking pad and said it fit "seamlessly" into her workout schedule.

However, she previously noted, "I do have a standing desk, but I don't use my walking pad there. Instead, I like to set it up in the living room next to the kitchen counter. That way, I can easily catch myself if I feel unsteady and I can watch something on TV while I walk."

How we chose To compile our list of the best under-desk treadmills, Shop TODAY considered the recommendations provided to us by certified personal trainers we interviewed. We also included an under-desk walking pad that was tested by an editor at TODAY.

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