Denise Austin WalkingPad Review: The Speed of a Treadmill in a Foldable Package

For a long time, the only people to have a treadmill in their home were those who could afford an entire home gym setup. Now, it’s become much more accessible and practical to buy home fitness equipment, as prices drop and manufacturers create flexible products. The Denise Austin WalkingPad is a great example of this, as it’s available for under $1,000 and features the ability to fold up into a conveniently small package. For those of us who work from home, who can’t find the time to get to the gym, or simply who want to make exercising more convenient, a treadmill like the Denise Austin WalkingPad is a compelling option.

I’ve never been much of a runner, something I partially credit to having weak ankles but also to being generally unsporty. Still, as a writer who spends hours sitting at a desk, I have not been immune to the appeal of an at-home treadmill. It’s much easier to pull on some sneakers and break a sweat when you only have to walk a few paces to your equipment, especially if you’re squeezing in a workout between meetings. My one hang-up was the space required, but then I learned about WalkingPad’s foldable products. I also liked the idea of investing in a more serious piece of equipment. While WalkingPad specializes in casual treadmills that only support a brisk walking pace, their Denise Austin foldable treadmill can support speeds up to 6.2 mph, making it an option if you’re seeking out a foldable treadmill for runners. All things considered, I was excited to put the Denise Austin treadmill through its paces, just as it would hopefully put me through mine.

Unboxing and first impressions

My first thought when the box arrived was: Wow, this is big. And heavy. Having previously tested the company’s C2 Mini model, I wasn’t quite prepared for the larger scale of the Denise Austin Foldable Treadmill. They recommend having a second person to help unbox and lift the treadmill out of its box, although I managed to get it out of its packaging on my own. Once it was separated from the foam padding, it was easier to tilt the folded treadmill up onto its wheels and then guide into place. The Denise Austin WalkingPad is noticeably heavier than its mini counterpart, but still maneuverable enough—I claim minimal upper body strength and was fine to get the treadmill into its designated spot in my living room.

From an initial glance, the product looked and felt high end. The materials were sleek yet sturdy, with clear foldable parts that seemed intuitive for assembly. I checked the enclosed materials for guidance, just to be sure I didn’t accidentally damage the product with incorrect assembly, but the entire process was very simple. It took less than five minutes to get the frame set up and the deck unfolded.

I liked that the Denise Austin treadmill included a phone stand and safety clip, both of which plugged into the frame easily. I didn’t love that the power outlet was located on the front of the product, not the back, as the cord was barely long enough to run the full length of the deck and plug into the wall behind. However, I managed to get it set up and turned on without needing to have the power cord stretching across my living room floor. I played around with the speed dial and quickly got the unit working seamlessly. WalkingPad does include detailed instructions but I never needed them.

Denise Austin WalkingPad pros and cons

Denise Austin WalkingPad price

The Denise Austin Foldable Treadmill For Home is listed at $899 on the WalkingPad website, but is frequently discounted to $799. This is not inexpensive, but is competitively priced considering that many running treadmills easily cost $1,000 and above.

The Denise Austin treadmill is also listed at the following outlets, at the following prices:

• DICK’s Sporting Goods at $599.99
• HSN at $529.99
• Macy’s at $616.99
• Target at $599

Denise Austin WalkingPad key specs

• Motor: Brushless motor
• Incline: No incline
• Running area: 17.32 inches x 47.24 inches
• Folding: Yes
• Top speed: 6.2 mph / 10 kmph
• Weight capacity: 240 pounds / 110 kilograms
• Dimensions, folded: 38.70 inches x 29.29 inches x 7.64 inches
• Dimensions, unfolded: 56.57 inches x 29.29 inches x 39.52 inches
• Built-in programs: No
• Safety features: Overload protection, automatic standby, child-lock function
• Power: 918 watts
• Material: Aluminum alloy
• Display feedback: Time, speed, distance, calories, steps

Denise Austin WalkingPad performance

Dimensions and storability

When unfolded, the Denise Austin treadmill measures 56.57 inches by 29.29 inches by 39.52 inches. This is smaller than most high performance treadmills, which commonly reach 80 inches in length and 34 inches across. In practice, I found this length perfectly sufficient for my running needs and never found myself at risk of falling off, but I’m also only 5 feet 6 inches; taller runners with a longer gait may find this deck a little too short for comfort. The frame height of almost 40 inches was comfortable, both in terms of arm rests and the smartphone stand. Again, a taller person may find this height a little insufficient.

When folded up, the dimensions are a compact 38.70 inches by 29.29 inches by 7.64 inches. This means that the width doesn’t get any narrower, but the length nearly halves and the height drops down to under 8 inches. Unfortunately, this was still too high to fit underneath my couch but I was able to slide the folded up treadmill under my bed with ease, which was a game changer for me as someone with a small apartment. It’s important to note that the treadmill isn’t small when folded up; it’s simply smaller than when unfolded. Therefore, if you have limited space, you might still find it impractically large. However, it’s significantly smaller than a full-scale treadmill and this earned it big points in my book.

