You know that end-of-day feeling where your body’s stiff, your brain’s foggy, and you’ve barely moved more than a few steps? That used to be me, every workday. Sitting still for hours was draining in ways I didn’t even notice until I finally changed it.
Adding a walking pad under my desk didn’t just help me move more. It gave me back a sense of momentum. I didn’t have to block off time for workouts or overhaul my routine. I just kept doing what I was already doing — but now I’m walking through calls, emails, and planning sessions. Still getting things done, but not stuck in one spot.
It’s not about chasing more motivation. It’s about building your day around the kind of person you already want to be. And this is one of the easiest ways I’ve found to do it.
Why a Desk Treadmill Is the Easiest Win for Your Workday
Most changes take effort. This one doesn’t.
You’re already at your desk. You’re already in meetings, replying to emails, clicking through tabs. The only difference is now your feet are moving. That’s it.
And somehow, that small shift makes everything else feel easier — fewer afternoon crashes, fewer aches by dinner, and more clarity when your brain would usually check out. You don’t have to hit 10,000 steps or sweat through your work clothes. Even a slow, steady pace is enough to feel a difference by the end of the day.
This isn’t about replacing your workouts. It’s about not sitting still for eight straight hours. That one change gives you a win you can feel — before lunch.
What I Use Daily (and Why It Works)
When I started working from home more permanently, I wanted a way to move without carving out extra time. I ended up getting the Maksone Under Desk Treadmill on Amazon, and paired it with the Boost Industries crank-adjustable standing desk frame with a 55″ tabletop. It wasn’t a huge investment. And two years later, I’m still using both almost every workday.
What makes this combo work?
The treadmill is quiet enough that I can take calls without anyone hearing it. It slides right under the desk, no complicated setup, no subscription app, no learning curve. It just turns on and moves.
The desk has a manual crank to raise and lower, which I liked at first, but if I were doing it again, I’d probably choose an electric lift. Cranking it up and down isn’t hard, but when you do it multiple times a day, it adds friction you don’t need. Still, it’s sturdy and hasn’t let me down.
When I want to sit, I don’t move the treadmill. I just roll my chair right on top of it and keep working. That small trick — not having to reset anything — is one of the reasons I’ve stuck with it for this long.
You don’t need this exact setup to make it work. What matters is that it’s friction-free. Once it’s there, it becomes your default, and that’s when the habit sticks without you even trying.
What to Look for in a Desk Treadmill Setup
The exact treadmill and desk I use aren’t available anymore, but that’s okay — you don’t need the same brand to get the same results. What matters most is how it fits into your day.
Here’s what I’d look for if I were starting from scratch:
✅ Desk Treadmill Must-Haves
- Quiet motor: You should be able to take calls without background noise.
- Slim design: It should slide under your desk and out of the way when needed.
- Remote or simple controls: No apps, no complicated settings — just start and walk.
- No assembly required: It should be ready to go right out of the box.
✅ Standing Desk Features That Help
- Electric lift (if possible): I used a manual crank for years, but switching height multiple times a day adds friction.
- Wide surface: 55 inches or more gives you space to move, work, and set up comfortably.
- Sturdy base: It needs to stay stable even while you’re walking.
Real-World Setup Tips That Make It Stick
The key to making this a long-term habit is reducing friction. The less you have to think about it, the more likely it becomes part of your daily rhythm — like checking email or refilling your coffee.
Here are a few simple things I’ve found that make it easy to keep walking without overcomplicating anything:
1. Track your steps on your ankle.
Most fitness trackers expect arm movement to count steps, which doesn’t happen when your hands are on a keyboard. I wear my Fitbit or WHOOP band around my ankle instead. It works like a charm. No missed steps, no frustration.
2. Keep your remote where you can reach it.
If your treadmill comes with a basic remote, you’ll want to keep it nearby. I stick mine in a small tray on my desk so I can quickly stop or start it without hunting for it.
