In today’s world of high-intensity workouts, daily step challenges, fitness trackers, and gym memberships, walking often gets passed by as a reliable way to exercise. It’s a simple way to get your body moving and is one of the most accessible and effective forms of physical activity, and it’s wildly underrated.
The Science Behind Walking
Walking may not be the best calorie-burner, as opposed to running or cycling, but it has numerous other benefits. Mayo Clinic states that a daily walk can help you to maintain a healthy weight, prevent or manage conditions such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes, strengthen your bones and muscles, improve your mood, and improve your balance and coordination.
Unlike HIIT or similar workouts, walking is a low-impact form of physical activity, which makes it ideal for individuals of all ages and fitness levels since it puts less stress on joints and muscles. Best of all, and part of the reason why it’s so accessible, is that it doesn’t require any sports or fitness equipment to purchase. However, if you have the means, a treadmill or walking pad can be a great addition to your daily steps goals.
Mental Health Benefits
One of the biggest benefits of walking is the mental health benefits you gain. Walking, and physical activity in general, has been proven to be a stress reliever and mood enhancer. A study by Stanford University has found that walking regularly increases an individual’s creative output by around 60 percent. This is because it stimulates the brain, encourages problem-solving, and can be a way to actively meditate. Taking a daily walk, especially outdoors on a nice day, allows you to take a break from screens and gives you a chance to soak up some sunlight. It’s a great option for those needing to reset their brain during or after a stressful day.
Making Walking a Lifestyle Habit
Walking is so sustainable because it’s so easy to integrate it into everyday life. You don’t need a gym membership and you don’t need to dedicate commuting time to a fitness class in order to get a walk in. You can walk around your neighborhood, take phone calls while walking, or go for a stroll after dinner. Being consistent is vital when it comes to adding walking into your routine, and it’s something that most people find easier to commit to on a regular basis. Walking can also be a gateway to other forms of physical activity. It encourages people to get moving, even on the most basic level, and can help individuals incorporate more active lifestyles as a result.
Walking Pads: A Step Up for the Modern Walker
Walking outdoors may not be the best option for everybody. Bad weather, time constraints, or safety concerns can sometimes make walking outside a bigger risk than necessary. This is where walking pads come in. If you have the means to purchase this equipment, it can benefit your walking game.
A walking pad is similar to a treadmill, but it’s more beneficial because it’s compact and often foldable. These machines are minimalist and unobtrusive, making them a great addition to your home or office space. The following are some of the best walking pads on the market right now.
WalkingPad R2 by KingSmith
Best known for its sleek design and versatility, the KingSmith WalkingPad R2 is one of the best-known walking pad models. It boasts a compact and stylish design and folds in half for easy storage. Its speed goes up to 6.2 mph, making it suitable for those looking to use the walking pad to walk and jog. Connect it to your phone and use its mobile app to track your steps and calories.
- Price: ~$699
- Top speed: 6.2 mph (can jog as well)
- Foldable: Yes
- Weight capacity: 242 lbs
- Quiet operation
- Modern design
- Compact folding mechanism
UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill
The UREVO 2-in-1 walking pad is a great option for those looking to use their walking pad at their desk. Its sleek design allows you to slip it under your desk for easy use, and has a retractable handrail for extra safety. It has a LCD display that shows users ithe current speed, time, and calories burned, and requires very little setup. The UREVO 2-in-1 is a great budget option for those hoping to save a little money, while still being a quality walking pad.
- Price: ~$399
- Top speed: 7.6 mph
- Foldable: Yes (handle folds down)
- Weight capacity: 265 lbs
- Dual-function design
- Easy to store
GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
Best known for its quiet performance and home office integration, the GoPlus 2-in-1 walking pad is a great option for those looking for something quiet and unobtrusive in their space. It has a Bluetooth speaker and remote control for user accessibility. The display is clean and modern-looking and the motor is surprisingly quiet, making it a great choice for those living in apartments or shared spaces.
- Price: ~$450
- Top speed: 7.5 mph
- Foldable: Yes
- Weight capacity: 265 lbs
- Sleek design
- Bluetooth speakers
- Quiet operation
Make Walking a New Everyday Habit
Whether you start walking outdoors, at the gym, at the track, or invest in a walking pad, consistency is crucial. A few simple tips to integrate walking into your everyday life include:
- Scheduling walks as if they are appointments: block off time on your calendar so you feel more accountable to take walks.
- Take a walk during applicable calls or meetings: if you’re able to, especially when working remotely, walking during calls can be a great way to get your steps in.
- Get a steps-tracking app: holding yourself accountable and seeing your progress in physical data can help you stay motivated.
- Start with small goals: even walking for 10 minutes a day is a great way to get started.
Walking may not be as flashy as taking popular spin classes or HIIT workouts, but it’s a quietly powerful form of physical activity. It’s easy on the body, effective, and extremely sustainable and helps to improve physical and mental well-being. When paired with a walking pad, walking becomes an easy form of activity to integrate into your daily life, regardless of weather, schedule, or space.
