A foldable mini treadmill is worth getting if you are among the 37% of Australian adults who cannot fit 150 minutes of moderate physical activity into their weekly schedule.

Aside from being compact, quiet, and easy to stow away, mini treadmills or walking pads also help you turn your sedentary, desk-bound life around with the least effort. How is that possible?

In this post, I’ll highlight the features that make a walking pad different from a regular treadmill and a good fit for your lifestyle.

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What is a Foldable Mini Treadmill?

A foldable mini treadmill is a cardio machine designed to reap the benefits of a walking exercise. Its small size and light weight make the equipment easy to move around the house or office and store after your workout.

Most miniature treadmill models have a small remote control to adjust the speed, which ranges from a gentle to a brisk walk. Some also have a small screen or work with a compatible app for tracking steps, time, and calories burned.

Mini vs Regular Treadmill: What’s the Difference?

A mini treadmill is your stripped-down regular treadmill.

It usually has no rails to hold onto during workouts. It also lacks the bulky frames, large touchscreens, and control panel of typical treadmills. However, these make the foldable treadmill easy to slide under your work desk or store under your bed.

Still, because it is a compact and lightweight machine, its motor power is lower than that of a regular treadmill. That also means it has fewer features for more diverse treadmill workouts. It does not have an incline, a wide speed range, or an engaging electronic display.

Check out our previous article on treadmill features and specs to learn more.

When Should You Consider Getting a Foldable Mini Treadmill?

A foldable mini treadmill may be the bare-bones version of traditional treadmills.

However, that doesn’t mean it is not a worthy investment. Some users will surely enjoy having a mini treadmill at home or work, especially if you are one of the following.

If you are looking for more affordable and compact exercise equipment

Regular treadmills are bulky and heavy, making them difficult to fit in tiny homes or apartments. Getting a mini treadmill or walking pad is the next best alternative.

It’s easy to set up and tuck away under the bed or against the wall.

Also, most walking pads are more affordable since they are not as feature-packed as their all-out treadmill counterparts.

However, you may need proper walking shoes and a standing desk to make the most of this machine. So, weigh your options and assess whether these additional expenses fit your budget.

If you prefer simple exercises or fitness machines

Walking is one of the most doable exercises. We can naturally do this on our way to the office, gym, or school. However, many shifted to remote work or classes post-pandemic, making even a quick walk difficult for many.

With a foldable mini treadmill at home or work, you can easily lessen your daily sitting time and burn some calories. You don’t have to go out and allocate time for walking when you have this machine.

Also, some find bulky exercise equipment with lots of buttons to learn intimidating. A walking pad, however, is different.

All you need is to unfold, plug in the machine, and start walking. It doesn’t have a lot of settings, so using it is straightforward. Depending on the model, you can also integrate your workouts with the app or smart devices you prefer using.

So, if you are not keen on HIIT treadmill runs or complex fitness machines, consider a mini treadmill or walking pad for your daily light workouts.

If you are a workout beginner

A mini treadmill may not benefit someone who is already active or has no issues hitting the gym regularly. Walking pads do not burn as many calories or demand the high energy output active people look for in a workout.

However, if you have been sedentary for some time or want to be more active after a long break, regular walking pad sessions will do you good.

Walking is a low-impact exercise that can help prepare your body for more challenging activities. Also, if you’re recovering from a health condition, workouts with a mini treadmill will keep you active without straining your body too much.

If you enjoy multitasking

Are you used to taking phone calls while typing on a keyboard or reading an email? Or maybe you’re looking for a way to integrate movement during your office hours to save time.

A foldable mini treadmill can give you that work-movement balance. For instance, you can get on the walking pad when it’s time to do tasks that do not require intense focus or energy.

This machine should fit under your desk, so you can work and work out in one go. You can also do light walks while brainstorming or taking a short break.

Some say under-desk treadmills are only distracting with minimal benefit. However, a 2023 study concluded that people using desk treadmills at home experienced physical, mental, social, and work-related perceived benefits.

This recent finding only means desk treadmill use is on a case-to-case basis. Walking while working is good so long as it doesn’t affect your productivity. Start slowly at a low speed to remain focused without going out of breath.

Be More Active with a Foldable Mini Treadmill

A mini treadmill or walking pad may not radically change your physique. However, daily walking sessions with this machine are good for your health and work life.

It’s a simple and convenient equipment that can keep you active while getting work done. Workout beginners or those looking for a small, affordable machine will also enjoy using a miniature treadmill.

While it may lack some features that regular treadmills have, in the end, it’s all about investing in a machine that matches your lifestyle and fitness goals.

If you think a compact treadmill with a powerful motor is better, check out the options from our buying guide and treadmill reviews.

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