TIME recently featured Fit For Work’s James Rethaber, Vice President of Technical Operations, in an article on the benefits of walking pads. Walking pads, or portable under-desk treadmills, are less bulky than regular treadmills and usually lack handrails.
Rethaber tried several walking pads before finding one that worked best for him. Now, you can walk into his office and see him walking and listening to webinars or taking a break from his screens. He’s compiled a list of essential factors people should pay attention to before purchasing:
- Weight Capacity: Make sure your walking pad can accommodate your specific weight. According to Rethaber, the higher the weight capacity, the heavier duty the walking pad will be.
- Width of the belt: Measure your space before purchasing a walking pad. Traditional treadmill belt widths are 18 to 22 inches, while typical walking pad belts are 12 to 18 inches. A wider belt may be beneficial for you if you take long strides.
- Purpose: Do you want to use the walking pad only for walking, or do you want to be able to transition to running? Some go up to 10 MPH, while others max out at about 4 MPH.
- Noise Level: Avoid the walking pads that “sound like jet engines” by checking the decibel level of whichever pad you’re considering. “If you’re in proximity to others, I always recommend looking for a treadmill with a lower decibel rating,” Rethaber says. “And having a sound-absorbing pad underneath it, like a rubber mat, can make a difference.”
When it comes to utilizing your walking pad, ergonomics matter, stressed Rethaber, a certified professional ergonomist. Rethaber recommends crafting your workspace around your walking pad, not the other way around. Follow these ergonomics tips to build a successful work environment.
- Situate your keyboard so your elbows are flexed to slightly below 90 degrees.
- Frequently used items like your mouse and keyboard should be within easy reaching distance.
- The top third of your monitor should be at eye level.
If you struggle with balance, you may need to walk slower or purchase a walking pad with rails. Additionally, the type of shoes you wear matters. Consider keeping a pair of exercise shoes at your desk so you can switch out of your work shoes before beginning your walking activity. Like any exercise activity, don’t try to go at the top speed the first time you use your walking pad. For example, start at 1 MPH for 5 minutes to see how you feel, then increase or decrease your speed accordingly.
No walking pad is a one-size-fits-all, so listen to your body and Retheber’s tips to stay active. To learn more about Fit For Work, a Member of the Confluent Health Family, please visit their website: https://www.wellworkforce.com/. To read the full article, please follow this link: Are Walking Pads Worth It?