Are you bought in on trying a walking pad, but now you’re asking yourself — how to track steps on a walking pad? There are a lot of options and combinations you can try Here are all of my tips and what has worked best for me.
First, let me just reiterate how much I LOVE my walking pad. It’s been my sanity saver, letting me sneak in steps while handling emails or even during virtual meetings.
But here’s the deal—how do you keep track of all those steps? Tracking your steps is not only motivating but also helps you stay on top of your fitness goals. Fortunately, there are many options to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Let’s dive into some easy and fun ways to monitor your progress on a walking pad!
1. Use a fitness tracker
Fitness trackers are amazing little gadgets that can monitor your steps, heart rate, and even sleep patterns. Here are a few popular ones:
- Fitbit: Syncs seamlessly with your smartphone, giving you detailed insights into your daily activity
- Apple Watch: If you’re an iPhone user, this is a fantastic option that integrates with various health apps
- Garmin: Known for its accuracy and robust features, it’s great for serious fitness enthusiasts
Simply wear your tracker on your wrist, set it to walking mode, and let it do the magic while you power through your to-do list on your walking pad.
Before I started using a walking pad I had an Apple Watch, mostly for finding my iPhone when I lose it from my severe mom brain (lol!), but now I use the workout functionality on my Apple Watch in combination with my manual mileage tracker and the built-in walking pad display. If you go with an Apple Watch to track steps on a walking pad be sure to check out my post about how to optimize your step tracking, many people find that an Apple Watch doesn’t accurate track steps when you’re using a walking pad while working because your hands are largely stationary on the keyboard. Things like an ankle band will help increase accuracy!
2. Step tracking apps
No tracker? No problem! There are plenty of apps you can download directly to your smartphone that do a fantastic job of counting your steps. Some of my favorites include:
- Strava: A community based app for tracking workouts for casual walkers to competitive cyclists
- Pacer: A user-friendly app that counts steps and tracks your walking routes
- Google Fit: Simple and effective, especially for Android users
- Stepz: An excellent choice for iOS users, with an easy-to-read interface and daily goals
Just keep your phone in your pocket, and these apps will handle the rest.
3. Built-in walking pad displays
Many walking pads come equipped with their own displays that show your step count, distance, and calories burned. While this might not be as feature-rich as a fitness tracker or app, it’s a straightforward way to see your progress at a glance.
Want to level up a bit? Add a manual Google Sheet mileage tracker to collect your mileage from the built-in walking pad display so you can review your overall mileage over time.
Other ways to track your mileage and increase your walking pad motivation
Integrate with health platforms
If you’re using a fitness tracker or a step tracking app, take advantage of their ability to sync with broader health platforms like Apple Health or Google Fit. This can give you a comprehensive overview of your activity levels, helping you set and smash those fitness goals!
Create a step challenge
Turn tracking your steps into a fun and motivating challenge. Set daily, weekly, or monthly step goals and reward yourself when you hit them. Maybe a new book, a relaxing bubble bath, or a night out with friends—whatever feels like a treat to you!
Join a walking community
There are plenty of online communities and social media groups dedicated to walking and fitness. Join a group to share your progress, get tips, and find accountability buddies. It’s incredibly motivating to be part of a community of like-minded moms who are cheering each other on.
Now you know how to track steps on a walking pad, time to walk!
Tracking your steps on a walking pad doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you use a fitness tracker, an app, or the walking pad’s display, the key is consistency. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and remember that every step counts towards a healthier, happier you.
So, lace up those sneakers, hop on your walking pad, and start stepping your way to better health. You’ve got this, mama! Happy walking!
Would you like to share your progress or need more tips on incorporating walking into your busy schedule? Drop a comment below or join our [Mom Walks Community] for more support and inspiration!