A WalkingPad is a compact piece of exercise equipment designed for walking at home or beneath a standing desk. It makes it easier to add more movement to your daily routine without setting aside time for a separate workout. This guide explains how a walking pad works, its key features and who it may be suitable for.
What Is a Walking Pad?
A walking pad is a compact treadmill-style exercise machine primarily intended for indoor walking. It is typically slimmer and lighter than a traditional treadmill, and most models do not have a fixed console or large handrails. This makes it convenient for walking at home, exercising in front of the television or adding movement to the working day beneath a height-adjustable standing desk. Compact storage is another key feature. WalkingPad models can be folded in half, making them easier to move and store under a bed or sofa.
How Does a Walking Pad Work?
A walking pad uses an electric motor to move the walking belt at a selected speed. As the belt moves beneath your feet, you walk at a matching pace and adjust the speed to suit your comfort and activity goals. To use a walking pad, place it on a firm, level surface, plug it into the mains power supply and switch it on. The available control methods vary by model.
How Is the Speed Controlled?
Depending on the model, WalkingPad offers several ways to control the speed:
• Remote control: Start, stop and adjust the walking speed.
• KS Fit app: Connect compatible models to your smartphone for control and workout tracking.
• FootSense™: Adjust the speed according to where you walk on the belt, allowing compatible models to respond to your position.
What Is the Difference Between a Walking Pad and a Treadmill?
Walking pads and traditional treadmills both use a motorised belt for indoor exercise, but they are generally intended for different activities. The main differences are speed, size, storage and the way they are controlled.
|
Feature |
Walking pad |
Traditional treadmill |
|
Main use |
Walking and everyday movement |
Walking, jogging and running |
|
Speed |
Usually lower |
Usually higher |
|
Size |
Slimmer and more compact |
Larger and heavier |
|
Handrails |
Often absent or foldable |
Usually includes handrails |
|
Storage |
Easier to move and store |
Often requires more space |
|
Controls |
Remote control, app or foot sensing |
Built-in console |
What Are the Benefits of Using a Walking Pad?
A walking pad provides a convenient way to add more walking to your routine without requiring a dedicated workout area. Its compact design also makes indoor activity easier to fit around work, leisure time and changing weather conditions.
Add More Movement to Your Day
You can use a walking pad while watching television, listening to a podcast or taking a break from sitting. The NHS physical activity guidelines recommend reducing the time spent sitting or lying down and breaking up long periods without movement with some activity. Having a walking pad at home can make these short periods of movement easier to fit into your day.
Walk While Working
Compatible walking pads can be placed beneath a height-adjustable standing desk, allowing you to walk at a comfortable pace while reading, answering emails or joining calls. Check that the model is suitable for under-desk use and adjust the desk to a height that allows you to maintain a comfortable working posture.
Exercise at Home in Any Weather
Rain, cold weather, hot summer days and shorter winter daylight hours can make outdoor walking less convenient in the UK. A walking pad allows you to continue walking indoors regardless of the weather and at a time that suits your schedule.
Save Floor Space After Use
Walking pads are slimmer and more compact than traditional treadmills. Their folding designs and transport wheels make them easier to move and store under a bed or sofa after use, helping you reclaim the floor space for other activities.
Who Is a Walking Pad For?
A walking pad can suit a wide range of people, particularly those looking for a convenient way to add more walking to their routine at home.
People Who Work From Home
A walking pad can help home workers break up long periods of sitting and add light movement to the working day. If you plan to walk while working, choose a model that is suitable for use beneath a height-adjustable standing desk.
People Who Want to Increase Their Daily Steps
A walking pad can make it easier to build up your daily step count when you do not have time for a dedicated walk or workout. Short walking sessions can be fitted around work, household tasks or leisure time.
People Living in Flats or Shared Homes
The slim profile and folding design of a walking pad make it well suited to homes where floor space is shared or needed for other activities. If noise is a concern, check the model’s operating noise and consider using a treadmill mat to reduce vibration.
Beginners and Regular Walkers
Beginners can start at a slow, comfortable speed and gradually increase the duration or pace as they become more confident. Regular walkers can use a walking pad to maintain their routine when outdoor walking is less convenient. Anyone who needs additional balance support should choose a suitable model with handrails.
People Who Prefer Indoor Walking
A walking pad provides a flat, controlled surface for people who prefer to exercise indoors. It can also be a practical alternative when rain, temperature or uneven outdoor surfaces make walking outside less appealing.
Who Might Need a Different Type of Treadmill?
