If you enjoy running, you’re bound to be disappointed with the current conditions that prevent you from getting out. Whether it’s raining or snowing, the temperature can be either too hot or too cold outside. Or maybe it’s simply because you’re in a bad mood and don’t want to go out. This is when you consider buying a treadmill. But there are a couple of things that stop people from getting a treadmill.
First, it’s rare that you can’t go out for a jog, and second, a treadmill takes up a lot of space.
We previously did a review video of a foldable treadmill, the WalkingPad R1 Pro, which was a great solution to the above problem. Two years later, WalkingPad has launched its updated version, the WalkingPad R2. As it happens, we have both WalkingPads and this video looks at the differences between the R1 Pro and R2.
Many of the core specifications of the WalkingPad R2 are the same as those of the R1 Pro. For example, they both use brushless motors. The Racetrack is still made of four different layers of material. And a good racetrack will protect your knees during jogging. There are also two wheels at the bottom. But the R2’s wheels are more protruding and easier for you to move around. Both Safety clips and remote controls are the same. Even the remotes can be interchanged. The most important foldable feature – its foldable mechanism, has not been changed much in the R2. Probably the WalkingPad team felt that this was the best way to fold it. Twist, pull them open, and use them in just three steps. In terms of functionality, there is no difference between the R1 Pro and the R2.
So you must be curious, where exactly has the WalkingPad R2 been upgraded?
The first difference you can easily see is the design of the R2, which has a more squared-off look, with a lot of right-angle aesthetic design, and a new screen design with more curves, which makes the R2 look even better. Of course, it doesn’t just look beautiful, it’s also much more comfortable to use. The WalkingPad R2 has a brighter screen than the R1 Pro and uses a dark acrylic background, which looks more premium. When we unfold them and take a closer look, many design details have been changed. Although the racetrack has not been upgraded, it has been made with a non-slip design next to the pedal. When you need to take a break, these rubber dots help you to stand more safely on them. Not only has the pedal been upgraded, but the material of the handrails has also been changed from the previous aluminum to Steel, enhancing the stability of the whole handrail. The Built quality of the R2 has gotten even better.
When you raise the handrail to its highest level and shake it with your hand, the difference in stability is very obvious. Also, the handle is thoughtfully designed with finger protection, when you press down fully there is a large gap to prevent you from pinching your own fingers. Handrail knobs have also been made larger for easier handling.
Let’s move up to the handrail storage box, which has also been upgraded. The R1 Pro’s storage box can only hold your phone in a vertical position. If you have a large phone with a large lens, you may not be able to fit it horizontally. You can’t put anything else in there. But the R2 storage box is not just for placing your phone at any angle, you can also put your drinks, snacks, safety clips, and remote controls on it. And because the R2 handrail is more stable, you don’t have to worry about anything falling off.
After a few days of use, I still prefer the WalkingPad R2’s Auto mode, which is also available on the R1 Pro and adapts to your walking speed when you use it. When your foot is in the front half of the racetrack, it speeds up. When your foot is in the back half, it slows down. This way you can do without the remote control and free your hands. Adjust the speed according to what you are doing. When you’re replying to a message, for example, it can be slower. When you’re watching a video, it can be faster. When you’re concentrating on running, you can run at up to 6 km/h. If you want, use it with a standing desk, and you can even work out at home while you work.
Using a treadmill like WalkingPad R2 in the right way can help alleviate issues associated with a sedentary lifestyle. This mode may be a little hard to use for the first time, but once you get used to it, I’m sure you’ll love it.
You can easily see that the WalkingPad R2 is actually a slightly upgraded version of the R1 Pro. The R2 has a better built quality and is much more beautiful. And many of the designs are more user-friendly. If you don’t think you need all these upgrades, then the R1 Pro, which has the same core features but is cheaper, is actually a very good choice.
Which one would you choose?
