Hitting your daily step goal can be tough if you work a desk job. Luckily, Sunny has some amazing under-the-desk treadmills that allow you to add intentional movement to your work day. The newest additions to our Treadpad® line feature an option to add incline as you walk, so you can boost intensity while reducing sedentary time throughout your week.
Why Incline Walking Is Beneficial to Your Health
Incline walking can contribute to a multitude of health benefits that improve your overall well-being. Let’s take a look at a few of the top advantages of embracing the uphill on your daily walks!
Boosts Intensity While Keeping It Low Impact
It’s no secret that walking at an incline promotes intensity. But the best part about this type of exercise is that it gives you the option to challenge yourself while keeping the impact low. No need to break into a run to get that heart rate up. In fact, a 2011 study observed an increase in metabolic rate and calorie consumption in subjects who participated in incline walking when compared with subjects who walked on flat ground. (1) In other words, you can reap the benefits of high-intensity exercise without suffering from harsh impact.
This is an ideal option for an under-the-desk treadmill that you’re looking to use throughout your work day. You can seamlessly continue to work while you boost your heart rate and improve your cardiovascular health.
Increases Muscle Activation
Because of the increased demand placed on your body when walking at an incline, you will experience a greater degree of muscle activity during your walk. (2) Your muscles have to work hard to propel your body forward (and upward), which in turn means more strength gains for you! You can specifically look forward to more activation of your posterior chain (aka stronger hamstrings and glutes).
Torches Calories
There’s a good reason the 12-3-30 viral TikTok workout is so popular. With all of that increased muscle activation, you can also expect to burn a few extra calories while on your incline walk. (1) The more a muscle contracts, the more calories it needs to be able to perform that contraction, therefore upping the total amount of calories you burn in a session.
Sunny’s Under-the-Desk Incline Treadmills
Meet our two new under-the-desk treadmills that feature auto incline, designed to take your workout to the next level. If you’re interested in learning about all of our other under-the-desk treadmills, perfect for your work from home lifestyle, check them out here!
Sleek Stride Smart Compact Auto Incline Treadpad® Treadmill (SF-T722069)
The Sleek Stride Smart Compact Treadmill, is built to be a reliable walking treadmill that allows you to walk at your desk while you work. The unique 6-level automatic incline provides users the ability to customize their activity for the perfect amount of challenge. The preassembled walking deck is ideal for anyone looking to save time and stay active while working from home. Counting calories, steps, and miles, is easy with the SunnyFit app which easily connects to the treadmill via Bluetooth.
Pacer Smart Compact Auto Incline Treadpad® Treadmill (SF-T722076)
Looking to save space while still getting in your cardio workout? The Pacer Smart Treadmill is a reliable and practical alternative to your traditional treadmill, as its small footprint allows it to fit in living spaces of all sizes. Featuring dual Run + Walk modes, you can customize your workout experience to fit your needs. Use it as an under-the-desk treadmill during the day, or unfold the handles and hop on for your daily jog. Just like the Sleek Stride, you can connect the Pacer Smart to the SunnyFit app. Follow along with our professionally certified SunnyFit Trainers, and track your workout metrics to meet your goals.
1. EHLEN, K. A., REISER, R. F., & BROWNING, R. C. (2011). Energetics and biomechanics of inclined treadmill walking in obese adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 43(7), 1251–1259. https://doi.org/10.1249/mss.0b013e3182098a6c. Accessed 5 July 2023.
2. Franz, J. R., & Kram, R. (2012). The effects of grade and speed on leg muscle activations during walking. Gait & Posture, 35(1), 143–147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2011.08.025. Accessed 5 July 2023.
