Did you know that the average person spends about 12 hours of the day sitting? In fact, prolonged sitting has been linked to a number of health conditions including obesity and metabolic syndrome. Most of us have heard of standing desks but, if you’ve used one for a while, you’ll know that your back and legs can take strain with standing for long periods. One of the best ways to combat this is to get a walking pad.
Two years ago, we invested in a walking pad and it made a world of difference. In our opinion, it should be an essential piece of office equipment along with a standing desk. Not only does it help prevent tiredness and backache, but once you are used to it, walking can really help you get into a productive zone. Not to mention, it really did help with weight loss!
To save you time hunting, we’ve reviewed the best walking pads for standing desk in the UK to help you find one that works for you!
Best walking pad for speed
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Best walking pad with largest walking area
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Best walking pad on a budget
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Best walking pad that's foldable
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Best walking pad for heavier users
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Contents
What is a walking pad?
A walking pad— or under-desk treadmill — is a slim, flat treadmill for walking or slow jogging. Most walking pads don’t have consoles or guard rails which makes them ideal to use at a standing desk.
Some brands can be folded in half for storage and most walking pads are compact enough to store under a bed or desk without any issues.
Walking pads have lower speeds — usually less than 6.2 mph (less than 10 kmph). Most can also be controlled by a remote or a smartphone app.
What is the difference between a walking pad and a treadmill?
The main differences between a walking pad and a treadmill are its design and intended purpose.
A walking pad is a type of treadmill that is specifically for walking. They are generally slim and flat in their design. They have lower speeds and don’t have an incline.
Most walking pads can be used as part of a workstation. For example, you can put a walking pad under a standing desk so that you can walk while working.
On the other hand, treadmills are bigger and heavier than walking pads. Their speeds are faster and most have an incline setting. They are specifically designed for indoor exercise from gentle walking to fast running.
Most treadmills have a console of sorts with guardrails so that you can run safely. Some have smart touchscreens with an internet connection and others have simple displays. Almost all treadmills have programmed training sessions suitable for all levels of fitness.
Are walking pads any good?
Everyone knows that it’s not healthy to spend an entire day sitting at a desk. But, if you have a standing desk, you’ll also know that your feet, legs and back can get very tired from standing for long periods. This is where walking pads come into the picture.
Having a walking pad under your desk is a great way to keep the blood circulating, prevent your legs and back from getting tired, and also add more exercise and movement to your day without compromising on your productivity.
Most of us don’t have time to hammer out a full 10k steps in one go but if you have a walking pad, it’s very easy to hit this goal. In fact, you’ll soon notice the following benefits:
- Improved health – walking can improve cardiovascular health, reduce blood sugar and lower blood pressure.
- Weight loss – walking burns calories which can help you lose weight. Of course, this does have to be done in conjunction with a healthy diet that monitors your calorie intake.
- Improved stress levels -walking is a good way to help you manage stress and cope with increased adrenalin levels from stressful situations.
- Improved mental health and well-being – exercise is known to be a natural anti-depressant. Adding more activity to your day will definitely boost your mood and help you feel healthy and positive.
In summary, are walking pads any good? It’s a resounding yes from us!
Are walking pads worth it?
Are walking pads worth it? It really depends on your individual circumstances, preferences and goals. Here are some things to think about when deciding if a walking pad is worth it for you:
- Space – Although most walking pads are compact, you will need some floor space to walk. Make sure that your desk or the area where you’ll be walking has enough space for the walking pad.
- Budget – Before you purchase, consider your budget and what you can and can’t afford. Also, sometimes the cheapest option is not always the best option for you so make sure you know exactly what you’re looking for.
- Lifestyle – If you are a regular runner, then you might not need a walking pad because you are already getting in enough physical activity. However, for someone who is sedentary or is perhaps working hours that make exercising challenging, then a walking pad can be a good way to increase your activity levels throughout the day.
- Health goals – If you’re planning on running a marathon, then it might be better to invest in a treadmill rather than a walking pad. But if you are just looking to add more steps to your day and spend less time sitting, then a walking pad will be perfect!
Lastly, if you have alternate exercise options, then it might not be necessary to purchase a walking pad. For example, some companies now offer walking meetings or gym memberships etc. Other folks might need to take the dogs for a daily walk or the kids to the park and get enough steps that way.
In the end, a walking pad will be worth it if you are going to be using it consistently.
Can you work while walking on a treadmill?
Yes, it’s very possible to work while walking on a treadmill or a walking pad. However, as with all physical skills, it might take a little time for your brain and body to adapt to walking and working.
For example, when we first got our walking pad, it was quite challenging to type and walk at the same time. However, eventually, we found that if you can get a regular, comfortable cadence, you can easily type while walking and our typing speed also eventually increased.
The same goes for meetings or reading through documents — it just takes practice but it will soon become second nature to you.
