How to Use a Walking Pad While Working: Step-by-Step Setup

Walking while you work takes a little setting up the first time. Once your desk height and speed are right, it feels natural within a few sessions. Here is the process.

Step 1: Check your desk clearance

Fold the handrail down and slide the walking pad under your desk. You need at least 15 to 18 cm between the deck and the underside of the desk so your feet move freely. If your desk is lower than about 70 cm, measure carefully first, as very low desks may not clear.

Step 2: Set your screen and keyboard height

Your screen should sit at eye level. Looking down at a laptop while walking strains your neck. A laptop riser or a monitor on a stand fixes this. Keep the keyboard at a height where your elbows bend at about 90 degrees.

Step 3: Start slowly

Walk at 1 to 2 km/h for your first few sessions while you get used to typing and walking together. Most people settle at 2.5 to 4 km/h within a week. That keeps you moving and keeps your typing accurate.

Step 4: Build up session length

Start with 15 to 20 minute sessions. Add time as your legs and balance adjust. Many people end up with 2 or 3 sessions of 20 to 30 minutes spread through the day.

Step 5: Handle video calls

At 1 to 3 km/h with a good headset, most colleagues will not notice you are walking. Frame the camera on your upper body, and mute when you are not speaking so the mic does not pick up motor or footstep sound.

Step 6: Mix walking with sitting

Alternate walking blocks with sitting or standing still. Walking for hours on end is unnecessary. Aim for movement you can repeat every day.

Step 7: Fold it away after work

Fold the walking pad and store it under the desk, bed or sofa so the space is clear for the rest of the day.

Frequently asked questions

What speed should I walk at while working? Start at 1 to 2 km/h and build up to 2.5 to 4 km/h once you are used to typing while moving.

Can people tell I am walking during a video call? At low speed with a good headset, rarely. Keep the camera on your upper body and the speed under about 3 km/h during calls.

How long should my first walking-while-working session be? 15 to 20 minutes. Build up gradually over the following weeks.

Set up your own walking desk with our under desk treadmill, KSh 24,800.