Weslo Cadence 5.2 Treadmill Review (2023)

Name: Weslo Cadence R 5.2
Price: 349 $
Availability: InStock

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Editor’s Note: The Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill is no longer in production. We suggest viewing the Weslo Cadence G 5.9i as the best alternative or viewing our Best Budget Treadmills list for more options.

The Weslo Cadence R 5.2 (sometimes called simply the Cadence 5.2) is a budget-friendly treadmill that many people have added to their home gyms. However, Weslo opted to discontinue production in favor of newer machines. While it may not be available to buy anymore at places like Amazon or Walmart, folks who already have it may sell them online, or you could find one on clearance at a store that may still have them.

For that reason, people may still want a Weslo Cadence 5.2 Treadmill review. Here, we will break down all the reasons why this treadmill can still be a worthwhile addition to a garage gym, the type of fitness enthusiast it will benefit, share some of the cons so you’re aware of them going in, and even offer an alternative if you need to upgrade or find a treadmill that is similar to the 5.2.

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Our experts who review treadmills for Garage Gym Reviews have done extensive research and put the miles in, literally, on many of these cardio machines. You want the information you need to come from people that invest a lot of time and energy in learning what you need to do. Our team has done just that.

Looking for an Alternative to the Weslo R Cadence 5.2?

The Weslo Cadence G 5.9, which is still in production, offers similar benefits to the 5.2. Aside from the fact that both are made by the same company, they are both folding treadmills that are easy on the wallet, and they are both light and easy to move. If you want even more options to consider, check out our guide of the best treadmills under $600 for more treadmills that we think could serve as a foundation for a personal workout space.

Best Alternative to Weslo Cadence 5.2

Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Treadmill

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Product Highlights

Lightweight and compact folding treadmill
Cushioned 50-inch-by-16-inch deck
5-inch LCD display to monitor fitness stats
iFIT-enabled for trainer-led workouts and auto-adjusting setting
30-day iFIT membership included
2.25 CHP
10 MPH speed
Manually adjustable two-position incline
6 pre-programmed workout options

Pros

Compact and lightweight
Budget-friendly
iFIT-enabled
30-day iFIT membership for free
Folding design

Cons

Will not support sustained or fast running
Difficult assembly
Disappointing warranty
Small screen

The G 5.9i is a budget-friendly treadmill best suited for those who plan to walk or jog. Its compact size makes it a viable option for smaller spaces.

A Quick Look at the Weslo Cadence 5.2 Treadmill

When the Weslo Cadence 5.2 was still in production, this foldable home use machine had a price tag of just a few hundred dollars. Typically, a treadmill in that price range would have to sacrifice a lot, including having a powerful motor. You’ll find on the 5.2 there is a 2.25 continuous horsepower motor, which isn’t ideal for runners, but it’s great for those who walk or occasionally jog.

Here’s a little more about this machine:

Pros:

Weighs 118 lbs
Easy assembly
Six preset workout programs
Handrails on sides
Costs around $300
Folding design
Comfort Cell Cushioning system
Top speed of 10 MPH

Cons:

250-lb weight capacity is low
Manual incline adjustment
Narrow running surface
Very basic display
Short warranty

Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill Specs

Footprint	64.5″ L x 55.5″ W x 29″ H
Weight	118 lbs
Weight Capacity	275 lbs
Motor	2.25 CHP motor
Walking Belt	51” L x 16” W
Display	LCD display
Incline	Manual with 2 positions up to 10%
Speed	Quickspeed 0-10 MPH
Programs	6
Warranty	1-year motor warranty, 90 days parts and labor

Where Can I Find the Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill?

Since this machine has been discontinued, it isn’t available on the larger online seller sites or even by the company directly. That means you would have to find it on clearance or on sale on one of the marketplace sites such as Facebook or eBay. They should be out there, though, and it can be worth the time you take to look for one.

Key Features of the Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill

This is a smaller treadmill, but there are plenty of features to discuss. The first one is actually about how small it is. It weighs less than 120 pounds when it’s assembled, and it can be folded up to save space if needed. Its footprint is just over 5 feet long, so this could be great for those living in small spaces, and in need of compact equipment.

Most customers shared that it took less than one hour to assemble and that the process was pretty easy. Compared to the long assemblies we have seen with large, commercial machines, this sounds great.

