Skip gym memberships and reach your step goal with an affordable walking pad

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When it comes to cutting costs in your life, you shouldn’t have to give up the hobbies and habits that you love simply to save some money. Some of those activities aren’t just for enjoyment. They actually make your life better. For instance, a gym membership might not seem like a necessity, but working out provides a plethora of benefits that do more than just help you look good. A quick cardio session or weight lifting workout can enhance your cardiovascular health, build bone density and muscle, help reduce stress, boost your mood and energy levels, and even help you sleep better. On the other hand, gym memberships can be quite costly these days, and as beneficial as the fitness and socialization aspects of it can be, more and more folks are turning to at-home workouts or working out outdoors as a way to save on that monthly membership fee that quickly adds up. On average, basic gyms start at around $40 a month, but more elite facilities can easily require between $70 to $100 per month just for basic amenities. In a year, that can add up to a whopping $480 on the low end and $1200 on the high end. As beneficial as working out can be, it certainly doesn’t seem to be worth that much.

These days, working out at home is easier than ever. Life during the COVID pandemic certainly brought about creativity when it came to getting your heart rate up at home — there are tons of free, online YouTube series with step-by-step instructions for everything from HIIT workouts to core and pilates. But for folks who love a good cardio session, there are a few ways to really replicate that at home if you want to stay indoors — until now. In the past few years, more and more fitness folks have been turning to walking pads to get their steps in, burn some calories, and even complete an inclined walk or run. Although very similar to a treadmill, walking pads are more compact and portable, making them easier to use in small-spaces, and they’re far more affordable than a treadmill. They often have no handrails or a screen console, relying on remotes or control apps, but they’re great for working from home since many can be used under a desk while you work. Walking pads can hit impressive speeds, albeit not as much as a treadmill, but many models still hit up to 4.0 mph and have incline features that allow you to get a good workout in. Most importantly, they store very easily, so when you’re not using it, you can simply stow it away in a closet or under a piece of furniture. 

With so many different models on the market, there’s no better time to find the right walking pad for your needs and your price range. It can be tricky, however, shopping for the right one since many of them all look the same, but that’s why we’re here to help. By breaking down the different kinds of walking pads to choose from, and how to know if they’re right for you, you can make the best choice that’ll have you saying “sayonara” to your gym membership, saving you hundreds per year, and have you enjoying your workout time right in the comfort of your home. 

Under-desk walking pads

Some would say the growing popularity of walking pads started with the under-desk models. Driven by work-from-home culture during the COVID pandemic, which has continued on even after many folks have returned to in-office spaces, under-desk walking pads are praised for keeping people active during a traditionally sedentary time. Under-desk walking pads can combat the risks of excessive sitting, which have been linked to heart disease and obesity. Regular use can improve circulation, lower resting blood pressure, and boost metabolism, even while operating at only 1 to 2 miles per hour. Instead of sitting in an office chair for eight hours, you can work and work out at the same time, getting your steps in as you write emails, finish assignments, file documents, and tackle other important tasks. Many models simply slide under standing desks and operate at low noise levels so you can walk and work at once with little to no distraction. 

Abonow Under-Desk Walking Pad

Costway 2-in-1 Folding Under-Desk Treadmill

Walking pads with an incline

Not all walking pads have incline technology, but the ones that do can vary in how much of an incline they can adjust to. The common range is between 5% and 12%, although there are models that fall below or above that in special cases. The one thing to know is that walking pads with incline capabilities aren’t always easy to store because they are heavier and thicker, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for something that you want to be able to put away after use.

Walking in itself is great exercise, but incline walking offers a lot more health benefits. You can burn more calories, sometimes double what you would compared to walking on a flat road, better strengthen your glutes and calves, and overall get a great workout in without unnecessary strain or pressure on your joints. Incline walking is a great high-intensity, low-impact workout, meaning you can get your heart rate up at maximum cardiovascular and muscular effort the way a HIIT workout does, without jumping or intense pressure on your knees, ankles, and hips. 

Treaflow Incline Walking Pad

KikiBriz 4-in-1 Walking Pad with Incline

Walking pads for running

It might seem like an oxymoron, but there are walking pads that have capabilities for running and jogging. Most walking pads have speeds that range between 0.5 or 1 mph up to 4 mph and are specifically designed for brisk walking and jogging, but certain models have the capacity to go up to speeds as fast as 7.5 mph. With models that go that fast, you’re more than able to run on the walking pad, but you need to be careful.

Unlike treadmills, walking pads have shorter, narrower belts, so you might not be able to hit as wide or long of a stride as you would outdoors or on a treadmill belt. Walking pads also have smaller, less powerful motors, so high-impact running can cause wear and tear more quickly over time. This isn’t to say you have to avoid running on the right models, but these are some safety precautions to keep in mind when you do. If you find that you’ll be running more than walking, then a treadmill might be a better option for you in the long run. However, if you’re someone who just likes to work a quick run in between walking every once in a while, you’re more than able to with the right walking pad. 

Joxir Walking Pad and Treadmill

Robore Walking Pad

Walking pads with high-weight capacity

None of us are built the same, but weight differences shouldn’t keep anyone from getting active when they want to. Most walking pads on average have a weight limit around 220 pounds, but there are models that can hold more. A lot of newer models are able to hold more weight, now up to 300 and 400 pounds. Walking pads with a high-weight capacity will have a more robust motor and better structural durability so that you can get the best workout possible. Most brands advertise weight limits in the product description, so read carefully before clicking. 

Funmily Upgraded Walking Pad

DeerRun Urban Plus Walking Pad

Walking pads with special features

Walking pads aren’t treadmills, but they certainly can come with a lot of the features that treadmills are known for — plus a few more. Many are being designed with Bluetooth capabilities, allowing you to sync your workout data to apps like Apple Health or Google Fit. You can also connect your phone to play your own music sans headphones in some models, while others feature folding handles and rails with LED display screens that show off your mileage, workout length, calories burned, and speed. Some walking pads offer coaching through special apps that become available to you with your purchase, and others are becoming multi-functional. With the rise of vibration plates, there are many models that double as a walking pad and a vibration plate, and others that are two-sided to allow walking or jogging on one side and massage capabilities on the other. It certainly can come at a cost, but all the extra fun is well worth it for many shoppers — and a lot of those special features aren’t even available in the equipment at your local gym. 

Redliro 2-in-1 Walking Pad With LED Display

Simpfree Walking Pad and Foot Massage Pad

Is a walking pad right for you?

Walking pads aren’t a one-stop solution for every workout you may want to participate in, but they can be an effective way to still get your workout in and save money on gym fees when you feel like they’re bleeding you dry. Every little bit counts sometimes, and when you’re strapped for cash, small changes like opting for at-home workouts over gym sessions can make all the difference. A walking pad workout certainly can’t mimic the socialization aspect of a pilates class or spin group, but if the only reason you’re forking out $50 a month to go to the local gym is to get a solo sweat session in, with so many different options and models with various features, you might want to consider investing in one. In the long run, it’ll save you hundreds.