Most remote workers log far fewer steps than they realize. No commute, no walk to a meeting room, no lunch run: it’s easy to end the day with just a couple thousand steps. A walking pad changes that. Here’s how many steps you can realistically add in a workday, and how to fit them in.
The quick math
Walking at a comfortable 2 mph, most people take roughly 2,000 to 2,500 steps in 20 minutes, which works out to about 6,000 to 7,500 steps per hour of walking. Your exact number depends on your height, stride, and speed.
What a workday could look like
- 1 hour of walking: about 6,000 to 7,500 steps
- 2 hours: about 12,000 to 15,000 steps
- 3 hours: about 18,000 to 22,000 steps
You don’t need to walk all day. Even 1 to 2 hours spread across your workday can lift you well past the commonly cited 10,000-step goal when you add your normal daily movement.
Easy ways to build it into your day
1. Walk during calls
Audio-only meetings and check-ins are the easiest place to start. Keep the pace slow (1.5 to 2 mph) so you can talk comfortably.
2. Use short focus blocks
Try 25 minutes of walking while you answer emails or read, then sit for a 5-minute break. Repeat a few times a day.
3. Walk after lunch
A gentle 15 to 20 minute walk after eating is a simple habit that’s easy to keep.
4. Save incline for the end of the day
Use a slower pace at your desk and save the incline for a short workout when you’re done working.
Tips for walking while you work
- Keep the speed low: 1 to 2 mph is best for typing and reading
- Start with 20 to 30 minutes at a time, then build up
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes
- Set your desk or laptop at a height that keeps your wrists and neck relaxed
- Pick a quiet motor so it doesn’t interfere with calls
Track your progress
Watch your daily time and steps rather than chasing a big number on day one. A simple goal, like adding 3,000 steps this week and 5,000 next week, is easier to keep than an all-or-nothing target.
A walking pad that fits your space
The best walking pad is one you’ll actually use, which means it needs to be quiet, compact, and easy to put away. Our 3-in-1 Foldable Incline Treadmill walks, jogs, and runs, adds incline for when you want more of a workout, and folds flat when the workday is over.
Ready to turn your workday into steps? Check out our 3-in-1 Foldable Incline Treadmill.