A social media discussion around the benefits of owning a walking pad erupted when Instagram user @itswellnessjess shared her incredible before and after results, simply by using her walking pad consistently. Celebrating her six month “stepaversary,” Jess shared that this is her “favorite non-scale victory achieved to date because it is the first time I’ve done something consistently for this long of a stretch.”

“Doing this every single day is the reason I’ve consistently lost fat and dropped inches without losing any muscle or backtracking without being on a super low-calorie diet,” she said.

Many women chimed in on the comments, sharing their own testimonials. “The 10,000 steps is really no joke,” one user said. “I’ve been doing it and it’s changed me mentally and physically. I’ve been trying to tell my family.”

“I’ve been doing it for 4 months,” another user wrote. “Simplicity over complexity.”

“I am not at the gym every single day, nor am I at workout classes every single week,” Jess added. “But I’m going to get 10k+ steps every day, and I never really cared how I get there. I just decided I’m going to get there every day with no excuses.” Can simply using your walking pad help you achieve all your fitness goals? As a walking pad owner, are you getting full use of its potential? Here’s everything you need to know. 

Getting 10k Steps Daily 

A big reason why the walking pad is so effective is how much it aids in achieving a daily step goal. While the average American walks about 4,000 steps a day, setting a goal of 10,000 steps can be transformative for your fitness goals. It can reduce your risk of things like heart disease and high blood pressure while relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety.

A low-impact exercise accessible for all levels, walking is not a vigorous task. Therefore, it’s easy to maintain over time, which is an important factor for long-term weight loss. Walking five miles a day will elevate your heart rate and activate muscles, like your quads, glutes, calves and hamstrings. This helps burn calories and strengthen your lower body.

While getting to 10,000 steps isn’t the easiest to attain if you aren’t in a walkable city, with a walking pad, achieving your steps goal is more accessible than ever.

Benefits of a Walking Pad

A walking pad, which is simply a compact version of a treadmill, offers countless amount of health benefits. They’re especially beneficial for those who want to stay active while working from home or living a sedentary lifestyle. Here are some key benefits and tips on how to maximize your use of one:

  • Caloric Burn: Walking helps burn calories, aiding in weight management or fat loss. Allowing you to incorporate more movement into your day, walking regularly can also enhance heart health and improve circulation.
  • Enhanced Focus and Productivity: Many people find that light exercise boosts their mood and cognitive function, making it easier to concentrate. This is especially true if you combine your walking time with work tasks.
  • Convenience: Walking pads are compact and can fit easily into home or office spaces, making it convenient to walk without needing to go outside. For those who work remotely, pairing your walking pad with a standing desk can make all the difference.

Tips to Maximize Use

  • Set Goals: Aim for a specific number of steps a day to keep you motivated. 10,000 is a recommended goal, though you can certainly start off at a lower number and work your way up.
  • Create a Routine: Integrate walking into your daily schedule. Try walking during phone calls, meetings, or breaks.
  • Adjust Speed: Start at a comfortable pace and gradually increase the speed as you become more accustomed to walking while working.
  • Use Proper Footwear: Wear supportive shoes to prevent discomfort over time.
  • Incorporate Resistance Bands: For a full-body workout, you can use resistance bands or wrist weights while walking to strengthen your upper body.
  • Stay Hydrated: Keep water nearby to stay hydrated while you walk.
  • Listen to Music or Podcasts: Engaging your brain can make your walking sessions more enjoyable and help pass the time.
  • Monitor Your Posture: Maintain a good posture to avoid strain, especially if you’re working at a desk simultaneously.
  • Take Breaks: If walking for long periods, take short breaks to stretch and relax your muscles.