7 Best Under-Desk Treadmills In Australia For 2024

Fit more steps into your workday.

4.7
(38)

(38 votes, average: 4.7 out of 5)


Last updated: January 2nd, 2024

best under desk treadmills australia

Last updated: January 2nd, 2024

Reading Time: 23 minutes

Getting an under-desk treadmill is a huge step (pun intended!) towards improving your productivity at work and well-being. But what makes a good desk treadmill? We’ll get to that in a moment, I promise.

But right now, I’ll wager that you’re struggling to find the hours to head to the gym after work. Even if you have time, you’re drained of motivation and energy.

If you’re a little self-conscious, you can work out on a treadmill in the comfort of your home and away from judgemental eyes.

You might as well get active at home and shed a few pounds while tapping away at your keyboard or attending video calls, burning as many as 100-300 calories during a 30-minute walk.

But choosing a treadmill can be pretty damn confusing.

So, I’ve compiled a list of the best under-desk treadmills you can stick under your office desk (or a standing desk, if you’re fancy) to bring you up to speed.

Pun intended.

1. LSRZ Sport 2-In-1 Folding Treadmill.

Best overall under-desk treadmill in Australia.

The LSRZ Sport is a stylish, speedy 2-in-1 treadmill that can be easily folded and stored under beds and sofas. It has Bluetooth connectivity which you can connect your devices to and play music while you work out.

It has strong credentials, being the quickest and most robust (with a weight capacity of up to 120kg), and you’ll be able to go harder, faster, and stronger for longer on this sturdy treadmill.

Veterans of the gym will love it!

Pros.

The LSRZ Sport is the fastest treadmill in this review and can reach speeds of up to 12.2 km/hr.

In second place, you have the Costway (11.9 km/hr), and dead last is the Norflex (5.9 km/hr).

Given its rapid speed, you can have a great workout at home, and it comes in use on days when the weather isn’t cooperating if you need to expend some energy.

It’s a 2-in-1 model, and while the Costway (coming up next) is a 2-in-1 model too, its handrail lacks electronic operation.

You can adjust the speed using the convenient buttons integrated into its handrail, and you’ll also find a convenient tray for storing your phone or tablet.

Expert Tip.

Having the handrail allows you to walk without needing to look down. If you’re using a walking pad without anything to hold on to, you’ll struggle to focus on your work, defeating the object of a desk treadmill.

The treadmill has two modes: one for high-performance workouts with a top speed of 12.2 km/hr, and the other is a walking mode with a top speed of 4 km/hr.

  • From a safety perspective, you won’t risk accidentally cranking up and doubling your speed
  • Also, when the frame is raised, you can easily access an emergency stop button.

It’s also much longer than most (139 cm), so if you’re 180 cm and under, you can take a full stride for a full range of movement and hit all those major muscle groups in your legs.

Cons.

Is it any surprise that this review’s fastest and strongest under-desk treadmill is the most expensive?

The price is consistent with the quality on offer. Even so, at just over $1,400, you’ll have a tough time convincing yourself (and perhaps your partner) that this is the treadmill for you.

Serious athletes will be those most tempted to buy it, but may be turned off by the fact that there’s no incline function as with traditional treadmills.

Unfortunately, you rarely find a walking pad with an incline function. (If you discover one, let me know!)

Don’t plan an excessively long workout on the LSRZ Sport, either.

Important!

After 98 minutes, the machine comes to a slow and gradual stop. Why? I suspect it’s to prevent the motor from overheating or save power if left running unintentionally.

You can’t rely on the treadmill’s timer for tracking your pace, either. It only tells you the minutes you’ve been on the treadmill, not the seconds.

If you’ve been walking for 29 minutes and 59 seconds, it’ll literally show 29 minutes.

For the price, it really should be app-enabled like the Costway treadmill.

Grab a swanky stopwatch app from the App Store for this if you haven’t got one already – or a cheap Casio watch if you’re feeling retro.

I work out in intervals, and I wish you could pause your progress when you have to hop off (to take a call or a toilet break).

The treadmill belt keeps going unless you hit stop – at which point, you lose track of all your data.

Oh, and the LSRZ Sport is not a quiet contraption – and would definitely wake up a sleeping baby.

Expert Tip.

The Sunny Health (discussed later) is a great option for those looking for a whisper-quiet motor. With that, you’ll be able to join video meetings and answer calls without anyone knowing you’re using a treadmill.

