In many ways, the rise in work-from-home options has turned our living spaces into offices, meeting rooms, and even home gyms. While doing everything from home can create a tricky balance between staying active or curling up on the couch, one new gadget is giving people the option of walking their way into better health from the comfort of their homes.
The Under-Desk Treadmills Fitness Trend
Walking pads, also known as under-desk treadmills, are the latest fitness trend to capture the attention of the TikTok girlies. Think of it as your hot girl walk, but indoors. These compact and portable machines are the perfect way to walk, stroll, or jog indoors without the need for a large, traditional treadmill. These walking pads can easily fit under a desk or a corner space and are perfect for anyone who might be a little gym-shy or may want to burn a few calories while they're working.
The Benefits of Under-Desk Treadmills
While many of our jobs can call for our full attention from morning to evening, finding the right pocket of time to get your workout in while maintaining your work-life balance is a juggling act that many of us have yet to master. Being glued to your desk for long periods of time may seem like a harmless habit, but being stationary with little to no movement has its side effects.
According to studies, prolonged periods of sitting can heighten the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, while other sedentary lifestyles and habits may elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. While some popular notions are to hit the 10,000 steps a day mark, research has shown that even taking a brisk 10-minute walk daily is a sufficient way to get your steps in and meet the goal of 150 minutes of weekly exercise, as recommended by the NHS.
If you’re looking to take a new exercise routine for a spin, grab your best-running shoes and workout playlist because we’ve got you covered.
The Best Under Desk Treadmills and Walking Pads To Buy:
RHYTHM FUN Treadmill Under Desk Treadmill
Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
Egofit Walker M1/M1T Under Desk Electric Treadmill With Incline
The Best Indoor Walking Exercises To Try:
Get 5000 steps in with @growwithjo! This 30-minute walk aims to boost your mood and burn fat while you get your stroll on. Hop on your treadmill for an extra challenge!
If you want a walking routine that leaves your glutes burning, try a treadmill with an incline like TikTok user @prettycritical.
@prettycritical a walking pad that hits your glutes #walking #hotgirlwalk #walkingpad #fittok #workfromhome #realhousewives #egofit #egofitwalkerpro #glutesworkout
Where there’s a will, there’s a way to keep the gains. To keep your peach sitting right, fitness instructor @trainertaby recommends using a resistance band and doing “low-intensity steady-state cardio.”
@trainertaby Low Intensity Steady State Cardio has been my go to✨super easy & highly effective for my friends that want to burn fat while keeping their hard earned gains💪🏾you can find my resistance bands at bandycheeks.com🍑 #newyear #health #healthy #fitness
Looking for the perfect playlist for your treadmill session? Try this Rihanna-inspired #playliststrut from @makenzieandmalia.
@makenzieandmalia this workout was not my idea‼️ I saw@benntheredonethat do it first (she made the playlist as well) Just trying to make some fun work out videos💕
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- 'I used an under-desk treadmill daily for two weeks' ›
- 19 Best Under-Desk Treadmills & Walking Pads In 2023, Per Reviews ›
- 8 Best Treadmill Desks for Working in 2023 - Treadmill Desk Reviews ›
- Review: I Tried an Under Desk Treadmill for One Month | The Everygirl ›
- Best Under-Desk Treadmills for 2023 - Best Walking Treadmills ›
Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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There’s caviar, and then there’s Black-owned caviar. With the recent explosion of #CaviarTikTok, this luxury delicacy seems to be everywhere these days. I can’t scroll through my feed without seeing our favorite celebs and influencers diving headfirst into extravagant caviar spreads.
From Rihanna pairing her caviar with chicken nuggets (I wonder if our Fenty queen shares with RZA and Riot Rose or if this is just for mama) to Bethenny Frankel educating us on caviar with her series "Caviar University," there’s just no escaping it.
And let’s not forget the elite king himself, DeAndre Brown, indulging in fried chicken and caviar! From videos with caviar-topped burgers, potato latkes, deviled eggs, and pasta dishes—folks are topping everything with caviar. Yet, I had not come across any Black-owned caviar brands until I discovered Caviar Dream.
My Introduction Into Caviar
I started off eating caviar in undergrad on top of sushi, exploring with a variety of roe and tobiko but as an adult, I knew I was ready to try something a little more refined. The first time I fell in love with caviar was in grad school at a southern Italian restaurant in Flatiron.
I tried an appetizer that featured caviar on bruschetta, served with thick garlic bread and burrata cheese, and from that moment, I was hooked. That has become my favorite way to enjoy caviar next to this filet mignon crostini appetizer that I served recently at a dinner party.
Everything You Need To Know About Caviar Dream
Caviar Dream is the first nationally distributed Black and woman-owned caviar business, redefining how people experience caviar. Founded by Kendra Anderson, a Chicago based chef and sommelier, the company’s mission is to make caviar more accessible and inclusive, breaking down barriers and demystifying this delicacy.
@caviardreamkendra so you’ve got your Caviar Dream…now what to eat it with? i’ve probably had cavi with just about anything you can imagine at this point {topped some fried cheese curds with my California White a few months ago and it was 💥} but i gotta say that i have some on my scrambled eggs every week 😌 no need to get fancy — just scramble your eggs however you usually do and scoop that cavi right on top 🤤 you can upgrade from there in a few ways: ✨ add a dollop of crème frâiche {see my previous video for a 30 second make-at-home recipe} ✨ sprinkle some chopped chives or green onions on top ✨ put the whole caviar / scrambled egg situation on a toasted + buttered bagel, croissant or onion bun! p.s.: i love our Smoked Trout Roe with scrambled eggs too 💖 if you try any of these combos, let me know what you think! 🩵💭✨👩🏽🍳 #CaviarDream #caviarforthepeople #putsomecaviaronit #caviar #caviartok #fyp #caviarparty #caviarnight #affordableluxury #chicagotiktok #homecooking #galentines #valentinesday #tiktokuniversity #cooking #easyrecipe #caviar101
What Caviar I Tried
Caviar Dream Kaluga Hybrid ($105-$420 depending on the ounce)
How I Experienced The Caviar:
For this review, I opted for a more traditional approach by pairing Caviar Dream's Kaluga Hybrid with crème fraîche, blinis, and my favorite Black-owned champagne, Le KOOL Champagne by Robert Kool Bell.
My Honest Review:
I do not say this lightly - this was by far the best caviar I’ve ever had in my life. It was buttery, had no aftertaste, and truly felt as luxurious as it looked.
Prior to this, my favorite caviar was Imperial Caviar. I’ve tried many brands, from well-known to affordable, while recreating my favorite decadent appetizers at home or enjoying caviar bumps at parties with my friends and they were my favorite until now.
Caviar Dream boasts that chefs are obsessed with this versatile hybrid, which tastes more expensive than it actually is—and they were right. This buttery caviar would pair well with any recipe, especially if you’re looking to impress someone or even treat yourself.
As a Black woman, a business owner, and someone who understands that an extension of financial wellness is circulating our dollars, I recognize the importance of incorporating Black-owned businesses throughout every aspect of my life. From my skincare to my favorite sustainable wine, my bank, and even indulgent experiences like caviar, it matters.
As we celebrate culinary innovation and expand our palates, let’s also take the extra step to support Black-owned businesses while doing it. So the next time you’re tempted by the allure of caviar, order from Caviar Dream—it just might become your new favorite.
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