Social media often pushes us to buy things that seem relevant at first but eventually end up unused. The growing intervention of technology in our daily lives can often compel us to invest in products we may not necessarily need. Amid several such devices, walking pads have been gaining popularity on social media, with many influencers recommending them to people with sedentary lifestyles. HT Lifestyle spoke to Dr Mayank Vijayvargiya, consultant orthopaedics, joint replacement, complex trauma and reconstruction, PD Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mahim, to understand the relevance of walking pads and whether they are worth investing in.
It keeps your joints moving well, supports your muscles and helps with overall fitness. “The biggest benefit of a walking pad is convenience. You can use it during a quick break from work or while doing other things at home, so it’s easier to break up long hours of sitting with some movement , instead of trying to fit in one big workout later,” explained Dr Mayank.
Because of the weather, like during the rainy season, it also helps manage your weight, which matters a lot for joint health — the more weight your knees, hips and ankles carry, the more strain they’re under Dr Mayank highlighted that a walking pad can be a great way to add more walking into your daily routine , especially if you have a sedentary lifestyle or find it hard to walk outdoors regularly.
Walking is one of the best low impact exercises out there, according to Dr Mayank.
At the end of the day, the best routine is the one you’ll actually keep up with.
A walking pad will not replace a full workout routine, but it’s a simple, useful way to stay active when going outside isn’t an option, according to Dr Mayank.