Verdict.

A 2-in-1 treadmill like the LSRZ Sport truly beats sitting or standing all day.

With a 2-in-1 treadmill, you have the functionality to push your limits and work out at a higher intensity, whereas other models in this review are merely walking pads.

Serious athletes, such as those looking to burn calories, lose weight, or train for a long-distance run, should consider a high-performance treadmill like the LSRZ Sport.

It’s not, however, for those who are on a tight budget. Coming up next is an awesome 2-in-1 treadmill that’s much more budget-friendly.

How Does The LSRZSPORT Treadmill Stack Up?Score
Price4
Build Quality5
Speed5
Portability4
Aesthetics5
Extra Features4
Warranties & Returns4
OVERALL4.4/5.0

Specifications.

  • Maximum user weight: 120kg
  • Speed: ‎1–12 km/hr
  • Dimensions: 139 x 67 x 101cm
  • Frame material: Alloy steel
  • Colour: Black
  • Item weight: 29.99kg
  • Horsepower: 2.5hp
  • Appenabled: No

2. Costway 2-In-1 Folding Treadmill.

Best premium under-desk treadmill in Australia.

Like the LSRZ Sport, the Costway 2-in-1 can be used as a standard treadmill with its frame or without as a walking pad underneath your desk.

You can control the treadmill via a Bluetooth-enabled app that allows you to play music or your favourite podcasts while working out.

Pros.

The Costway under-desk treadmill is a speed demon, in fact, it’s the second fastest in this review and can go up to 12 km/hr, almost as fast as the LSRZ Sport.

While most will only use a walking pad when undertaking lighter administrative duties, with the Costway, you can do a full workout that will get your heart rate going.

You could time your workout with a monthly webinar during company “town hall” meetings where you’re not actively participating or when watching training material.

Important!

It has an ultra-wide platform of 75 cm. Most others in this review are around 50cm, so you’ve got an extra 50%.

The running belt is also the longest, around 12cm longer than the Sunny Health. That’s especially helpful for those over six feet and those who take longer strides.

You’ve got a choice of five colours to break up the monotony of black in your home office.

White looks great, but it’ll scuff if you’re moving the treadmill back and forth into storage every day.

Its 34kg sturdy steel frame is great for stability, being the second heaviest in this review. It doesn’t shake or rattle like some of the lightweight models, for instance, the Advwin.

The Costway is a foldable treadmill; you can store it under your bed or upright in a spare room.

Cons.

Ever recall being a kid at Christmas and being so excited when opening an amazing present, only to find out that batteries weren’t included?

It’s such an anticlimax.

So it is with the Costway. The remote control doesn’t come with batteries, and you need the remote to turn the machine on.

You’ll need to buy your own CR2032 battery.

That said, you also have the option to connect your treadmill to the app. Most other walking treadmills with compatible apps are used for tracking performance only, rather than as a remote control.

Besides, we seem to be acquiring tech at an unprecedented speed, and owning umpteen separate remote controls seems a very unnecessary evil.

Important!

It’s relatively loud in comparison to the Sunny Health.

It’s not as loud as the Advwin or the LSRZSPORT (which I wouldn’t advise using while taking calls), but it’s loud enough that people living with you and those in adjacent rooms will be disturbed by it.

At 34kg, the Costway treadmill is heavy to move around, and it’s not as easy to store as some of the lighter models, like the Advwin (15kg).

Verdict.

The Costway treadmill is a middle-of-the-road option for those who don’t mind spending a little more to gain a lot more.

It’s a 2-in-1 treadmill, and the only other walking treadmill in this review to include a safety handrail is the LSRZ Sport.

If you struggle with your balance or you’re undergoing rehabilitation from any kind of surgery, a 2-in-1 treadmill is the safest option.

The five-layer shock-absorbing running belt effectively cushions your joints and muscles.

Unlike many 2-in-1 treadmills, the Costway comes almost fully assembled, with the exception of the tablet tray and handrails. You can use it immediately as a walking treadmill.

It’s one of the few options in this review where you can dispense with the cheap and plasticky remote in favour of your own smartphone.

How Does The Costway Treadmill Stack Up?Score
Price5
Build Quality4
Speed4
Portability4
Aesthetics4
Extra Features3
Warranties & Returns4
OVERALL4.0/5.0

Specifications.

