In an age where remote work is increasingly prevalent, the need to combat sedentary lifestyles has become more pressing than ever. Enter the walking pad, a simple yet effective solution to integrate physical activity into the daily grind. Antonella Avogadro, a software engineer, is just one of many individuals who have turned to this innovative device to counteract the negative health effects associated with prolonged periods of sitting.
Avogadro, accustomed to spending most of her day tethered to her desk, manages to log an impressive 10,000 to 20,000 steps daily. On days she works from home, she begins her morning with an hour or two of walking, followed by more walking during her lunch break and her mid-afternoon slump. She attributes her ability to achieve this feat to her trusty walking pad, which not only keeps her focused but also allows her to incorporate physical activity into her busy schedule. She states, “It just helps me feel better about my day. I’m working, and I’m also dedicating some time for myself.”
The walking pad, essentially a compact treadmill without handrails that can fit comfortably in a home office, has gained immense popularity in recent months. Countless online users have extolled its virtues, with many claiming it has revolutionized their work-from-home experience. Unlike conventional treadmills, these devices are typically less powerful, with a maximum walking speed of 4 mph, and come in a wide price range, from $200 to $2,000.
Much like the standing desk before it, walking pads address the sedentary nature of remote work, allowing users to accumulate tens of thousands of steps by simply walking during meetings, phone calls, or while drafting emails. Furthermore, they are cost-effective and space-efficient, with some models foldable for easy storage when not in use.
TikTok content creator Thalia LeBlanc, who has been using her walking pad for the past six months, is effusive in her praise, even claiming that her Peloton bike has fallen into disuse due to her newfound obsession. While walking pads cannot replace intensive workouts, they offer an accessible means to add physical activity to one’s day and counteract the health risks associated with prolonged sitting.
The pandemic has accelerated the trend of remote work, with a significant portion of the workforce expected to continue working from home in 2023. However, this lifestyle shift also comes with its own set of health risks, such as musculoskeletal issues and lower back pain. The walking pad presents an opportunity to optimize one’s workday by integrating movement into previously static routines.
YouTuber Sarah Zimerman, who reviews tech products on her channel, underscores the benefits of multitasking with a walking pad. While she acknowledges some drawbacks, including a steep price tag and high electricity consumption, she asserts that her overall experience has been positive and has enhanced her work-from-home environment.
Using a walking pad to accumulate extra steps during the day contributes to NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis), a significant factor in caloric burn. With many remote workers missing out on typical NEAT activities like walking to the office or taking the stairs, a walking pad can help compensate for this loss.
However, some users have raised concerns about the concept of exercising while working, describing it as vaguely dystopian. Nonetheless, they prefer the controlled environment of the walking pad over outdoor alternatives.
In areas with limited walkability, achieving the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week can be challenging. Additionally, extreme weather conditions in some regions make outdoor strolls uncomfortable or hazardous. As a result, walking pads have become a viable option for staying active indoors.
Furthermore, users have discovered that they can use their walking pads for leisure activities, such as watching Netflix, listening to podcasts, or scrolling on their phones, making it a versatile addition to their daily routines.
However, it’s essential to approach the proliferation of walking pad content on TikTok with some skepticism. Many content creators, including those interviewed for this article, have financial incentives to promote these devices through affiliate links and brand partnerships.
Ultimately, whether a walking pad is the right addition to your work-from-home setup depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. While it may not be a perfect substitute for the walking opportunities offered by a bustling city or a job that allows periodic strolls away from your desk, it undeniably addresses the growing need among remote workers to balance work, comfort, and health.
Avogadro aptly summarizes the walking pad’s place in our evolving work environments, stating, “I think it’s also just kind of a human response to [being] forced to work from home,” highlighting our adaptability to new circumstances, for better or worse.