Are Walking Pads Worth It? Benefits, Drawbacks & Real Results

In an era where sedentary lifestyles dominate, finding time for exercise has become a universal challenge. Walking pads are now the go-to pick for people who barely have time for a workout. Instead of squeezing in a gym session, you can slide a walking pad under your desk or place it in your living room. But, the question is, are walking pads worth it? Do walking pads really burn calories and support fitness the way people claim?

In the following sections, we will answer all your queries, such as the benefits, drawbacks, practical results, and whether this innovative tool is a smart addition to your lifestyle.

Unlike traditional treadmills, walking pads are compact, space-saving, and intended to fit under desks or under beds, making them ideal for home use and the office.

A good walking pad feature

• Slim profile
• Two variants, folding and non-folding body
• Mostly lightweight
• Easy to store
• Offers a moderate speed limit from 0.5 to 6 mph
• Silent operation

In a nutshell, a walking pad is ideal for people who don’t have much time for the gym or other healthy activities, as it doesn’t require a dedicated room or bulky equipment.

Walking pads have become a staple for people with limited time and are versatile. These are beneficial because:

Ideal for Small Spaces

Walking pads are lightweight due to their small size. Some of them have a folding feature that lets you slide them under your desk, bed, or closet. Furthermore, the built-in wheels make transportation easy.

Stay Active During Office Hours

One of the key reasons for using a walking pad is that they are beneficial during your office hours. You can keep up your walking pace while replying to the office emails.

Promotes Better Health and Weight Loss

Consistent walking helps improve heart rate, support weight loss, reduce stress, and maintain blood sugar levels. It makes it easy to stay consistent because you don’t have to step outside or set aside time separately.

Easy on Joints

The walking pads are designed with a softer surface, cushioning, and layers that minimize knee impact, hip strain, and lower back strain. As walking does not require specific guidelines, kids, adults, seniors, and beginners can use it at their ease.

Quiet Operations

Most walking pads are designed for quiet operation even at moderate speeds. This is helpful if you use it during work hours or when you have sleeping kids.

Boost Productivity

Prolonged sitting can lead to obesity, stiffness, and heart issues. A walking pad helps reduce sedentary lifestyle risks and improves focus and energy levels.

Budget-Friendly Gym Equipment

Compared to a full-size treadmill, a walking pad costs a fraction. The main benefit is to keep you steady, with low-impact movement, without spending a considerable amount or buying bulky equipment.

Low Maintenance

Walking pads do not require much maintenance as they are not heavy to upkeep. However, occasional belt alignment and lubrication are necessary and require minimal effort.

The debate between walking pads vs treadmills can leave you in a dilemma, because many people are unaware of the differences between the two types of gym equipment.

Before getting deeper, you should be aware of how they stack up against a regular treadmill, as both machines help you burn calories by functioning differently.

Here is a walking pad vs treadmill comparison.

Although the purpose of both treadmills and walking pads is to keep you active indoors, they offer a different experience, depending on your fitness goals, workout type, and space.

If you want an affordable walking pad, we recommend the Merach Novawalk W50 Trekpad, the solid choice for everyone looking to stay active at home.

Its treadmill-grade 3.5HP peak motor and 12% auto incline are its standout features, supporting longer home sessions. With its quiet motor, its presence is seamless, so you can use it during your work hours, early mornings, and even late at night. It is slim and stores easily under your bed or sofa, making it a beginner-friendly walking pad.

In a nutshell, it is well-balanced home gym equipment, offering both professionalism and stability. With this, you can reach your fitness goals easily.

To make it even simpler, here is a quick guide to help you decide.

Buy a Walking Pad if: When you want your body movement in flexible hours When you have limited storage Work long hours and are glued to your desk Want to have a quiet machine When you are a beginner and want to start with low-impact movement When you are on a budget

Buy a Treadmill if: You run regularly Want incline training Already used to working out intensively Have space for a treadmill

Although walking pads have become go-to gym equipment due to their portability and convenience, like everything else, they are not perfect. Here are a few places where a walking pad falls short.

Limited Speed Range

Walking pads are usually designed to engage your body through light movement. It might not be suitable for people whose goals require fast-paced sessions, as it rarely exceeds 4-6 mph, which is not ideal for intense cardio.

Running Space is Limited

Although it is great for space-saving, it limits walking space, which is not ideal for people with long strides or users who require extra room.

Less Cushioning

Walking pads usually offer minimal shock absorption compared to treadmills, which can affect knees, ankles, and lower backs with time.

Not for Intense Workout

A walking pad is a low-impact exercise equipment that engages your body in light movements. If your goal is strength training, incline running, or HIIT, then this is not for you.

Weight Restriction

They have a low weight limit; the maximum a walking pad for a heavy person can bear is around 400-450 lbs. It can be challenging for some people because their motors usually have 3.5 to 4 HP, which is insufficient.

Lacks Incline Options

Many walking pads lack an incline adjustment, which prevents intense uphill stimulation.

As you consider whether a walking pad is a worthwhile investment for your lifestyle, several questions may arise. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled answers to the most common queries about functionality, benefits, and real-world usage.

Q1: Are walking pads actually beneficial?

Yes, walking pads are good for health as they combat the adverse effects of a sedentary lifestyle for extended working hours.

Q2: What are the disadvantages of a walking pad?

With all the benefits a walking pad offers, its pitfall could be limited speed and incline options. The maximum speed a walking pad can achieve is 6 km/h, and 10% incline only.

Q3: Does a walking pad count as walking?

Yes, a walking pad is just like a treadmill, but a compact version that can help you stay fit and healthy, especially if you don’t have time to hit the gym.

Q4: How long should you walk on a walking pad?

There is no specific recommendation for the duration, as it depends on the fitness level. However, starting with 15 to 20 minutes at a comfortable pace and increasing it with time and gradually motion, bringing it to 45 to 60 minutes per session, is good as your body will adapt to it.

Q5: Can I lose weight from walking on a walking pad?

Yes, you can lose weight with a walking pad. However, the key is to stay consistent and increase your sessions over time. A 30-minute brisk walk can burn around 150-260 calories, depending on your body weight and type.

For most people, yes, walking pads are absolutely worth it, especially for heavy users, as they offer low-impact training and movement. Even at a slow pace, you can keep your body active, burn calories, and improve circulation without feeling worn out afterward. This makes them an excellent option for anyone who struggles with long hours of sitting or wants a simple way to add steady movement into their day.

The Merach Novawalk W50 Trekpad is the best walking pad that supports weight loss goals, helps break stiff or inactive routines, and boosts energy levels throughout the day. They are beginner-friendly and easy to use; you don’t need any special fitness background to get started.