  • Maximum user weight: 120kg
  • Speed: ‎1-12 km/hr
  • Dimensions: 139 x 75.5 x 16cm
  • Frame material: Alloy steel
  • Colour: Black, navy, red, silver, white
  • Item weight: 34kg
  • Horsepower: 2.25
  • App-enabled: Yes

3. Advwin WalkingPad Home Office Treadmill.

Best budget under-desk treadmill.

The Advwin is a lightweight walking pad, weighing just 15kg, less than half of the Costway and Norflex.

For some, that will be a problem, but those looking for a portable solution to wheel between workstations throughout the day – perhaps those working in shared office spaces – will appreciate how easy this is to manoeuvre.

Pros.

Being the lightest walking pad makes the Advwin the most portable.

It’s 15kg, about the average weight of a two-year-old boy, whereas the Norflex is 40kg, which is the average weight of a twelve-year-old boy!

One is a little nipper, the other is virtually an adolescent.

Big difference.

Its sturdy wheels make it even easier to carry around and store.

The wheels on the Norflex are small and take more effort to haul around, and you’ve got to be extra cautious when dragging over carpets and flooring to avoid scraping and scratching.

Given its lightweight construction, it’s impressive that this can hold up to 120kg, just like the Citysports, LSRZSPORT, and Sunny Health – three under-desk treadmills which cost three to four times as much.

It comes in a choice of six colours. The Citysports and Sunny Health are only available in black, and these are among the most expensive desk treadmills.

The FitShow app allows you to track speed, distance, time, and calories in real-time.

Important!

Neither the Sunny Health nor Citysports allows you to connect to a tracking app to capture your performance statistics.

Those who are serious about burning calories, counting steps, and implementing a training regime will need an app-enabled treadmill or one that comes with a fitness tracker watch.

Cons.

A horsepower of 1 ranks this the weakest under-desk treadmill in this review. That’s four times as weak as the Citysports under-desk treadmill.

Even though it has a respectable top speed of 8 km/hr, a low horsepower means that the treadmill has to work even harder to max out at that speed.

The implication of that is that the motor is pretty loud. It’s not a treadmill that you’ll be able to use when attending virtual meetings, even if you regularly lubricate it as advised.

The remote that comes with it is extremely poor quality, and if you lose it, you’re stuck.

Worse, if you accidentally hit the power button instead of pause, which is easy to do given the close proximity, the walking pad comes to an abrupt halt.

When controlling, you need a direct line of sight between the remote and the control panel.

To alter the speed of your under-desk treadmill, you need to orientate your hand and direct the remote to an exact place.

Make sure you download the FitShow app before you get going, as this is a much safer and more intuitive way of controlling your walking pad.

Important!

Be aware, though, that in order to download the app, you have to grant it access to your photos, location, and fitness data. Granting access to photos, in particular, reeks of data exploitation.

With the Advwin being lightweight, more pressure is applied to the cheap shock-absorbing feet.

The product listing describes the model as being made out of steel, ABS, and PVC – but it appears that the ratio of those materials is in favour of the cheaper components.

Verdict.

Despite it being the cheapest, the Advwin is by no means the most inferior. It has an impressive weight capacity of 120kg and a decent array of colour choices.

Its weak motor and noisy operation will be a deal-breaker for some – especially those looking to use it when partaking in online meetings.

If you’re on a tight budget, sturdy desk treadmills don’t come much cheaper.

The Amazon listing has this down as a 2-in-1 treadmill, but without the upright frame, it’s essentially just a walking pad.

How Does The Advwin Treadmill Stack Up?Score
Price5
Build Quality4
Speed4
Portability5
Aesthetics4
Extra Features3
Warranties & Returns4
OVERALL4.1/5.0

Specifications.

  • Weight limit: 120kg
  • Speed: 1‎-8 km/hr
  • Dimensions: 121 x 48.5 x 12.5cm
  • Frame material: Steel, ABS, PVC
  • Colour: Black, green, grey, purple, pink, white
  • Item weight: 15kg
  • Horsepower: 1
  • Appenabled: Yes

4. NORFLEX Electric Walking Treadmill.

Great all-rounder.

The Norflex is a techy standing desk treadmill, and I wouldn’t expect anything less from a treadmill bearing such a prefix that is associated with Nordic adventure (like the esteemed NordicTrack).

The angled LCD display makes your performance visible at all times, and the treadmill also comes with a fitness band that looks just like a FitBit for tracking your steps, heart rate, and calories burned.

