Stepping Up My Screen Time

Finding the Perfect Walking Pad for a Healthier Me – Let’s Chat!

We all know the feeling. Hours spent glued to a screen, whether for work or leisure. As much as I love my furry walking buddy and our outdoor adventures in Sheffield, I’ve realised that incorporating more movement into my indoor time could be a game-changer. Standing desks were my initial go-to, but ongoing back niggles sometimes make that a challenge.

For me, staying active has its nuances. Back in 2015, I faced a significantly-chunky tumour which was basically giving me super-sciatica. Thankfully, the treatment (chemotherapy and radiotherapy) was successful, but I’m still dealing with some lingering scarring and nerve quirks. Because of this, while I truly enjoy getting my steps in and find gentle movement so beneficial, I’ve had to become quite attuned to what my body needs.

That was when the idea of a walking pad came into my head. Immediately, the gateway to small treadmills swung open, and thank you, the mere number of choices available online was mind-boggling and, I’ve wasted hours of my own browsing round all the UK retailers on the internet. Sometimes a bit of personal one-to-one advice in the right direction is what you require, yes?

So, happy screen-staring, exercise-starved pals, let’s amble on over to some of the top-rated walking pads on Amazon UK, Argos, and Decathlon, taking into account the well-being of the back, comfortability of walking, and above all else, good support.

My Personal “Must-Haves” (keeping my background and balance in mind):

Super Low Impact: Gentle, controlled movement is the name of the game for me. I’m definitely looking for something with good cushioning and a really smooth belt.
Safe Stride and Stable Support: Safety is strictly the number one concern. Given that I do have falls experience, a walking pad with a built-in support bar is a top priority with me. If a product does not have one, then it would need to be extremely lightweight and easy to position right away beside stable furniture in my bungalow so that I always have something stable to hold onto.
Lightweight and Easy to Assemble/Store: It has to be easy to put up and down and not too heavy so that I can move it around with ease. If I’m not 100%, then I want something that isn’t going to be a hassle. Foldable for easier storage is still a huge plus.
Quiet Companion: It needs to be quiet enough not to disrupt work calls or my favourite podcasts.
Gentle Walking Pace Focus: No marathons indoors for me! Just want to keep moving comfortably and safely.

Now, it’s interesting how research can take you down unexpected paths! I initially started out thinking a compact ‘walking pad’ would be the ideal solution for getting more movement into my day. They seemed perfect for small spaces and gentle activity.

Considering my occasional balance issues and the need for robust support, I’m now wondering if a compact treadmill might be a better fit than a walking pad. Or, is there a perfectly stable walking pad with good supports that I’m overlooking? This is a major purchase, and I want to get it right. What are your experiences or recommendations – did you consider both walking pads and compact treadmills?

My Top Contenders

With my need for strong support, a lightweight and easy-to-store frame, and versatility for slow, low-impact walking, the following is a quick summary of the top models discovered:

Decathlon: DOMYOS 14 km/h Compact & Foldable Treadmill Run 100

While a weightier compact treadmill (41kg), the Run 100 comes with in-built handles for excellent stability. The foldable frame accommodates storage (L.150 x W.75 x H.14 cm when folded), and the 45 cm wide running space provides plenty of walking space. The 1 to 14 km/h speed range is more than I need, but stability and in-built support are big advantages. The fact that “Second Life” options are available can make it more affordable.

Amazon UK: WalkingPad R2 Treadmill

While a more robust compact treadmill (41kg), the Run 100 offers integrated handles for excellent stability. Its foldable design aids storage (L.150 x W.75 x H.14 cm folded), and the 45 cm wide running deck provides comfortable walking space. The speed range of 1 to 14 km/h is more than I need, but the stability and built-in support are key advantages. The “Second Life” option can improve affordability.

Amazon UK: UREVO 2 in 1 Smart Walking Pad

Many UREVO models on Amazon UK include a safety handle, a significant plus for stability. Generally lightweight (around 21.9 kg for some models) and requiring no assembly, it ticks key boxes for ease of use. Offering both walking (up to 6 km/h) and a faster jogging mode (up to 10 km/h with the handle up), it provides versatility, although my focus remains on gentle walking. App connectivity for data tracking is a bonus.

Amazon UK: KEEP FUN Walking Pad

With several models featuring handlebars, KEEP FUN prioritises support. Their focus on foldable designs suggests easy storage, and they are generally considered manageable in terms of weight. While some models include incline, which I’ll need to approach cautiously, the core feature of a handlebar for stability makes them a strong consideration.

Argos: Opti Compact Walking Treadmill

Particularly for walking, with its unobstructive handle, the Opti Compact suits my primary usage and support needs. Its compact folding size (H15, W62, D158cm) suits bungalow living well, and 40kg is acceptably light with transport wheels. Bluetooth monitoring of basic metrics is a welcome addition. Top speed is 8 km/h, nicely within my slow-walking pace emphasis.

Now, Over to You!

Your personal experience is invaluable! If you have possessed any of those models or tested others that meet my criteria of being light in construction, easy to assemble, and having adequate support (most importantly, a handlebar), please provide your personal recommendations in the comments section below. Your input will be a lifesaver in making the right choice for my needs and hopefully others in the same situation!

Head down to comments section below! Post your experience and any tips you can offer. Your tips will be greatly appreciated! Let’s keep the conversation going and find the right walking pad together!

Important!

Product availability and links are subject to change. To ensure accuracy regarding features and pricing, and to confirm the product meets your specific needs, please always check the retailer’s website before you buy.

Melanie Lampro