If you cannot get away from your desk even for a few minutes but desperately need to stick to a regular fitness routine, you need a reliable walking pad. Most of these fitness machines are often seen as flimsier counterparts of under-the-desk bikes or treadmills. But it does not always have to be like that. There are walking pads that you can use for the longer haul; they can be steady and reliable too.
Our Top Picks: Best Reliable Walking Pads
Under-desk treadmills may be king for cardiovascular machines for your standing desk.
But walking pads can offer a reliable walk or run without sacrificing too much space.
We have compiled the best brands that can help you stick to your fitness routine despite your busy schedule.
WalkingPad A1 Pro
WalkingPad A1 Pro
Weight capacity: 300 lbs
Belt size:47.2” x 22’
Dimensions: 56.5″ x 21.5″ x 5″
Speed range: 0.5 – 3.75MPH
This is a rather small treadmill that works conveniently under your standing desk. It may look meek and slim, but it has more muscles than it seems. Despite being small and compact, it has a higher weight limit. The design of this fitness machine matches almost any setting, be it in the corporate world or the home office. You can easily fold it and snuck it under the couch if need be.
It does not have an incline, but it can accommodate almost any type of walking stride. You can easily adjust the treadmill’s settings using your phone.
However keep in mind that despite having a higher weight capacity, this is meant for walking or brisk walking, you will not be able to jog or run on this foldable and compact walking pad.
It is packed with sufficient safety features that can help you walk at ease, especially if you’re with kids or pets in your home office. It has a child lock and a stop feature that can turn off the unit if someone accidentally steps on it.
Sunny Health & Fitness Walkstation SF-T7945
Weight capacity: 220 lbs
Belt size: 39” x 14”
Dimensions: 50″ X 21.5″ X 6.5″
Speed range: .5-3.75 MPH
This is petite, foldable, and easy to assemble. Though this unit is meant for shorter folks or those of average height since it has a rather shorter belt. Those with longer and wider studies and taller folks might find this too short. But if you fit in the dimensions of this fitness machine, you will find this a reliable unit that is very friendly in the knees.
It is equipped with shock absorbers that can help ease the impact once your foot hits the belt.
This, however, does not allow for much customization and this is best for walking not running. But even it has no modern conveniences, you will be able to use this for extended hours. The motor is pretty reliable, and even if it is just meant for walking, it can withstand extended use without any worries. Despite the lack of modern upgrades, it has sufficient safety features that make it safe for use in a home office with kids and pets around. The belt automatically stops if someone or something accidentally steps on the running bet.
Elseluck Walking Pad
Weight capacity: 220 lbs
Belt size: 39.3″ X 15.7″
Dimensions: 47.6″ x 20.1″ x 4.6″
Speed range: 0.6-3.8 MPH
This has a more intuitive design that beginners will love. Despite not being foldable, this is a rather compact unit that is unobtrusive even in a smaller home office space. You can easily change the setting of the walking pad with a user-friendly switch and a remote control. You don’t need to physically touch the unit to adjust the settings.
This is an ideal choice if you need a fitness machine that operates very quietly. Though not meant for running, this is very accommodating for vigorous walking.
The unit feels rather well-balanced. It is easy to stand on it or walk aggressively. The unit does have cushions, but it would have been better if it had more to it. It does have a bit of bounce to it when you’re swinging, and we think this helps keep the rhythm and add a natural cadence to your routine.
Egofit Walker Pro M1T
Weight capacity:220 lbs
Belt size: 34″x 16.54″
Dimensions: 21.9″ x 38.4″ x 6.9″
Speed range:0.5-3.1 MPH
If you need a more competitive walking pad that can offer more activity options, we recommend this. It provides an incline option so you can add more amp to your usual morning routine. Just keep in mind that the incline is fixed, you can only set the incline to either zero or 5 %, just two options. Despite the limitations, this is still a welcoming treat for those looking to add more lower-body exercise.
The nice extra features make it easy to track your steps, distance, speed, time, and calories burned. It is very quiet, so you can work out in the wee hours of the morning and not bug anyone.
However, this is more suitable for a friendly walk and not for vigorous practice.
WalkingPad C2 Folding Treadmill
Weight capacity: 220 lbs
Belt size: 47.2″x 15.7″
Dimensions: 20.4″ x 56.9″ x 4.9″
Speed range:0.5-3.72 MPH
This comes in pre-assembled, you just need to unfold it. It has a user-friendly design and you can easily control the settings of the unit with the remote control. This has a very simple and straightforward design, it doesn’t have the extra buttons so there is no learning curve.
This is used better by shorter folks and the belt might be lacking for those with longer strides.
But this is well cushioned and has good shock absorption features that can help you do your morning run without causing any knee pain. It has a four-layer running belt that can shield your knees from the impact.
Urevo Spacewalk E2
Weight capacity: 242 lbs
Belt size: : 41.3″ x 15.7″
Dimensions: 48.4″ x 19.3″ x 5″
Speed range: 0.6-4.0 MPH
This is a knee-friendly walking pad that can help you accomplish your daily walks with no pain in the joints. It has layers of shock absorbers in the belt that can help protect your knees from impact once the foot hits the belt.