Ease of use

The Denise Austin treadmill is incredibly intuitive to use. There is a clear on/off switch on the front base of the deck and a sleek control panel on the upper frame. A dial allows you to adjust the speed in simple increments, with no clunky buttons or loud beeping. I figured out how to use the treadmill in a matter of seconds, but could have consulted the detailed guidebook for extra advice if needed. I liked that there was no restriction on speed from the outset and that I didn’t have to complete any kind of training before getting going; that may be useful with some more complicated devices, but not with this streamlined product.

Speed and incline

With maximum speeds of up to 6.2 mph, this treadmill is much more powerful than other Walkingpad products which often have maximum speeds under 2.5 mph. This makes the Denise Austin WalkingPad a much more useful option for anyone who wants to actually run on their treadmill, not just speed-walk.

Unfortunately, it does not support incline adjustment so you won’t be able to test your endurance in that way. This will likely be more important to some runners than others, depending on how you like to exercise. While I was initially disappointed not to have the option, I quickly got over it and still found I was able to create varied workouts thanks to the dynamic speed adjustment.

Cushioned deck

The deck of the treadmill is sufficiently cushioned so running feels comfortable and supportive. I first tested the product with a 30-minute jog, with a couple of faster intervals, and found my weight was easily accommodated even with the faster pace. I had to adjust the belt at first to place it more centrally, but then was able to keep running without any more intervention. I would still recommend wearing appropriate supportive footwear like running shoes when using the treadmill, but the cushioned deck creates a reliable base underfoot.

Programs

There are no built-in programs that come with the treadmill. However, WalkingPad does include some sample workouts to get started with in their user handbook. These are quite basic but could be useful for true beginners. Another option is to find a series of running guides you like and play them on your phone, which you can place on the smartphone stand.

Console

WalkingPad uses an electronic display with a single dial for its control console. The lack of extra buttons is visually pleasing but also simplifies use. When you’re exercising on the treadmill, the console displays several key statistics: Time, speed, distance, calories, and steps. You cannot turn off the calorie function, which some people may prefer not to measure, but otherwise I found the data clearly shown and easy to read. I also liked that if you had to temporarily pause the belt and get off the treadmill, say to answer the door, then the treadmill would hold your data in place for a few minutes and let you resume your workout with ease.

Accessories

The Denise Austin treadmill has a simple design, so unsurprisingly there are minimal accessories that come with it. Fortunately, the two that are included are particularly useful. The safety clip can be plugged into the upper frame at one end and then clipped onto your body at the other. Should you slip or trip, the safety clip will be tugged out of the outlet and trigger automatic shut down. You can still use the treadmill without the safety clip, if you select that setting, but it’s a nice protocol to have in place for peace of mind.

The second accessory is a smartphone stand that slots into place with ease. This stand is the perfect size for most smartphones, but also for Kindles and other smaller items. While I couldn’t put my laptop on the stand, I did manage to get some good minutes of speed walking and reading.

How to use it

This is a pretty classic treadmill, so you use it by turning it on and running in place on the moving belt. You can adjust the speed of the moving belt to suit your pace and change it up as often as you like. There is a single power button on the base of the unit and a power cable that plugs into any standard wall outlet. As there are no extra functions like incline adjustment or built-in programming, this is seamless and intuitive to use.

The product arrives folded up, so you will need to unfold the deck and set up the frame before you can get running. You may then choose to disassemble the treadmill and fold it back up again afterwards, or leave it in place. It’s really up to you and your preference.

Denise Austin WalkingPad quality

Frame

The treadmill’s frame is adjustable and easily folds up and down, yet feels secure when locked into the upright position. This was great when I first set up the Denise Austin WalkingPad and got to running, but proved challenging when trying to disassemble the frame. There is a small paragraph of text on the base that warns that the frame may get locked in place, so gently rattle the support as you turn the dial to loosen the locking mechanism. However, this did not work for me. In fact, I had to get out a hammer and hit at the dial to exert enough force to turn it. This did not damage the frame and proved to be quite effective, but was not an ideal way to get the treadmill back into its folding position. This has continued to be a problem, although at least I have a workable and fairly convenient solution.

Deck

The foldable deck was sturdy and strong when in use, yet easily foldable afterwards. The wheels in the base make it easy to roll the folded treadmill into place and I found it very easy to set up and fold away the deck. When in use, I didn’t really have to think about the stability of the deck under my feet and I appreciated that there was no distinguishable change in performance over time, even after several folding and unfoldings.

Belt

The belt on the Denise Austin treadmill is multi-layered, featuring a PET wear resistant layer, an EVA damping layer, and an anti-slip and anti-static upper layer. This ensures substantial cushioning under foot and reduces impact vibration to better protect the feet, ankles, and knees. It’s easy to clean and travels smoothly around the deck, making for an easy running experience. Occasionally the belt had to be readjusted into place after unfolding, but this was quick to do and never impacted its performance.

