Comparison of four popular treadmill desk workstations. Click on the treadmill desk name for a more thorough review.

Model
Price$3,999$1,499$728$479 (desk only)
DescriptionThe original treadmill desk, designed at the Mayo Clinic.Standing desk and treadmill combined to make treadmill workstation.Exercise treadmill with non-height-adjustable desk attached.Affordable treadmill-ready desk.
PlusesAttractive high-end design, very sturdy construction, easy height adjustment, quiet, large work surface.Attractive design, sturdy construction, large work surface, height-adjustable, easy treadmill control access.Sturdy construction, quiet operation, compact, folds for storage.Large work surface, folds for storage, reasonable price.
MinusesExpensive.Treadmill can stop abruptly, annoying beeping noise when adjusting speed, cumbersome height adjustment.Not height adjustable, awkward design, quality concerns. Unstable, not sturdy enough to support monitor stand.
Customer Service ReputationVery GoodAveragePoorExcellent
Bottom LineIf you've got the budget, by far the best choice.Good choice if you have a budget but not enough for a Walkstation.If you have limited space and happen to be the right height, this one could work.If you already have a treadmill and are on a budget this could work (but be sure to cross-brace the desktop for safety).
Steelcase WalkstationLifeSpan TR1200-DTWorkfit Exerpeutic 2000TrekDesk

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LifeSpan TR1200-DT Treadmill Desk

Adjustable-height standing desk and low-profile treadmill combined to make a treadmill workstation. (If you already have a standing desk, you can buy the treadmill separately.)

LifeSpan TR1200-DT
$1,499.99 (as of May 20, 2013)
Buy now

Pros (specific to LifeSpan TR1200-DT)

  • Attractive, low-profile treadmill
  • Solid, smooth, quiet treadmill operation
  • Stable desk with large work surface, big enough for multiple monitors
  • Height-adjustable desk from 4’10″ to 6’8″ (but not designed for frequent height changes)
  • Sturdy packaging and easy assembly (but some pieces are heavy, so you may want to recruit a helper)
  • Treadmill control panel easily accessible at front of desk

Pros (generic for all treadmill desks)

  • Burn calories (without working up a sweat)
  • Improved alertness and energy levels

Cons (specific to LifeSpan TR1200-DT)

  • Treadmill decelerates slowly but then abruptly stops; could be a safety hazard
  • No pre-set treadmill speed settings; have to click through to desired speed each time you stop and restart
  • Step counter delivers erratic results
  • Padded arm rests are not as soft as typical keyboard wrist rest
  • Annoying beeping noise from built-in safety device (but this can be fixed by filling speaker with glue from a glue gun, a hack recommended by the manufacturer)
  • While you can start and stop the treadmill from the control panel, the on-off power switch is awkwardly located at the front of the treadmill
  • Desk height adjustment is too cumbersome (requires two people) to use the desk as a sit-stand station
  • Difficult to roll treadmill from room to room if office is carpeted (minor issue, since this desk isn’t designed to be portable)

Cons (generic for all treadmill desks)

  • Reduced fine motor skills can make operating mouse more difficult
  • Possible safety hazard if distracted
  • Novelty can be distracting (people come into your office and want to talk about your treadmill desk, not the Q4 sales forecast)

Notes

  • IMPORTANT: must register within 30 days of purchase to validate warranty; no automatice warranty protection
  • Fairly large footprint and non-store-able, so this is a permanent furniture installation
  • 46 1/2″ x 31″ work surface
  • 350-pound weight limit
  • Treadmill speed range 0.4-4 MPH
  • Protect your floor with a permanent mat or with paper towels or other covering when lubricating treadmill
  • Includes magnetic safety switch
  • Be sure to keep the Allen wrench that comes with the treadmill for making adjustments later
  • In rare cases, may need a power isolation system for the treadmill due to interference with AT&T DSL service

Reviews

Videos

SmartMoney story (3:48)

LifeSpan Fitness TreadMill Desk quick overview (1:25)

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Thumbnail image for Steelcase Walkstation

Steelcase Walkstation

May 17, 2013

The Steelcase Walkstation is the original treadmill desk, designed by Mayo clinic researcher James Levine. Walkstation $3,999.00 (as of May 17, 2013)Buy now Pros (specific to Walkstation) Sleek, modern design Sturdy construction Height adjustable Fairly quiet (though not silent) operation Extra-large work surface available as an option Treadmill motor designed for slow speed, more weight, [...]

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Thumbnail image for TrekDesk

TrekDesk

May 17, 2013

Affordable, attractive treadmill workstation. NOTE: This is the desk only – you supply your own treadmill. TrekDesk $479.00 (as of May 17, 2013)Buy now Pros (specific to TrekDesk) Large work surface Height adjustable Good customer service Reasonable price Folds up for storage Excellent shipping packaging Pros (generic for all treadmill desks) Burn calories (without working [...]

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Thumbnail image for WorkFit Exerpeutic 2000

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May 17, 2013

Exercise treadmill with a non-height-adjustable desk attached. If you happen to be between 5’8″ and 6′ tall, this treadmill desk may work for you. Exerpeutic 2000 WorkFit $728.33 (as of May 17, 2013)Buy now Pros (specific to WorkFit) Sturdy construction Quiet operation Folds for storage Pros (generic for all treadmill desks) Burn calories (without working [...]

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