Being healthy seems to have become more difficult these days. For one, most people today live a sedentary lifestyle, and it looks like they have little options in creating a change. Most of today’s jobs are characterized by computer work, which glues people to their desks and chairs for the most part of the day. Many of today’s entertainment have also become passive—watching TV series on Netflix, playing computer games, scrolling the internet.

These realities have brought about the development and design of newer technologies and solutions such as the walking pad, mini stepper, standing desk, and under-desk active accessories—exercise equipment designed for office and home use. These were brought about by the need to make it easy for individuals to insert opportunities for movement during their daily activities, but not only that.

Staying Healthy Amid Limitations in Space and Time: The Benefits of Under-Desk Active Accessories

Alongside the need for more natural movement among many individuals today despite their busy schedule is the need to maximize what limited space is available for these individuals. On one hand, our days are often packed with work and personal responsibilities (going to the gym is impossible for a lot of people), and the top solution appears to be to create opportunities for movement and exercise without interrupting the flow of our days. And on the other hand, we live in limited spaces. In most homes and offices, there isn’t enough space for adding exercise gear like treadmills and stationary bikes. So how do we deal?

These realities brought about the innovations we now call under-desk active accessories—small wonders that offer promise in ending our sedentary lifestyles. Under-desk active accessories are just that: accessories and equipment designed to help people stay active. What makes them perfect for the lifestyle of many individuals today is that they are designed to be compact and portable, thus easy to place and store under your desk so that they don’t take up too much space in your home or office. The walking pad and the mini stepper are some of the top under-desk active accessories you will find in the market today. They differ in design, but they offer comparable benefits in terms of health and wellness.

A Closer Look at the Walking Pad

You can consider a walking pad as a smaller version of your regular treadmill. Both the design and function of the walking pad and the treadmill are the same. The differences have to do with their size, as well as their features and capabilities.

Compared to your regular treadmill, the walking pad cannot accommodate as much weight. However, it can handle more than your average weight. For instance, the MotionGrey Walking Pad can handle as much as 265lbs; others may be able to handle even more.

The speed of the walking pad may also be limited compared to a treadmill. Obviously, you cannot run a marathon speed on a walking pad, but it also offers decent speed that will allow you to easily go from a jog to a run. The MotionGrey Walking Pad, for instance, has a speed range of 1-8 km/hr.

Despite the differences in weight capacity and speed, a walking pad has features comparable to that of a treadmill. For one, it also has an LED display that will reflect data such as running distance, speed, number of steps, and calories lost—data that are key to helping you progress in your exercise routine.

Most walking pads you will find in the market also come with a remote control that will allow you to operate them with ease.

And now that we’ve talked about the comparable benefits between a walking pad and a treadmill, you’ll be happy to know that the walking pad also offers benefits that a treadmill doesn’t. Much of these benefits have to do with the compact size and lightweight characteristic of the pad.

Unlike a treadmill, a walking pad doesn’t occupy much space. For instance, the MotionGrey Walking Pad is called an Eco Slim Walking Pad because it is so slim you can easily slide it under your couch after use. And of course, being one of the top under-desk active accessories today, it can be easily placed under your standing desk when not in use. You will also find a walking pad that is foldable. After use, it can be easily folded into two and can fit inside a cabinet—or you can just place it against a wall so that it gets out of your way. Most walking pads are also equipped with lockable wheels, so it’s easy to move them around your space. Lastly, you will also find a walking pad that features an incline, allowing you to simulate climbing when you walk on it, an exercise that will allow you to increase your workout intensity for more benefits.

A Closer Look at the Mini Stepper

The design of a mini stepper is slightly similar to the stationary bike, although there is no sitting area built into it. What it has are two steps, pedals that move up and down, simulating the motion of climbing stairs.

The mini stepper is so much more compact, and it can readily fit even if you have a cramped and tight space. It’s one of the leading under-desk active accessories if you want to insert a quick workout during your day.

What the mini stepper offers is focused toning and exercise for the lower body, low-impact workout that will provide benefits without taking so much toll on your muscles and joints. Working out on a mini stepper can easily be done in combination with other exercises in case you want to get more toning and engagement on your other muscles.

The Walking Pad vs. the Mini Stepper: Which is Better?

Both the walking pad and the mini stepper are effective under-desk active accessories. They are compact and can fit even limited spaces. Both can be paired with a standing desk—you can use either the walking pad or the mini-stepper as you perform simple tasks throughout the day. But, which of these should you get? Well, the answer is that it depends on several factors, such as the available space that you have and the type of workout and exercise you want.

Overall, it appears that walking pads offer more benefits than mini steppers, such as the following:

• They can handle more weight compared to a mini stepper, whose maximum weight capacity is only around 250lbs.
• They offer more workout variety, from walking to jogging and running.
• They can also engage more muscles, so walking pads are better for the back.

However, despite this, you cannot discount the benefits that a mini stepper offers, especially considering how compact it is. It is a perfect choice for users with very limited space. And, the regular use of a mini stepper is proven to contribute towards weight loss and improved heart health. If you are someone who simply wants to break free from sitting, then a mini stepper is a good option.

To help you determine which one is right for you, try and answer the following questions:

• How much space do I have, and which exercise equipment can it accommodate?
• What are my fitness goals? Do I want whole body engagement or is lower body exercise enough?
• What is my budget, and which under-desk active accessories will fit my budget?

Whether it’s walking pads or mini steppers you invest in according to your available space, fitness goals, and budget, one important thing to consider is to find equipment and accessories that are good in quality, durable, and will give you more value for your money. Here at MotionGrey, we have what you need!

We offer a wide range of ergonomic equipment such as standing desks and adjustable chairs, as well as top-of-the-line ergonomic and under-desk active accessories. These are all sourced from reputable suppliers, built using exacting technologies and specifications, and they are offered at reasonable prices, perfect for every user. Check out our catalog and find the right ergonomic equipment and under-desk accessory that will help you achieve your health goals.

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.

If you are not satisfied with your purchase, check out our Refund Policy.