Looking for that one fitness equipment you can add to your space to help you live a more active, healthier life? There are several options available out there. But, if you have limited space and can only add one equipment at the moment, it makes sense to take time choosing the right one for you. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at and compare two of the more popular compact fitness equipment available in the market today—the stepper vs the walking pad.

What is a stepper?

A stepper is a compact fitness equipment that is designed to imitate the movement of climbing mountains or stairs. This equipment has two step plates for your left and right feet, and the exercise happens when you step on the plates. They come with a certain level of resistance, so your legs need to exert some effort to move the steps up and down. The repeated use of the stepper stimulates the feet and legs, as well as surrounding muscles.

What is a walking pad?

While a stepper is for simulating the act of climbing mountains or stairs, the walking pad is for walking. You can think of this pad as a smaller and simpler version of the treadmill. It also works the same way—you turn it on, and then you can walk on it while in place.

Compared to the treadmill, the walking pad may have a limited speed, so you cannot expect to do heavy running here. However, the advantage is that it’s more compact, so it doesn’t occupy a lot of space. You can easily place it under your desk, and it won’t get in the way. In fact, you will find a standing desk walking pad that is either already built with the desk or simply designed to be compatible with a standing desk. It is an ideal pair for the stand-up desk as it can complement the standing that you do while working, allowing you to level up your activity level by walking.

Stepper vs Walking Pad: Which is the Better Choice?

Both walking pads and steppers can be great for your fitness routine, but they serve slightly different purposes and offer distinct benefits. Check out the features of each below:

The Stepper

As mentioned, a stepper simulates the action of climbing stairs. It usually involves a pair of pedals that move up and down in a stepping motion. Using this equipment can bring the following benefits:

Higher Intensity. It can provide a more intense workout, especially if you increase the resistance or speed.

Strength Building. It targets lower body muscles like the glutes, quads, and calves.

Cardio and Strength. It also offers both cardiovascular benefits and muscle toning.

The stepper is ideal for people who want a higher intensity workout and are looking to focus on building lower body strength.

The Walking Pad

Compared to the stepper, the walking pad is a compact treadmill designed for walking at a moderate pace. It's usually foldable and portable, making it ideal for home use. The use of this equipment can offer the following benefits:

Low Impact. It is gentle on the joints compared to running, so you can stay active without subjecting your knees and lower body to extreme pressure.

Convenience. It is easy to use while multitasking. You can walk on the walking pad even while you are working or watching TV.

Calorie Burn. The walking pad is good for a steady cardiovascular exercise and can help with weight management. This is ideal for people who are trying to watch their weight but find themselves too busy to go to the gym or follow a specific fitness routine.

Space-Saving. This is often compact in design and can be stored easily. It won’t occupy extra space and won’t cause clutter.

The walking pad is great for people who are looking for a low-impact cardio option that can be done easily indoors.

Stepper vs Walking Pad: How to Choose the Right One

There is no one right answer to the question whether the stepper or the walking pad is better—it always depends on your specific goals, needs, and priorities.

• Fitness Goals: If your goal is a low-impact cardio workout with a focus on endurance, a walking pad might be a better choice. However, if you want a more intense workout that targets the lower body and provides both cardio and strength benefits, a stepper might be more suitable for you.
• Space and Convenience: Consider the space you have available and how you plan to use the equipment. Walking pads are generally more compact and easier to store, and they can either be so thin in design or are foldable, making storage easy. Meanwhile, steppers might be a bit bulkier and may require a bit more space.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal fitness goals and preferences. Or, you may also have an option to use both the stepper and walking pad. If you have the space and if you can develop a rhythm in the use of these two equipment, you can integrate them into a varied workout routine, allowing you to get a more holistic exercise sequence that will target the entire body.

Are you looking for the right exercise equipment for you and your space? Check our catalog here at MotionGrey. Our wide selection of ergonomic solutions and fitness equipment will definitely improve not only your space but also your lifestyle.

About Us

MotionGrey is a Canadian standing desk company that specializes in ergonomic furniture. We supply and install only the best quality standing desks and ergonomic chairs in the country. We offer free shipping within Canada and the US.

What made you switch to standing desks? Our products are designed with wellness as the focal point. From our electric standing desks to our office and gaming chairs, we deliver best value by putting your health, safety, and comfort as top priority. Boost your creativity and level up work performance. We want you to create great outcomes so we’re providing you only the best tools to make them possible.

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