Finding time to slot exercise into our busy lives is a regular logistical challenge, and often, we come up short. What if there was a way to workout smarter, rather than harder? Enter the walking pad, an ingenious solution to turn an otherwise sedentary moment into daily movement.
Vogue’s top walking pads at a glance:Best overall
Home Fitness Code Treadmill F521
Read moreBest for price and performance
Citysports Walking Pad
Read moreBest for under desks
FlexiSpot Walking Pad
“Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise,” says Holly Haywood, lead instructor at Third Space Soho. “It offers a wide range of benefits from improved cardiovascular health and circulation to better mood, reduced stress, enhanced fat loss, and joint-friendly movement that supports longevity. It’s accessible to almost everyone and can be easily adapted to different fitness levels, which is why it’s often recommended as a daily habit.”
According to recent research published in Annals of Internal Medicine, adults who do their daily steps for at least 15 minutes without stopping had lower mortality and cardiovascular disease risk than those who walk in short bursts. And walking pads make this easy, no matter the weather.
On whether she thinks a walking pad is worth it, Haywood has this to say: “I’m a big believer that whatever gets you moving is worth having. Whether that be a walking pad, treadmill or if you choose to do it outside. Movement is movement. Treadmills can add incline and offer more play with speeds, but walking pads can be amazing for those with very busy schedules, as you can multitask while getting on with your steps and tasks at hand – there is also no need to leave your home.”
And when it comes to the optimal speed, that’s very individual, she says. “I would always try to base everything on effort when it comes to adding more walking into your life. Play with harder efforts (brisk walk where conversation becomes a bit more challenging – usually around 4-6kmph) and an easy effort (something you can maintain and comfortably hold conversation – usually around 2-4kmph).”
