If “sitting is the new smoking,” then spending long hours sitting at a desk editing photos is not doing any of us photographers any favors. The FlexiSpot MotionX Pro 2-in-1 Under Desk Walking Pad promises to fix that. The pitch is simple: walk while you work. But does it deliver?

Note: FlexiSpot sent us the MotionX Pro 2-in-1 Under Desk Walking Pad Treadmill to review and keep. However, this is a completely independent review. All thoughts about this product are our own.

Pros

• Doubles as both an under desk walking pad and a treadmill, easily converting from one to the other in seconds
• Sturdy build
• Dual use for under a desk as a walking pad for light activities or unfolding the arms for faster walking or jogging
• Has a quiet motor that produces less than 45 decibels of noise
• Easy setup – take it out of the box, plug it in, fire up the remote, and goooooooo!
• Magnetic remote control sticks to arm
• Comfortable shock-absorbing walking pad

Cons

• No cup holder (this is a small thing, but y’know, I love my cupholders…)

I should note here that this particular model does not have an incline feature. Also, the walking surface width is a little narrow compared to full-sized treadmills. Do remember, though, that this is for under desk use as well as a treadmill!

FlexiSpot MotionX Pro 2-in-1 Under Desk Walking Pad Treadmill — Technical specifications

All of the technical specifications for the FlexiSpot MotionX Pro 2-in-1 Under Desk Walking Pad Treadmill  are from the official FlexiSpot website.

• Max Weight Capacity: 265 lbs
• Warranty: 2 Years

Dimensions:

• Walking Area: 40.5″ x 15.7″
• Handrail Height: 38.6″
• Product Size (unfolded): 49.2″ x 20.1″ x 3.1″
• Product Size (folded): 51.2″ x 22.4″ x 3.1″

Function:

• Speed Range (unfolded): 0.6 – 6.2 MPH
• Speed Range (folded): 0.6 – 4 MPH
• Power Rating: 2.25 HP
• Shock Absorption: 8 Shock-absorbing Pads
• Running Belt Layer: Multi-layer
• Magnetic Remote Control Storage Slot: √

Shipping Dimensions & Weight

• Product Weight: 46.3 lbs
• Shipping Weight: 54.2 lbs
• Package Dimension: 53.7″ x 23.8″ x 5.1″

FlexiSpot MotionX Pro 2-in-1 Under Desk Walking Pad Treadmill — Ergonomics and build quality

The treadmill is solid, like other FlexiSpot products I’ve reviewed in the past, and comes well-packaged. Setting it up is easy: just remove the packaging, pull it out of the box, and go. All you have to do is plug it in. 

This is considered a walking pad for under the desk as well as a more “traditional” treadmill with handles. Ergonomically, it does very well at this. In fact, it fits underneath my FlexiSpot chair quite nicely, so if I don’t want to, I don’t even have to move it. I simply move the chair back and raise the desk up, and I have a walking desk almost instantly. Easy.

Also, because there are two good-quality wheels, it’s easy to wheel the treadmill around.

The remote control for the unit is straightforward and functions well. It takes a reasonably common battery, a CR2032, and comes with one already to go. Just pull the protective strip out and it’s ready to go. Initially, I was going to make mention of there being no place to put the remote control when using the treadmill. However, that’s not true. The remote control is magnetic, and sticks easily to the handles, a great feature. Also, there is a magnetic storage slot at the bottom so that it makes it harder to misplace. Since I am the Supreme Master of the Universe at misplacing things, I shall test that to its fullest capacity. But having a specific place to put it really helps organizationally.

Build quality

Most of the metal parts are solid. The only time I ever was a little unsure was when putting on the plastic tablet holder on the handle. I was initially reticent to put too much pressure. But once it’s on, it feels good and solid. 

FlexiSpot MotionX Pro 2-in-1 Under Desk Walking Pad Treadmill — In the field

Night photographers like me do a decent amount of editing. Whether it’s denoising, removing airplane trails, stacking for star trails or Milky Way photos, or making color corrections, it’s a lot of editing. Being able to not just stand but keep moving is a blessing. You don’t have to move too quickly, either. Humans were made to move, not have their hips locked in place for hours. “The motion is the lotion,” as they say.

This treadmill therefore hits the sweet spot between size and function. It fits underneath the office chair. And it also works quite well as a “traditional” treadmill, with the arms up. 

I should mention here that the top speed is different depending on whether the treadmill is folded (for use with a desk since you wouldn’t want the handles up) or unfolded. For use with a desk, the speed is 0.6 – 4 miles per hour. However, when unfolded for use as a regular treadmill with handles, the top speed increases to 6.2 miles per hour. I would imagine this is in part a safety feature. After all, I don’t think I would want my treadmill to be going at 6.2 miles per hour while editing Milky Way photos! 

The dual-purpose treadmill

I’ve used it both as an under desk walking pad and a treadmill. I love that you can use it for either. I haven’t quite gotten used to walking while using a computer, so I use it more often as a treadmill. I watch videos in front of the computer during my breaks, and that seems to work quite well for me so far. But its flexibility to be used as both is quite welcome.

Because I often hike pretty far at night into places in the Mojave Desert, using this as a treadmill will be quite welcome. I live in a beautiful place where it is easy to go for a walk outside or hike up some mountains. However, it’s not always practical to do that, as sometimes it might be too hot. It’s awfully nice to have a treadmill to keep in shape for those long night hikes.

As mentioned, the FlexiSpot MotionX Pro can be used as both an under desk walking pad and a traditional treadmill. It’s even in the name. While it isn’t alone in this niche, but it’s a legitimate contender in a field that’s still relatively small compared to the much larger pool of walking-only pads.

Considerations

I mentioned above that the pad is a little narrow. However, using it in both functions, I found the width adequate, as it is not intended for hard running. I’m tall at 6’1″ (185cm), and still didn’t find it too narrow, so that’s a good sign. This is why it’s always good to have an “in real life” experience.

There is no incline. I have to mention this. Personally, I don’t need an incline for either use. However, if you do wish to have one that inclines, FlexiSpot several of those too, including the MotionX Ultra Auto Incline Walking Treadmill and the Walking Pad Treadmill, so you’re in luck. 

So I’m left with my only real issue, which is that when you are using this as a treadmill, there is no cupholder. I guess I am too used to the large bulky treadmills at the gym, which have these. And obviously, if you are using this as an under desk walking pad, your entire desk is already a “cupholder.” 

So if my only real criticism is no cupholder when using it as a treadmill, I’d say that’s a really great product. It’s dual-purpose, solidly built, looks great, is comfortable to use, and is quiet. And that’s perfect for this photographer.

A note about carpets (and a fix!)

One thing worth knowing before you buy: the MotionX Pro cannot be used on carpet. Before you panic, this isn’t a FlexiSpot quirk. Nope. It’s rather common among treadmill manufacturers. FlexiSpot is no exception, stating that using the walking pad on a carpet may cause a fire. Do we have your attention now?

Thankfully, there is a fix! And it is simple and inexpensive: a treadmill mat. Rubber, EVA foam, or PVC all work. A mat protects the machine, stabilizes the surface, and saves your carpet from indentations. Just factor it into your budget before you buy. I purchased a WERCHO foldable PVC mat, which collapses down smaller than one that rolls up, which I like. It works well, does not slip, and is easy to fold up and put away.