iMovR ThermoDesk Elemental Treadmill Desk Review

[Editors’ Note—Oct 11, 2022: It is with great disappointment that we hear iMovR has decided to suspend production of the ThermoTread GT Office Treadmill Base. They give a full explanation of why on their website. They also elaborate on their continued commitment to developing products for the treadmill desking community, especially their standing desks—which remain the very best kind to pair with an under-desk treadmill (e.g. Lander, Lander Lite and Jaxson)—as well as SteadyType keyboard trays, treadtop standing mat, treadtop seats, treadmill lubricant, under-treadmill anti-static mats, etc.). We leave this content up for posterity, and hope to see iMovR re-enter the walking treadmill base market someday in the future. But for now we appear to have lost the #1-rated option in the category; along with 15 other brands of treadmill desk manufacturers out of 18 that we have reviewed since 2013 that have also exited the stage. The pandemic and other market forces has taken a great toll on these suppliers.]

We’ve already got a general review of the Elemental up, but we wanted to go into detail about how the desk fits into a walking workstation. ThermoDesk products are designed with walking in mind, and there are a few features worth mentioning, such as…

Pocket-Sized Dimensions

We’re extremely fond of the Elite and the Electra, iMovR’s electric, extra-large desk lines. Both are capable of stretching to accommodate a chair and treadmill side by side for a sit-walk setup. These workstations are ergonomically ideal, and come heavily recommended – if you’ve got the room to fit them. Sit-walk desks don’t get along well with cramped offices. The smallest width needed for one is 72”, a pretty serious space investment.

So what’s a real estate-challenged desker to do? The only real option is to set up a stand-walk desk, and fit sitting in where you can. Either maintain a fixed-height desk specifically for chair time, or find a belt-friendly chair you can perch directly on top of your treadmill (Mogo leaning chairs work great). But electric desks can still cause problems even at smaller sizes. Elemental and Electra desks are hefty pieces of hardware, and squishing one into a study nook or cubicle isn’t our idea of a good time. On top of that, their smallest size is still a spacious 48”x30”. Elementals are considerably lighter, and can come with tabletops as slim as 40”x24”.

Not only that, but going manual removes the necessity of plugging in. You’ll still need to find an outlet for your treadmill, but taking the desk out of the electrical equation cuts down cable snarl and makes positioning the Elemental a much easier experience.

Few Frills

Anyone aching for a simpler desk should give the Elemental a thought. Keep this in mind though: it’s not necessarily the ideal desk for a multi-user workstation. The Elemental’s manual adjustment system is fast and easy to use, but can’t match the convenience of the Electra or Elite’s motorized movement. On top of that, crank desks lack the height presets that make upscale electric desks – like the Elite – so perfect for shared workstations.

It’s also worth noting that Elementals do not have the desktop power station option that their electric cousin do. Elemental tabletops come without grommet holes, and consequently cannot accommodate grommet-mounted outlets. On the other hand, they are designed to easily mount the iMovR Stowaway keyboard tray. A set of pre-drilled pilot holes make it easy to attach one of these forearm-saving peripherals on the underside of an Elemental tabletop.

Many desks come with a grommet option, which is important to consider. Check out our article on grommet holes, with everything you need to know about the different ways to use them to enhance your workstation, what to look for in your grommet holes, and where to find the desks with the best ones.

For more information about the ThermoDesk Elemental Adjustable Height Desk – including sizes, colors, warranty, delivery upgrades, and shipping information – check out WorkWhileWalking’s store.