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If you’ve spent any time in the wellness corners of TikTok or Instagram over the last year, you’ve probably seen people heaping praise over a small piece of fitness equipment: a mini treadmill (also called a walking pad).
And if you’re anything like me, you’ve spent every day since seeing one of those videos resisting the urge to purchase a walking pad of your own.
They’re small enough to fit under a standing desk or in the corner of a room, and they seem quiet enough to keep apartment neighbors happy. People on social media who have walking pads (and endless wardrobes of matching athleisure sets, of course) claim this humble piece of equipment makes it easy to meet their step goals, combat the negative effects of sitting all day and even tone their legs.
After months of waffling, I did extensive research and finally purchased a walking pad on Black Friday. I’ve now been using it for more than a month — and I’m hooked.
What is a walking pad?
A walking pad is essentially just a small treadmill.
Because it’s smaller and has a less powerful motor than a normal treadmill, a mini treadmill generally costs much less than the full-size version. Many models can even fit under a standing desk.
But that also means your options on a walking pad are limited. They typically max out at between 3 and 6 mph, which means you shouldn’t expect to be able to go faster than a light jog. Walking pads often do not have incline options, or have a fixed or limited incline option, so you should plan to be walking on mostly flat ground.
Because a walking pad is smaller than a normal treadmill, taller people or those with a longer gait may not find it comfortable to walk on a walking pad. Additionally, walking pads tend to have lower weight limits than full-size treadmills. And most models do not have handrails, which can present…
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