I’ve been using the same under-desk treadmill for 9 months — here's my honest take on everything you need to know

A woman walking on the WalkingPad Z1 wearing Hoka running shoes photographed in front of a blue background. — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

After testing the WalkingPad Z1 for 9 months, I can confidently say it’s one of the best under-desk treadmills out there. Every time I work from home, and often if the weather is too bad to get out for a walk, I clock in at least an hour on the treadmill.

I’ve been consistently hitting my 10,000 steps a day goal, and have a lot more energy for it. When the afternoon slump hits at around 3 pm, I know I can unfold the treadmill and get my energy levels back up in no time.

Movement is the key to keeping your mind and body healthy, but why is this treadmill in particular the right choice for home office workers and people with busy schedules? Here’s everything you need to know.

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Staying comfortable

The WalkingPad Z1 photographed in front of a blue background. — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

An essential step of getting your steps in on a walking treadmill is wearing the right footwear. I recommend having a pair of comfortable trainers on hand that you can wear specifically for using the treadmill.

These shoes should be something comfortable, like the Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2.0 that I like to use, and they should be kept clean.

By having a pair of shoes for this specific purpose, you won’t be bringing any dirt or debris from outside onto the belt, which can result in wear and tear and shorten the longevity of the treadmill. Looking after the equipment means you can rely on it for years to come.

Safely put away

Since the WalkingPad Z1 is a folding treadmill, it can be easily stored out of the way, so it’s not an eyesore in the house like a full-size treadmill. But being careful when taking it out and putting it away is essential to making sure all the components stay in the best condition.

It’s a great idea to store it in a location that doesn’t get much dust, like under the sofa or under your desk. These are also areas where you can easily access the treadmill.

When storing, I always unplug the power cord so it doesn’t get damaged or folded. This keeps everything working correctly and avoids any unnecessary stress on components.

Opt for a brushless motor

The WalkingPad Z1 has a brushless motor, which means there’s less opportunity for overheating or wear of the belt. With reduced mechanical wear, the under-desk treadmill motor will last significantly longer than a brush motor.

As an added benefit, brushless motors also mean that operation is a lot quieter. This is perfect for working from home, where you need focus.

To find out more about the under-desk treadmill, you can read this full WalkingPad Z1 review.

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Ashley is a staff writer on the the Reviews team at Tom’s Guide. She has a master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and a BA in Journalism, Media and Sociology. She has written for titles including Women’s Health UK, writing health and wellness stories, and Virgin Radio UK, specializing in entertainment news and celebrity interviews. She has reported on a variety of topics including music, literature, motorsport, entertainment and health. She has previously reviewed live music events, books, and wellness products but discovering the top audio equipment on the market is what she does best. When she is not testing out the latest tech, you can find her either curled up with a cup of tea and a good novel or out hiking.

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