Does a walking desk help lose weight?
Yes, it can potentially help you lose weight because you will be burning more calories. However, how much weight you lose also depends on your diet. You only lose weight if you are in a calorie deficit. If you are consuming more calories than you burn, then you won’t see any results.
Do walking pads have an incline?
Generally, walking pads don’t have an incline as they are designed to be fairly lightweight and slim so that they can fit under a desk.
Some walking pads also fold in half, so an incline feature won’t be possible due to the join in the middle of the walking area.
If you are looking for a walking pad with an incline, it might be better to invest in a treadmill that has a large enough console to position a tablet or laptop.
Most modern treadmills – like the NoblePro treadmills – have a holder for your tablet or smartphone. However, you can also get a treadmill desk attachment that fits onto your treadmill like the one on the right.
What is the max speed of a walking pad?
Most walking pads reach a maximum speed of 3.7 mph (6 kmph). Of course, this does depend on the brand. The fastest walking pad on this list has a max speed of 6.2mph (10kmph).
How long can you use the walking pad?
How long you walk on a walking pad depends on your fitness levels, age and overall health. For all exercise, it’s always best to start slowly with shorter sessions to build up your endurance and fitness levels. Don’t gun out 10k steps on your first day if you haven’t walked regularly before — trust us, your legs will feel it!
If you are new to using a walking pad, start with only 10 – 15 minutes a day at a slow pace. You can gradually increase the duration and speed over time as you adapt.
Once your fitness levels have improved, you can increase your walking sessions to 30 – 60 minutes a day or even in the morning and evening. It just depends on your individual health and fitness.
Should you put a pad under a treadmill?
Yes, treadmill mats can be useful for protecting your flooring and reducing vibration and noise. If you are setting your walking pad under your standing desk, it’s a good idea to invest in a mat for a treadmill like the one to the left.
Also, keep in mind, that most treadmills or walking pads shouldn’t be placed on carpeted surfaces as it will affect the heat dissipation of the treadmill.
How often do you lubricate a walking pad?
Most manufacturers recommend lubricating your walking pad at least every 3 months with treadmill lubricant that’s pure silicone oil. We recommend checking the user manual to be sure.
Which walking pad is better?
It depends on your requirements. For example, are you looking for one that has a slightly faster speed or perhaps a foldable walking pad to store away? All the walking pads on this list are best sellers with great reviews.
Best walking pad for standing desk
Best walking pad for speed
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If you’re looking for a walking pad with a decent maximum speed, then the Biggzia LCD under desk treadmill is the best option which is why it’s top of the list for us.
Most walking pads reach a maximum speed of about 3.7 mph (6 kmph) whereas the Biggzia LCD hits a speedy 6.2 mph (10 kmph) which is more than fast enough for a brisk walk or even a jog.
The walking pad that we used had a maximum speed of 3.7 mph. Although this was a good speed for working, if you wanted to move the under-desk treadmill out to have a brisk walk, we found the speed to be a bit slow. This speedy walking pad is now on our wishlist!
This slim walking pad is designed to be used under a standing desk and is controlled via a remote. However, it’s also light and portable — clocking in at 51.8 pounds or 23.5 kgs — so it can be moved if you’d like more space to jog or walk briskly.
The Biggzia LCD Under Desk treadmill has a spacious walking area which makes it ideal for taller people who have a longer stride.
- Dimensions: 47.2 L x 19.7 W x 5.1 H inches (120 L x 50 W x 13 H cm)
- Walking area: 40.14 L X 15.35 W (102 L X 39 W cm)
While walking the treadmill will record important data such as time, speed, distance and calories burned.
This under-desk treadmill is equipped with a 1.5 HP motor that is very quiet. It’s ideal to use in an office setting or shared working space at home.
The durable steel frame and motor are part of the treadmill’s shock-reduction and noise-reduction system. It has a five-layer shock-absorbing structure and an anti-slip, anti-static lawn texture belt that provides safe cushioning for your back, joints, knees, ankles, and muscles. Trust us, you want the anti-static feature if you’re working on your laptop or Mac as you can build up quite a lot of static while walking.
Lastly, the Biggzia under-desk treadmill is an installation-free design. It arrives fully assembled and all you need to do is plug it in and strut your stuff.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 47.2 L x 19.7 W x 5.1 H inches (120 L x 50 W x 13 H cm)
- Max user weight: 242.5 pounds / 17.3 stone / 110 kg
- Walking area: 40.14 L X 15.35 W (102 L X 39 W cm)
- Weight of the machine: 51.8 pounds / 23.5 kg
- Max speed: 6.2mph (10 kmph)
Best walking pad with largest walking area
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The WalkingPad P1 is our top foldable walking pad or treadmill to be used under a standing desk. It has a slim, compact design which makes it perfect for small spaces or apartments. You can easily control the speed via remote control or the KS Fit App on your phone.
