REVIEW – In line with the slew of New Year’s resolutions I’ve committed to, I’ve begun adding regular physical activity to my daily routine. As challenging as this can be for a self-identified couch potato, I’ve already seen some very encouraging results. One new routine I’ve incorporated into my workday, which I actually enjoy, has been walking on a treadmill or “walking pad” during meetings and other tedious activities. TheNeat NeatWalk Walking Pad Treadmill has been a blessing, as it allows me to exercise without really noticing that I’m doing it.
While research might suggest that walking as slowly as I do doesn’t burn many calories, I still find that I have an overall better sense of well-being after sessions of 30 minutes or longer. At the very least, walking on the NeatWalk has definitely improved my flexibility and energy levels. Most importantly, these benefits are achievable without spending too much, since the NeatWalk only costs $169.99 as I write this. While I do wish the NeatWalk had a companion app and a few more features besides the included remote, it does what it needs to do very well, and I’m better for it.
Price: MSRP $219.99 (currently on sale for less)
Where to buy: TheNeat and Amazon
What is it?
TheNeat NeatWalk Walking Pad Treadmill is a compact, motorized treadmill designed for walking while working at home. It features a slim profile, built-in wheels for easy storage, and adjustable speed settings.
The NeatWalk arrives pre-assembled in a deceptively small box.
All of the components are protected during transit by styrofoam inserts and plastic.
What’s included?
- TheNeat NeatWalk Walking Pad Treadmill
- Remote control and battery
- User manual
- Adjustment tool
- Gear lubricant
The NeatWalk ships with everything you need to get started and maintain your treadmill.
Tech Specs
- Product Dimensions: 45.67″ D x 19.09″ W x 4.17″ H
- Deck Length: 39.4 Inches
- Item Weight: 36.6 Pounds
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Maximum Speed: 3.8 mph
- Minimum Speed: 0.6 mph
- Special Features: Portable, Shock Absorbent, Compact Design, Wheeled
- Maximum Horsepower: 2.5 hp
- Assembly Required: No
- Display Type: LED
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Maximum Weight: Up to 220lbs
Design and features
I love the simple, no-nonsense design of the NeatWalk. It’s a treadmill, plain and simple, and looks as such. The all-black color scheme helps it blend into the background when not in use, and its narrow profile makes it easy to store.
The 39.4″ x 15.4″ textured running area features a multi-layer anti-slip belt and soft rubber pads, providing cushioned support and impact absorption during use.
There are two small wheels under the front of the NeatWalk allowing you to easily move it around.
The large power switch and power cord are also located on the front of the unit.
The top of the NeatWalk Walking Pad Treadmill is matte black plastic except for the LED display, which is protected by glossy plastic. Again, I like the subtle design of the face of the NeatWalk, with simple white labels for the LED fields and no lights visible when the unit is powered off.
To be honest, though, when I saw the glaring typo on the face of the NeatWalk, I became concerned about the company’s quality control. Misspelling “Calories” as “Galorie” right on the front of the unit is a pretty major fail.
Despite the typo, with the LED display, you can easily track speed, distance, time, and “galories” in real time. The values cycle on screen for a few seconds, with a small LED dot indicating which info is being displayed.
You can select different speeds using the included remote control which also allows you to start, stop, or pause the walking pad.
The M button changes the mode of the NeatWalk. There are three different modes, but they can only be changed when the device is completely stopped, not paused. Mode 1 sets a target time length, Mode 2 sets a desired distance, and Mode 3 sets targeted calories. After selecting the desired mode, short press the start/pause button. The device will count down from 3-2-1 and then start. It will gradually slow down and stop once the preset value is reached. You cannot set two or more modes simultaneously.
The NeatWalk’s adjustable speed settings range from 0.5 to 4 miles per hour. At the lowest speeds, the NeatWalk is very stable and quiet. As the speed increases though, it becomes a little more difficult to stay balanced and the noise increases, but not to an unacceptable level.
Beneath the NeatWalk are six feet which stabilize the unit and a sturdy metal frame.
One set of feet is adjustable, allowing you to level or slightly raise the angle of the NeatWalk.
Above those adjustable feet are two different adjustment bolts, one on either side. The top bolt with an Allen head allows you to adjust the tread mat left or right if it ever becomes misaligned. The NeatWalk comes with a small Allen tool for this purpose.
Assembly, Installation, Setup
The NeatWalk walking pad arrives mostly pre-assembled, requiring minimal setup out of the box. The assembly process primarily involves adjusting the rubber feet, tightening the tread slightly, plugging it in and powering it on. After turning on the device, the control panel lights up, and you can start adjusting the settings.
Before using the walking pad for the first time, it’s a good idea to run through some basic calibration. I would let the unit run for a few minutes without stepping on it right out of the box, to make sure the belt is moving evenly and the motor functions as expected. You can use the included tool to adjust the walking mat if it has shifted to either side during shipping.
Performance
In general, the NeatWalk walking pad delivered a smooth and comfortable walking experience whenever I used it. The walking surface is well-cushioned, the belt runs smoothly, and the motor offers a consistent pace with minimal wobble or jerky movements.
Mainly, I had to train my body to use the NeatWalk while maintaining my stability and focus on what I was doing. It didn’t take very long to do this, but there was a learning curve. This might not apply to people who are more athletic or not as sedentary as I am, which is pretty much the rest of the human population.
The speed settings are responsive, and it’s easy to adjust the pace incrementally on the fly. The maximum speed of 4 mph is a bit too much for me to manage, so I usually keep it around 1 mph just to keep myself moving.
The motor is surprisingly silent compared to traditional treadmills, and, save for some slight swaying from side to side, people rarely noticed I was treading during live video meetings.
Despite being irked by the typo on the face of the NeatWalk, I really enjoy using it on a daily basis. I may not be training for a marathon, but at least I’m moving forward, sort of.
Final thoughts
The NeatWalk walking pad offers a compact, efficient, and quiet solution for those looking to add walking into their daily routine, especially while working at a standing desk. Its design is sleek and minimalist, allowing it to blend in seamlessly with most home or office spaces. The treadmill itself is sturdy and stable, even for someone like myself who’s pushing the weight limit of the device. The included remote control is fine, but I do wish it had some type of companion app or Bluetooth connectivity for tracking progress. Overall, if you’re looking for a space-saving, functional walking pad for casual use or a light workout, the NeatWalk is a solid choice, especially at the low price of $169.99.
What I like about TheNeat NeatWalk Walking Pad Treadmill
- Easy to move around
- Quiet during use
- Sturdy and stable
What needs to be improved?
- Narrow design might be difficult for some at higher speeds
- No way to download data
- No Bluetooth connectivity