Pros.

The Norflex under-desk treadmill has perhaps the best anti-static flex-grip belt for grip when walking and running. If you’re planning on running, and if you sweat profusely, the running belt can get slippery.

Important!

A closer look at the texture of this versus some of the others reveals that the belt is much coarser.

The LCD screen is much bigger than the postage-stamp display of the Advwin. The Sunny Health lacks a screen altogether.

The angle of the Norflex’s LCD screen is such that you can see it while walking or running, whereas the other screens in this review are flat.

It’s hard to discern your real-time performance when looking at smaller and flat screens from afar.

This is brilliant for those who are visually impaired.

It’s fabricated out of rustproof lifetime-quality steel, and at 40kg, it’s the heaviest walking pad in this review, which is great for stability and absorbing shock.

Not only that but the seven-layer running board minimises vibration, meaning it’s also extremely quiet and you won’t disturb others in the vicinity.

Important!

Oh! And it comes with a fitness tracker watch that looks like a FitBit. A standard fitness tracker sells for around $40 to $60.

Cons.

Considering that this is a heavy, immovable slab, it’s disappointing that it can only hold up to 90kg – 25% less than the Costway, Advwin, Black Lord, and Citysports.

It’s also the slowest in this review and can only reach a max speed of 6 km/hr.

That means that you can really only break into a fast walk. The walking speed for most adults is 4 km/hr.

Walking fast is classed as aerobic exercise.

Those looking for an anaerobic fix (more intense bursts at high speeds) should check out the Costway and Black Lord, which can reach up to 12 km/hr and 9 km/hr, respectively.

The 1.5 horsepower of the Norflex is nothing to write home about. It’s only marginally stronger than the Advwin’s 1 horsepower.

While it doesn’t suffer from the same noise problems when the motor is working at its peak, its components are under significant strain.

It also comes with a seriously ugly remote, like something you’d see in a hospital if you needed to buzz in the nurses. The cream remote features a giant red button at its centre and two other grey buttons to increase and decrease speed.

Important!

Whatever you do, don’t misplace the remote because you can’t start the treadmill without it.

The Norflex only comes in black, which is disappointing when so many other walking pads offer a greater choice to brighten up your home office.

It has the slimmest profile too, meaning you’ll have less space to stand on the belt.

Those who have broader hips might feel a little pinched in and would be better off selecting a wider platform, such as the Sunny Health (54.6cm).

Verdict.

This heavy slab is both brawn and brain. I love the large LCD screen and how its angled design offers better visibility compared to

But with only a weight capacity of 90kg, it’ll rule out a lot of potential buyers – most likely men, who are heavier than women on average.

The ugly remote is way too offputting. If the treadmill was app-enabled like the Costway, you could get rid of it. Instead, you’re stuck with it until the day it dies.

How Does The Norflex Treadmill Stack Up?Score
Price5
Build Quality4
Speed4
Portability4
Aesthetics5
Extra Features3
Warranties & Returns4
OVERALL4.1/5.0

Specification.

  • Weight limit: 90kg
  • Speed: ‎1‎-7 km/hr
  • Dimensions: 115 x 41 x 25cm
  • Frame material: Alloy steel
  • Colour: Black
  • Item weight: 40kg
  • Horsepower: 1.5
  • App-enabled: No but it comes with a smartwatch

5. BLACK LORD SL9 Electric Walking Pad.

Good budget walking pad.

The Black Lord’s powder-coated steel frame has a certain lustre about it and comes in a variety of metallic colours.

Its credentials also extend beyond its outer facade, as its upper-speed limit reaches 9 km/hr – which is impressive considering it’s a cheap under-desk treadmill.

It’s only $5 more expensive than the cheapest walking pad in its review (the Advwin).

There’s a huge gap between the advertised price on Amazon ($329.95) and when buying direct (now $249.85, was $1,499.75).

There may be a slight difference in shipping costs, but the product is exactly the same.

You might prefer to purchase through Amazon for peace of mind. When the Black Lord is at full price on their website ($1,499.75), it makes zero sense to buy direct.

Pros.

For less than $250, you might be pinching yourself or rubbing your eyes when you read that the Black Lord is the second-fastest under-desk treadmill in this review.

Important!

This under-desk treadmill can reach speeds of up to 9 km/hr, which is a decent jogging pace.

