6 Best Under Desk Treadmill For Heavy Person Reviewed | Walk while you work

This is our review of the best under desk treadmill for a heavy person in .

The last couple of years has seen a shift-change in work culture. Commuting to work has reduced, and many companies are promoting a hybrid working set-up. This has made people sedentary and less active and tipped our weight to the heavier side.  An under-desk treadmill for heavy persons can help overcome this hurdle. 

Under-desk treadmills offer people a convenient, non-invasive option for a quick, intense workout while multitasking. Additionally, it is also relatively easy to set up. 

After extensive research and deliberation, we have compiled a list of the best under-desk treadmills for heavy persons. 

Amongst them, we found the LifeSpan TR5000-DT3 Under Desk Treadmill machine as the best under-desk treadmill in the 400lbs category. Designed using a flat, motorized base, the machine fits easily under your desk, and the 3.0 HP motor is virtually maintenance-free for the first few years. Similarly, the Rhythm Fun Mini Pro is considered the best under-desk treadmill in the 250lbs category.

That said, here are the best under-desk treadmills for heavy people across a weight range of 250 lbs to 400 lbs. 

Best Under Desk Treadmill 250 lbs capacity	Rhythm Fun Mini Pro Treadmill
Best Under Desk Treadmill 250 lbs capacity (budget)	Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
Best Under Desk Treadmill 300 lbs capacity	Exerpeutic 5000 ExerWork Desk Treadmill
Best Under Desk Treadmill 350 lbs capacity	LifeSpan TR1200-DT3 Under Desk Walking Treadmill
Best Under Desk Treadmill 400 lbs capacity	LifeSpan TR5000-DT3 Under Desk Treadmill
Best Under Desk Treadmill (short people)	Egofit Walker M1T

Top 6 Under Desk Treadmill for Heavy Person Reviewed

All the heavy-duty under desk treadmills listed below are great options for an effective workout while you continue your office work. However, always consult a physician if you have any medical conditions. 

Rhythm Fun Mini Pro Under Desk Treadmill – Best Under Desk Treadmill 250 lbs capacity

The Rhythm Fun Mini Pro is a strong, stylish, and modern under desk treadmill for people in the 250 lbs weight range. 

The machine has a 4.0 HP DC electric motor that offers a long and stable workout. It also has a 7-layer soft running board and durable steel frame making it a very sturdy piece of equipment. 

It comes with a multifunctional handrail that monitors heart rate and helps adjust the speed. You can also plug in the ‘Bluetooth Speak’ and listen to music while exercising. 

The large LED display keeps track of your workout, while the SMART workout app helps control speed, time, and calories, among other metrics. You can easily download the app from the Google Play and Apple app store.

Its shock-absorbing & noise reduction technology supports the steel frame, reducing noise and protecting your knee from impact while running. 

Moreover, this treadmill is super compact, lightweight, and easy to assemble. You can simply unpack the treadmill out of the box and start using it.

Why do we love it?	What you need to consider?
No assembly required	Slightly heavy
Noise reduction
Bluetooth

Summary of customer reviews

While most users have appreciated the compact design of the Rhythm Fun Mini Pro treadmill, some customers aren’t impressed with the machine’s weight. A section of the users also found the treadmill buttons & setup a little complex.

Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill – Best Under Desk Treadmill 250 lbs capacity (budget)

The Goplus 2-in-1 folding treadmill has the best budget under desk treadmill in the 250 lbs weight range as it offers a lot of value for money. 

As the name suggests, the Goplus 2-in-1 treadmill has 2 modes. It can be used for both running, as well as walking. When the handrail is raised, you can touch speeds up to 12 kmph. Alternatively, when it is folded, the treadmill touches speeds up to 4kmph.

Packed with a 2.25 HP ultra-quiet motor, the machine helps you perform a quick and effective workout without disturbing others in your home or office. 

It also has a 5-layer shock-absorbing and non-slip running belt, which offers a cushion for your knees and back. 

The LED screen displays all the key aspects to track your workout. With Bluetooth connectivity and excellent speakers, you can also plug in and play music while exercising. 

