The best treadmill reviews you can trust
The WalkingPad A1 is a compact under-desk treadmill with a reinforced design. Continue reading this review of the WalkingPad A1 Pro Under Desk Treadmill to learn more about its office-ready design and discreet storage.
Updated: August 4, 2023
The WalkingPad A1 Pro is the premier choice of under-desk treadmill from WalkingPad. The brand is known for its folding decks and belts. This design shrinks the treadmill down to a more compact footprint for storage. The A1 Pro can be stashed under a desk or bed or hidden in a closet. The WalkingPad A1 Pro can transform your at-home work day from a slog of endless sitting into a more engaging low-intensity exercise routine. Believe it or not, I am getting my steps in while writing this review of the WalkingPad A1 Pro Under Desk Treadmill.
The WalkingPad A1 is mostly plastic, which has been shaped using high-precision IML injection. Molding. The walking board is made from high-density fiberboard. The A1 does not have adjustable stability feet. It only has rubberized feet that prevent the treadmill from slipping around. It is very low to the ground. The stability is decent as a result of this low-profile design.
The A1 Pro has a brushless motor to keep it very quiet. The treadmill should not be stored upright, as this can cause bring lubricant into content with the motor, creating more noise. The motor should be suitable for daily, casual use.
The 47” x 16.5” walking belt is spacious enough for walking. This treadmill has a speed limit of 3.7 mph, so it is certainly not built for running. For the best stride, place the deck further under your desk than you might initially expect to ensure you have plenty of forward clearance for your stride. The deck is padded with EVA cushioning. It does not feel particularly soft but has a comfortable firmness. The belt itself has a decent amount of traction, so I never felt like I was slipping. If the belt feels off or noisier than normal, check the user manual for instructions on adjusting the belt’s positioning and adding lubrication. The process is pretty simple.
The WalkingPad A1 Pro’s deck folds in half for storage in small spaces. It has two transport wheels for easy relocation. It is very easy to wheel the A1 beneath and out from under a desk. It can be stored horizontally, not vertically or on its side. In this orientation, the A1 can be stored beneath a bed, under a couch, or in a closet. Improper storage can prevent the WalkingPad treadmill from functioning properly.
The automatic mode on the A1 can be turned on from the remote or from within the KS Fit app. This function allows the user’s foot positioning to dictate the walking speed. If the user lands more toward the front of the deck, the belt will speed up. The middle of the deck maintains the pace and the rear of the deck slows or stops the belt. Unfortunately, the deck is a little short, so I had trouble not stopping the deck every time I had automatic mode on. The deck is not too short for walking; it is just too short for this feature. Some users with short strides may be able to adjust to this feature to use it effectively.
The WalkingPad A1 Pro is offered in four voltage configurations. These are for the US, the UK, Europe, and Japan. These versions will allow the WalkingPad A1 Pro to plug into the respective country’s power outlets and safely use the electricity. The US version also has a 230-lb or 300-lb maximum load option. We were not able to identify a structural difference between these two options, and it does not change the cost. However, we did not have the two treadmills to compare. Our testing and reviewing have been done on the 300-lb 100v US version.
The WalkingPad A1 Pro Under Desk Treadmill is a small walking treadmill without a console. As such, it doesn’t have an abundance of features and lacks training content. Yet, we are satisfied with the A1’s offerings, because it allows the treadmill to effectively serve its purpose.
The A1 Pro has an LED display. This display shows time, speed, distance, calories, and steps. It is positioned at the front of the deck, so it may be difficult to see while you are working at a desk. Fortunately, you can also see these metrics in the KS Fit app.
The WalkingPad A1 Pro Under Desk Treadmill has a remote control. It is very small and could fit into your pocket. It comes with a wrist leash, so you can loop it around your hand if that’s more comfortable. The remote has buttons for increasing and decreasing speed, starting and stopping the belt, and switching out modes.
The WalkingPad A1 Pro Under Desk Treadmill does everything you need an under-desk treadmill to do and then folds up very small for storage. The crease where the deck folds isn’t very noticeable. If you are feeling the fold too much, make sure the deck is pushed down all the way. The A1 tracks steps pretty accurately, which is super important for anyone who is trying to achieve a daily goal.
I had no trouble getting my work done while walking on the A1 Pro. I did not feel like I was performing a balancing act trying to stay centered. I did not hit the side rails or the motor hood. Users should feel confident getting their walking done on the A1 Pro.
The entire process from unfolding the A1 to walking to storing it, is pretty simple. It doesn’t take very long to get set up or take down, so you aren’t taking much time away from your work day. The power cord detaches from the treadmill, and the remote doesn’t have a simple location to be stored with or on the treadmill. I recommend keeping the power cord and remote near or on your desk.
The WalkingPad A1 understandably doesn’t offer any built-in training content. The A1 is compatible with WalkingPad’s app, KS Fit. This app pairs with the treadmill to replace the remote and display. You can also view your exercise history to see how your performance has changed over time. At the time of writing this review, there is a 21-day walking or running challenge you can join, which should motivate some users. Overall, the A1 Pro doesn’t have the training content found on larger cardio machines, but it doesn’t seem necessary.
The WalkingPad A1 Pro Under Desk Treadmill is a stream-lined treadmill with a great folding design. It is best for users who want to walk at a desk regularly. Its speed limit of 3.7 mph is sufficient for this type of casual use. The A1 is remote-controlled, so you do not have to stoop to adjust the speed or mode. Additionally, users can pair with the KS Fit app to view their progress and review metrics from past walks. The WalkingPad A1 is the solution for the walker with a small space wanting to add a little more exercise to their day.