If you’re training for a marathon and aiming to finish within four to five hours, you can comfortably train at that pace. A 12-minute mile (8 km/hr) will see you finish at 4:48:00.

It has good horsepower too (2.2hp), so the motor isn’t as prone to overheating, and it doesn’t sound like a Boeing 747 when taking off like the Advwin (1hp).

For the price, it boasts the best all-round performance.

I particularly love the powder-coated steel frame. The metallic colours are gorgeous, especially the “Jessica Rabbit” red – a colour that’ll no doubt be appreciated by both sexes.

On top of that, it has a built-in Bluetooth speaker and it automatically syncs with the FitShow app (third-party app) on your phone to track your workout stats.

Expert Tip.

You can stay in control of your performance by analysing metrics like speed, mileage, pulse, step count, and calories burned to achieve goals and push your limit.

As a bonus, it comes with a fitness smartwatch that looks like a FitBit – similar to what comes free with the Norflex.

Cons.

The aesthetics of the Black Lord are let down by the cheap shock absorption feet which appear midway and underneath the treadmill. They’re just like those on the Advwin, the cheapest model in this review.

These things are inferior to the robust side frames that are featured in other treadmills.

While the Black Lord comes with a fitness smartwatch, there are no images on the product page for you to check out to see if it will suit your style.

It’s pretty much as you’d expect, a black silicone wristband with a rectangular face, not at all unlike the Norflex’s.

Also, this uses the same third-party app as the Advwin (FitShow), and you’ll need to grant it permission to your photos and location. Those concerned about privacy should avoid this.

Important!

The treadmill makes a fair bit of noise when turning on (beeping and a rush of power as the motor gains momentum), but other than that, it’s fairly standard.

As far as functionality is concerned, the belt has a tendency to shift to one side when operating at max speed, and you’ll find that you need to occasionally readjust this to prevent it from piling up.

That’s not something the safety-conscious will appreciate.

Verdict.

With it being priced at less than $250, it’s impressive that the Black Lord can reach speeds of up to 9 km/hr.

But the need to readjust the treadmill belt from time to time is an inconvenience that many would rather not have to put up with.

Black Lord is a Chinese company, but some may find that the English translation of the name has inappropriate connotations for the traditional workplace setting, especially considering the company name appears in large capital letters.

Before purchasing, ask yourself, “Will this offend anyone I work with?”

How Does The Black Lord Treadmill Stack Up?Score
Price5
Build Quality4
Speed4
Portability5
Aesthetics4
Extra Features3
Warranties & Returns4
OVERALL4.1/5.0

Specification.

  • Weight limit: 120kg
  • Speed: ‎‎1‎-9 km/hr
  • Dimensions: 119 x 48.5 x 12cm
  • Frame material: Powder-coated steel frame
  • Colour: Red, black, blue, silver, pink, white
  • Item weight: No mention
  • Horsepower: 2.2
  • App-enabled: Yes

6. Sunny Health Under-Desk Treadmill.

Most portable walking pad in Australia.

The Sunny Health walkstation is a versatile piece of kit that includes and handy remote control for ease when stopping and starting. It also has a digital monitor which you can use to measure your time, speed and calories burned.

Why there is such a discrepancy between the price on Amazon ($1,404.10) and direct ($299.99) makes little sense to consumers.

It’s likely a promotional tactic so that they can legally slash the price and advertise the discount. Or perhaps it’s because fulfilling orders through Amazon is much less cost-effective for them (due to fees).

Either way, you stand to save a fortune when buying direct.

Pros.

The Sunny Health is a quiet and smooth under-desk treadmill. The motor is no louder than a whisper, and it’s so quiet that when you’re on loudspeaker, the person at the other end of the line is unable to hear it in the background.

Those looking for a discreet solution should avoid noisy alternatives like the Costway or Advwin.

While many of the treadmills in this review have wheels, those belonging the the Sunny Health are large and frictionless.

When rolling it away for storage, you have a convenient shock absorption bar that you can lift at the rear end.

Don’t underestimate how annoying it can be with other models with their small, fiddly wheels. Some either drag on your floor or carpet, and you’ll be reluctant to move them over fears of damaging your floor.

The safety features set the Sunny Health apart from the others.

It utilises active-use detection and automatically stops the running belt if no user is detected after five seconds.

That’s going to save you power if you happen to take a toilet break and leave it running. It’ll give you peace of mind if you have inquisitive pets and children who can’t keep their sticky paws away.

