Staying active while at work or studying can sometimes feel like an impossible task, especially if you're having to sit at a desk all day. Between zoom meetings or university deadlines, it’s easy to fall into a sedentary routine.
The good news is that there are more ways than ever to incorporate movement into your workday without even needing to leave your workspace. And one of the most trending products right now is an under-desk walking pad.
Never heard of one? An under-desk walking pad is simply a compact, low-speed treadmill designed to fit under a standing desk, allowing you to walk while working. Pretty cool, right?
Unlike traditional treadmills, which are designed for running or high-intensity workouts, under-desk walking pads are built for gentle, low-impact walking at speeds typically ranging from 0.5 to 4 mph.
Benefits of Using an Under Desk Walking Pad
Some key benefits you’ll reap from using an under-desk walking pad include increased daily movement, enhanced productivity and a better focus. Let’s look at these, and others, in more detail:
1. Increased Daily Movement
The first and most obvious benefit of getting a walking pad under your desk is that they will help break up sedentary time by keeping you moving throughout the day. This is especially beneficial if your job is desk-based and you’re required to sit for long periods of time.
Did you know that sitting for long hours is linked to serious health risks, like obesity, heart disease, and chronic back pain? This is why it is highly recommended to take breaks and stay active while working.
The most convenient part about using a walking pad is that you’re still getting your steps in but you’re not disrupting your workflow or taking time off, allowing you to prioritise both productivity and well-being.
2. It Can Boost Productivity and Focus
If you’ve read any of our other articles around the topic of active working, you’ll know that sitting, especially for long periods of time can lead to fatigue.
Light movement, however, keeps the brain engaged, and studies have actually shown that gentle physical activity like walking can enhance cognitive function, memory, and problem-solving skills.
Walking while working can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which can be super beneficial if you’ve got a fast-paced or generally stressful job/ working environment.
3. They Complement a Standing Desk Setup
A walking pad works best when paired with a height-adjustable standing desk, which if you’ve been living under a rock and don’t already know, are standing desks that allow you to alternate between sitting and standing.
This combination of sitting, standing or walking can really transform your workspace into a more ergonomic and health-conscious environment.
Browse our range of premium standing desks here, and for help on choosing the perfect standing desk for you, feel free to give our experts a call on 020 8064 0600.
4. They Are Less-Bulky Than Treadmills
Unlike bulky treadmills, under-desk walking pads are especially designed to be compact, lightweight, and easy to store.
Many models are small enough to slide under furniture or be tucked away when not in use, making them a great solution for small home offices.
Due to their design, normal treadmills might struggle fitting under a desk, unlike walking pads that slot easily underneath.
Who Might an Under Desk Walking Pad Not Be Suitable For?
While under-desk walking pads offer many benefits, they may not be the right fit for everyone.
For example, if you have a job that requires steady hands and precise control, like a graphic designer, using a walking pad while working might be a bit of a challenge. may be more challenging while walking.
A walking pad might also not be a good idea in work environments that require absolute silence, because even though many modern walking pads are designed to be quiet, they still produce some level of noise (and so do footsteps).
If your office is compact or shared with multiple people, finding enough space for both the pad and its storage can be a challenge.
One solution to these issues that you might want to consider is to use a sit-stand stool, which provides a middle ground between sitting and standing, allowing users to take pressure off their legs while maintaining an upright posture.
Browse our range of ergonomic sit-stand stools here at Friska Desk, including the Younit Sit-Stand Stool and the Cloonch Sit-Stand stool. Learn more about the benefits of sit-stand stools, here.
Why a Standing Desk is the Perfect Companion for a Walking Pad
We wouldn’t recommend using a walking pad with a normal desk, as this can cause serious strain on your back, as you’ll have to reach down to use your desk while walking.
This is why a standing desk is the perfect companion for a walking pad as it allows you to easily adjust the height of your desk to suit your standing position, helping maintain an ergonomic posture and ensuring you're at the right angle for typing and using your monitor.
By using a height adjustable standing desk, you can easily change the height of your desk to suit your standing position.
Looking for a Quality Standing Desk for Your Walking Pad?
Check out our full collection of standing desks, available for next working day delivery if ordered by 3pm.
Our desks come with a comprehensive 10 year warranty and price guarantee, as well as access to a UK-based customer service team to answer any questions that you might have around our products and installation service.
Otherwise, our standing desk news page provides more useful tips on using a standing desk and ergonomic accessories for a more balanced lifestyle.
Any questions? Please get in touch with our experts via our enquiry form on our site, or on 020 8064 0600.