Treadmill desktop

Walk and work.

Stay active. Lose weight.

Fits snugly onto your existing treadmill and lets you walk while you work. Hit your daily step goals with ease while you work on your laptop and even take zoom calls.

Buy the plans or order one built.

Walking at about 2 mph is comfortable enough for typing, quiet enough for Zoom calls, and easily gets you over 10,000 steps a day without breaking a sweat.

What it is

A wrap-around desktop that clamps onto your treadmill.

The desktop fits over the horizontal arms that extend back from the treadmill's console. Padded pipe rings on the underside grip those arms and hold the desktop in place, so nothing needs to be bolted or drilled. Your laptop sits on top of the desktop, or on the optional stand that lifts a second monitor up to eye level for better ergonomics and reduced strain on your neck and eyes.

The desktop lifts off in a few seconds whenever you want to run instead of walk, and it fits over most standard treadmills.

The monitor stand

Get your monitor to eye level — reduce muscle tension and eye strain.

The monitor stand lifts your monitor to eye level so you can look straight ahead instead of hunching down to see the screen.

Weight limit and use: The desktop is a work surface, not the treadmill itself. Stay within the stated weight limit, don't put all your weight on the desktop, and keep to a walking pace while you're using it. When you want to run, lift the desktop off the treadmill first. Full guidance ships with every plan and built unit.

Why this design

Prototype to product.

The original treadmill desktop prototype, mounted on a treadmill with a double-decker of metal shelf-bracket risers holding the monitor at eye level.

The first version was a double-decker of metal shelf brackets I had lying around. It worked, but it was ugly and I could never get the exact height right.

That's why the shipping version now has six pre-cut heights in wood — pick the one that lines your monitor up with your eyes.

The original prototype treadmill desktop that is still in use today!

Two ways to get one

Build it, or order one built for you.

Build it yourself

A weekend build with common tools.

The plans include:

  • Cut list - what to buy at the lumberyard and how to cut it. the lumber, with dimensions (1 of plywood 24×48, etc.)
  • Cutting template - pages that you'll print and tape together to form the desktop cutout shape
  • Hardware list - what to buy at the hardware store: pipe clamps, screws, fasteners, brackets, etc
  • Tools - a jig saw, a drill, a screwdriver, sandpaper, and foam pipe insulation
  • Measurements and drill locations - for cutting the desktop piece, attaching the pipe clamps, and building the monitor stand.

Cutting the desktop curve is the trickiest part. Expect to spend a good amount of time sanding both edges into a smooth, continuous arc.

$29 Downloadable PDF

Order one built

Order it built.

Built by hand and fully assembled.

Upgrades:

  • Monitor stand - pick a height (3", 4", 5", 6", 7", or 8")
  • Stain and seal - choose from Golden Oak, Dark Walnut, Charcoal Gray, or Natural / Clear Coat

To pick the right monitor stand height: stand on your treadmill and note the height of the top of the treadmill arms. Add ¾" for the desktop and foam-covered pipe clamps. Then measure from there up to the bottom of the monitor location - that's the optimal height of your stand.

$129 · desktop
+$29 · monitor stand
+$25 · stain and seal
plus shipping & tax
Order one built

Frequently asked

Common questions.

Will this work on my treadmill?

The treadmill desktop fits snugly on straight and round treadmill arms. If yours has sloping arms, it might not be a good fit without adding padding on the downward-sloped side to level it out.

How long does it take to have one built?

It normally takes 3–5 days to build and ship the treadmill desktop. Add a day if you're also getting the monitor stand — still under a week either way. Once it leaves the shop, delivery time is up to the mail carrier. Expedited shipping is available if you need it faster.

Get in touch

Any questions? Let us know!