Many people swear by to stay healthy. But some don’t find the time and wish they had a treadmill at home — which often remains a distant dream owing to price and space constraints. Enter walking pads, a small, compact, lightweight gadget designed for gentle or very low-intensity jogging. Wondering what they are, and how different are they from a treadmill? We have all the answers!
“Walking pads are designed to be easily used in small areas. They are perfect for people with limited room because they are usually foldable, and can be easily hidden under furniture when not in use,” said Dr Neha Badgujar, head physiotherapist, Manipal Hospital, Baner – .
In contrast to conventional treadmills, which are bigger and have high running speed, walking pads — also known as under-desk or mini-treadmills — offer settings that can support moderate to high-intensity cardiac workouts. “The main differences between treadmills and walking pads can be observed in their features and designs. Treadmills come equipped with like heart rate monitors and incline changes, and are designed to accommodate a variety of physical activities, from walking to vigorous running,” said Dr Badgujar.
Walking pads, on the other hand, are generally limited to lower speeds (around 2-4 mph), making them suitable for walking rather than running, said Dr Hitesh Garg, head, ortho spine surgery, Artemis Hospitals. “Also, treadmills offer a wider range of speeds and are designed for both walking and running, making them bulkier and more powerful,” added Dr Garg.
Walking pads have a simplified design with a flat surface and often lack handrails or an inclined feature. “Traditional treadmills are bulkier, with larger belts, handrails, and often include inclines for more intense workouts,” mentioned Dr Garg.
Thus, walking pads provide a straightforward, practical choice for walking at a leisurely pace or modest exercise, free of more functions. “The use of walking pads can help with weight control, cardiovascular health, mood and energy improvement, achieving daily walking goals and encouraging physical exercise by breaking sedentary spells,” said Dr Badgujar.
Walking pads offer low-impact movement, which is easier on the joints in comparison to running on traditional treadmills. According to Dr Garg, for people with joint pain, arthritis, or post-surgical recovery, walking pads provide a gentle way to stay active without exacerbating joint discomfort or risking injury.
Regular walking on a walking pad can help improve joint mobility and maintain flexibility, especially in the hips and knees. “This is important for people who spend long periods sitting, as it helps counteract stiffness and promotes healthy circulation,” said Dr Garg.
Due to ease of use, people tend to use devices more frequently, which makes it simpler to fit regular exercise into daily routines—even in small spaces or with a hectic schedule. “Consistent use of walking pads helps in improving posture, as you are often upright while multitasking. Maintaining proper alignment while walking can reduce the strain on the spine and improve muscle balance,” said Dr Garg.
What more?
For those recovering from orthopedic surgeries or injuries, walking pads can serve as an accessible and controlled way to reintroduce movement, stressed Dr Garg. “The lower speeds and simplicity make them ideal for gradual rehabilitation,” said Dr Garg.
While this may trend look tempting to stay active it may not be suitable for everyone. “The walking desk can pose various life-threatening risks,” cautioned Dr Anup Khatri, senior consultant, orthopedics, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, .
It can significantly increase the risk of injuries, fractures, slips, and falls, as you can easily get distracted while working and walking on a treadmill. “It can also make it difficult to concentrate on your work like typing, reading, or writing due to frequent leg movements. For some people, it can cause extreme back, knee, and foot pain or strain if the right posture is not maintained,” noted Dr Khatri.
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