Rattantree walking pad review: 'So close' to a 5-star way to walk at home - and now on sale

When it comes to an under-desk treadmill that's low-fuss and easy to use, the Rattantree walking pad is undeniably great. It's lightweight and easy to store, unlike some others I've tried, and it's helped me get more active at home. But after using it every day for three weeks, do I think it's worth investing in?

As far as at-home fitness devices go, a walking pad is one of the easiest to slot into your routine. Most of them are designed to go under a desk, so you can use them while you work or watch television, which is ideal if you're looking to do 10,000 steps without leaving the house. We all know that sitting in the same position for hours on end isn't good for us, and a walking pad is the perfect remedy - which is why I was pretty excited to give Rattantree's model a go.

Over the past three weeks, I've been using the Rattantree walking pad every day, during working hours, at the weekends, and even in the evenings. I've treated the machine as a proper workout - donning my gym gear and a pair of the best walking shoes - and I've used it casually as well (think pyjamas and a face mask). So, by now, I'm pretty familiar with the machine and have definitely put it to the test for this review.

Rattantree Walking Pad review

Specifications

• RRP: £299.99
• Size: 12H x 125L x 52.8W cm
• Weight: 20kg
• Max weight for users: 90kg
• Colour availability: Black or Pink
• Folding: No

An overview

Designed as an under-desk treadmill, the Rattantree walking pad will fit seamlessly into most at-home office spaces. It's lightweight, and the wheels make it super easy to move around, so you'll have no trouble using it in different locations around the home.

There's no assembly required, either. I started using the walking pad straight out of the box once I'd popped a couple of batteries in the remote control. If you're like me and you prefer devices that are low-fuss and simple to use, you'll love the Rattantree walking pad. The speed is controlled via a remote control, and the LED display shows time elapsed, speed, distance and calories, making the device perfect for an easy indoor walking workout.

One of the machine's drawbacks is that it can only be used for free walking. There is no incline setting or pre-set walking programmes, but this is probably why I found the device so easy to use. I appreciated this when I was using it in the mornings - if I had to spend time setting the machine up and selecting different programmes, I probably would have been less likely to use it while working.

I love walking, so I was pretty excited to start using the Rattantree walking pad in daily life to see if it helped me get more steps in. I've been using the machine every day for the past three weeks - here are my thoughts on whether I think it's a worthy investment.

What does the Rattantree walking pad do?

The Rattantree walking pad enables you to get a walking workout in at home. With a speed range from 1 to 8 km/h, you can use it for anything from a gentle stroll to a brisk walk or a steady run. It's perfect for doing LISS (low-impact steady state) exercise, which is proven to be one of the ideal exercises for weight loss and boosting cardiovascular fitness, especially if you're new to exercise.

I don't enjoy sitting for long periods of time, so I found the walking pad a great way to keep me moving while working from home. Getting my steps in while typing away at my laptop made me more productive, as I became less distracted and stayed at my computer for longer periods.

The LED display was great for tracking my workout, and it meant I didn't have to wear my fitness tracker while walking. The display flits between time elapsed, distance covered, speed, and calories burnt - the metrics most walking treadmills will display. It was surprising how quickly an hour went while working and walking, and I found it rewarding to see how many calories I burned. Was this number accurate? Definitely not. The machine had zero personal information about me, such as my age or weight, which is needed to work out calorie burn. Nonetheless, it was good motivation to know that I'd be burning more and getting more steps in using the machine than if I'd been sitting down.

My main complaint when using the Rattantree walking pad is that you can't pause your workout. If you want to hop on and off the machine, you'll either have to keep it running or stop and start it again, so you won't have an accurate measure of the entire distance covered if you're using the pad over a prolonged period.

Speed and noise on the Rattantree walking pad

The Rattantree walking pad has an impressive range of speeds. I've tested a walking pad previously where the highest speed was 6 km/h, so it was nice to have the option to go up to 8 km/h with the Rattantree model. I could have used the machine to run on if I wanted to.

I also liked how easy it is to adjust the speed with the remote control. I found that when I wanted more stimulation while working from home, a 4 km/h speed was quick enough to get my heart rate up but steady enough to continue using my laptop. A speed of 2.5 km/h was perfect for a more gentle stroll, and when I wasn't using my laptop, I liked this range for a bit of walking yoga.

The walking pad is also quiet when in use, which is a big positive. It gets louder as you increase the speed, but the sound it makes isn't annoying or irritating. I was able to get work done without finding it too distracting.

What's the Rattantree walking pad like to use?

One of the best things about the Rattantree walking pad is how easy it is to use. All you have to do is plug the machine in and press on with the remote control, and you're good to go. Because of this, I felt encouraged to use the walking pad often, and it was easy to slot into my everyday routine.

I noticed a definite increase in my average daily step count when using the machine. It's usually quite difficult for me to reach 10,000 steps on work-from-home days, but the walking pad made this a more attainable goal. I still choose to get outside and walk for 30 minutes a day in the fresh air, just because I like the mental reset this gives me, but being able to walk in the house as well is a huge plus.

Can you use the Rattantree walking pad under a desk?

Once I'd figured out the right set-up, I had no problem using the Rattantree walking pad under a desk or table. I had to put my laptop on top of a storage box to be able to type and walk simultaneously, which, admittedly, I didn't quite like at first. But after I'd come around to how this looked visually, I started to prefer working with the walking pad.

The Rattantree walking pad doesn't have a handlebar, so you don't have to faff about unfolding it when you want to use it under your desk. If you're planning on using the walking pad a lot while working from home, I would recommend investing in an adjustable desk. It removes the need to raise your laptop above the desk height.

Is the Rattantree walking pad worth it?

If you're looking for a no-fuss walking pad that encourages you to exercise at home, the Rattantree walking pad is a great option. I love how easy this device is to use and the fact that it's sleek enough to store under my couch when I'm finished using it for the day. If it was any bulkier, I'd be less of a fan.

It is important to note the price of the Rattantree walking pad compared to similar models on the market, like the HOMCOM walking pad. With an RRP of £269.99, it feels quite pricey for what you get, and there are other options available that cost over £100 less.

That being said, it's not as expensive as some other options that offer similar features - like the Mobvoi walking treadmill. So, when choosing your walking pad, I'd recommend looking at what features you prioritise - e.g. handlebar or no handlebar, pause function, etc - and that will give you a better idea of which one you should buy.

This walking pad is also frequently discounted, so keep an eye out for when it's on offer. At the right price, it could be a great investment in your health. I certainly feel better since I started using it.