Why Walking Pads Are Becoming a Home Fitness Favourite

These days, more and more people are looking for simple ways to stay active—without needing to hit the gym or overhaul their entire lifestyle. One tool that’s quickly gaining popularity is the walking pad—a compact, quiet treadmill designed for use at home, often even while working at a desk. If you haven’t heard of them yet, now’s the perfect time to learn why so many people are adding them to their daily routine.

Whether you’re new to exercise or looking for ways to move more during the day, walking pads offer a practical, beginner-friendly solution that fits seamlessly into busy lives.

So, what exactly is a walking pad?

A walking pad is a slim, lightweight treadmill built for walking—not running. It usually doesn’t have handles and is often used in small spaces like bedrooms, home offices, or even in front of the TV. Many people pair them with standing desks, using them throughout the workday to sneak in extra movement without needing to block out gym time.

At Fitness At Home, we have a wide range of walking pads to suit different needs and budgets—like the Lifespan Fitness Walking Pad M3, which is compact and easy to store, or the Everfit Electric Walking Pad, which offers great value for anyone just starting their movement journey.

Why are walking pads becoming so popular?

It’s simple: many of us spend too much time sitting—and it’s affecting our health more than we realise.

Sitting for long periods has been linked to all sorts of health concerns, including weight gain, poor circulation, reduced energy, and even mental fatigue. The good news is, adding more light walking into your day can make a big difference.

A recent review in BMC Public Health found that even small bursts of walking throughout the day can help increase energy levels, improve mood, and reduce the negative effects of sitting too much. Another study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine showed that people who incorporated walking into their daily routine had better overall wellbeing, including reduced feelings of stress and fatigue.

In short? Walking more—even just at a gentle pace—can boost both your physical and mental wellbeing.

Walking pads make it easy to move more without making a big change

One of the biggest benefits of a walking pad is how easy and convenient it is to use. No need to drive to the gym or change into full workout gear. Just turn it on, hop on, and walk while:

• Taking phone calls

• Answering emails

• Watching your favourite show

• Listening to music or a podcast

They’re ideal for all fitness levels, from beginners to more active individuals. And because you can adjust your speed, you’re always in control of how much or how little you do.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Walking Pad

If you're thinking about trying one, here are a few helpful tips—especially if you're just starting out:

1. Start Slow and Stay Safe

Your safety is the most important part. Begin at a low speed (around 1–2 km/h is great for first-timers). Make sure you're holding onto a sturdy surface, like a desk or table, while you find your balance. As you build confidence, you can slowly increase your speed and walk more freely.

2. Alternate Between Walking, Standing & Sitting

Standing desks pair perfectly with walking pads, but it’s still important to listen to your body. If you’re feeling tired or your feet need a break, take a seat. Rotating between walking, standing, and sitting can help reduce fatigue while still keeping your step count up.

3. Keep Sessions Short at First

Start with 5–10 minute sessions a few times a day, rather than trying to walk for an hour right away. This helps prevent soreness and keeps things manageable—especially if you’re new to regular movement.

4. Wear Proper Footwear

Walking barefoot on grass or sand is great for grounding, but it’s not ideal for walking pads. Even though they’re low impact, it’s important to wear supportive, comfortable shoes to protect your feet. This helps prevent injuries like plantar fasciitis and improves stability. Avoid using your walking pad barefoot or in socks—especially when starting out.

5. Make It a Habit

Try to use your walking pad during times that already fit into your routine—like during phone calls or while checking emails. Over time, these small changes can add up to big improvements in your health and energy.

The Takeaway

Walking pads are becoming a must-have for anyone wanting to improve their daily movement—without needing a gym membership or heaps of free time. They're easy to use, gentle on the joints, and fit into almost any home space or routine.

Whether you're looking for a compact option like the Lifespan Fitness M3 or a budget-friendly pick like the Everfit Electric Walking Pad, we’ve got something at Fitness At Home for every lifestyle and fitness level.

If you’ve been sitting a lot lately and want to feel more energised, reduce stiffness, or just feel better overall—a walking pad might be just what you need.

References

1. Ben-Ner, A., Hamann, D.J., Koepp, G., Manohar, C.U. and Levine, J.A., 2014. Treadmill workstations: The effects of walking while working on physical activity and work performance. PLoS ONE, 9(2), p.e88620. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0088620

    

2. Neuhaus, M., Eakin, E.G., Straker, L., Owen, N., Dunstan, D.W. and Healy, G.N., 2014. Reducing occupational sedentary time: A systematic review and meta-analysis of evidence on activity-permissive workstations. Obesity Reviews, 15(10), pp.822–838. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.12201

    

3. Gavin, T.P., 2011. Walking breaks to reduce office sitting time: The impact on postprandial glycemia and insulin. Diabetes Care, 34(2), pp.451–457. Available at: https://doi.org/10.2337/dc10-1313

    

4. Thompson, W.R., 2023. Worldwide survey of fitness trends for 2023. ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal, 27(1), pp.19–30. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1249/FIT.0000000000000790

    

5. Owen, N., Healy, G.N., Matthews, C.E. and Dunstan, D.W., 2010. Too much sitting: The population-health science of sedentary behavior. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 38(3), pp.105–113. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1097/JES.0b013e3181e373a2