During the pandemic when everyone was stuck in their homes, walking pads became an extremely popular trend. There are countless brands and price points to choose from that can even be delivered to your door via Amazon in 48 hours. Some people may think this is a trend of the past, but using a walking pad has truly changed my life when it comes to working from home. There are so many positive benefits I have noticed since implementing walking into my work day that I even convinced the K2 team to purchase walking pads for both of our offices.
Coming from an active background and previous jobs that required a lot of standing and movement, it was a harsh transition to be sitting all day looking at a computer screen. Early on into this position, I knew I needed to change up my routine and that is when I started doing research on the best walking pads. After some deliberation I pulled the trigger on one that was under $200 from Amazon and I was beyond excited. Initially, I just wanted the walking pad to get more steps throughout the day, but after using it for the last 11 months I have noticed there are so many more benefits.
Better Focus and Productivity
One of the most positive outcomes I have noticed is an increase in productivity. The motion of walking somehow makes me more focused. I feel less distracted and before I know it, I have walked for over an hour and checked off so many tasks from my list. I think the movement and increase in blood flow also helps my concentration, and I am less likely to take breaks when I am on the walking pad. Sometimes I will give myself distance or time goals for walking, and it blows my mind how much I am able to get done.
Improved Energy
Another benefit I have noticed is more energy and better sleep. The days where I am sitting most of the time, I feel lethargic and less motivated. Coming from an athletic background, I crave physical activity and movement in my day and if I don’t get that, I suffer. Impleting a walking pad into my work days has really made a positive impact on my overall energy and mood! I feel accomplished after the day and am ready to tackle the whole week. Better sleep, better mood, an energy boost.. What more could you ask for?
Supports Overall Health
The final benefit I want to highlight is a positive impact on my physical health. I am an overall healthy person that frequently goes to the gym, but as I get older, increasing my movement, steps and boosting my metabolism is becoming more important to me. During the brutal winters in Minnesota, it is sometimes hard to stay consistent with your workouts. Having a walking pad in your home office makes sure you have no excuses to avoid moving your body. No matter the weather outside or how busy you are, you can always walk. When I first started implementing walking into my workday, I had to walk slowly in order to keep my balance and felt fatigued after a few miles. After many months of practice, I can now walk upwards of 5-6 miles in a given day, and I feel great. Breaking the habit of consistently sitting at a desk has done wonders for my joints and my overall physical health.
The benefits I have noticed since purchasing a walking pad are endless. I encourage anyone who works from home or even from an office to purchase a walking pad if you can! You will not regret it, and I guarantee you will become addicted and never want to go back. Next thing you know, your coworkers will be fighting to reserve it for use, like our team does!
Useful articles summarizing the benefits:
Are walking pads worth it? I tried one for 3 weeks | Woman & Home
12 Research Backed Benefits of Walking Pads You Should Know About – PadPace
– Megan Linder, Account Executive, Fundraising & Events