Topic
Under-desk walking
Walking at a standing desk needs slow, fine speed steps, a low deck and a quiet motor. The desk must also go high enough to make up for the deck height.
- Deck height
- About 12 to 18 cm
- Typing pace
- 1.5 to 3 km/h
Most people type comfortably at 1.5 to 3 km/h, well below a normal walking pace. Look for speed steps of 0.5 km/h or finer, a start speed of 0.5 or 1 km/h, and a remote or app so you can change speed without bending down.
The deck adds height: raise the desk by roughly the deck height so your elbows stay at about 90 degrees. Check that your standing desk reaches elbow height plus 12 to 18 cm before you buy.
For calls and shared offices, compare the stated noise level where a listing gives one, and put the pad on a firm mat to cut footfall thud.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting that the desk has to rise by the deck height as well.
- Walking too fast to type or read comfortably.
Guides on this topic
- How to set up a walking pad under a standing deskSet up a walking pad under a standing desk: add the deck height to your elbow height, check the desk range in cm, run cables safely and pick a speed for typing.How-to
- Under-desk treadmill vs under-desk bikeUnder-desk treadmill or under-desk bike? Compare desk type, typing comfort, noise on calls, space and set-up to choose the right way to move while you work.Comparison
- Are under-desk treadmills worth it?The practical pros and cons of an under-desk treadmill: typing while walking, noise on calls, desk height, floor space and who gets the most out of one.Guide