Who still uses their walking pad? Progress / durability reports wanted!

[TheCentreCannotHold]

I'm looking to buy a walking pad (much prefer walking outside but currently have caring responsibilities which make it hard for me to be out of the house regularly for longer periods).

There are lots of threads from earlier on in the year with posters buying walking pads to support New Year weightloss. I'm just wondering how the walking pads have held up to regular use? Is your walking pad still going strong after 8 or 9 months (or longer) and not falling apart? If so, I would love to hear which brands you recommend.

My top 3 nice-to-haves would be a quiet(-ish) motor, the possibility to set a small incline and a top in excess of 7mph.

Treadmills are designed to run and walk on and walking pads are generally a lot smaller and slower so walking is pretty much all they are designed for.

Walking pads are slightly different. Same job though.

@HumanbyDesign , I was thinking similarly when I looked into these pads at the beginning of the year, however they are quite distinct from treadmills. Where treadmills are traditionally used for running, typically relatively large in footprint, with hand rails, and typically a screen/ monitor, another key point of difference, would be that treadmills wouldn't ordinarily fit under a desk.

The pads discussed in this thread, are compact, they don't have hand rails, nor do they have monitors or big screens. They are a motorised pad on the floor, which can fit under a computer desk/ table. They have very limited speeds, they wouldn't be suitable for running, although a brisk walk might be possible. The intention is that, if desirable, it is possible to continue working whilst walking, whether that's reading, word-processing, or even having a phone call/ video meeting.

The pad offers the opportunity to remain active and on one's feet throughout the working day. Once an optimal pace has been found, it should be possible to complete traditionally sedentary, desk-based assignments whilst stood up and on the move. Although not impossible, it could prove challenging trying to comfortably and safely complete the aforementioned desk based activities on a treadmill. Additionally a treadmill would likely preclude the use of sit-stand desk or any desk really.

Just revisiting this in the hope it might attract attention. I'm still on the fence but remain curious!

Interesting to hear opinions, I’ve been tempted for the days I work from home, and have spotted a few on marketplace!

I am still using mine. I got it in January and it has really helped me reach my target of 8k steps a day. Previously I was only doing 5k.

I've always wanted a walking pad too but am not sure if it would be ok to use on a carpet? Also worried that I'd trip and shoot off the edge mid teams meeting!

@TheCentreCannotHold did you buy a walking pad in the end?
Looking for recommendations in the hope of getting a black Friday deal.

I went for a second hand proper treadmill. What's massively now obvious to me is that I have the balance of an over excited toddler with their shoes on the wrong feet so I really rely on holding on to something for stability.

@watchuswreckthemic ah. I hadn't thought about the balance thing. I'm rather clumsy.

@Rowgtfc72 No, not yet. Like you I'm building up to it... I've got pretty good balance, and definitely don't have the space for it, so a regular treadmill is off the menu for me. I have seen a walking pad with a folding balance bar though; I think it's by the brand 'Walking Pad', it looked nice and compact while still offering the support of a hand rail.

My balance isn't great but I think having a walking pad has improved it. When I started I only felt confident using it at 2.4mph but now I am up to 3mph whilst also typing on mumsnet. In fact I don't allow myself to use social media unless I am using my walking pad! It is also great that I can just store it under my bed. Not sure about using it on carpet though as our floors are wood.

Just popping back to say I got one! Highly recommended. Used by at least one member of the family every day so far -6 weeks in.

I got a Walking Pad Z1 in the end. It is very compact and folds away if required. It is surprisingly quiet, which is a relief. The top speed of 6.5 km/h is plenty (I'd originally worried it would be too slow as I'm a fast walker, but now I've tried it, I realise I was way off in my estimation of how fast I walk!).

Both DC (tw/eens) use it quite safely. It means DC1 (ASD) is getting some exercise even when not wanting to leave the house.

Hi @TheCentreCannotHold how is your walking pad going ? I'm about to purchase and looking online is a complete minefield, my ASD son will love it too (also tween). I just don't know if I should get when with the bar. I do have space in my house but not for an obtrusive object!

I don't think many people know what a walking pad is!

@Eaglemom if you research walking pads there's quite a few out there. Some don't last. Some have handles/bars . Some don't. Some have incline. Some don't! It's a bit of a mind boggle but a lot of people do know what one is.

I can report that it's still going and I use it most days. Mine doesn't have a bar, which makes it a bit more versatile in as much as I'm able to put it half-way under a desk, for instance, and do some work on a laptop while I walk. I do think it's easily in the top three purchases of the last 12 months. Both DC still use it sporadically. I thought about building a small incline-ramp as I've seen people do on YouTube, but not sure it's actually very good for the motor of the pad which would have to work quite a bit harder even at just a few % incline. But honestly, just walking on the flat is still really good. I can get half my steps in by the time I leave for work some days. I recommend getting one!

Thank you so so much for your quick report back! By that time I purchased a Urevo incline one off Amazon which had good reviews on Amazon and on other websites and awaiting its arrival! Thanks again!

You'll love it. With hindsight, I should probably have got one with capacity for working at an incline too.
Enjoy!

Thank you @TheCentreCannotHold I do like the design of the z1 but when I looked in to incline versions they got a bit pricier. The one I got in the past was £279, then £199 and Amazon had some voucher code so £129! I'm not sure for that price if it'll be flimsy etc which is why (like you) it's good to have feedback on users who have used it over 3-6 months to see the longevity! I'll let you know how I get on!