SAN FRANCISCO — During a regular day in the office, I last about five minutes at my desk. Then I get antsy and move to the table in the office kitchen. Then to the conference room. Then back to the kitchen.
But the walking pad’s position in a long series of social media wellness trends deserves a raised eyebrow. Social media creators promote an endless stream of wellness products that are supposed to make us happier or skinnier. Plenty of walking pads will gather dust next to our vibration pads and gua sha sets. Plenty more will remain under our desks, pressuring us to overexert or joylessly count steps.
Videos promoting walking pads show people enjoying fitness on their own schedules — which might mean during the workday or a reality TV marathon. Many of usTo get those benefits, we need the time and space to move. In 2020, researchers at the University of California at Los Angelesstudents and faculty members why they were sedentary much of the day. Participants cited “environmental constraints” and “social acceptability.
Bain decided to test Patchett’s strategy: He brought his book outside and walked around the neighborhood while he read — being extra careful before crossing the street, he noted.The hack worked, Bain said, and now he’s considering a walking pad more seriously.