Treadmill vs. Walking Pad — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Published on July 14, 2024
Treadmills offer a range of speeds and inclines for intense workouts, while walking pads are compact, designed for walking or light jogging at lower speeds.
Difference Between Treadmill and Walking Pad
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Treadmills are a staple in both home gyms and fitness centers, known for their versatility in speed, incline settings, and often integrated with various workout programs. These features make treadmills suitable for a wide range of fitness activities, from walking to high-intensity running, catering to users of all fitness levels. Walking pads, on the other hand, are a more recent innovation designed for space-saving and convenience, focusing primarily on walking and light jogging. They typically have a slimmer profile, can often be folded, and are intended for users who want to incorporate more movement into their daily routine without requiring the intensity of a traditional treadmill workout.
One of the key distinctions between the two is their size and portability. Treadmills tend to be larger and more robust, requiring a dedicated space in a home or gym. Walking pads boast a compact design, and many models can be folded and stored under a bed or sofa, making them an excellent option for those with limited space. This feature allows users to easily set up a walking station in various environments, including offices or living rooms, promoting more frequent and spontaneous use.
In terms of functionality, treadmills often come with advanced features such as heart rate monitors, detailed displays showing calories burned, distance, speed, and sometimes even interactive coaching or virtual running routes. Walking pads, while more basic in their offerings, prioritize simplicity and ease of use, with some models providing essential tracking features through apps or simplified consoles.
The intensity of the workout is another area where treadmills and walking pads differ significantly. Treadmills can accommodate high-speed running and are equipped with incline settings to simulate uphill terrain, offering more challenging workouts and greater versatility in exercise programs. Walking pads, with their lower speed limits, are not designed for intense running sessions but rather for moderate-paced walking or light jogging, making them ideal for users looking to maintain general activity levels rather than training for performance or significant weight loss.
From a cost perspective, treadmills can range significantly in price, with more advanced models featuring higher costs due to their robust construction and extensive features. Walking pads, being simpler in design and functionality, are generally more affordable, making them an accessible option for individuals seeking a convenient way to stay active without a significant financial investment.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Purpose
Versatile for walking to intense running
Designed for walking/light jogging
Size/Portability
Larger, less portable
Compact, often foldable for easy storage
Functionality
Advanced features (incline, speed, programs)
Basic functionality, focused on simplicity
Workout Intensity
Supports high-intensity workouts
Best for low to moderate intensity
Cost
Wide range, generally higher
More affordable due to simpler design
Compare with Definitions
Treadmill
A stationary exercise machine with a moving platform, allowing for walking, jogging, or running indoors.
She uses her treadmill for an intense running session every morning to train for the marathon.
Walking Pad
A compact, foldable walking treadmill designed for light exercise, primarily in small spaces.
His walking pad fit perfectly under his desk, allowing him to walk while working from home.
Treadmill
A feature on treadmills that simulates uphill terrain, increasing workout intensity.
He increased the incline setting on his treadmill to maximize calorie burn.
Walking Pad
Due to their basic design, walking pads are generally more affordable than traditional treadmills.
The affordability of the walking pad made it an attractive option for his first piece of home exercise equipment.
Treadmill
Treadmills can support vigorous exercise routines, suitable for advanced fitness training.
The treadmill's high-speed capabilities allowed for challenging high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts.
Walking Pad
Walking pads focus on straightforward functionality without the complexity of advanced features.
The walking pad's simplicity made it incredibly easy to start walking with just the push of a button.
Treadmill
Pre-set exercise routines available on treadmills, designed to vary the workout intensity and duration.
The treadmill offered various workout programs, from interval training to endurance runs.
Walking Pad
Walking pads can accommodate slow to moderate-paced jogging, suitable for light exercise.
She occasionally increased her pace to light jogging on the walking pad for a slightly more intense workout.
Treadmill
A tool often integrated into treadmills to track the user's heart rate during exercise.
Monitoring her heart rate on the treadmill helped her maintain the target intensity level.
Walking Pad
Walking pads are known for their slim profiles and ability to be stored in tight spaces.
The space-saving design of her walking pad made it easy to store in her small apartment.
Treadmill
A wheel with steps on which a person treads, used to power machinery.
Treadmill
An exercise device consisting of a continuous moving belt on which a person or animal can walk or run while remaining in one place.
Treadmill
A piece of indoor sporting equipment used to allow for the motions of running or walking while staying in one place.
Treadmill
(historical) A mill worked by persons treading upon steps on the periphery of a wide wheel having a horizontal axis. It was used principally as a means of prison discipline.
Treadmill
A mill worked by horses, dogs, etc., treading an endless belt.
Treadmill
(figurative) A process or situation in which continued effort leads to or is required for remaining at a particular state or level without moving ahead.
Treadmill
(intransitive) To exercise on a treadmill.
Treadmill
To keep busy, for example with work or with other tasks, without being able to get ahead or make progress towards long-term goals.
Treadmill
A mill worked by persons treading upon steps on the periphery of a wide wheel having a horizontal axis. It is used principally as a means of prison discipline. Also, a mill worked by horses, dogs, etc., treading an endless belt.
Treadmill
An exercise device consisting of an endless belt on which a person can walk or jog without changing place
Common Curiosities
Can I use a walking pad in an office setting?
Yes, walking pads are ideal for office settings, especially models designed to fit under desks, allowing for gentle exercise while working.
How much space do I need for a treadmill or walking pad?
Treadmills require a dedicated space due to their size, while walking pads can be used in smaller areas and stored away when not in use.
Can I run on a walking pad?
Walking pads are designed for walking and light jogging; they may not support high-speed running like treadmills do.
Which is better for weight loss, a treadmill or walking pad?
Treadmills are generally better for weight loss due to their ability to support high-intensity workouts and greater versatility in exercise programs.
Are walking pads safe for elderly users?
Yes, walking pads can be safe for elderly users due to their lower speed settings and ease of use, but it's always important to exercise caution and possibly consult with a healthcare provider.
Do treadmills or walking pads require maintenance?
Both may require minimal maintenance, such as belt lubrication, but walking pads generally have fewer mechanical parts, potentially leading to lower maintenance needs.
Is it worth investing in a treadmill for occasional use?
For occasional use, a walking pad might offer better value due to its affordability and space-saving design.
Can both treadmills and walking pads track workout metrics?
Yes, both can track basic metrics like time, distance, and sometimes heart rate, but treadmills often provide more detailed analytics.
Are walking pads quiet enough for apartment use?
Walking pads are typically designed with noise reduction in mind, making them suitable for apartment use, especially for walking.
Are treadmills or walking pads better for joint health?
Walking pads might be slightly better for those concerned about joint health due to their focus on walking, which is generally lower impact compared to running.
What are the warranty differences between treadmills and walking pads?
Warranties can vary widely by manufacturer and model, with treadmills often offering longer warranties due to their higher price and complexity.
Do I need special footwear for using a walking pad or treadmill?
Comfortable, supportive athletic shoes are recommended for both treadmills and walking pads to prevent injury and provide cushioning.
How do I choose between a treadmill and a walking pad?
Consider your fitness goals, available space, budget, and desired workout intensity when deciding between the two.
How long do treadmills and walking pads last?
With proper care, treadmills and walking pads can last several years, but treadmills may have a longer lifespan due to their robust construction.
Can walking pads help improve cardiovascular health?
Yes, consistent use of walking pads can contribute to cardiovascular health by promoting regular physical activity.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Prokaryotic DNA vs. Eukaryotic DNA
Next Comparison
Gel vs. WaxAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
