How do you find the best standing treadmill desk?

You certainly don’t need all of the bells and whistles when it comes to a desk treadmill, but you do want to make sure it offers what you need.

That includes an ample work space so that you can comfortably fit your computer, accessories and any paperwork that you have, compact design with folding capability for storage, a display with workout feedback such as distance, time, calories, pace, etc., adjustability so you can choose the ideal height, and a cushioned deck for comfort.

Let’s take a look at all of those things in more detail…

Large Work Space

You may be surprised to learn than many treadmill desks on the market don’t provide nearly the amount of work space that people need. There’s barely enough space for your lap top, let alone anything else.

So one of the key features you should look for when it comes to the best treadmill desks is the size of the desk itself. For example, one of our top rated models, the Life Fitness Treadmill Desk, gives you a 40″ wide x 31.4″ deep space to work with. The popular LifeSpan TR1200 gives you either a 38″ wide or 48″ wide option.

So just make sure the treadmill can accommodate your computer as well as your files, notepad, phone, coffee and anything else you like to keep on your desk while you work.

Adjustable Height

Another key feature is the adjustability of the desk. If it’s too low or too high, you won’t be able to work comfortably and it will be very discouraging.

Make sure the treadmill desk gives you a wide range of height options to choose from. Some of the best treadmill desks even come with power adjustability to make it even easier for you to choose the ideal level.

The best treadmill desk will offer all of these things and perhaps even Bluetooth capability for syncing your workouts.

Compact Size and Portability

There’s no need for a big bulky machine when it comes to working while you exercise, so the ideal desk treadmill will be more compact and lighter than a traditional one. Look for smaller footprints, lower machine weights and transport wheels for easy portability.

This will make it much easier to fit in your home or office gym, and give you the ability to relocate it if necessary.

Workout Feedback

Just because you aren’t all out running, doesn’t mean you don’t want to keep track of how you are doing. The best treadmill desks will provide workout metrics such as calories burned, distance, time and steps, so you know exactly how much progress you are making.

The better machines will have a nice LCD readout, and the ability to adjust your speed with the touch of a button. You may even find treadmills with Bluetooth capability so you can sync your workouts to your favorite fitness apps.

Other Important Features

Some other things you want to look for are good cushioning to ensure minimal impact on your joints, channels for your wires (or built in power options), solid warranties and high max user weights…preferably 350 lbs. or more.

How much do treadmill desks typically cost?

You can expect to pay about $1500 for a residential model, and around $2500 for a commercial model.

Look at brands like NordicTrack and LifeSpan for desk treadmills for your home, and Life Fitness if your budget is a little higher and you are looking for a commercial model for your home or office.