A walking pad is a compact, low-profile treadmill made for walking rather than running. It sits flat on the floor, has no tall console or handrail in the way, and slides out of sight when you're done. Most people use one at home, often under a standing desk, to add easy walking to a day that would otherwise be spent sitting.
How a walking pad works
Like a regular treadmill, a walking pad has a motor that turns a belt over a flat deck. You step on, start the belt, and walk at a steady pace while staying in one place. The difference is in the design choices:
- Walking speeds. Walking pads are built for an easy-to-brisk walk rather than a run. The Saunterly Walking Pad, for example, runs from 0.6 to 4 mph.
- A low, flat deck. Without an upright frame, the whole machine is only a few inches tall. Ours is 4.2 inches high, so it can slide under a sofa, bed or desk.
- Simple controls. Instead of a large console, you usually start, stop and change speed with a small remote, and check a compact display.
- Easy to move. Many walking pads have wheels at one end so you can tip them up and roll them away. The Saunterly pad weighs 35.3 lb and has two front wheels.
Who a walking pad is for
A walking pad suits people who want to move more in their normal day, not people training for a race. It's a good fit if you:
- work from home and spend long stretches at a desk;
- like to walk while on calls, listening to podcasts or watching a show;
- don't have room for a full-size treadmill;
- find it hard to fit in a separate walk outside, especially in bad weather.
It's less suited to running, steep incline training, or anyone who needs a handrail to feel steady. If you have a health condition or any doubt about whether walking exercise is right for you, check with your doctor first.
What to look for when choosing one
Compare walking pads on the things that affect daily use:
- Size and height. Measure where it will live and where it will be stored. Check the length, width and height against the space under your desk, sofa or bed.
- Speed range. For walking at a desk, most people stay at the lower end of the range. A wider range gives you room for a brisker walk when you're not working.
- Weight and wheels. If you'll put it away every day, a lighter machine with wheels makes that easier.
- Deck comfort. A cushioned or suspended deck makes long, slow walks more comfortable. The Saunterly pad has a suspended deck with TPR cushioning.
- Controls. A remote lets you change speed without bending down, which matters if you're walking while you type.
- Returns. It's hard to know how a walking pad fits your routine until you've used it at home. Check the return window before you buy. Ours is 30-day free returns.
Getting started
Start slowly. Walk at an easy pace for short sessions and build up from there. Wear supportive shoes, keep the area around the pad clear, and follow the safety instructions in the user manual. If you'll be working while you walk, our guide on how to use a walking pad while working from home covers setup and a simple routine.
Still deciding between a walking pad and a full treadmill? Read Walking pad vs. treadmill: what's the difference?
Turning it into a habit
The hardest part of owning any home exercise equipment is using it regularly. That's why Saunterly pairs the walking pad with the Saunterly app: a daily plan, the 30-Day Movement Reset, progress you can see and a coach to ask. The walking pad doesn't connect to the app; you log your walks yourself. See how the app works.