After two years of using a treadmill desk: these are the four most important considerations when purchasing one.

Two years ago, my wife and I acquired the WalkingPad P1 as a way to stay active while at home. We have used it consistently, whether during work hours, in front of the TV while watching shows, or just for a leisurely indoor walk while listening to a podcast. Although outdoor exercise is important, it is not always possible for everyone, and the best under-desk treadmills offer an excellent alternative for exercising even when it's dark outside or during the day while we work. However, selecting the right one requires attention.

Before deciding on the WalkingPad P1, we did some research and fortunately, we chose wisely. After two years of use, it has never let us down. It’s not perfect, but it has served as a great reference point and has allowed me to better understand what to consider when choosing a treadmill for small spaces.

One of the most relevant aspects to consider is size and shape. I am convinced that this is the most important feature when buying an under-desk treadmill. Even the most compact and lightweight options tend to be relatively large and heavy. Therefore, selecting one that is foldable (like the P1 or the WalkingPad C2) is essential.

If you have plenty of space or plan for the treadmill to be a permanent installation under your desk, a conventional model might work. However, the flexibility that the P1 offers has been a real advantage: one day you can use it for a gentle walk during meetings, and the next, place it in front of the TV to exercise while enjoying a movie. Without this versatility, we wouldn't have been able to use it as much or enjoy it as we have.

Even the lightest models currently weigh over 50 pounds, and their design makes storage difficult. Treadmills, especially foldable ones, have relatively fragile bands where you wouldn't want to place objects, and their weight makes it difficult to stack them on top of other items. My recommendation is to opt for the smallest, lightest, and most portable one you can find. Additionally, it is crucial that it has wheels; the P1 includes them, and I believe you shouldn’t purchase a model without them.

Regarding simplicity, many under-desk treadmill models, including our P1, come with an app to connect to your phone. This app offers features like activity tracking and child lock. However, during all this time, we have never used the app. The beauty of this model lies in the simplicity of its remote control. With just a plug-in, you can start walking with one button and adjust the speed with two other controls. This has made the experience very enjoyable and practical, as it avoids the need to deal with complicated connections or sophisticated apps.

When it comes to noise, all available treadmills have a related rating. Generally, they are quieter than traditional treadmills, but the noise level can vary depending on the user's size and walking pace. The design of our P1, which sits very close to the floor, aims to minimize noise, which has been beneficial since we live on the first floor and have never received any noise complaints. However, even this relatively quiet model can be sufficient to overshadow the sound of the TV or computer, so it is advisable to have some good headphones, ideally with noise cancellation.

Speed is another aspect to consider. If you are looking for a treadmill for running, a model like this may not be ideal. Most of these models, although capable of running, do not offer a spacious surface and the maximum speed is limited. Nevertheless, the P1 can reach a speed of up to 6 km/h (approximately 3.7 mph), which allows for a good walking pace for most people. Although the maximum speed may seem modest, it should not be a deterrent for walkers.

In conclusion, these are some of the most important factors to consider when buying an under-desk treadmill. In addition to budget and weight limits for users, it is valuable to reflect on the mentioned elements in order to fully enjoy the experience.