Working out and staying in shape has never been more in fashion as it is now and since the pandemic hit, a new culture of home workout has also stormed the market as more and more people fail to access gyms and are forced to create a home workout setup. Now, as any fitness enthusiast knows, walking, running and swimming are some of the best ways to stay in shape when you don’t really want to gain muscle.
In home-gym, you usually had only one option, a treadmill, but a new sensation has hit the market called a walking pad which is an alternative to treadmills. It is smaller, more lightweight and portable but it does not have the full capabilities of a treadmill.
This article talks about the difference between a treadmill and a WalkingPad. You will also try to understand which product is suitable for what kind of customer.
When Minimalism Is Priority
Treadmills are a bad idea because in addition to taking up a lot of area, they can’t be moved and also need open space around it to be able to be used freely and without injuries. Moreover, you can’t keep them in a room with low or slanted ceiling as they are raised above the floors.
In contrast to that, walking pads are smaller, lighter and can be slid under beds sofas or any other furniture making them an obvious choice for a minimalist.
When Intensity Of Workout Is Priority
Treadmills are very stable and heavy equipment which are relatively much safer to use for a much wider variety of exercises. They are heavier and have an anti-slip belt under the bed of the device. You can use it for running, walking, power-walking and even slope-climbing.
Walking pads are also good devices but they are what they are called, walking pads. Not much more functionality is available on this equipment but they are sturdy and stable like their bigger counterparts.
When Noise Is A Priority
Most mid-range and cheaper treadmills start making noise after a month of use because of the number of moving parts and somewhat low quality of materials used in them. So, if your priority is silent workouts, walking pads will serve you better because of lesser number of parts and more sturdiness.
When Portability Is A Priority
Treadmills are not a portable equipment. Once places, they are hard to move even within the room, let alone outside. So, if you are somebody who travels a lot, getting a treadmill is not the best idea.
In such case, walking pads are best suited because they are compact, foldable and light enough to carry. They can be folded up and carried in the car easily.
When Niche Features Are A Priority
Treadmills are full-blown heavy equipment and come with a whole lot of extra features and special niches. In some cases, these features such as heart rate monitor, auto-cut clips and even music players become important.
Treadmills also come with a heavier and more capable motors that last longer without heating up. So, in case of old people or people with heart problems, walking pads are not the best idea because they don’t provide such specific additional features.
When Safety Is A Priority
Treadmills have inbuilt safety features like auto-cut and heart-rate monitors but they don’t completely shut down unless unplugged and there is always a risk of malfunction.
On the other side of the aisle, walking pads don’t have self-revolving motors and they don’t need to be plugged or unplugged. They stop moving as soon as you get off them. So, walking pads are much safer in a household with dogs and small kids running around.
Conclusion
Treadmills and Walking pads are products of the same category with pros and cons of their own. It depends on your needs which one of the two you decide to buy for your home-gym. Walking pads are portability and minimalism kings while treadmills are a more serious equipment.