The Best Walking Pads of 2024, According to Personal Trainers

There are days when hitting the recommended milestone of 10,000 steps seems impossible, no matter how much your smart watch tells you to get up and move—with so many work meetings and new Netflix series to watch, how are you supposed to find the time?

If you don't hit the target you certainly aren't alone, as the Mayo Clinic estimates that most Americans only do around 3,000 to 4,000 steps a day. It seems many of us are in desperate need of increasing our count, and this might now be possible due to a trend that has taken the internet by storm.

Many remote workers are showing how they get extra steps in without leaving home or even their desk—all with the help of a walking pad. The idea has become a huge hit in recent months, as people share how they fit in their daily exercise. But with so many different types of walking pads on the market, it's hard to know where to begin, so Newsweek spoke to three personal trainers to get their top recommendations.

'Ideal To Support Various Intensities of Workouts'

As a certified trainer for WorkoutHealthy, Chris Pruitt has tested out an array of exercise equipment, including a range of walking pads. He believes their surge in popularity is due to their convenience and effectiveness for anyone looking to get fit.

For Pruitt, the best two models are the Sperax Treadmill-Walking Pad and the WalkingPad X25 Treadmill, which allow users to go at whatever pace suits them, can be folded away, and, perhaps most importantly, are quiet.

Pruitt, from Gaithersburg, Maryland told Newsweek: "Both these models offer unique features that cater to different needs and preferences. From my experience, incorporating the Sperax Treadmill-Walking Pad has made it easier for clients to stay active, especially those working from home. It's compact and requires no assembly, making it an excellent choice for people with limited space."

He adds that the sturdy Sperax walking pad can support up to 280 pounds in weight and has a wide non-slip belt for added safety. Reaching a maximum speed of 6.2 miles per hour, Pruitt says it's "ideal for users who want a device that supports various intensities of workouts."

But if people want to increase their heart rate and move even faster, he recommends the WalkingPad X25 Treadmill.

"This model has allowed for a more dynamic workout experience due to its speed variability and sturdy build. It's had a positive impact on my fitness routine by providing an indoor running option.

"It has a top speed of 10 miles per hour, it's equipped with a brushless motor, ensuring a quiet workout environment which is significant for those living in apartments," Pruitt added.

Each walking pad will offer its own advantages, but Pruitt says that people should consider what it is they want from it to help make the best decision.

Great For Anyone Who Is 'Serious About Losing Weight'

Fitness expert Nick Kumar, from New York, helps even the busiest of clients find time for a workout, and walking pads have been game-changing for that. He recommends either the Egofit Walker Pro Under-Desk Walking Pad or the WalkingPad R2.

Kumar told Newsweek: "The Egofit Walker Pro has a compact design and it's quite silent, so it can be great for walking while working or during video calls. It has a top speed of 3.5 miles per hour so it should only be used for walking, but it doesn't have many safety features as it goes quite slowly.

"As for the WalkingPad R2, it can double as a decent treadmill and folds in half when stored away, so it's perfect for small spaces. It has a top speed of 7.5 miles per hour and it can definitely handle running, but that also means it's a lot noisier."

Kumar, a trainer for Desi Grit, encourages anyone who is "serious about losing weight" to consider investing in a walking pad, because it can help burn calories without having to set aside time for a grueling workout.

Price can be a major determining factor for many people, but Kumar recommends sticking between $400 and $800, which will offer a good variety of models.

"The more expensive, the more bells and whistles you get but they're mostly overkill anyway, as most folks will never need more than just the basic options. I wouldn't go much cheaper than $400 though as the motor or the track may be more susceptible to breakage," he continued.

'Important To Consider the Speed Increments'

Before purchasing one of 2024's hottest new gadgets, certified personal trainer Domenic Angelino at the Trainer Academy says "it's hard to go wrong because there isn't too much variability," but users should decide how they're going to use it first, so they can truly get the most of out it.

If it's just a casual stroll you're after, look no further than the WalkingPad A1 Pro Foldable Under Desk Treadmill. Angelino highlights that this model combines "flexibility with robustness," is easy to store and has a larger belt than others, allowing for bigger strides.

"Since there isn't a display on it, it's also designed with automatic speed adjustment features, so you can change the speed by stepping on the front, middle, or back part of it," Angelino told Newsweek.

As for runners who are interested in getting in on the action, Angelino recommends the WalkingPad X25 Double-Fold Running Treadmill.

He told Newsweek: "The pad is very mobile and doesn't take up a lot of space, which is key to allowing you to multitask while using it. It can be hard to work on a standing desk with a traditional treadmill, but if you use a running-capable walking pad, you'll be able to switch from walking and working, to running whenever you'd like."

"The top speed is far above most other walking pad options. This is more than enough to meet most people's needs when considering both the max weight of the treadmill and its compact nature. It also has handrails, which are super helpful."

While maximum speed might be an important factor, Angelino notes that "it's also important to consider the increments." A device that allows you to increase the pace with small increments can be more beneficial as it can meet your needs more specifically, as well as creating a more natural simulation of running.

With so many options to choose from, every day will be perfect for another hot girl walk, come rain or shine.

Newsweek confirmed that none of the fitness trainers are affiliated with the brands, and don't receive any commission for their recommendations.