Forget Gym Memberships - These Are Officially The Best Walking Pads For Transforming Your WFH Fitness

What Senior Health Editor Ally Head thought when testing: "The BodyMax walking pad is the walking pad I have, and I can't recommend it enough. It's easy to set up and put away, compact, and doesn't get dirty or dusty. Simply plug in, decide your walking speed, and you're off."

"I love that it folds in half, making it super easy to store, and has wheels, too, making it easy to move around. While it isn't designed for fast running, you could certainly light jog on it, although I prefer ramping it up to a fast walk while working through emails while WFH."

"It's been really transformative for my work from home days - and, as a Health Editor with nearly ten years of industry experience, I'm usually sceptical about machines like these, convinced that I'll use them for a month and then they'll end up gathering dust under my sofa. But how easy the BodyMax machine is to use, not to mention how enjoyable the actual workout is while you're using it, has ensured I've used it consistently for around two years now."

"Only con I can think of, although it's never bothered me: it does make a whirring noise while running, that said, I was actually pleasantly surprised by how quiet it is. For more details and my full walking pad review, read here."

What Fashion Writer Sofia Piza thought when testing: "This walking pad has a speed of zero to 12 kilometres per hour, meaning you can both walk and light jog."

"Featuring a foldable bar with an added stand to place your phone while you watch TV or listen to an audiobook, there's a handy emergency cord to hook on to your clothes in case you trip or fall. It's not the lightest of designs, that said, it has handy built-in wheels to ensure you can move the device easily around your home. For me, investing in one has undoubtedly made me more active on days when I can't exercise outdoors or for WFH afternoons where I'd otherwise be sitting sedentary."

"While this walking pad doesn't have a pause feature - I use a separate tracking device to record total steps - you don't notice it against the many pros of the design."

"I was conscious of noise, living in a second-floor flat, but have been pleasantly surprised that the pad doesn't generate too much noise or disturb the neighbours. That said, you can hear the noise if you're in the next room, so do be mindful of this if you have any family or flatmates asleep in the same space as you. Only other thing to note - it doesn't fold in half, rather, the handle folds flat. This works for me as it means I can slide it neatly under my sofa, but is worth thinking about."

What Former Executive Beauty Editor Shannon Lawlor thought when testing: "I'm an avid TV watcher – I have countless episodes of reality television to watch a week. I recently read about a technique of associating exercise with a guilty pleasure in order to encourage yourself to do it, so I figured if I tell myself I can only watch my latest Real Housewives episodes while walking on my walking pad, maybe I’d be able to get my daily movement in without it feeling like a chore. And it’s actually worked. I keep this pad folded up neatly behind the door in our spare bedroom so it’s out of sight, out of mind for most of the day. Then, when it’s time to catch up on my trash TV, I simply roll it out, secure the handrails and get moving. It’s worth noting, it won’t turn on without everything being properly secured – so the handrail does need to go up. This means it wouldn’t work particularly well as a walking desk. The tray to position your phone or tablet on is small and it definitely wouldn’t hold a laptop."

"The speed functions are just what I need. It doesn’t go up to a run, but the fastest option is (for me, as somebody with long legs) a very brisk speed walk or a very light jog. It also has a digital display to show calories burned and distance travelled. Oh, and if you’re a techy sort of person (I’m not), there’s also an option to link your devices to it via Bluetooth. All in all, it’s a very simple, no-frills, at-home treadmill that does a perfect job at getting me moving. And that’s all I wanted."

With nearly 2000 Amazon reviews, this walking pad is a standout favourite among reviewers. They rave about its versatility, powerful motor, and two in one design, which means you can both run and walk on it. It's also said to be space-saving and ideal for small spaces.

With nearly 1000 reviews and a 4.5-star average rating, it's fair to say this walking pad is a popular option. With a manual incline design, you can change up the intensity more than other models. It's compact, making it easy to put away and transport, too.

With a speed of up to six kilometres an hour, this is one of the most budget-friendly under-desk treadmills on the market. Whether you're looking to up your steps while working or simply want an accessible way to move when the weather's bad, this model averages a 4.5-star rating.

This walking pad comes fully assembled, meaning it requires minimal assembly time. It also has a powerful 2.5 HP motor, holds up to 265 pounds, and is portable and light, too, weighing only 17.5kg.