Thinking of Buying a Walking Pad for Work From Home Days? Read These Tips First!

If you work from home, chances are you’ve considered getting a walking pad (aka an under-desk treadmill) to get in some extra steps throughout the workday. And if you’re like me, you’ve probably asked yourself: Is a walking pad worth it? Will I actually use it? So here I would like to answer all of the walking pad questions you might have, and my tips on what to do if you are looking to buy a walking pad for a remote job.

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So here I would like to answer all of the walking pad questions you might have, and my tips on what to do if you are looking to buy a walking pad for a remote job. First, let’s start with the basics, then I will get into my top tips for using a desk treadmill.

What’s the difference between a walking pad and a treadmill?

A walking pad, also sometimes called an under-desk treadmill, is a compact and flat treadmill designed specifically for walking (usually 4mph and under). They were designed to be used while you work at a desk, so they are portable and do not have handrails.

Here is a chart showing the main difference between a walking pad and a treadmill.

Feature	Walking Pad	Traditional Treadmill
Size	Compact, fits under desk	Large, takes up more floor space
Speed Range	Usually up to 4 mph (walking only)	Up to 10–12+ mph (walk or run)
Noise Level	Quiet, office-friendly	Louder motor, not ideal for calls
Weight	Lightweight, easy to move	Heavier and harder to store
Storage	Can slide under couch or desk	Takes up permanent space
Incline	Usually no incline	Often includes incline settings
Handles/Console	Usually no handles	Includes handles and display panel
Best For	Walking while working or watching tv	Running, workouts, home gyms
Price Range	$80 – $400	$500 – $2,000+

Are desk walking pads worth it?

My personal answer is yes, absolutely.

I use my walking pad every single day. If you are looking to get steps in during the work day, but don’t want to spend your entire break walking, I would get a walking pad.

I don’t walk all day on it, or else I would burn myself out, but at least 40 minutes of walking helps me to get about 4,000 extra steps in that I wouldn’t be able to otherwise. If you are on the phone a lot during the work day, you can break it up and walk between calls.

If you have a lot of calls or meetings, another option is to use headphones with noise cancellation. Most models are pretty quiet and don’t pick up over the phone, but the noise suppression helps in case it picks up at all.

This is the headset I have, and it’s extremely lightweight too, which is great if you are wearing it for long periods. I have tested the call with someone, and they couldn’t tell I was walking!

I walk a little slower when I am on the phone, so I don’t get out of breath, but any steps count!

Do I need a standing desk to use a walking pad while I work remotely?

A lot of people hold off on buying a walking pad because they think they also need to invest in a standing desk. And sure, standing desks are great, but they’re not required!

I have had a walking pad for 4 years, and I use it while I work, and I don’t have a standing desk!!

The cheapest option would be if you wanted to create a DIY standing desk. If you have a high-top table at home, or even just a regular desk with a few books stacked under your laptop, you’re good to go. It might not look Pinterest-perfect, but it gets the job done.

Here is what I do: If you want your desk setup to still look nice, but you don’t want to spend a fortune on an entirely new desk, I recommend using a monitor riser instead.

This is what I use, rather than buying an actual desk that raises. Monitor risers sit on your current desk and raise your laptop or monitors, keyboard, and mouse to a standing height.

They range from $30–$200+, and you can find ones big enough to hold two monitors and a keyboard like mine, or just a laptop if that is all you use.

This one here is great for just a laptop.

I personally have 2 monitors and a separate keyboard, so I use a larger one. This is the exact one I have; it comes in white, black, and wood.

Do I need to wear shoes while using a walking pad?

While this is completely up to you, yes, I would always wear shoes when walking on your under-desk treadmill. I know it is easy to turn it on and just start walking, but over time, this can cause pain and issues for your feet and shins.

If you don’t like shoes in the house, like me, I keep a pair of old tennis shoes next to my walking pad and only wear them indoors to keep things clean.

Will my steps count if I am using a walking pad?

Your Steps Won’t Track on Your Smart Watch (Unless You Do This)

When I first got my walking pad, I walked for 30 minutes and was shocked to see almost no steps recorded on my Apple Watch.

I found that this is because my arms were resting on my desk/keyboard while I worked. If you are not swinging your arms as you walk, no steps will be counted.

Solution: Strap your Fitness Watch to your ankle! I use an adjustable band that fits around my leg, and now none of my steps go to waste.

Just a note, this also applies if you’re pushing a stroller or a grocery cart. Your steps may not count unless your arms are moving. I throw on sweatpants or flared leggings and strap the watch to my ankle when I’m out and about (but I take my steps very seriously).

If you’re looking for an affordable adjustable watch band, here are some great options. Just verify the about info to make sure it is compatible with the specific watch you have.

Band for Apple Watch

Band for Garmin

Band for Fitbit

Band for Samsung Galaxy Watch

Which walking pad should I buy?

I know there are so many options of walking pads on the market these days, it can be overwhelming. When you are looking at which under-desk treadmill to buy, just note that not all walking pads are the same, so make sure you get one that fits your needs.

Ask yourself:

Will I need to move it often? If so, choose a lightweight walking pad. I personally just move it over to the side of my desk, so I don’t have to move it too far, but I would recommend a lighter walking pad in general, so you don’t use its weight as an excuse not to walk. This one here is lightweight, so it’s easier to move.
Do I want to jog or run on it? Make sure it reaches a fast enough speed. Mine maxes out at 4 mph, which is great for walking, not so much for jogging any quicker than that (which works fine if you are just using it to work from home). If you are looking to jog, this one goes up to 6.2 mph. If you are looking to go faster than that, you may need a real treadmill.
Do I want incline options? Not all models offer incline functionality, so check details before you buy. I do not have an inclined treadmill because these usually end up being heavier and harder to move. This one has incline included and goes up to 6 mph.

Do walking pads have any maintenance?

YES! This is very, very important, don’t forget to lubricate the pad!!!

This is the one thing I wish I had known sooner. I didn’t realize walking pads need regular lubrication, and I ended up burning out the motor after a year!!

To keep your walking pad in good shape, apply treadmill lubricant under the belt every few months or according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The more you use it, the more frequently you will need to lubricate. I just set a recurring reminder in my calendar to lube mine once a month.

Will I be able to focus while using a walking pad while working?

In my experience, I am actually more focused when using my waking pad. Walking in general can be a bit boring, so actually doing a task makes the time go by so much quicker!

Will I sweat using a walking pad?

This really depends on how fast you are going and how long you are walking for. Personally, I usually walk around 2.8 mph, which is on the faster side for working, and I sometimes break a sweat. I have a desk fan on my desk that helps so much (I use this one), or you can just walk a little slower.

Can I use a walking pad on carpet?

Yes, I have my walking pad on carpet, but it is not high-pile carpet. Depending on the walking pad you get, it may work fine on high-pile carpet, but if not you could get an office mat like this to avoid any issues.

In Conclusion

If you’re thinking about getting a walking pad to get more steps in, I definitely recommend it and think it is 100% worth the investment. They are also a lot more affordable than they were when they first came out. You don’t have to walk all day, and you don’t need a fancy standing desk to make it work. Even 20 minutes here and there can help you increase your daily steps. Just remember to lube the pad every month or so, and put your watch band on your ankle if you want to count your steps.

If you have any other tips, I would love to hear them!