Its patented folding system packs a full walking pad into an area that’s less than 0.5㎡ when folded. So you can store it under your desk, a coffee table or even your bed.
Apart from its foldability, we also liked the large walking area of 47.2 x 16.3 inches (120 x 41.5 cm ) so you can walk without the underlying fear of stepping off the treadmill.
Another feature that makes this walking pad unique is its foot control mode which allows the speed to be adjusted based on where you step. For example, if you step in the front area, it automatically speeds up. If you walk in the middle, the speed remains constant and if you step towards the rear of the walking pad, it will slow down.
The WalkingPad P1 has a 1HP motor and a top speed of 3.7 mph (6 kmph). It’s also suitable for heavier users with a maximum weight of 220 pounds (15.7 stone or 100 kg).
Lastly, if you have kids, this one might be a good option because it features a child safety lock. Once the child safety feature is activated on the app, you won’t be able to start the machine without using the app.
Like most walking pads, this one comes fully assembled, simply plug it in and start walking.
Specs:
- Dimensions unfolded: 56.2 L x 21.5 W x 5 H inches(143.2 H x 54.7 W x 12.9 H cm)
- Dimensions folded: 32.4L x 21.5 W x 5.1 H inches (82.2L x 54.7 H X12.9W cm)
- Max user weight: 220 pounds / 15.7 stone/ 100kg
- Walking area: 47.2 x 16.3 inches (120 x 41.5 cm)
- Weight of the machine: 61.7 pounds / 28 kg
- Max speed: 3.7 mph / 6 kmph
Best walking pad on a budget
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Another great walking pad from Biggzia, the Biggzia LED walking pad is a great option to have under your standing desk. It’s the lowest price under-the-desk treadmill on this list which is why it earned the title of the best walking pad on a budget.
This walking pad is slightly bigger than the LCD version but a few inches slimmer so it will easily fit under a standing desk and can also be stored under a bed — it’s only 12cm high. It also has a remote to control it or the KS Fit app on your phone.
Key differences between the Biggzia Motorised Walking Treadmill with LED and Biggzia LCD under desk treadmill
Biggzia Motorised Walking Treadmill
- Screen: Large LED display
Biggzia LCD under desk treadmill
- Screen: LCD display
- Max speed: 4.9 mph (8 kmph)
- Dimensions: 49.2 L x 20.9 W x 4.7 H inches (125 L x 53 W x 12 H cm)
- Walking area: 39.4 L X 14.2 W (100 L X 36 W cm)
- Max user weight: 242.5 pounds / 17.3 stone / 110 kg
- Weight of the machine: 51.8 pounds / 23.5 kg
- Max speed: 6.2mph (10 kmph)
- Dimensions: 47.2 L x 19.7 W x 5.1 H inches (120 L x 50 W x 13 H cm)
- Walking area: 40.14 L X 15.35 W (102 L X 39 W cm)
- Max user weight: 242.5 pounds / 17.3 stone / 110 kg
- Weight of the machine:51.8 pounds / 23.5 kg
Apart from having a bold LED display to track your data, the Biggzia’s top speed is 4.9 mph (8 kmph) — which is more than fast enough for a brisk walk and is the second-fastest walking pad on this list. It has a slightly smaller and more narrow walking area but is still sufficient to walk confidently.
The Bigzzia LED Walking Treadmill has a strong steel frame, along with a 5-layer non-slip running belt that absorbs shock to provide cushioning for your knees, hips, and muscles.
Like most walking pads on this list, no assembly is required. It’s easy to use right after unboxing and with a compact design, it can be moved around in your home gym or office. It comes with a 1-year warranty, and customer support is available to answer any questions you may have.
If you’re not going to be jogging and your top walking speed is a very brisk 4.9 mph or 8 kmph, then opting for this treadmill over the LCD version might save you a few pounds.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 49.2 L x 20.9 W x 4.7 H inches (125 L x 53 W x 12 H cm)
- Max user weight: 242.5 pounds / 17.3 stone / 110 kg
- Walking area: 39.4 L X 14.2 W (100 L X 36 W cm)
- Machine weight: 51.8 pounds / 23.5 kg
- Max speed: 4.9 mph (8 kmph)
4. WalkingPad C2 (S1)
Best walking pad that's foldable
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The WalkingPad C2 (S1) is another foldable walking pad from KingSmith and is slightly smaller than the WalkingPad P1. It’s ideal for use under your standing desk and can be easily folded away if you want to change down to sitting. It has a top speed of 3.7 mph (6 km/h).
The treadmill also features an LED display that shows you all the important info you need, such as steps taken, training time, speed, calories burned, and distance covered.
You can control the speed using either the remote control or the app, which makes it super convenient.