This under-desk treadmill for heavy people comes in multiple colors and is relatively cheap. Thanks to its sleek, foldable design, and in-built wheels, the machine is an excellent addition to your home gym. 

Why do we love it?	What do you need to consider?
Remote control technology	Needs 20-volt plugs to function optimally
Easy to assemble	Short and narrow running belt
2-in-1 use
Bluetooth connectivity

Summary of customer reviews

Most of the customers appreciate the fact that it is easy to assemble. They also like the LED screen display, which helps track important workout metrics. However, some users have complained about the short, narrow running belt and the required operating voltage.

Exerpeutic 5000 ExerWork Desk Treadmill – Best Under Desk Treadmill 300 lbs capacity

Built using a heavy-duty frame, the Exerpeutic 5000 ExerWork is the best under-desk treadmill 300 lb capacity. 

It has a large desktop platform that can be used for work and leisure. The desk height is adjustable to ensure comfort while you work. You can also easily detach the desk from the treadmill and use it elsewhere. 

This machine will help you stay active and energized while multitasking at home. An extended belt size of 46 x 20 inches provides extra space for walking. 

The speed range starts at 0.6 MPH and goes up to 4 MPH through 0.1 increments or the 4 convenient 1/2/3/4 mph speed buttons. This allows you to control your workout with ease. 

The machine has a high visual backlit LCD display, which helps track your calories, speed, time, and distance. 

It has 5 preset workout programs offering a range of light to intense workouts. You can even use the 3 workout goal-setting options (to decide time, distance and calories burned) for a well-rounded, intense workout.

Why do we love it?	What do you need to consider?
Adjustable desktop	Not very easy to assemble
Convenient speed adjustment buttons	Rubber guards on the control buttons may cause problems
3 workout goal-setting options

Summary of customer reviews

Customers love the sturdy and reliable build of this treadmill. However, according to them, the machine usually arrives in 2 boxes, requiring some effort to assemble. Some people have also mentioned that the machine is noisy.

LifeSpan TR1200 Walking Treadmill – Best Under Desk Treadmill 350 lbs capacity

LifeSpan TR1200 is the best under-desk walking pad 350 lb capacity, as it is made up of a high-quality steel frame offering great durability. In addition, it comes fully assembled, so is ready to use as soon as it arrives at your doorstep. 

Its 2.25 HP continuous-duty motor helps you burn calories while keeping productivity intact as it is super quiet. It also comes with 6 impact-absorbing compression shocks, reducing mechanical noise so you can focus on your work. 

The long belt length of 50 inches makes it a great treadmill to be placed in offices, allowing people of various sizes to workout comfortably. 

The IntelliGuard technology automatically stops the treadmill when you step off, ensuring a safe work environment. In addition, the Intelli-Step technology counts every step taken and eases the tracking of your calories and distance covered, apart from speed and walking time.

Thanks to the treadmill’s short base, it can be moved around easily, offering an optimal ergonomic position.

If you’re looking for a device to balance your work and physical health, this is one of the best heavy-duty options!

Why do we love it?	What do you need to consider?
Sturdy and well-designed	No Bluetooth connectivity
IntelliGuard technology for smarter workouts
Integrated step counter

Summary of customer reviews 

Customers have appreciated the unique build of this treadmill. Thanks to its quiet motor and sturdy design, the machine has become popular among users. However, some users have complained about problems while starting up the device and some noise-related issues. 

LifeSpan TR5000 – DT3 Treadmill – Best Under Desk Treadmill 400 lbs capacity

An ideal under-desk treadmill 400 lb weight capacity, the LifeSpan TR-5000 fits easily under your desk workstation and has a low step-up height of only 4.6 inches. 

This heavy-duty treadmill can be used up to 9 hours daily and has a 3.0 HP motor for consistent performance. In addition, the motor is relatively quiet, giving you a peaceful workout experience. 

It also comes with 6 impact-absorbing compression shocks, reducing mechanical noise so you can focus on your work. 

The long belt length of 50 inches makes it a great treadmill to be placed in offices, allowing people of various sizes to workout comfortably. The speed ranges between 0.4 to 4mph for easy to intense workouts. In addition, the console keeps track of important metrics, displaying them in an easy-to-understand manner.