Motor

Despite the treadmill’s slimmer stature, the Denise Austin WalkingPad is able to support speeds up to 6.2 mph, which is much faster than many other WalkingPad products. It does this with a brushless motor that is powered with 918 W. When in use, I found that the motor was pleasantly quiet and efficient, supporting high speeds but never running too loud to drown out music or a television show. After several uses, there were no signs of wear and tear.

Denise Austin WalkingPad warranty

All products, including the Denise Austin treadmill, are covered by a one-year warranty.

Denise Austin WalkingPad returns

You may return your WalkingPad product for a full refund within 30 days of the delivery date, however there is no refund for shipping or delivery charges. If you return a damaged item or it arrives after the 30-day window, you may receive a partial refund.

Denise Austin WalkingPad customer service

WalkingPad lets its customers contact the brand through either email or a telephone number. There is currently no online chat feature. The company commits to a response time between 24 to 48 hours and operates customer service lines 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Denise Austin WalkingPad: Is it for you?

I stated up top that I am not a runner—and I’m still not. However, I do like the Denise Austin WalkingPad and have to credit it with getting me closer to liking running than I have been before. It makes running much more accessible and is a great way for anyone to start moving, especially if they’re wary of running in public. Even when it was raining outside, I could easily get a jog in, which is not to be underestimated as the colder months loom around the corner. While I’m not a serious athlete, the capacity to support speeds of up to 6.2 mph meant I could really push myself or choose to keep up a brisk walk while I got reading done. These dual capabilities make it a more valuable product than the C2 Mini, for my lifestyle at least.

Of course, it’s not a perfect product. Living in a small New York apartment, I like the idea that it folds up into a compact shape—but in practice, I found that the treadmill’s heavy weight and difficult disassembly made me reluctant to fold it up at the end of use. Reading the reviews of other customers, it seems that most people choose to leave the treadmill fully set up, which negates the value of its foldable technology. The folding process might become more intuitive over time though. All in all, I probably wouldn’t purchase this product at full price. However, it’s frequently on sale for up to several hundred dollars off, which makes it a good value and worth it to me.

Is the Denise Austin WalkingPad worth it?

With this treadmill, you’re paying for faster speeds than a traditional walking pad, combined with foldable capabilities. This means that if you’re someone who is short on space and wants to build a running habit, this treadmill will be more than sufficient for your needs.

By contrast, most high-end treadmills cost over a thousand dollars and are bulky in size, but offer more power and additional features like incline adjustment. If you’re already a serious runner who wants to up their game and really challenge themselves, then the 6.2 mph cap might not be fast enough. You’ll also likely miss the ability to increase the incline, which many experts say is a core component of fitness training. However, the Denise Austin WalkingPad gives you a slimmer frame, a portable design, and a more simple running experience—for a cheaper price. It’s a worthwhile choice for more casual runners or newbies, especially when it’s on sale.

Alternatives to the Denise Austin WalkingPad

Denise Austin WalkingPad Treadmill frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How fast can the Denise Austin WalkingPad Treadmill go?

This product supports speeds up to 6.2 mph. This is slower than some other high-end treadmills, but is a marked improvement on WalkingPad’s other products. I found that 6.2 mph was more than sufficient for my workouts.

Is this treadmill easy to store?

The Denise Austin treadmill lets you fold down the frame and fold the belt and deck in half, which dramatically reduces its square footage. When folded up, the more compact shape makes it easy to store under a bed or against the wall. Disassembling the treadmill can require a substantial amount of force, however, so you may not be willing to take it down and set it up every time you use it.

What is the weight limit on this treadmill?

This treadmill can support weights of up to 240 pounds. It weighs 82 pounds itself.

Are treadmills a good way to exercise?

Running or walking on a treadmill is a good way to introduce movement and cardiovascular exercise to your routine. The faster the speed, the harder your heart will have to work to keep your blood pumping. By routinely working these muscles, you will grow stronger over time, although it’s important not to overwork yourself. Be sure to stretch before and after using and aim to do a warm up and cool down when exercising more intensely.

Final verdict

The Denise Austin Foldable Treadmill is a more powerful option from WalkingPad that lets you actually run, not just speed walk. Like the brand’s other products, its ability to fold in half is a great benefit for anyone who is limited on space or simply doesn’t want to have a treadmill set up year-round. I found this treadmill to be a nice, reliable option that felt comfortable to use and delivered the speeds I needed, whether I was looking for a brisk walk or a challenging run. I liked how intuitive it was to use and the fact I could stow it away at the end of a workout, although I didn’t like how tough it was to fold down the frame. As a medium height individual, the shorter deck and belt wasn’t an issue for me, but taller runners may want to consider a larger size unit. Overall, at its full price of $899, I don’t know if this treadmill is truly worth it. However, I do think it’s worth considering the purchase when it’s on sale—especially at around the $550 mark.