The best treadmill reviews you can trust
The WalkingPad C1 is the brand’s lightest treadmill, making storage and transportation easier than ever. Check out this review of the WalkingPad C1 Under Desk Treadmill to learn more about its performance.
Updated: August 4, 2023
The WalkingPad C1 is not just compact, it is lightweight. This minimal design makes storing and transporting the C1 a breeze, so you can get some light exercise whenever and wherever. The C1 has the same compact folding design as can be found on many of the WalkingPad treadmills, but it takes the innovation one step further. The C1 is missing side rails. To find out whether this design was a pro or con, read on in this review of the WalkingPad C1 Under Desk Treadmill.
The WalkingPad C1 has a steel frame with some plastic components overlaying the top and motor hood. The treadmill comes in white or gray. It has no side rails, which are not missed. The side rails on the other WalkingPad under-desk treadmills, like the A1 Pro and C2, are not usable as footrails anyway. They are too narrow and close enough to the ground that most users will simply step off the treadmill whenever they need to pause. The C1 benefits from this design by cutting down on some unnecessary weight. There are slight protrusions from the side of the treadmill. These are the stability feet of the treadmill. They must protrude like this to get out of the way of the belt. The resulting appearance is a more rugged look. At first glance, the C1 almost looks like an unfinished treadmill when folded.
The WalkingPad C1 has a quiet motor. It may be a little less powerful than WalkingPad’s other under-desk treadmills, but it still performs well. There were no performance issues while I tested the treadmill.
The WalkingPad C1 has a 16.5” x 47.2” walking surface. The lack of side rails makes the belt look longer than it is. Fortunately, there is plenty of space for walking, even at the brisk pace of 3.7 mph. The surface is firm and does not have the cushioning layer of the other WalkingPads. This did not make a difference to me. It felt very similar, even when I tried the treadmill back to back with the WalkingPad C2.
The C1 folds in the middle of the deck for the most compact design possible. The WalkingPad C1 can be stored flat under a bed or other piece of furniture, in a closet, or tucked into a corner. It is only about 5.5 inches tall when folded. The treadmill should not be stored on its side or vertically. It has two transport wheels, allowing you to easily roll the C1 around on a hard floor. A tall carpet may make transport harder, but some users should be able to lift the treadmill completely despite the machine being a bit awkward to carry.
The C1 makes a loud, sudden noise when unfolding completely. To avoid this crash, you can support the free-moving end of the belt with one hand and softly push down on it with the other hand. The treadmill is very lightweight, so this is not hard to do. If you let it unfold on its own, the impact can be startling, but it should not damage the treadmill or the floor. If you are concerned about it, place a treadmill mat beneath the deck. WalkingPad sells one that is appropriate for the C1 and other WalkingPads.
In addition to the manual mode, the WalkingPad C1 has an automatic walking mode. When set to auto, the C1 will adjust its speed depending on where you are walking on the belt. Walking in the middle of the belt maintains the speed while walking more toward the front or back accelerates or decelerates the treadmill respectively. This mode can be a bit challenging to master. I was able to accelerate the treadmill, but I could not maintain the pace. When I moved back, the treadmill stopped completely. I think the deck is too small for most users’ walking strides to make these automatic adjustments. The manual mode is perfectly fine. Maybe users more talented than I am can master the auto walking mode with time.
The WalkingPad C1 is an under-desk treadmill. As such, it does not have a traditional console. It has few features. Fortunately, this design is perfect for anyone multitasking while walking. You can complete your work and sneak in a bit of exercise without being distracted by the treadmill. The C1 WalkingPad has just enough to deliver the perfect, low-intensity workout.
The WalkingPad C1 does not have a typical treadmill console or screen. Instead, it has a remote control with a small LED screen that displays your speed when you change it. When you are not adjusting the speed, it shows the time you have been walking. The plus and minus buttons control the speed, the center button starts or pauses the treadmill, and the bottom button switches the treadmill in and out of manual and auto mode. The remote has a wrist strap, so you can hold onto it or set it on your desk.
Whether you are working from home or challenging yourself to reach a step goal, the WalkingPad C1 could be the right choice to improve your routine. While using the WalkingPad C1 at my standing desk, I was able to get my work done and get plenty of walking in. The most important part was finding the right place to position the treadmill, so that it was centered under the desk and far enough forward that my foot would not strike the motor hood. Once you figure out this placement the first time, it is smooth sailing from there.
The WalkingPad C1 is very lightweight, but its performance is not dissimilar to WalkingPad’s other treadmills. If you are looking for the most compact and lightest option, the C1 is a great choice. The lack of side rails may look different, but you hardly notice it when you are walking. The deck is comfortable, and the seam where it folds is not too pronounced. You get used to feeling it the longer you walk. Some users have reported that it helps them recognize their positioning on the treadmill, which can be particularly helpful if you are training in auto mode. Overall, I really like what the WalkingPad C1 Under Desk Treadmill offers for its size and reasonable price.
There is no surprise that the WalkingPad C1 does not have training content. It hardly has a screen! The only indicator on the treadmill itself is a little light on the top of the motor hood. There is certainly no room for training content on the remote. The C1 is compatible with the KS Fit app, which is WalkingPad’s app. The first time you use the C1, you will be required to use the app to unlock the treadmill’s top speed, which I don’t love. WalkingPad should not force its customers to download the app, as it doesn’t seem necessary.
The app also allows the users to limit the treadmill’s speed or set a child lock to prevent the treadmill from starting. Besides these safety features, the KS Fit app records your workout metrics. Thus, you have a second way of viewing your current time, speed, and steps. You can also look at past efforts to track your training in the long run. It is a pretty basic app, but it is free.
The WalkingPad C1 is the brand’s smallest and most affordable treadmill. Yet, the C1 still performs on par with others in this lineup. It is great for users working at a standing desk who want to get in more steps. It is also great for exercisers without the space for a larger treadmill. The treadmill is sparse on features, but it pairs with the KS Fit app for a little more insight into your training. The C1 is simple and effective.