Lastly, the Cadence 5.2 doesn’t skimp on extras, like storage. There are a couple of spaces on the front panel for a phone, water bottle, or towel to be kept. This machine does have incline settings; however, to use the adjustable incline, you have to get off the machine and do it manually. This saves you money, since you don’t need a high-quality, high-HP motor to drive the incline, but it can be a pain for those who would prefer digital adjustments.

Footprint, Portability, and Durability

The Cadence R 5.2 is less than 6 feet long and less than 3 feet tall. So, even when it’s unfolded, it won’t dominate your floor space. Clearly, it requires even less room when it’s folded thanks to its space-saver design. It also features transport wheels, though they are under the treadmill, not on the front, which means you’ll have to fold and tilt the treadmill to move it.

Due to its low weight limit of 250 pounds (we like to see a more inclusive range of 300 to 350 pounds), the manual incline settings, and the size of the running space, sprints and all-out runs for extended periods of time wouldn’t be advised. A running deck that is just 51 inches long is not ideal for taller runners.

Ergonomics

The treadmill has front and side handles to hold for beginners or people who want assistance with balance. The buttons on the front panel are easy to understand and work with, which means the user can make adjustments during exercise.

The Weslo 5.2 uses what the brand calls a “Comfort Cell Cushioning System,” which is meant to reduce impact on the joints.

Technology Benefits and Conveniences

The treadmill comes with six preinstalled workout programs that you can use immediately, or you can do your own treadmill workout in manual mode. There is a connection for a safety clip if you need to stop the treadmill quickly and safely.

Maintenance is easy for this one as well. All you need is a hex key (included) and spray to maintain the treadmill belt and deck once a year. The 2.25 HP impulse motor is a powerful one for a treadmill this size, but it will make noise. Keep that in mind if you have close neighbors or want a quieter option.

There are “QuickSpeed” controls that change your pace quickly if you choose to follow your own program. The LCD display is easy to read, but it won’t connect to an app like iFIT, workout apps, or a heart rate monitor, as this machine does not have Bluetooth connectivity.

Final Verdict of Our Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill Review

Overall, I’d say the Cadence R 5.2 may be a good treadmill for beginners and people who want something cost-friendly. If functionality and bettering your health and/or losing weight are your goals, it could help you do that for sure. The competitive runners and sprinters out there who want to do intense workouts may not find this to be the optimal choice, but if you need to work with a budget, it beats not having a treadmill at all. Just be prepared to upgrade when you have a chance to.

Yes it’s discontinued, but it definitely lived up to its billing while it was available. Weslo will have newer treadmills hitting the market sooner rather than later. Watch for these models to hit the market over the course of the next year and beyond if you’re interested in upgrading in the future.

Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill Rating

Weslo Cadence R 5.2

In our Weslo Cadence 5.2 Treadmill review, we take a look at the specs of this now-discontinued treadmill.

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 349

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4

Weslo Cadence 5.2 Treadmill FAQs

Does the Weslo Cadence R 5.2 treadmill incline?

It will incline up to 10 percent grade, but the incline has to be adjusted manually. While this could be a reason why it’s so inexpensive, some consumers may want the convenience of adjusting the grade by hitting a button. If that is not an issue, however, then definitely consider the Cadence R 5.2.

Who makes Weslo treadmills?

Weslo treadmills are manufactured by ICON Health and Fitness, which is know known as iFIT. This parent company also produces machines under other brand names such as NordicTrack, ProForm, Weider, and FreeMotion.

Is the Weslo Cadence G 5.9i treadmill good for running?

The Cadence G 5.9i is a solid option for people who want to walk or jog indoors, and it could help some users that want to focus on weight loss. Serious runners may not find it to be the best option. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a great treadmill for runners, as are many of the other best treadmills on the market.

Roger Lockridge

Roger "Rock" Lockridge has worked in the fitness industry for 20 years in a variety of roles, including as a personal trainer, fitness class instructor, supplement advisor, nutritionist, and most notably as a writer since 2009. He has contributed to numerous fitness brands, including Men's Health, Muscle & Fitness, BarBend, Bodybuilding.com, and Iron Man Magazine, sharing information on training, nutrition, supplementation, motivation, profiles on world-class athletes, and strength sports news.He has also competed in various bench press contests and the Arnold Sports Festival's 5K Pump & Run three times. He has been training in his home gym full-time since 2015. His personal transformation story has been featured by Men's Health, Bodybuilding.com, and others.

Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill Review (2023): A Budget-Friendly Treadmill That Can Still Serve You Well