Do Walking Pads Live Up To The Hype? I put two to the test

Walking pads, or under-desk treadmills, have been in the area of ​​health technology for the past few years, as they are ideal for logging your steps while working and without leaving your home, which is very helpful on rainy days. They generally take up less space than a the treadmill.

As CNET’s local fitness expert who also reviews treadmills, I was curious to see how the walking pads held up and whether they would help me keep up my step count. I was sent two different models to test, and this is my experience putting them in their respective categories.

My experience testing treadmills is under the desk

I watched a little how fast these instruments can go. I thought under-desk treadmills were rated at 3 mph, but the treadmills I tested can go up to 5 (Egofit) and 6 mph (Costway). That’s the speed of running or jogging for other people, so it’s something to consider if you plan to have one.

Although I don’t have a proper ergonomic desk set up to use the under-desk treadmill while I work, I was able to use it on its own while answering emails on my phone and listening to a podcast. I enjoyed being able to find some steps while doing some work. It made me feel very productive and I was able to do all this without leaving my home.

I aimed to hop on the under-desk treadmill for at least half an hour on days I didn’t go to the gym or when I had free time. I tend to walk at a brisk pace — I guess that’s the New Yorker in me — which made walking under the desk feel more like a power walk than a leisurely stroll. If I were using the treadmill as I was working on my laptop, I’m sure I would have slowed it down to more like normal walking.

While there are many different types of under-desk printers to choose from, I can only share my thoughts on the two I’ve had the chance to try. Below is a quick list of each under-desk treadmill, who it’s best for and what to expect.

Love

• Low arrival

• A small profile

• A smooth belt

Don’t like it

• Short tread belt

• The design can be very stylish

• Fast speeds are questionable without support

The Egofit ComfortDesk-M2 under-desk treadmill is considered a mini under-desk treadmill, which may matter if you are limited in space. I found it easy to set up once you take it out of the box, and it has wheels on the front, so it’s easy to move around. The tread belt is smooth and not too noisy when on, and features a comfortable honeycomb deck cushioning that provides a soft landing and is easy on the knees. It comes with a remote control, which allows you to increase or decrease the speed or stop the machine.

The LED digital screen is located on the front of the treadmill and displays the speed, steps, time, distance and calories burned during the session. One thing I noticed that might be a problem for some people is that the tread is on the short side, so if you’re tall and take a long step, you might feel like you’re going to slip. I’m short and I’ve had a few situations where I had to remember how many steps to take.

I wouldn’t recommend running on a treadmill like this because it can be dangerous, and there’s nothing to hold on to if you lose your footing. If you are someone who has balance issues, I would avoid under-desk treadmills because they can put you at risk of falling. However, this can be a suitable option if you are looking for a treadmill to walk around while taking calls or running errands. It also has a constant 5% incline, so it’s more challenging because it feels like you’re going uphill a bit.

Some of the under-desk treadmills we’ve reviewed

Love

• Beauty will look good in the office or living room

• Perfect for tall people

Don’t like it

• The belt is not smooth

• Stopping suddenly is not good if you are standing still

• The belt makes a loud noise when in use

Aesthetically, the Costway treadmill looks great and would fit in well in a home office, but the quality wasn’t my favorite. Unlike the Egofit treadmill, the Costway tread is flat, with wood on the edges. It also has wheels on the front and an LED screen with speed, calories burned, time and distance. It comes with a remote control so you can adjust the speed of the treadmill.

The first thing I noticed is that the tread belt is long, making it ideal for tall people. The downside is that this treadmill is much louder than I would like when in use. It squeaks and sounds like it needs oiling (the kind to keep it in good shape if you have a treadmill). I also found myself thinking I was going to fly away from it because the low speed felt faster than you would expect. The belt itself is not smooth, which made me feel comfortable walking on it. Compared to the Egofit, it lacked cushioning, so I wouldn’t rely on it for long walks.

What surprised me was that this treadmill went up to 6 mph, which I thought was fast for an under-desk treadmill. I wouldn’t feel comfortable picking up speed on the Coastway without having to grease the belt, which improved the feel. However, I still think it’s dangerous because when I stop the treadmill it suddenly stops, even if it’s going slowly, you have to brace yourself. This treadmill can work if you plan to keep it at a very low speed (1 mph or less) and use a standing desk for extra support.

Is it worth buying an under-desk treadmill?

If you want to sneak in some steps and exercise at home, an under-desk treadmill is not a bad option. It comes in handy when you don’t have time to go outside or hit the gym. These also take up less space than a regular treadmill and can often be stored under a couch or bed. But if you have balance issues, I would reconsider buying it because it has no support and could be a risk of falling.

If you are looking to get more out of your treadmill, I would recommend investing in a full size model. I would also like to check the reviews. There are so many under-desk treadmills out there now, you want to make sure you’re investing in one that’s smooth, quiet and fits your needs.

What to consider when buying an under-desk treadmill

When shopping for an under-desk treadmill there are things you should consider before purchasing.

• Size: Make sure the under-desk treadmill fits well in your home. Some treadmills have a narrow frame, while others have a long deck. And you can easily store the rest away under your bed or sofa when not in use.
• Belt Length: If you are tall, choose a treadmill with a long belt. Some are short and may not be suitable for you. Additionally, consider whether you would like the treadmill to be slightly inclined or completely flat.
• Speed: Some under-desk treadmills can go up to 6 mph, so make sure you’re comfortable with the speed settings.
• Sound: You will want to consider the noise level of the treadmill, as some are quieter than others.
• Features: Some treadmills have unique features and settings, while others are very basic. Most come with a remote control so you can easily control the speed and stop if you want.
• Security: Unlike a traditional treadmill, most under-desk treadmills do not have handles or safety rails to hold on to. Therefore, it may not be the right choice for you if you have balance issues.