A standard walking pad may not be the best option for every type of exercise. You may need a higher-performance treadmill if you:
• Want to run at higher speeds or include sprint intervals
• Prefer built-in workout programmes and a larger control console
• Want a wider range of incline settings or more demanding uphill sessions
• Prefer a longer or wider running area for your stride
In these cases, consider a treadmill with a higher maximum speed, adjustable incline, a larger running area or built-in workout programmes. Always check the specifications of the individual model before purchasing.
What Should You Look for When Choosing a Walking Pad?
The right walking pad depends on how and where you plan to use it. Compare the following features before choosing a model:
• Speed range: Check the minimum and maximum speeds to make sure the model suits slow desk walking or faster exercise.
• Walking area: Compare the length and width of the belt to ensure there is enough room for a comfortable stride.
• Maximum user weight: Make sure the stated weight limit is suitable for everyone who will use the machine.
• Step-up height: A lower deck can be easier to step onto and may work better beneath a height-adjustable standing desk.
• Noise level: Consider the operating noise, particularly if you live in a flat, share your home or plan to walk during calls.
• Folding and storage design: Check the folded dimensions and whether the walking pad can be stored under your bed or sofa.
• Handrails and safety features: Consider whether you need handrails, a safety key or other stopping features for your intended use.
• Product weight and transport wheels: Check the total weight and the position of the wheels to make sure you can move the walking pad between use and storage.
How to Use a Walking Pad Safely
A walking pad is straightforward to use, but it is important to set it up correctly and follow the instructions supplied with your model.
• Start at a low speed and allow yourself time to become comfortable with the movement of the belt.
• Place the walking pad on a firm, level surface with enough clear space around it.
• Wear suitable shoes and make sure loose laces or clothing cannot come into contact with the belt.
• Make sure the belt has stopped before stepping onto or off the walking pad.
• When walking beneath a standing desk, use a slow, comfortable speed that allows you to maintain your balance and working posture.
• Follow the instructions for using any safety key, handrails or emergency stopping features included with your model.
• Keep children and pets away whenever the walking pad is running, as recommended in the WalkingPad UK treadmill safety guide.
• Switch off and unplug the walking pad before moving, folding or cleaning it.
Which Walking Pad Is Right for You?
The right walking pad treadmill depends on where you plan to use it, how often you expect to walk and which features matter most to you. Here are three WalkingPad models suited to different everyday needs.
For Under-Desk Walking and Easy Storage
The WalkingPad Z1 is a lightweight, compact option for walking beneath a height-adjustable standing desk. It folds in half and can be stored under a bed or sofa when not in use.
For Everyday Walking at Home
The WalkingPad C2 is suited to building up your daily steps, walking while watching television or fitting short sessions around your schedule. Its straightforward controls and folding design make it a practical choice for regular home walking.
For a Higher Maximum User Weight
The WalkingPad A1 Pro supports a maximum user weight of 136 kg and features FootSense™ speed control. It is suitable for everyday walking at home or beneath a compatible height-adjustable standing desk, and folds in half for compact storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Jog on a Walking Pad?
WalkingPad’s Just Walk Series is intended for walking only. If you want to jog, choose a model from the Hybrid Series, which is designed to support both walking and jogging. Always use the correct mode and follow the speed limits and safety instructions for your model.
Can You Use a Walking Pad on Carpet?
It is best to place a treadmill mat between the walking pad and the carpet to provide a firmer, more stable surface and protect the flooring. Avoid using it directly on thick or soft carpet, which may affect stability, ventilation and belt performance, and always check the instructions for your model.
How Do You Oil a Walking Pad?
Switch off and unplug the walking pad, gently lift the belt and apply the recommended amount of silicone treadmill lubricant to the deck underneath. Then reconnect the power and let the belt run at a low speed for several minutes to spread the lubricant evenly. Always follow your model’s instructions and do not use household oil or WD-40.
How Can You Make a Walking Pad Quieter?
Place the walking pad on a firm, level surface and use a treadmill mat to reduce vibration and protect the floor. Keep the belt centred and lubricated according to the instructions, and check for any loose parts. If you notice new grinding, scraping or knocking sounds, stop using the machine and inspect it or contact customer support.
Are Walking Pads Loud?
Walking pads are generally quieter than running treadmills because they operate at lower speeds, but noise levels vary by model, walking pace, flooring and maintenance. Footsteps and vibration may be more noticeable than the motor, particularly in a flat, so placing the machine on a firm, level surface with a treadmill mat can help reduce the sound.
