DeskWalker logs calories, steps, and distance for every under-desk treadmill session - using the same science-backed formulas used in academic research.
Free to download · Pro: monthly, yearly, or lifetime unlock · iOS 17+ · No account required
Features
Built specifically for under-desk treadmills - not generic step counters. DeskWalker knows that your wrists barely move while you type, so it derives steps and distance from speed instead of the accelerometer.
Accurate calorie tracking
Uses the SMU treadmill equation, Keytel heart-rate formula, and Apple Watch VO₂max for the most accurate estimate available.
Steps from speed
Apple Watch under-counts walking pad steps by 60–80%. DeskWalker derives steps from belt speed and your height instead.
Apple Health sync
Writes each session to Apple Health as a Walking workout. Also reads heart rate and VO₂max to sharpen calorie accuracy — no manual input needed.
Afterburn (EPOC)
Automatically reads post-session active energy from Apple Health - the extra calories burned while your body recovers.
Badges & streaks
Earn milestone badges for First Steps, Desk Warrior, Century, Marathon Desk, and Consistency. Track your streak day by day.
Private by design
Every byte of your data stays on your iPhone. No account, no cloud, no analytics. Zero data leaves your device.
How it works
No Bluetooth pairing, no account setup, no manual configuration. Just open the app and walk.
Set your speed
Enter the belt speed shown on your walking pad display. DeskWalker remembers it for next time.
Start the session
Tap Start - the timer runs in the background while you work. Live Activity shows progress on your Lock Screen (Pro).
Stop & review
Tap Stop and get a full summary: calories, EPOC, steps, distance, and heart rate. The session is saved to Apple Health as a Walking workout automatically.
Recalibrates automatically
Health data from your watch often arrives minutes later. DeskWalker silently re-calculates recent sessions in the background.
Science-backed formulas — Calorie calculations use the SMU treadmill oxygen-cost equation (ACSM 2021), Keytel et al. heart-rate regression (J Sports Sci, 2005), and a MET fallback (Ainsworth Compendium, 2011). Steps use the sex-neutral stride constant from DeVita & Hortobágyi (J Appl Physiol, 2000).
DeskWalker has no backend, no user accounts, and no analytics SDK. Session history is stored locally on your iPhone and written to Apple Health — nowhere else. There is nothing to breach because there is nothing to collect.
Articles
Guides and research-backed articles to help you get the most out of your under-desk treadmill.
Walking Pad & NEAT: Daily Calorie Burn
How an under-desk treadmill dramatically increases your non-exercise activity thermogenesis and daily energy expenditure.
Standing Desk vs Walking Pad: Calories Compared
Realistic kcal/hour ranges for sitting, standing, and walking — and when to use each setup during your workday.
How to Hit 10,000 Steps at Your Desk
A practical workday routine with example schedules and speeds to consistently reach 8–12k daily steps.
Walking Pad 101: Safe Setup for Beginners
Speed, session length, footwear, and posture tips — plus how to avoid overuse injuries when starting out.
Two subscription options (monthly and yearly) or a one-time lifetime unlock - your choice. Exact prices and regional availability in the App Store.
Subscriptions renew until cancelled; lifetime is a one-time purchase · Manage or cancel in App Store account settings
⌘ Get DeskWalker