Treadmill vs Walking Pad: Which is Better for Apartment Living?

Indoor walking and running provide an effective solution for apartment residents who wish to remain active and healthy without leaving their living spaces. If you need to maintain your daily step count, boost cardiovascular fitness, or burn calories, an at-home-friendly fitness machine is necessary.

Treadmills and walking pads are good choices, each catering to different fitness levels and living spaces. Though treadmills provide an intensive running experience, walking pads take up less space, making them an attractive alternative for small apartments. But which one is the better choice for apartment living? Let's compare the following aspects to enable you to decide: space requirements, noise levels, portability and storage, intensity level, cost, and maintenance.

Treadmills require a considerable amount of floor space. They come in various sizes, but even the most compact model can take up a lot of space. A standard treadmill measures at least 60 inches in length and 30 inches in width, making it better suited for larger spaces such as compared to compact living areas. However, walking pads are lightweight, foldable, and take minimal space. They can be easily stored under a couch or bed when not in use. Walking pads measure around 50 inches in length and 20 inches in width, which is an ideal size for apartments.

If you have a large enough workout area, a treadmill would be a suitable choice. It offers various workout options, catering to different fitness levels and goals. However, if space is an issue, a walking pad is a better choice due to its compact size. They take up minimal space and can easily be moved around, making them a good option for people living in small apartments. 

If you're looking for a compact and space-saving walking pad , Kingsmith offers an excellent collection designed for convenience and efficiency. Their walking pads feature an innovative folding design, allowing for easy storage in tight spaces. Built with high-strength, wear-resistant rollers, they ensure smooth and durable performance. Additionally, the foot-sensing control provides a seamless walking experience, while the detachable phone holder adds extra convenience for multitasking during workouts. Whether you have limited space or need a portable fitness solution, King Smith’s walking pads are a perfect choice.

Due to their powerful motors, treadmills are noisier than walking pads. Because of the vibrations created by the motor and the belt, treadmills can produce some noise which may be a consideration for those in shared spaces or apartments. However, walking pads have a smaller motor, thus creating fewer vibrations, making them quieter than treadmills.

If you live in a shared space or sound-sensitive environment, a walking pad is a better and more neighbor-friendly choice. Since they are quieter, they also allow you to multitask, such as watching TV while walking. However, if you want a high-intensity workout living in an apartment, you can look for treadmills with noise-reducing features. 

If you live in an apartment or shared space and need a quiet fitness solution, KingSmith walking pads are the perfect choice. Unlike traditional treadmills, these walking pads operate at a low noise level of just 65 to 75 dB, ensuring that your workouts won’t disturb your neighbors or housemates. Designed for smooth and silent performance, they allow you to stay active without unwanted noise, making them ideal for home and office use

Treadmills tend to be cumbersome and difficult to move. Even if they are foldable, they still require a designated storage area. People living in small apartments usually do not have enough space to allot a specific corner to treadmills, making them an impractical choice for apartments. Walking pads, on the other hand, are lightweight and compact. They can be slid under furniture or stored in a closet easily after use, making them a great choice for apartments where space is limited.

Identify your priorities to make the best choice for yourself. If you have limited space and storage convenience is a priority, a walking pad is the better choice. If you can designate a permanent spot for a treadmill, its durability, and extra features might make up for its non-portability.

People looking to do higher-intensity workouts should opt for treadmills, as they offer a diverse range of workout options, such as cardio workouts, HIIT sessions, and endurance training. They also have advanced features such as performance trackers and built-in speakers. However, walking pads are not designed for high-intensity workouts. They are ideal for those who want to maintain fitness, stay active, or engage in light cardio.

If you are an athlete or prefer higher-intensity workouts, then the treadmill is the right choice. But if you are interested in light exercise or staying active while working from home then a walking pad is more convenient. 

Treadmills tend to be more costly than walking pads. They consist of various parts that need maintenance from time to time. Maintenance could include belt lubrication, inspection of the motor, and shock absorption checks. Walking pads, however, are more budget-friendly and affordable as they have fewer components, so there isn’t much of a maintenance cost. They are also easier to manage.

If your budget is low and you are looking for equipment for your apartment for light exercises, then the walking pad is the clear winner. However, if you are looking for advanced workout features and the cost is not an issue, then a treadmill would be worth investing in. 

When choosing between a treadmill and a walking pad for apartment living, the right option depends on several factors, such as your available space, workout preferences, and fitness goals. If you have limited space and desire a quiet, moveable alternative, a walking pad is ideal. However, if you’re looking for high-intensity workouts, incline options, and innovative and advanced features, a treadmill is the preferable long-term solution. Both options have their perks, so consider your fitness goals and living environment before making any decision. Whichever one you choose, exercising at home is an excellent means to keep yourself healthy and fit.