WalkingPad: The Best Tool for Developer I've Ever Had

As developers, we're practically glued to our chairs, aren’t we? This lifestyle isn’t exactly what you’d call "active". Everyone keeps saying "Oh, just get moving" but where's the time for this, between work, family duties, and the need to rest? I don't know yet.

Why did I decide to try WalkingPad?

I've tried a few times to adopt a healthier lifestyle, but I've struggled to make it a lasting habit. It usually starts off great - I'm all in, working hard, seeing results, and feeling motivated. But then, something slips. Day by day, I find myself working out less, and resting more, and before I know it, I'm back to my old, less healthy ways.

Of course, laziness plays a part, but there’s more to it. Being a young parent has taught me just how tough parenting can be. It's no surprise that I often end up needing rest more than a workout, which results in my belly getting a bit bigger each day. I find myself feeling more tired, sleepy and drained of energy more often than not.

How did the WalkingPad improve my life?

That’s why, a little over a year ago, I got myself a WalkingPad and started walking while working. And oh boy, it was like winning a lottery. After using it for about 1.5 years, I've reached nearly 3300 km, so... Now I'm curious to see how long it'll take to walk around the world 😅

In just a few months, I managed to drop 10 kg - yes, you read that right! My energy levels soared, and I felt much better both mentally and physically. Simply replacing sitting with walking during work hours made a huge difference.

What did I wish to know before start using it?

If you're thinking about getting a WalkingPad, my tip is to start slow. Mix it into your day bit by bit and see how it feels. I started with just an hour a day and increased it little by little. It's all about making it a comfortable part of your daily life, not a hassle.

A lot of folks also ask how to stay focused while walking, and honestly, it works pretty well once you find the right speed. For me, walking at 3 km/h felt too slow - it made me keep thinking about walking, which was distracting. 4 km/h was too quick and made it hard to focus. When I found my perfect pace at 3.5 km/h, it was great. I could walk and work without feeling like I was walking at all.

Of course, it's important to remember to wear the right shoes. Walking without them is not an option because you could hurt yourself pretty quickly. I invested in simple shoes with a thin mesh to keep my feet from sweating too much, and that was enough.

What WalkingPad to buy?

I'll be honest, I got so excited about the idea that I didn't spend much time checking out the possibilities. I picked up the simplest model WalkingPad A1 Pro. Looking back, I probably should have done more research, but in the end, I have no regrets - it was worth it! I bought a used one so it was even cheaper, but the official shop has a bunch of options, so definitely take a look and find one that suits your needs.

The biggest drawback initially was the official app - it was terrible. Synchronization with Apple Health kept constantly failing, so I ended up adding my workouts manually. However, a few months ago, they rolled out a huge update, and now I can't say a bad word about the app. It works smoothly, syncs properly, and even has a scoreboard! We all enjoy a bit of competition, right? For me, that’s been a really fun and motivating feature. I’ve been the second-longest-training man in the world a few times 🎉

Summary

So, that’s my take on the WalkingPad! It’s not just another piece of exercise equipment; it’s a tool that has significantly improved my life. Whether you’re a fellow developer or just someone looking to inject a bit more activity into your daily routine, a WalkingPad might be exactly what you need, especially if you don't have a lot of time after work.