Key differences between the WalkingPad C2 (S1) and the WalkingPad P1
Apart from the slight difference in size, the main difference is that the WalkingPad C2 (S1) has an LED display. You can track your data on the display or on the app. Whereas the P1 doesn’t have an LED display.
WalkingPad C2 (S1)
- Dimensions unfolded: 56.9L x 20.4W x 4.9H inches (144.5 L x 51.8W x 12.5H centimetres)
- Dimensions folded: 32.4 L X 20.4 W X 5.35 H inches (82.5 L X 51.8 W X 13.6 H centimetres)
- Walking area: 47.2 x 15.7 inches (120 x 40 cm)
WalkingPad P1
- Dimensions unfolded: 56.2 L x 21.5 W x 5 H inches(143.2 H x 54.7 W x 12.9 H cm)
- Dimensions folded: 32.4 L x 21.5 W x 5.1 H inches (82.2L x 54.7 H X12.9W cm)
- Walking area: 47.2 x 16.3 inches (120 x 41.5 cm)
All-in-all, if you don’t mind the slightly smaller walking area, the WalkingPad C2 (S1) is a good option. Keep in mind you’ll pay a bit more for the LED display.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 56.9L x 20.4W x 4.9H inches (144.5L x 51.8W x 12.5H centimetres)
- Max user weight: 220 pounds / 15.7 stone/ 100kg
- Walking area: 47.2 x 16.3 inches (120 x 41.5 cm)
- Dimensions folded: 32.4 L X 20.4 W X 5.35 H inches (82.5 L X 51.8 W X 13.6 H centimetres)
- Weight of the machine: 61.7 pounds / 28 kg
- Max speed: 3.7 mph / 6 kmph
Best walking pad for heavier users
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The only under-desk treadmill with Bluetooth speakers on this list, the CitySports Treadmill is also best for heavier users as it has a maximum user weight of 220 pounds (15.7 stone or 110kg).
It has a maximum speed of 3.7 mph (6 kmph) which is a decent walking speed for working and you can easily adjust it with the remote control. It has an LCD display to show important data such as distance, steps, duration and calories burned.
Lastly, the motor is very quiet which makes it ideal if you are sharing a workspace.
- Dimensions: 53.1L x 21.2W x 3.74H inches (135L x 54W x 9.5H cm)
- Walking area: 39.37L x 13.38W inches (100L x 34W cm)
It’s also easy to move around as it has wheels and weighs 57.3 pounds (26kg)
The only downside to this walking pad is that it doesn’t have a very powerful motor. However, it is sufficient for use as an under-the-desk walking treadmill if you only plan on using it to walk.
We also like the fact that it has Bluetooth speakers so that you can listen to your favourite concentration mix to really get into the zone.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 53.1L x 21.2W x 3.74H inches (135L x 54W x 9.5H cm)
- Max user weight: 220 lbs (15.7 stone or 100 kg)
- Walking area: 39.37L x 13.38W inches (100L x 34W cm)
- Weight of the machine: 57.32 lbs or 26 kg
- Max speed: 3.7 mph (6 kmph)
FAQs
What is similar to walking pad?
Devices similar to walking pads include compact treadmills, under-desk treadmills, and mini steppers. You can even find under-the-desk cycles. These devices are also designed for compact storage and typically have a smaller profile compared to traditional treadmills or devices.
How do I choose a walking machine?
To find your ideal walking machine, consider these factors: your fitness level, the speed you’d like to walk, your available space, your budget, and your personal preferences. Ideally, you would want a machine that is sturdy and durable. The speed should be adjustable and if you’re looking for an under-the-desk treadmill, consider one that has a remote control or an app.
Can you run on a walking pad
Most walking pads are only designed for walking and have a top speed of about 6kmph. However, some walking pads do go faster and are designed for a slow jog or run. If you are wanting a treadmill for running or one that can be used for walking and running, then we recommend considering a treadmill such as the NoblePro range.
What are the benefits of using a walking pad?
A walking pad can help you be active and improve your health. Walking is a low-impact exercise that can help you burn extra calories, strengthen your muscles, and improve your cardiovascular health. Plus, having a walking pad under your standing desk can help you avoid long hours of sitting or standing.
Are there any downsides to using a walking pad?
The only downside to having a walking pad is that it’s only designed for walking. So if you are wanting to use it for jogging or running, it might not be fast enough. We also recommend starting slowly, especially if you are walking while working. Hammering 5 hours of walking on your first day can leave you feeling exhausted and tired. Take it easy and give yourself time to adapt.
Should you take a break from walking everyday?
It’s a healthy goal to walk every day but we recommend starting slowly. Doing too much walking can leave you feeling exhausted which will affect your motivation to keep it up. Starting by walking 20 minutes a day will allow you to gradually adapt and build up resistance. If you’re walking while working, it will also give you time to learn a new skill!