The IntelliGuard technology automatically stops the treadmill when you step off, ensuring a safe work environment. In addition, the Intelli-Step technology counts every step taken and eases the tracking of your calories and distance covered, apart from speed and walking time.

Its 1-inch thick extended life deck and a self-lubricating belt feature is a bonus as it doesn’t require extensive maintenance.   

The treadmill’s compact size and portable wheels make it easy to carry around. 

Why do we love it?	What do you need to consider?
Self-lubricating running belt	No Bluetooth connectivity
IntelliGuard technology for smarter workouts
Integrated step counter

Summary of customer reviews

Users have found the LifeSpan 5000 to be a great addition to their work-from-home (WFH) setup. It has a sturdy build and is noise-free. However, some customers are not happy with the customer service.

Egofit Walker M1T – Best Under Desk Treadmill (short people) 

Claiming to be the world’s smallest walking treadmill, the Egofit M1T is a perfect under desk treadmill for short people. 

It comes with handrails for added support and when the handrail is raised, the maximum speed goes up to 3.7 MPH. It also has an ergonomic incline of 5%, which can help you burn calories faster. However, we recommend you use the incline option with caution while working to avoid mishaps. 

You can easily control this lightweight under desk treadmill with remote and app-based controls while you work. A sound level of less than 70db also ensures minimum disturbance while working. 

The structure of the treadmill is made of steel and ensures high durability. In addition, the maneuverable wheels and the folding design ensure that you can move and store the treadmill with ease. 

The manufacturers also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is a big plus as you can return the machine if you don’t like it. 

Why do we love it?	What do you need to consider?
Remote and app-based control	Can only be used by short people
30-day money-back guarantee	Low user weight capacity
Sound levels less than 70db
Lightweight
5% incline

Summary of customer reviews

Most users have found the Egofit M1T to be easy for everyday use. The remote and app-based controls have stood out too. However, few customers have complaints about the belt and the noise of the treadmill. 

What Is An Under Desk Treadmill?

An under desk treadmill is one that fits under a standing desk. It lets you walk while you work and helps you maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. It typically operates at lower speeds keeping in mind that you will be working while you work out. Such treadmills make less noise, are lightweight, and are easy to move. 

You can find the following types of under desk treadmills in the market:

Only tread: This type of under desk treadmill only has a walking pad but doesn’t have any working desk to place your laptop. 

Tread and desk: This under desk treadmill comes with a detachable desktop to conduct your work on. This desk is adjustable as per the user’s height. 

Benefits of a Heavy Duty Under Desk Treadmill

Here are the benefits of using an under-desk high weight capacity treadmill:

Burn calories while working

Using an under-desk treadmill can help you in your weight loss and toning goals. You can easily burn calories while working and strike a balance for a  healthy and active lifestyle.

Good alternative to the gym  

Such treadmills usually serve as an excellent alternative to traditional gyms, especially for those people who get self-conscious while working out. 

Saves time

Using an under-desk treadmill helps save time, allowing you to focus on work while burning calories. 

Distraction leading to longer workouts

For many, work can be a good distraction, letting them workout longer and burn more calories.  

Improves heart health and stamina

Walking on a treadmill helps in improving heart rate and stamina. It also helps lower blood pressure and increases blood flow throughout the body.

Increases strength

Working out properly and for the right amount of time helps to increase bone strength while lowering neck and back pain. Getting in a quick workout also helps you build long-term endurance.

Improved metabolism and blood circulation

Performing a quick cardio workout on your treadmill improves metabolism and optimizes blood flow in your body, especially when the alternative is sitting at work all day! 

Better posture

Using an under desk treadmill can help to improve posture by strengthening the muscles and joints of the back and spine.

Buying Guide: How Do I Choose an Under Desk Treadmill for Heavy People?

Now that we know the benefits of using an under-desk treadmill, here’s what you should look for when choosing one:

Frame durability

A good sturdy frame is a prerequisite when buying an under desk treadmill for heavy people. Treadmills with frames made of steel offer greater support to heavy users.

Maximum user weight capacity

The sturdiness of the frame is directly proportional to its weight capacity. 

