Most people don't walk enough. Sure, serious fitness enthusiasts make sure to get their 10,000 steps in each day, but many of us simply don't come close most days. My fun fact of today is that the magic '10,000 steps' target isn't actually backed by science, but was arbitrarily invented by a Japanese pedometer company in the 1960s — but even though the number isn't a scientific target, moving more is rarely a bad thing. You can use one of the best smartwatches or best fitness trackers to keep track of your steps and motivate yourself to hit the extra goal. But if it's too cold or hot to go outside, or you're inside with no reason to leave, it can be very easy to let those cardio goals slide. People give up on running regimes or pay for unused gym memberships when what they need is an easy, accessible, low-impact way to keep or stay fit.- Browse the full Amazon Prime Day saleStep forward, walkingpads, otherwise known as under-desk treadmills. These slim cardio machines are easy to store, often cheap to buy (especially on Amazon Prime Day), and have become very popular on TikTok. Ideal for beginners or those looking for a gentler introduction to fitness, here's a trio of science-backed reasons to get one, along with a bunch of Amazon Prime Day deals on walkingpads in the US and UK. 1. You can watch TV while you walkIf you were going to catch up with your favorite shows while lounging on the sofa, now you can use that time to get your cardio in. Simply wheel the machine out from behind the sofa, under the bed, or wherever it's stored, plug it in, and switch on the TV. Research published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine found that 'TV viewing, regardless of whether the programming is self-selected or standardized, associates with greater enjoyment of exercise'. If you find the exercise process enjoyable, you'll keep coming back to it; walking in front of one of the best streaming services might be a perfect way to get started. Try walking for the duration of one 30-minute episode of your latest obsession show each day. (Image credit: Future / Jessica Downey)2. Walking is low-intensitySome people find running painful or intimidating. But walking is a low-impact, low-intensity alternative that most of us engage in every day. The human body was built to walk, and most of us can do so comfortably for at least a short period of time. Research found that for people unable to tolerate moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, lower-intensity walking was still beneficial for improving health, serving as a 'suitable alternative' to vigorous exercise. If you find running for 30 minutes hurts your knees or hips, walking for 45 minutes in front of the TV might be a more comfortable option for you. 3. Treadmills provide accessibilityAs nice as it is to walk in front of the TV, sometimes it's good to get out into nature. Walkingpads or under-desk treadmills can be supplemental to a routine, acting as a helpful alternative to make sure you're consistent.On fair-weather days, take your 30-minute walk outdoors and plan a circular route, while on rainy days or during heatwaves, you can stay indoors and walk instead. Giving yourself options and flexibility allows you to stay consistent, and when it comes to improving fitness, consistency is king. Best walkingpad / under-desk treadmill deals in the USSave a cool $64 on this fold-up WalkingPad, ideal for cupboard or under-bed storage. With a max speed of 4mph, it's ideal for walkers after a compact device, while its LED display shows estimates of calories burned, along with time, distance, and walking speeds.View DealWe've reviewed DeerRun walking pads before and found them to be sturdy, no-fuss devices that feel solid underfoot. You can save 33% on this basic model, bringing it to just over $110 for Prime Day.View DealAn upgrade over the other cheap-and-cheerful models, with an automatic 12% incline across 9 levels to simulate tougher routes and uphills. It's bulkier than the others, comprised of steel, with an impressive 200kgs weight capacity. The premium choice.View DealBest walkingpad / under-desk treadmill deals in the UKA huge deal: save 50% off the Mobvoi Home Treadmill Pro. I reviewed the original Mobvoi Home Treadmill and loved it: the Pro goes one step further with virtual training trails, walking and running modes, and optional safety rails. View DealA good treadmill for those who may want to do a little jogging, as its fold-up safety rail enables it to enter a 'running mode' up to 12km/hr. It supports a 136kgs weight capacity and even has an accompanying AI-powered app. Comes in three sizes.View DealMore Prime Day deals in the US Amazon Devices: Fire Sticks & Echo from $18Amazon Haul: viral gadgets, tech & appliances from $1.99Apple: MacBooks, AirPods & AirTags from $29Beauty: 50% off toothbrushes & hair toolsCheap TVs: smart TVs from $69.99Garden: tools, mowers, planters from $24.99Headphones: 50% off Beats, Bose & SamsungLaptops: Apple, HP & Dell from $199Mattresses: Sealy, Serta & more from $186Patio: outdoor furniture, rugs & decor from $19.99Sports: 50% off fitness gear, treadmills & clothingVacuums: Dyson, Shark & Bissell from $34More Prime Day deals in the UK Amazon Prime: get a 30-day free trialAmazon Devices: Fire, Ring & Blink from £13.99Amazon Haul: up to 30% offApple: up to 33% off AirPods & Apple WatchAppliances: up to 45% off Ninja & TefalBeauty: up to 60% off Philips & Oral-BEssentials: household goods from £5Fans: from £20Fashion: up to 50% offGaming: £90 off PlayStation 5Headphones: up to 50% off Beats & SonyLaptops: from £149Tablets: Samsung & Lenovo from £79.99Toys: up to 25% off Lego and ToniesTVs: from £129.99Vacuums: up to 40% off Shark & RoborockWearables: up to 30% off Garmin & Oura