“How fast do you walk on your walking pad?”

It’s a great question—and like most things with walking, the answer depends on what I’m doing. But here’s something I’ve learned that might surprise you:

👉 One of the biggest mistakes I see people make early on is walking too slow.

I totally get it. The logic makes sense—go slower, and it should be easier to type or concentrate. But in practice? Walking too slow can actually feel *more* awkward. Like your body’s waiting for permission to move naturally.

It’s not about dragging your feet.

It’s about finding your natural pace.

If you’re a fast walker outside, don’t be afraid to try faster speeds inside too. You might be surprised by how much better it feels once you hit your stride. Literally.

Here’s what works for me

🚶‍♀️ 2.4 mph — Talk + Walk Speed

This is the slowest I go, and it’s perfect when I need to be talking out loud. I can lead meetings without losing my breath, and I’m not bouncing all over the screen on Zoom. It’s steady, smooth, and easy.

☕ 2.8 mph — My Happy Speed

This is my go-to. When I start my walking pad each morning, I set it to 2.8 mph. It’s the speed I can forget I’m walking. I can write, read, respond to emails—whatever’s on my list. It just works.

🎧 3.4 mph — Listener Mode

When I’m in a meeting where I don’t need to present or I’m just attending a webinar, I bump it up. This feels more like a brisk walk outside. I’m tuned in, moving, and energized.

If you’re new to walking while you work, try a few different speeds and see how they feel. Pay attention to when your body and brain “click in”—when walking starts to feel like background noise instead of the main event.

That’s your sweet spot. 💡

Let me know what speed works best for you!

Why Oiling Your Walking Pad Is Important

Oiling your walking pad ensures the belt moves smoothly over the deck, reducing friction and preventing unnecessary wear and tear. This not only extends the life of your walking pad but also ensures it operates quietly and efficiently. Neglecting this maintenance can lead to a jerky belt, louder operation, and even damage to the motor over time.

How to Know When It’s Time to Oil Your Walking Pad

As a rule of thumb, most walking pads require oiling every 100 miles or 25-50 hours of use. If you haven’t been tracking your mileage, watch for these signs:

- The belt feels sticky or sluggish.

- The walking pad is noisier than usual.

- The belt doesn’t glide smoothly, even at lower speeds.

To make sure you stay on top of maintenance, consider keeping a mileage log or using an app to track your usage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Oiling Your Walking Pad

Follow these simple steps to oil your walking pad:

1. Buy walking pad/treadmill oil or lubricant

Look for a lubricant specifically designed for walking pads or treadmills. Silicone-based lubricants are commonly recommended.

2. Turn the walking pad off

For safety, ensure your walking pad is powered down before starting.

3. Lift one side of the walking pad belt

Slide the oil straw under the belt to the halfway point of the walking pad. Apply a thin line of oil as you pull the straw out.

4. Repeat on the other side

Lift the other edge of the belt and repeat the process, applying oil from the halfway point to the edge.

5. Turn the walking pad on

Set it to a slow speed (1 mph) and let it run for several minutes. This helps distribute the oil evenly under the belt.

6. Apply pressure with your foot

While the walking pad is running, use one foot to apply pressure to different spots on the belt, simulating walking. This ensures the lubricant spreads evenly.

7. Increase speed

Gradually increase the speed to 2 mph and let it run for a few more minutes.

8. Repeat the foot pressure step

Apply pressure with your foot again at this higher speed.

9. Increase the speed again

Set the walking pad to an even higher speed.

10. Repeat the foot pressure step one last time

Apply foot pressure again to ensure thorough distribution of the oil.

That’s it! Your walking pad is now oiled and ready for action.

Pro Tip: Track Your Miles

To avoid guessing when it’s time to oil your walking pad, track your mileage. Some walking pads have built-in tracking features, or you can use a fitness app to log your steps and distance.

Regular maintenance, like oiling your walking pad, will ensure it stays a reliable part of your routine for years to come. Take care of your equipment, and it will take care of you!