This is also a budget-friendly walking pad, while not the sturdiest of the bunch, can last a long time if you are just going to use it at low to mid speed. And oh, though it does offer an automatic feature, you can quickly change the incline via remote. You can choose from three stages.
GOYOUTH 2 in 1
Weight capacity: 300 lbs
Belt size: 41.34″ x 15.75″
Dimensions: 50.5″ x 22.4″ x5.51″
Speed range: .5 to 6 MPH
This is a decent enough walking pad is suitable enough for a wider group. From beginners and those who looking for a casual walk to those who want a more sweaty session in the morning. This can be used for light to vigorous walking, jogging and running.
The belt will feel rather stable and centered. It may have a slight shift to the right if you are going to use it at the maximum speed limit though. But with. a higher max speed, you can use this for running or jogging, if you don’t mind the slight leaning to the side.
Other walking pads we’ve tested
- WalkingPad X25 Double-Fold Running Treadmill
Weight capacity: 300 lbs
Belt size: 51.9″ x 19.6″
Dimensions: 30.4″ x 60.8″ x 40.3″
Speed range: 0.5-10 MPH
This has a higher weight limit and can get a bit faster than the other waking pads above. Though this lacks the capacity to track your progress, it can be used by heavier folks and still feel rather well-balanced in the running bet. It is speedier than most walking pads and ideal if you are looking for progression in your usual routine.
It is rather friendly in the knees and joints. Those with knee issues will find this a friendlier alternative. This is quite sturdy and feels that nice balance every time you step on the bet.
- Lander Unsit Treadmill Desk
Weight capacity: 300 lbs
Belt size: 30” x 40”
Dimensions: 39″x 56″
Speed range:0.3 to 2.0 mph
If you are looking for an extra heavy-duty walking pad that can bear more wear and tear, you are looking at one right now.
This is steady, feels balanced, and operates quietly at the same time. And oh, did we mention that this features a rather wider belt that is not common on most walking pads and under-desk treadmills? It is suitable for those who have wider strides, or those who just want a wider space to walk or run. And since the belt is shorter, it does not require much vertical space, so it can be a space-saving solution. This is one of ‘em walking pads built with quality components and you can instantly feel it the moment you step on it. You can expect this workhorse to last for years to come.
- Egofit Walker Pro M2T
Weight capacity: 245 lbs
Belt size: : 17.7″ x 36.2″
Dimensions: 41.5″ x 22.8″ x 7″
Speed range: .62-3 mph
This unit can count your steps and is a good way to keep track of your progress despite the lack of modern conveniences. It can be easily managed and operated via a remote control, or you may use the app to make changes in the settings.
You can also add intensity to your morning walks. It also offers a slight incline of 3 percent, one way to add spice to your mundane routine. This may be small but for a walking pad of its size and price, you can expect more from it.
What To Consider When Getting Walking Pads for Your Standing Desk
Consider these and you can find the most suitable fitness machine to use with your standing desk.
Weight limit and capacity
Walking pads are built differently, most have a weight capacity of an average of 200-250 lbs. But if you are on the heavier side, you need a more robust walking pad that can bear more weight and withstand heavier loads, wear, and tear. Thus you need one that can bear as much as 300 lbs.
It is crucial to be aware of your weight and the maximum capacity of the walking pad. If you are 200 lbs, a walking pad with a max weight limit of 200 lbs will not suffice. You have to consider the additional force the impact of your weight has on the machine. Though most of the walking pads are meant for light walks, some have more muscles and can be used for vigorous walks or running. Ensure that it is equipped for a specific intensity before buying.
Speed Range
Walking pads with a speed range of 2 to 4 mph are often perfect for brisk walking. Most are gentle machines for casual walking, but we have also compiled a list of these fitness equipment that you can use for jogging, ranging from a speed of 6 to 10 MPH. Choose a walking pad that can match your preferred day-to-day activities and habits.
The Size of the Walking Pad
Some have a narrower running desk while others feature a longer or wider deck. Make sure to check the size of the running belt and compare it to your needs and body dimensions. It should match not only your body size but as your preference. If you have longer legs or bigger strides, you need a longer running surface. It does not make any sense to buy a walking pad that has a shorter belt.
Features and modern conveniences
This is very subjective. A manual unit may suffice the needs of those who are just in for a casual run and don’t really need to keep track of their progress. Walking pads with more features often have a higher price tag. So if you are looking for a budget-friendly unit and do not mind a manually operated machine, then you can benefit much from an entry-level walking pad.
To ensure what features you need, you can ask yourself what you need. Do you need to keep track of your morning walk? Do you have kids or pets around that you need more safety features?
Dimensions of your standing desk
These cardio machines should nicely fit under your desk. So it makes a lot of sense to consider the size of your standing desk. Or does your desk have a crossbar that can come in the way that you can hurt your knees when you are running or walking?
You should also consider how you can organize the wires and cables under the desk. It must not be dangling so that you can safely use the walking pad.
Walking pads for any fitness requirement
Walking pads are clever ways you can integrate your daily cardio exercise without really having to get away from the desk. To make the most out of it, it should serve your fitness needs and can suffice your space requirements. We have picked reliable brands that don’t satisfy the small free space you have under the desk but can be your cardio partner for the longer haul.