You’ve also got an emergency stop clip that you can pull anytime.

Expert Tip.

The only other under-desk treadmills in this review with an emergency safety key are the Costway and the LSRZ Sport.

The shock absorption deck slightly elevates the rear of the treadmill, where most of the weight is applied.

Not only is this great for your own joints, but it also reduces floor vibration and won’t cause books to come tumbling down off your floating shelves.

Cons.

It pains me to say it, but the Sunny Health is a slow poke. In fact, it’s the second-slowest in this review and twice as slow as the fastest, the LSRZSPORT, which can reach up to 12.2 km/hr.

It only comes in one colour too.

While black is the most durable and long-lasting, since it won’t show wear and tear as much, our home offices often need brightening up.

Due to the auto-stop safety feature, if you’re on a slow-running setting, those who are lighter than 65kg will need to stomp-walk to keep it from stopping.

The display also shuts off automatically after 99 minutes, and you lose all your data (distance covered and step count). Same goes for when you pull the safety cord.

Fitness fanatics should check out the app-enabled Black Lord or the Advwin.

Although the under-desk treadmill is quiet, the beeping is excessively loud when turning on and changing settings. There’s no way to alter that.

The display will be obstructed by your desk too (unless your desk is height-adjustable), so those who are obsessed with keeping track of performance will need to periodically squat down to check.

There’s also nothing technologically savvy about this treadmill. There’s no app connectivity, no Bluetooth connectivity, or LCD screen.

Important!

Fellow Aussies, a few of our own have been sent American power cables that run in the 110–120V range. I’ve reached out to the customer service team to see if this was deliberate, but I’ve yet to receive a response.

If they do dispatch incompatible cables, you’ll need an adapter and a transformer to run this treadmill.

Not ideal.

Verdict.

It’s the most discreet standing desk treadmill in this review, due to the shock-absorbing deck and the quietness of the motor.

Or it would have been were it not for the unnecessarily loud electronic beeping when turning on or adjusting the speed.

I would’ve much preferred it if the buttons were silent operation. It’s neither cool nor futuristic.

Those with unstable flooring or heavy feet don’t need to worry about things falling off their desk or floating shelves due to tremors.

The Sunny Health has a solid build quality that minimises the transfer of energy.

Also, since its max speed is much lower than most, it means that it’s harder to hit your daily step count target.

Those trying to take more steps may feel like they’re unnaturally taking shorter strides and altering their usual step cadence to keep up with the rhythm of a slower treadmill.

Specification.

  • Maximum user weight: 99.7kg
  • Speed: 1–6 km/hr
  • Dimensions: 127 x 54.6 x 16.5cm
  • Frame material: Alloy steel
  • Colour: Black
  • Item weight: 24.9kg
  • Horsepower: 1.5
  • App-enabled: No

7. CITYSPORTS Treadmill.

Another great all-rounder under-desk treadmill.

The Citysports is a spacious standing desk treadmill boasting an impressive horsepower rating, greater than any of those in this review.

It’s a stylish model that’s made of high-quality material and a grippy, textured running belt.

It’s a silent assassin when in use – so you can relax safe in the knowledge that those on the other end of the Zoom call can’t hear any repetitive machine groaning.

Pros.

The Citysports has the strongest horsepower (4hp) and is as good as gym-standard treadmills.

It runs so smoothly without any noise. If you’re a nocturnal worker, you could use this late into the evening and still not disturb those in adjacent rooms.

The mini treadmill features a wear-resistant conveyer belt. It’s super grippy and textured, making you less likely to slip and fall.

The sound quality of the speaker is unmatched. It covers a much larger surface area than the token speakers included in the Black Lord and the Advwin.

A rich sound output means that you can play your music and videos while running. Sometimes the volume on your smartphone just doesn’t quite cut it.

Important!

The bright backlit dual LED display can be controlled using a handheld wireless remote controller, and even at a distance, it’s more than large enough to discern your stats.

As for its sleek high-quality design, the futuristic blue strips along the side are a nice touch, and they also serve as good reminders in your periphery to keep you from straying off the track.

When you’re walking on other treadmills like the Norflex and Costway, it’s much harder to differentiate between the side frames and the running belt.

It’s so easy to get in the zone, especially while multitasking, and one lapse of concentration can result in a fall.

That’s much less risk of that with the stark blue lines running parallel.

