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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Laterras R. Whitfield On What He Wants In A 'Future Wifey' & Redefining Masculinity
In this week's episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker chopped it up with Laterras R. Whitfield, host of the Dear Future Wifey podcast, for a raw and revealing conversation about personal growth, faith, and the search for love in a way that resonates.
Laterras Whitfield Believes Men Should Pursue, Not Persuade
“Let me know you exist, and I’ll do the rest”
Whitfield is a big advocate of a man’s role in going confidently for the woman he wants. “Men should pursue, not persuade, and women should present, not pursue,” he said. He’s open to meeting women on social media but isn’t a fan of bold approaches. “Don’t shoot your shot at me. … Let me know you exist, and I’ll do the rest.”
His ideal woman?
“She has to be a woman of God… I judge a woman by how her friends see her… and most importantly, how she treats my kids.”
Infidelity, Redemption, and the Power of Self-Control
“Being disciplined is the most beautiful thing you can offer”
Once unfaithful in his previous marriage, Whitfield has since transformed his perspective on masculinity. “Being disciplined is the most beautiful thing you can offer. That’s what true masculinity is to me now.” He has also committed to abstinence, choosing self-control as a defining trait of manhood.
Whitfield’s journey is one of redemption, purpose, and faith—something that speaks to women who value emotional intelligence, accountability, and the power of transformation.
Rewriting the Narrative Around Black Masculinity
What masculinity, legacy, and healing mean to Whitfield today
“My dad taught me what not to be [as a man] and my mom taught me what she needed [in a man],” Whitfield said. While his father wasn’t abusive, he wasn’t emotionally or affectionately present. “Since I didn’t see it, I never got it either… I would look at my dad and say, ‘I want to be a better father.’ ”
Adoption had always been on his spirit, influenced by TV shows like Different Strokes and Punky Brewster. This mindset led him to take in his nephew as his son after a powerful dream confirmed what he already felt in his heart.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube
'Sistas' Star Skyh Black On The Power Of Hypnotherapy & Emotional Vulnerability For Men
In this insightful episode of the xoMANpodcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Sistas star Skyh Black, as he opened up about his journey of emotional growth, resilience, and self-discovery. The episode touches on emotional availability, self-worth, masculinity, and the importance of therapy in overcoming personal struggles.
Skyh Black on Emotional Availability & Love
On Emotional Availability & Vulnerability
“My wife and I wouldn't be where we are today if both of us weren't emotionally available,” he shared about his wife and Sistas co-star KJ Smith, highlighting the value of vulnerability and emotional openness in a relationship. His approach to masculinity stands in contrast to the traditional, stoic ideals. Skyh is not afraid to embrace softness as part of his emotional expression.
On Overcoming Self-Doubt & Worthiness Issues
Skyh reflected on the self-doubt and worthiness issues that he struggled with, especially early in his career. He opens up about his time in Los Angeles, living what he calls the “LA struggle story”—in a one-bedroom with three roommates—and being homeless three times over the span of 16 years. “I always had this self-sabotaging thought process,” Skyh said. “For me, I feel therapy is essential, period. I have a regular therapist and I go to a hypnotherapist.”
How Therapy Helped Him Heal From Self-Doubt
On Hypnotherapy & Empowering Self-Acceptance
Skyh’s journey is a testament to the power of tapping into self-development despite life’s struggles and being open to growth. “I had to submit to the fact that God was doing good in my life, and that I'm worthy of it. I had a worthiness issue and I did not realize that. So, that’s what the hypnotherapy did. It brought me back to the core. What is wrong so that I can fix it?”
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