I Gave Up Running for Walking Pad Workouts — Here’s What Happened After Just 30 Days!

The rise of walking pads marks a significant shift in how people approach fitness, particularly as colder months set in. These portable exercise machines have gained immense popularity, serving as a convenient solution for staying active without braving the winter elements. For many, like myself, the challenge of maintaining a regular exercise routine amidst dark evenings and frigid temperatures can be daunting. As a mother of three, I find that my outdoor runs often slip during winter, and this year, I decided to explore whether a walking pad could help me stay on track.

Research from 2021 highlights that during winter, individuals generally move less and spend more time sitting. Personal trainer Carly Corrigall notes, “It's much harder to get ourselves moving this time of year. Even the best intentions to head out for a run can go out of the window when there’s sideways rain, and it’s dark outside.” Determined to break this cycle, I wanted to see if swapping my outdoor runs for a walking pad could help maintain my fitness levels.

The Benefits of Walking Pads

If you’re considering making the switch, here are several benefits, corroborated by fitness experts:

1. Convenience and Sustainability: The primary advantage of using a walking pad is its convenience. “Using a walking pad is really convenient - which is great for consistency,” says Chloe Thomas, a personal trainer and walking expert. With the ability to hop on at any time, regardless of the weather, the walking pad offers a way to ensure that an active lifestyle remains achievable.

2. Stress Reduction and Recovery: Walking is a low-intensity exercise, which can be less taxing on your nervous system compared to running. Eryn Barber, a personal trainer at The Fitness Group, explains that walking reduces cortisol levels, thereby helping alleviate stress—especially crucial during the darker winter months.

3. Low Impact on Joints: While I love the high-impact nature of running, it often comes with injuries. Walking pads provide a low-impact alternative that allows your joints—particularly knees, hips, and ankles—to recover while still keeping you active. This is particularly beneficial for anyone with existing joint issues.

4. Increased Daily Activity: The ease of use means many people can clock up longer or more frequent sessions on their walking pads. “Our bodies thrive on movement, and being able to do it anytime you like by hopping on your walking pad is a huge bonus,” Corrigall notes.

5. Gentle Boost to Metabolism: Walking for extended periods can activate your metabolism throughout the day. Barber points out that replacing prolonged sitting with light walking can significantly support metabolic health, especially when combined with a balanced diet.

Who Should Consider a Walking Pad?

Experts agree that walking pads can be beneficial for anyone whose exercise routine falters during winter. “If you know that you hate the cold and are likely to stop exercising entirely if you have to go outside, the walking pad is perfect for you,” Barber advises. It’s also ideal for those working from home or anyone returning to fitness after a break, providing a gentle way to build cardiovascular endurance.

Having decided to give the walking pad a try, I documented my experience over a few weeks. In the first week, I was surprised by how simple it was to start. Instead of spending time layering up and convincing myself to go outside, I simply rolled out the walking pad and got moving. I quickly realized that it was easy to fit in sessions around my family life, although I found it challenging to focus when my kids were nearby.

By the second week, I had settled into a routine. My longest session reached 45 minutes, and while it felt different from running, I appreciated being able to multitask by catching up on my favorite shows while walking. Yet, I found myself missing the mental health benefits of outdoor running—the fresh air and sunlight that come with exercising outside.

So, has the walking pad replaced my outdoor runs? Not entirely. While I value the convenience and consistency it offers, I acknowledge that nothing can fully replicate the mental boost and connection to nature provided by outdoor exercise. Moving forward, I plan to incorporate both indoor walking pad workouts and outdoor runs into my routine.

In conclusion, as winter approaches and outdoor running becomes less feasible, walking pads present an effective way to maintain fitness while minimizing stress on the joints. They offer a practical solution for anyone looking to stay active, proving that staying fit doesn’t have to halt with the changing seasons.