Cons.

Given the price, you’d expect so much more from the Citysports. It really ought to be a 2-in-1 model that features a handrail and somewhere to mount your tech while running.

A speed of 6.4 km/hr is nothing to brag about either – not when you’ve got treadmills for less than $300 which boast faster speeds (Black Lord and Advwin).

While the colour is nice, it’s a shame that it’s only available in black.

Despite the horsepower being the strongest, all that power seems to cause the motor to overheat when in use for longer than an hour – to the point that you can smell burning plastic.

Important!

Some users have also reported that the error “E06” spontaneously appears, and the treadmill automatically stops and shuts down.

‘Given the output and the horsepower, it constantly calls for more lubricant to be added to the oil reserve.’Given the output and the horsepower, it constantly calls for more lubricant to be added to the oil reserve.

You need to keep on top of maintenance with the Citysports if you want to get any kind of longevity out of it.

The product listing dimensions appear to incorrectly show what I presume are the shipping dimensions. So it’s impossible to compare the size of the product against others. I’ve reached out to the company but have yet to receive a response.

Verdict.

The Citysports treadmill boasts a powerful 4-horsepower motor, rivaling gym-standard treadmills. Unfortunately, its top speed of 6.4 km/hr falls short of similarly priced treadmills.

Important!

Due to the increased power, the Citysports requires frequent lubrication. And if you don’t maintain it regularly, the motor can overheat.

Given the frequency of reports of the “E06” error causing automatic shutdown, it’s a much less reliable model.

Specification.

  • Weight limit: 120kg
  • Speed: ‎1‎-6.5 km/hr
  • Dimensions: ‎52.8 x 23.2 x 4.9cm
  • Frame material: Aluminium
  • Colour: Black
  • Item weight: 27.5kg
  • Horsepower: 4
  • App-enabled: No

Cubii JR1 Under-Desk Elliptical.

Best if you hate treadmills.

Here’s a wildcard! Okay, while it’s not a treadmill, you’re looking for a solution to burn calories and get more active while at work.

An elliptical helps you do just that and puts less pressure on your joints with smoother motions.

Those with a history of knee and ankle problems (and rheumatism) would be much better suited to the Cubii to avoid further inflammation and injury.

Pros.

The awesome thing about this elliptical is that it’s portable. You can use the Cubii when working at your desk or when you’re sitting on your sofa and watching TV or Netflix.

But the Cubii is by no means a lightweight.

For its size, it’s a 13kg block of aluminium, which is only a couple of kilos lighter than the Advwin treadmill.

That means that when you pedal hard, the elliptical stays rooted to the ground. It has a low centre of gravity, preventing it from sliding or toppling over.

It’s whisper-quiet, so it won’t distract you from your work (or favourite shows).

Ellipticals are low impact, and the smooth motion is much better suited to those with a history of joint problems. The rotations are small, so your knees won’t bash the underside of the desk.

It’s low on the ground, inconspicuous, and super easy to store when you’re finished. You won’t struggle to find a storage solution for this, unlike with an under-desk treadmill.

Even when you’re resting, it can be used as an ergonomic footrest (a standalone piece will set you back around $40). In case you were unaware, elevating your feet slightly aids circulation.

Important!

I find that using the elliptical is particularly useful to get the cogs of my brain turning – for instance, when I’m brainstorming or planning my meetings. Pedalling keeps my mind focused, and stopping and starting is so easy.

For those who fidget and struggle to sit still and focus, this is a great way of expending some surplus energy.

Cons.

You’re restricted to the types of multitasking activities you can carry out when pedalling. Typing and intensive research are difficult tasks to undertake.

It’s not impossible, just a little awkward.

Expert Tip.

If you use the Cubii on a laminate floor or tiles, it may slide to and fro. I recommend pairing it with a rubber floor mat to keep it fixed in place.

For the price, I would have preferred a steel unit rather than aluminium. Steel is less prone to dents and scratches, and it’s much less likely to warp over time from weight or force.

While it looks great out of the box, it won’t age as gracefully as, say, Brad Pitt. It’ll age more appropriately like Brenden Fraser.

You might find that it occasionally develops a squeak with each rotation, but it’s nothing a little WD-40 won’t sort.

The Cubii app for tracking performance is virtually pointless. You have to manually enter your data. The price of the elliptical would be easier to swallow if it had built-in Bluetooth.

