A walking mat is a portable treadmill that is compact and can be placed under a desk. It can be used in a home or office environment and comes with a standing or adjustable height desk as part of an active workstation. It allows you to do some physical activity while doing things that normally require sitting down. Think of it as the ultimate multi-tasking opportunity – whether you’re sitting for hours at work or watching TV at home – and get a little exercise.
Walking mat and treadmill
Thewalking pad is light and relatively lightweight, and can go where traditional treadmills dare not tread. Although both types of fitness equipment encourage movement and can help you “make your stride,” walking MATS aren’t really designed for cardio.
Most walking MATS are electric and have adjustable Settings. But since they’re specifically designed for you to use while standing at your desk, you probably won’t sweat too much. Walking MATS usually do not have armrests, a common safety feature on treadmills. But some walking MATS do have handrails that you can remove or remove. Its more compact size and adjustable setting make the walking mat a good choice for use in the workplace or at home.
Some walking pads have adjustable resistance or speed, but unlike treadmills, they are not designed for running. Treadmills, on the other hand, have larger, heavier frames and bases, handrails and other features, so they’re designed to stay in place and remain stable even if you start running faster.
Electronic treadmills usually have different speeds and Settings so that you can increase (or decrease) the intensity of your workout. Not surprisingly, because of these additional features, treadmills are generally more expensive than walking MATS.
Types of walking MATS
With the growing popularity of walking MATS for home and office use, companies have added a variety of features to meet your activity goals and special requirements.
Folding type. If you have a limited footprint or want to carry a walking mat with you when you commute between home and the office, a foldable walking mat is a practical option. They have an articulated pad for easy storage and are popular with those who want to store their fitness equipment at the end of the day or when they are not in use. Foldable walking MATS may have a stable handle that can be removed.
Under the desk. Another popular feature is the ability to mount a walking mat underneath a standing desk. These types of walking MATS do not have a handle or bar to hold a laptop or cell phone.
Adjustable tilt. If you want more of a challenge, some walking MATS have adjustable inclines that can help boost your cardio. It makes you feel like you’re climbing a mountain. (Leaning has also been shown to make ankles and knees stronger and more flexible.) You can adjust the slope to 5% or more. This allows you to step up to more challenging workouts or change the intensity at intervals. Some adjustable incline walking MATS even come with stabilizing handles to improve safety and balance.
Experts recommend first laying the walking mat flat, then gradually increasing the slope to 2%-3% for five minutes, adjusting back to zero for two minutes, and then setting the slope back to 2%-3% for three to four minutes. Increasing these intervals over time allows you to work out more hours (and steps) on the slopes.
The benefits of walking MATS
When you work or can’t get out for a walk, a walking mat gives you exercise. Other benefits include:
Increase physical activity and health. If you’re one of the millions of adults in the United States who spend most of your working day sitting down, you may be at higher risk for heart, vascular, and metabolic problems. Studies show that the average adult sits for more than 10 hours a day. Even switching part of sitting time to moderate activity (such as brisk walking on a walking mat) may make a difference and benefit heart health. If that’s not enough to get you out of your seat and move around, sedentary behavior has also been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
The actual physical benefits vary, but one study found that adults who used walking desks at home reported feeling more active, less physical pain, and improved overall health.
Improves brain function. The mind-body connection is real. One study showed that walking at their desk can make them feel better physically, mentally and emotionally. They experienced fewer negative effects, including inattention, on days when they used the walking mat compared to days when they worked at a desk. Another study showed that people’s reasoning scores improved when standing, walking, and walking compared to sitting.
Reduce sedentary time. A quarter of American adults sit for more than eight hours a day, and four in 10 are not physically active. Sedentary behavior has been linked to obesity, heart disease, poor concentration and negative emotions. But a recently published global study shows that a little activity can go a long way toward improving health and well-being. A 2021 study showed that office workers who used walking MATS took an average of 4,500 extra steps per day.
Reduces stress. Stress levels are often associated with exercise. So it’s no surprise that regular use of walking MATS can help reduce stress (both at home and at work). A review of 23 studies on the relationship between the use of walking MATS at work and physical and mental health found evidence that standing desks and the use of walking MATS helped people be more active in the workplace, reduce stress and improve their overall mood.
Increased attention and concentration. Can you chew gum (or be more productive) while walking? For years, researchers have been trying to find out if using a walking mat at work can improve your productivity. The jury is still out, but a recent study found that while using a walking mat at work doesn’t seem to directly improve your productivity while exercising, there is evidence that both concentration and memory improve after you complete your walk.
A 2024 Mayo Clinic study of 44 people who used walking MATS or other active workstations showed that they improved mental cognition (thinking and judgment) without reducing work performance. The researchers also measured the accuracy and speed of typing and found that while typing slowed down slightly, accuracy did not suffer.
How to choose the right walking mat for you
Walking MATS come in a variety of sizes and have a variety of functions. Here are some things to consider when you make a purchase:
The size. Look carefully at the description of the walking mat and make sure it fits under your desk or any other space you want to use it in your home. You may also want to consider how heavy it is and how easy (or difficult) it will be to move it.
Load-bearing capacity. It is also a good idea to check the weight limit of the walking mat and the size of the walking mat to make sure it is suitable for your body type. Walking pads can typically hold up to about 220 pounds, but some models can hold up to more than 300 pounds.
Noise. If you plan to use a walking mat in an area where your colleagues or family are, noise levels are an important feature to consider. In general, folding walking MATS may produce more noise than stationary ones.
Speed. Walking pads also offer a range of maximum speeds, depending on the type of exercise you want. The usual speed is between 2.5 and 8.6 miles per hour.
Intelligent function. Some walking MATS can communicate with your mobile device or support Bluetooth. Some even come with speakers, so you can listen to your favorite music or podcasts while walking.
Post time: Dec-03-2024