I Walked 11+ Miles On My Underdesk Treadmill from 9 am to 5 pm — Here's What Happened

Is the WalkingPad worth its price tag? Here's my honest review (after 7+ hours and 11+ miles).

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Call me crazy, but with my husband out of town for work and three small children at home, it's hard to get a workout in, let alone hit my 10k step goal each day. After spending more time than I'd like to admit doom-scrolling on a Wednesday night, I came across an influencer who walked a marathon on an under-desk treadmill and sang the praises of brain-boosting, productive benefits of walking during the workday (what was I previously watching that got my algorithm stuck on this, you might ask).

Then a thought came to me: I have an under-desk treadmill — the WalkingPad C2 to be exact. I have a 9-to-5-ish job. I also happened to have a relatively meeting-free day to dedicate to walking. Thus, I had a plan. It's important to note that this is not my first rodeo when it comes to spending longer on a moving surface. In fact, I once ran 17 miles on a treadmill during Hurricane Irene while training for the NYC Marathon. (Side note: This was very boring, but it was the safer option considering the weather, and I switched treadmills at the gym every 5 miles to keep it interesting.)

I dusted off my under-desk treadmill, which had sat unused since Prime Day last year. I bought this in the middle of the night while feeding my third daughter, thinking I'd get into shape post-maternity leave. That's a story for another day, but the point is that my under-desk treadmill was starting to become that proverbial "treadmill clothing rack," and as a runner (and Shape editor), that's no bueno in my book. So, off I went!

Related: Hit Your Step Goal Every Day With These Shape Editor-Approved Under-Desk Walking Pads

Hour-By-Hour of My Work Day Walk

9 am : A fresh coffee and a 40-ounce hydroflask full of ice water with LMNT electrolytes—and we're off to the races. I'm walking at 2.5 miles per hour, suited up in a comfy walking outfit (did I mention my day is relatively meeting-free?). Fit check: lululemon Align leggings, Hoka Bondi 8s, a Nike sports bra, and a long-sleeved tennis shirt.

On the agenda today: lots of strategy work, some social content, and editing. I'm wondering whether there's any truth to the idea that walking can help you to focus. I do my best thinking on long runs, and research supports this, but will it work for me today? We will see. Here's a look at my workstation setup.

10 am : I'm feeling good, 2.28 miles in. I put on some tunes with my AirPods (as the walking pad is a bit too loud to hear my music, and I don't want to wake the napping baby). The pace feels manageable, and I'm in a groove work-wise. When I've walked slower in the past, I got shin splits, and I have a half marathon coming up in two weeks, so no, thank you. My Apple Watch isn't tracking the "Indoor Walk" well, probably because my hands are glued to my keyboard. I abandoned that piece of the puzzle.

11 am : I'm 4.6 miles in at a 24-minute-per-mile pace and crushing work that has been on my to-do list for weeks. You know those annoying tasks that you push to the bottom and put off for a while, that haunt you at 2 a.m., but then when you actually do them, you wonder why it took you so long (yes, I see my husband reminding me about the six months it took to get my passwords into Keeper)? I got through two of those huge tasks, and what a weight off my shoulders.

I pause for a bathroom break, grab a protein-rich snack , and fill my water bottle. The snack is a handful of Costco unsalted mixed nuts, if you must know. My legs feel good, and I'm hesitant to stop as I want to keep this momentum going through the morning.

12 pm : 6.72 miles in the books. I'm comfortable and used to standing for long periods while working, but walking is different. I'm definitely breaking a sweat (my husband took my Native deodorant with him on said work trip)...and getting a bit tired.

12:15 pm : Paused for lunch break. Honestly, it was nice to sit down. ICYW, lunch was avocado toast on sourdough with scrambled eggs. Easy, tasty, and quick fuel for my walk. I forced myself to sit at my dining room table; what a thought! But, back to work 15 minutes later.

1:10 pm : Got in another 1.5 miles, totaling 8.8 miles so far for the day. I have to run to the dentist, let's hope I'm cavity-free.

