Do walking pads live up to the hype? I put two to the test

Walking pads, or under-desk treadmills, have been in the health tech spotlight over the past few years, because they’re great for getting your steps in while working and without leaving your home, which is especially useful on rainy days. They also usually take up less space Treadmill.

As CNET’s resident fitness expert who also tests treadmills, I was curious to see how the treadmills held up and whether they could help me keep up my step count. I was sent two different models to test, and this is my experience putting them through their paces.

My experience testing under desk grinders

I underestimated how fast these mills could go. I assumed the under-desk treadmills had a speed of 3 mph, but the treadmills I tested could go up to 5 (Egofit) and 6 mph (Costway). This is considered a jogging or jogging pace for some people, so it should be taken into consideration if you plan to have one.

Although I don’t have an ergonomic desk suitable for using an under-desk treadmill while working, I’ve been able to use it on its own while answering emails on my phone and listening to podcasts. I enjoyed being able to take some steps while also doing some work. It made me feel extra productive and I was able to do all of this without leaving my house.

I aimed to jump on the treadmills under the desk for at least half an hour on days when I didn’t go to the gym or when I had free time. I tend to walk at a fast pace — I guess it’s the New Yorker in me — which makes walking on the treadmill under the desk feel more like a quick stroll than a leisurely stroll. If I were using the treadmill while working on my laptop, I’m sure I would reduce the speed to accommodate a casual stroll.

Although there are many different under desk treadmills to choose from, I can’t help but share my thoughts on the two machines I had the opportunity to try. Here’s a quick rundown of each under-desk treadmill, which ones are best, and what to expect.

He loves

• Padded landing

• Small profile

• Soft belt

Don’t like

• Short tread belt

• The design could be more elegant

• Speed ​​is questionable without support

The Egofit ComfortDesk-M2 Under Desk Treadmill is a small under desk treadmill, which may be important if you have limited space. I found it easy to set up right out of the box, and it has wheels on the front, so it’s easy to move around. The tread belt is smooth and not too high when engaged, and features comfortable honeycomb padding that provides a soft, easy landing on the knees. It comes with a remote control, which allows you to increase or decrease the speed or stop the device.

The digital LED display is located at the front base of the treadmill and displays speed, steps, time, distance and calories burned during the session. One thing I noticed that might be an issue for some people is that the tread is on the shorter side, so if you’re tall and have a longer stride, it may feel like you’re going to slip. I’m short and had a few instances where I had to be aware of how long I took a step.

I don’t recommend running on a treadmill like this because it can be risky, and there’s nothing to hold on to if you lose your footing. If you are someone who has balance issues, I would avoid using under desk treadmills as they may put you at risk for falling. However, this may be a suitable option if you are looking for a treadmill for casual walking while making calls or doing some work. It also has a constant 5% incline, so it’s more challenging because you feel like you’re walking uphill a bit.

Other under-desk treadmills we’ve tested

He loves

• Aesthetically, it will look beautiful in the office or living room

• Ideal for taller people

Don’t like

• The belt is not smooth

• A sudden stop is not ideal when stopping

• The belt makes a loud noise when in use

Aesthetically, the Costway treadmill looks nicer and would integrate well into a home office, but the quality wasn’t my favorite. Unlike the Egofit treadmill, the Costway tread is flat, with planks along the edges. It also has wheels on the front and an LED screen that displays speed, calories burned, time and distance. It comes with a remote control so you can adjust the speed of the treadmill.

The first thing I noticed is that the tread belt is longer, making it perfect for tall people. The downside is that this treadmill is much louder than I prefer when in use. It squeaks and sounds like it needs lubrication (a form of maintenance when you own a treadmill). I also found myself thinking I was going to fly away from it because the lower speeds seemed faster than you would expect. The belt itself isn’t the smoothest either, which made me feel less comfortable walking on it. Compared to the Egofit, it lacks cushioning, so I wouldn’t rely on it for longer walks.

What shocked me was that this treadmill reaches 6 mph, which I personally thought was fast for an under desk treadmill. I wouldn’t feel comfortable accelerating on the Costway unless I greased the belt, which improved the feel. However, I still think it’s risky because when I stop this treadmill, it stops suddenly, even when it slows down, and you have to brace yourself. This treadmill may work if you plan to keep it at the lowest speeds (1 mph or less) and use a standing desk for extra support.

Is it worth buying an under desk treadmill?

If you want to sneak in some steps and get moving at home, an under-desk treadmill isn’t a bad option. It helps if you don’t have enough time to go out or go to the gym. These also take up less space than a standard treadmill, and can often be stored under a sofa or bed. But if you have balance issues, I would reconsider buying one because they don’t have support and may be at risk of falling.

If you’re looking to get the most out of your treadmill, I recommend investing in a full-size model. I will also look for reviews. There are many under desk treadmills out there now, and you want to make sure you invest in one that is smooth, quiet, and fits in the area that best suits your needs.

What to consider when purchasing an under desk treadmill

When shopping for an under desk treadmill, there are a few things to consider before purchasing one.

• measuring: Make sure the under desk treadmill fits well in your home. Some treadmills have a smaller frame, while others have a longer deck. You can also easily store some under your bed or sofa when not in use.
• Belt Length: If you are tall, choose a treadmill with a longer belt. Some are shorter and may not be suitable for you. Additionally, consider whether you want the treadmill to be slightly sloped or completely flat.
• speed: Some under desk treadmills can reach speeds of up to 6 mph, so make sure you’ll be comfortable with the speed settings.
• Noise: You will need to consider the noise level of the treadmill, as some are quieter than others.
• Features: Some treadmills have different features and settings, while others are more basic. Most of them come with a remote control so you can easily control the speed and stop when you want.
• safety: Unlike a traditional treadmill, most under-desk treadmills do not have handles or safety bars to grab onto. Therefore, it may not be the right choice for you if you have balance issues.