Ортопед объяснил, стоит ли покупать дороговую дорожку для ходьбы

Is it worth buying a walking pad? Orthopaedic expert breaks down the pros, cons and who needs one Thinking about buying a walking pad? An orthopaedic expert explains whether it is actually worth the money and how useful it can be for staying active at home. Social media often pushes us to buy things that seem relevant at first but eventually end up unused. The growing intervention of technology in our daily lives can often compel us to invest in products we may not necessarily need. Amid several such devices, walking pads have been gaining popularity on social media, with many influencers recommending them to people with sedentary lifestyles. HT Lifestyle spoke to Dr Mayank Vijayvargiya, consultant orthopaedics, joint replacement, complex trauma and reconstruction, PD Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mahim, to understand the relevance of walking pads and whether they are worth investing in. Also read | Fitness coach Raj Ganpath answers 11 FAQs about fat loss, diet, and fitness: ‘Is walking an exercise?’ Benefits of walking According to Dr Mayank, walking is one of the best low impact exercises out there. It keeps your joints moving well, supports your muscles and helps with overall fitness. It also helps manage your weight, which matters a lot for joint health — the more weight your knees, hips and ankles carry, the more strain they're under Pros of walking pad Dr Mayank highlighted that a walking pad can be a great way to add more walking into your daily routine, especially if you have a sedentary lifestyle or find it hard to walk outdoors regularly because of the weather, like during the rainy season. “The biggest benefit of a walking pad is convenience. You can use it during a quick break from work or while doing other things at home, so it's easier to break up long hours of sitting with some movement, instead of trying to fit in one big workout later,” explained Dr Mayank. That said, walking alone isn't enough for complete joint health. It helps to pair it with some simple strengthening exercises for your hips, knees and ankles, plus stretching and balance work to keep your joints stable and mobile Dr Mayank advises that if you are just getting started, take it slow. Build up your time and pace gradually as you get more comfortable rather than overdoing it early on. Wearing good shoes and keeping proper posture are also very important. Is it worth buying a walking pad? According to Dr Mayank, a walking pad will not replace a full workout routine, but it's a simple, useful way to stay active when going outside isn't an option. At the end of the day, the best routine is the one you'll actually keep up with. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition. - ABOUT THE AUTHORAnukriti SrivastavaAnukriti Srivastava thrives at the intersection of words and voice, where journalism meets storytelling. A digital editor and journalist with over 5 years of experience, she has written across lifestyle, women issues, relationships, entertainment, fashion, and travel. She did her Masters in Broadcast Journalism and has published more than 500+ lifestyle content pieces across platforms. As a former Sub-Editor at HerZindagi, she produced engaging digital content, interviews, and event coverage for a wide audience. She has also contributed as a Webstory Producer with Travel + Leisure, transforming travel experiences into immersive stories for readers who love exploring the world. Beyond writing, Anukriti’s storytelling extends to the microphone. As a voice-over artist, her warm and expressive voice has brought scripts to life across audio platforms, turning simple words into immersive experiences. Her work reflects a deep interest in people, culture, and everyday stories that resonate with readers and listeners alike. She enjoys crafting content that informs, inspires, and sparks curiosity. Away from screens and studios, you’ll find her reading self-help books, listening to music, getting lost in romantic novels, and playing the guitar for a creative reset. For Anukriti, storytelling isn’t just a profession—it’s a way of seeing and sharing the world.Read More Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.