Should you consider an under-desk walking pad? Here's what you need to know!

Suddenly, it’s 5 pm and you check your watch to find you’re way below your step goal for the day. The dark and rainy evenings are threatening their return, which will make it that much tougher to do your exercise for the day!

Experiences like this led me to order one of the well-hyped walking pads that are trending at the moment. Don’t get me wrong, when given the choice, a walk in nature will always trump a treadmill! But if you’re like me, a quick lunchtime walk just won’t cut it, when you’re spending most of the work day sitting at a desk.

How does it work?

Walking pads are straightforward and easy to use. It is delivered to your door, and ready for use once it’s unpacked from the box. Simply roll it underneath your desk, plug it in and turn it on! Carefully step on your walking pad and select the speed you desire. Many go up to 10 km/h, but we recommend playing it safe and sticking to the 1-3 km range while working.

Do I need a standing desk?

While a standing desk would provide the perfect set-up for a walking pad, you might find committing to both a standing desk and a walking pad a bit daunting or not financially feasible – we hear you! After forking out for a walking pad, I decided a ‘makeshift’ standing desk would do. You can find a “bed tray” online for about £10 and pop it on top of your regular desk. There are also “standing desk converters”, however, these are a bit pricier at the £100+ mark.

What are the benefits?

Stay active and keep moving while you’re at work.
If you track your daily steps, this is one quick way of reaching your goal.
Makes your workday more enjoyable, and even relaxing.
Can help you focus and improve productivity.
May help with weight loss by burning additional calories throughout the day. Remember to incorporate this as part of an overall healthy lifestyle with a good-quality, varied diet.
Regular walking can help lower cholesterol levels.
Sitting down less and moving more can reduce your risk of poor health from inactivity. The NHS recommends adults sit down less throughout the day, including at work.¹
Movement is good for your gut and can help improve bloating and constipation.²

Are under-desk walking pads worth it?

In my opinion – absolutely! After 2 weeks of using my walking pad, I feel it is one of the best investments I have made. I leave work each evening with my “standing desk” and walking pad set up and ready to go for the next morning. This means no early morning motivation or thinking is required. By leaving it on the lowest speed I find I have 10,000 steps done before 11 am! I feel really productive from first thing in the morning when I’m using the walking pad and have stopped feeling that internal “pressure” of trying to be more active. The main benefit that I hadn’t considered when purchasing, is the huge mood boost I have felt each morning after a few minutes of walking – you can’t put a price on good mood!

If it fits within your budget, walking pads are definitely worth the investment! A walking pad is a great start if you’re looking to make your day less sedentary. Let us know what you think!

Looking for more ways to keep fit? Check out 5 Winter-Friendly Ways to Get Outdoors.

Questions? Feel free to get in touch with our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays, to have your questions answered!