3. Walk during tasks that don’t need fine focus.
Some things are easier to do while walking, like meetings, replying to messages, or organizing tasks. For deep work, I often pause the treadmill and sit or stand still. Knowing when to walk and when to pause makes the setup feel natural, not forced.
4. Don’t overdo it.
You don’t need to walk all day. I started with one or two 15-minute blocks and built from there. The goal isn’t to rack up mileage, it’s to stay mobile while you work.
These little tweaks remove decision fatigue. You don’t have to plan your walking — you just get up, log in, and let it happen.
Mini Daily Routine You Can Steal
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a low-effort walking routine that fits easily into a work-from-home day. You don’t need to do all of it. Even one small shift makes a difference.
☀️ Morning reset (5–10 min)
Start the day with gentle movement while reviewing your calendar, checking messages, or setting your top priorities. No pressure, just light steps while your brain boots up.
📞 Walk through one meeting or call
Pick a low-stakes call — one where you’re mostly listening — and walk through it. The time passes fast, and you’ll log steps without thinking about it.
🧠 Admin or inbox block (10–15 min)
If you have repetitive tasks, clearing emails, or digital housekeeping to do, that’s a great time to walk. This pairs well with light movement and helps avoid that midday energy crash.
⏸ Break without sitting
Need a breather between tasks? Instead of scrolling or snacking, walk slowly while you decompress. Sometimes I’ll listen to a podcast or just walk in silence — either way, it resets my focus better than sitting down.
You don’t have to plan a perfect system right away. Just try one of these today. Then build from there.
Small Wins That Add Up Fast
What surprised me most about using a desk treadmill wasn’t the number of steps. It was how quickly I started to feel like someone who takes care of their energy. Someone who doesn’t stay stuck.
At first, I was walking maybe 30 minutes a day in total. Not all at once — just here and there during calls or admin work. But that was enough to notice my hips didn’t ache as much. My posture felt stronger. I had more mental stamina in the afternoons. None of it felt dramatic. It just felt better.
That’s what makes this work. You don’t need to “crush” your day or aim for a streak. You just need to stay in motion. Most of the benefits come from not sitting in the same position hour after hour. You’ll still get tired, still have off days, but you’ll bounce back faster.
You might look down mid-afternoon and realize you’ve walked two miles without ever leaving your desk. That’s not just a step count — that’s momentum. That’s identity shift. And it starts by doing the smallest thing right now.
Is It Worth It?
Sometimes the smallest upgrades shift the entire rhythm of your day.
Getting a desk treadmill might seem like a simple change, and it is. But it doesn’t just get you walking more. It gives you proof that you can take care of your body and get your work done at the same time. That you don’t need more time, just better defaults.
The momentum builds quickly. A few steps turn into a flow. Movement becomes your baseline, not something you have to plan for. Energy improves. Focus returns. And without realizing it, you’ve become the kind of person who makes aligned choices more often — not because you’re trying harder, but because it feels easier to stay on track.
If you’ve been looking for something to shake up the way your days feel — without blowing up your routine — this might be it.
FAQ: What You Might Still Be Wondering
Can I really type while walking?
Yes, but don’t expect to sprint. A slow, steady pace (think 1 to 2 mph) lets you type, click, and work without wobble. It takes about 10 minutes to adjust, and then it feels normal.
Is it loud? Will people hear it on calls?
The Maksone model I use is surprisingly quiet. I take calls all day and no one’s ever noticed. You might hear a soft hum, but it won’t show up through your mic unless your space has major echo.
Will I actually stick with it?
That’s the best part, you don’t have to rely on motivation. Once it’s set up, you’re already walking just by showing up to work. You don’t have to think about it. That’s why it sticks.
Can I still sit when I want to?
Yes. I put my chair right onto the treadmill when I want a break. You don’t have to move it out of the way or switch setups. The easier it is, the more you’ll use it.