Also, the LCD screen is a throwback to 1970s technology. It looks like the display of the original Casio digital watch. I’ve seen microwaves with sexier displays.

My biggest gripe is that it really shouldn’t need a power source.

You should be able to manually flip the gears like on a push bike. It could’ve easily been an eco-friendly, off-grid option.

According to their Amazon description, “We offer lifetime warranty and customer friendly support.” But that doesn’t stack up with what’s being offered on their website: “a period of one (1) year from date of purchase.”

Verdict.

While this isn’t something you’d use when at standing desks, it’s a convenient way of getting more active if you haven’t got the luxury of storing a standing treadmill desk.

It provides a low-impact, joint-friendly workout, and you’ll be much less prone to sustaining injuries and aggravating latent muscular niggles.

You won’t, however, be able to count your steps in a typical sense. You’ll need a different measure and goal to work towards such as distance travelled.

But for the price of a Black Lord, the elliptical is an expensive alternative and one that keeps you sitting on your backside.

The compact design makes this the most suitable space-saving option for those who are tight on office space.

Specification.

  • Weight limit: N/A
  • Speed: ‎N/A
  • Dimensions: ‎44.5 x 58.8 x 25.4cm
  • Frame material: Aluminium
  • Colour: Black/purple
  • Item weight: 13kg
  • Horsepower: N/A
  • App-enabled: Yes but manual entry

What To Look For In An Under-Desk Treadmill.

Forget superficial aspects like colour and size for a moment. The performance of your under-desk treadmill can be broken down into two main measures: horsepower and speed.

Ah, that word “horsepower” – something that only car enthusiasts are likely to be able to explain. It’s up there with the “offside rule”. Anyone else’s eyes glaze over when they hear these terms?

Without getting too technical, most under-desk treadmills and walking pads have a horsepower range of between 1 and 5. The higher the horsepower, the stronger it is.

  • An entry-level treadmill should have a minimum of 1hp.
  • Those looking for daily walking or running use will need at least 2hp.
  • Serious athletes will need 3hp and above.

The heavier the person, the stronger the motor will need to be. As a general rule, men (being around 15kg heavier than women) should lean towards models with 2hp and above.

As for speed, the best under-desk treadmills range from 0 to 12.9 km/hr. Fully-fledged treadmills can go as fast as 19 km/hr.

  • A normal walking speed is 3 to 6 km/hr.
  • For most people, speeds around 8 km/hr will be a light jog or run.
  • The average adult man can run around 12 km/hr; women tend to run around 9 km/hr.

Usain Bolt can sprint at 43 km/hr, but can he do it while attending a virtual webinar or doing vlookups?

Frequently Asked Questions About Under-Desk Treadmills.

Here are a few frequently asked questions to help you weigh up your decision.

What is the main downside of an under-desk treadmill?

Although under-desk treadmills are great for keeping active, moving while working is tricky.

Some tasks are hard to master, like writing and using spreadsheets (anything with a high frequency of mouse clicks and typing).

They’re perfect for webinars, video calls, web browsing, data entry, and brainstorming.

How much does it cost to run a standing-desk treadmill?

If a walking treadmill averages around 650 watts at moderate speeds, if you walk for two hours per day, five days a week, that’s 6.5kWh per week – that’s around 28kWh per month.

Depending on where you live, different tariffs apply, but based on an average of $0.357 per kWh in Australia, that works out at around $9.99 per month.

How many calories will I burn while using my walking pad?

You’ll burn around 100-300 calories during a 30-minute walk at a brisk pace. The range is so wide because it depends on your weight.

Those who are heavier will burn more calories. In snack terms, 150 calories is about the same amount contained in a standard bag of chips or a can of Coca-Cola.

For that reason, walking pads are great for weight-loss programmes.

Bottom Line On Choosing The Best Under-Desk Treadmill In Australia.

After having read all that, do you still find yourself hesitating?

If price is the main barrier to becoming a healthier version of you, perhaps consider if you can afford not to make this change.

Many of the under-desk treadmills discussed cost less than $300. How many takeaways would you have to skip to pay for a treadmill? Ten, maybe?

And would those takeaways make a huge difference to your life? Most eating experiences are pretty forgettable.

But an under-desk treadmill is something that will make a difference to you every single day – and genuinely change your life. Keeping active is effortless, and you’ll be on autopilot while using it.

Can you afford to stay inactive?

Tommy

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