We recommend buying a treadmill that has an overall weight capacity higher than the heaviest member of your family or team at work. 

Noise

Desk treadmills are usually quiet since they are designed for use in an office environment. But it’s always beneficial to make sure the treadmill isn’t too noisy before buying it. 

Choosing treadmills with a whisper-quiet motor is advisable. 

Space under desk

It’s important to measure how much space the treadmill occupies when placed under the desk. Make sure you have slightly more space than the actual size of the treadmill. This makes it easy to set up and move whenever required. You might also want to check out our in-depth review of the best under-bed treadmill.

Wide walking deck

A treadmill with a wider walking deck offers more space and comfort, especially for heavy people. A 20-inch deck will work fine, but if you find something broader, go for it! 

Speed

The desired speed for an under-desk treadmill is between 1 to 4 mph. While shorter people are comfortable with speeds up to 3mph, taller individuals require up to 4mph for a leisurely pace. 

A speed faster than this isn’t recommended since focusing on your work becomes difficult. However, an easy pace of 1-2 mph is ideal while typing or attending meetings. You can look at a slightly faster pace for events like webinars.  

Warranty

Warranties are another critical factor to consider while purchasing under-desk treadmills. They are extremely crucial since these equipment usually sustains significant damage. Therefore, it is recommended that you purchase an under-desk treadmill with a significant warranty that covers the frame, parts, and labor.

How to use an under desk treadmill?

It is important to know how to use an under-desk treadmill to avoid any kind of discomfort or injury. 

The most important point is – Start slow. 

You must first get accustomed to the treadmill and set it up at the right height for the correct posture. Then, start by walking at a speed of around 1 MPH to get comfortable. Doing so is crucial as walking too fast makes it difficult to maintain balance. You can then gradually increase the walking speed on the treadmill. 

Conclusion

An under-desk treadmill for heavy persons is quite beneficial as it helps them stay active throughout the day, even while working. Thus, allowing them to achieve their fitness goals.

As per our research, LifeSpan TR5000-DT3 Under Desk Treadmill is the best under-desk treadmill for heavy persons as it offers a weight capacity of 400 lbs with a 3.0 CHP motor, allowing a seamless workout experience. It is also maintenance-free for the first few years. 

FAQs

Why is walking better than running for a heavy person?

Walking is better for a heavy person as it is a low-intensity workout that does not put undue stress on joints. Heavy people generally can’t run for too long, but they can walk for a longer period at an easy pace. Thus burning more calories. 

Are treadmills bad for your knees?

No, treadmills aren’t bad for your knees. In fact, they can really help your knees heal as they assist in walking. So, don’t worry, walking comfortably on the treadmill won’t strain your knees.

According to a study [1], obese people have equal knee torque as that of lean individual walking at same speed. Hence, obesity does not lead to joint degeneration. So, if walking at a comfortable speed, heavy people can easily avoid knee-related problems. 

Can I lose weight with under-desk treadmills?

Yes, you can lose weight with an under-desk treadmill. Using an under-desk treadmill while working helps to increase energy expenditure by 100 kcal/h. 

According to a study [2], if heavy people incorporate walking while working for 2 to 3 hours a day, they can lose up to 20 to 30 lbs per year.

Are under-desk treadmills safe?

Under-desk treadmills are generally safe as they do not have the provision to run on high speeds. In addition, most treadmills have an automatic turn-off feature when you step off the deck. However, using caution while working and walking on the treadmill is vital. 

Are under-desk treadmills good for running?

Under-desk treadmills are generally ideal for brisk walking. However, since most of these treadmills need to have a compact design to fit under a desk, their structure makes them less conducive for running. Additionally, they do not have side rails. These are required while running in case you lose balance and need to stabilize. 

Consider getting a manual treadmill to maximize your calorie burn while running. 

Are under-desk treadmills worth it?

Yes, an under-desk treadmill can be a great investment, especially if you’re actively working towards fitness. However, one needs to use it regularly in order to see tangible results. 

Disclaimer: The information mentioned in the article above is for educational and informational purposes only. It shouldn’t be considered health or medical advice. Please consult a doctor or a qualified health professional if you have any medical/health conditions questions.