2 pm : Taking a cat nap in the dentist's chair was nice, but I'm back at work. I have a few calls, so I sit for about an hour. Around 3 pm, I'm walking again, crossing items off my to-do list, but honestly wondering when I can hop in the shower. This truly is turning into a marathon.

3:40 pm : My kids have gotten home from school, and the baby is up, but the walking pad drowns out the chaotic noise that would typically lure me downstairs to play referee before they head to the playground. It's a win-win: more walking, more work.

4:45 pm : I put on some hype music, as one normally does around this time, and then got the brilliant idea to film a reel. Add some Beyonce, and there we go! Around 5:15 pm, I decided to call walking done for the day. 11.16 miles, to be exact. I'm normally a fan of whole numbers (anyone guilty of running around their driveway or up and down the block to hit the even 3-mile mark), but it's been a day. I put some finishing touches on work and then went off to cook dinner for my kiddos and me.

The Final Recap

I'm now obsessed with my walking pad. It boosted my productivity and also got me way past my 10k step goal for the day. Walking the majority of the day was a bit much, but I may add an hour or so of walking here and there to my day throughout the week when I don't have meetings, or I'm feeling especially foggy. Walking definitely ignited my creativity and helped me stay focused.

WalkingPad C2 Foldable Walking Treadmill

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• Size and storage functionality : The main attraction of this walking pad was its ability to fold and store away easily. I spent a lot of time researching low-profile, high-performance walking pads that can be easily moved around and kept out of sight. It lives folded up next to my desk when I'm not using it.
• Simple setup : The walking pad came fully assembled, so I had it up and running within 5 minutes of delivery. Simply plug it in, unfold it, and go. However, it may not be the best option for those who are not super tech-savvy, as you need to download the app to operate and control the treadmill (although there is a handy remote control).
• Safety features : I'm naturally a klutz, so I'm a fan of the auto-stop feature that helps to keep me safe.
• App : The KS Fit app helps you control the walking pad and displays your walking stats, including time, speed, steps, and mileage. There are two modes: manual and automatic. The automatic mode allows you to control your walking speed using your feet, whereas the manual mode requires setting a specific mph.
• Comfort : The walking pad features an EVA layer that provides extra cushioning. I've had no issues with comfort, as long as I'm wearing a pair of sneakers .
• Noise level : Aside from the size and 180-degree folding capability, noise was the main thing I was concerned about. While it is not silent, and I did put the walking pad on top of my rug, it is relatively quiet. You can also purchase a pad to put below the walking pad to reduce noise.

Some drawbacks include the somewhat hefty price tag. While I'm sure there are more affordable versions, I felt safe and supported, plus I scored a major discount at the time of purchase. If you want other options, check out our roundup of editor and expert-tested walking pads and compact treadmills.

Tips for Walking on a Walking Pad While Working

After testing this pad for a whole workday, I feel like a seasoned expert on walking while working. Here are my top takeaways.

• Your set-up matters. Invest in a quality walking pad, and pair it with a sturdy, functional desk. I love my sit-to-stand desk, which keeps my walking form on point. I can adjust my screen and keyboard to improve my posture.
• Choose good gear. Be sure to wear supportive, cushioned walking shoes . Dress appropriately, and you might even want to consider a mat.
• Do not walk and eat or drink. No desk lunches while walking, which is good for more mindful meals. Also, trying to sip a heavy 40-ounce water bottle can be a doozy, even while walking slowly.
• Consider your pace. Walk slowly, but not too slow. Avoid injury by keeping a manageable pace. Stop the walking pad before getting off; don't try to jump off. Do as I say, not as I do.
• Don't walk during meetings. Walk between meetings or on meeting-free days. No one wants to see a bobbing head during a call; it's distracting. Keep your walking pad time for a boost when you cannot get out for an afternoon or lunchtime stroll or when you have focus-time work with zero cameras needed.
  
• Store it smartly. Keep your walking pad away from kiddos. It may be tempting for them to want to join in or test it out while you're not in the room. I recommend folding it up and stowing it away for ultimate safety.

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