The LifeSpan Treadmill – Is it Worth Buying?

Are you considering buying a LifeSpan treadmill but not sure which model to get or even if a treadmill will be right for you?

Having been in this situation myself when I started exercising, I know how complex choosing exercise equipment can be.

It’s easy to be swayed by appearance and bells and whistles you may not need when the most important things to consider are quality, functionality, and value for money.

Hopefully, this article will help you decide whether a LifeSpan treadmill or indeed any treadmill will be a good purchase.

Along with general information on the benefits of treadmill workouts, we will look at two popular LifeSpan Treadmill models, the Lifespan TR1200i Folding Treadmill (pictured to the left) and the LifeSpan TR4000i Folding Treadmill (pictured below right).

The LifeSpan Treadmill V Other Brands

Treadmills have long been a popular choice for people who want to experience exercise’s health and fitness benefits.

There are many makes and models available, and while some are of excellent quality, others are not so good.  Buying the wrong one can prove to be an expensive mistake.

LifeSpan has been a leader in the home fitness equipment field since its inception in 1994.  Their offerings continue to rate consistently well with home exercisers.  Catering to a variety of budgets, they design treadmills for people of all fitness levels.

Options include basic, compact models that you can fold to store between workouts and larger models with high-tech programs and various accessories.

Some treadmills accommodate specific fitness needs – for example, dedicated runners who require a treadmill capable of high speed.  There are models for people whose primary goal is weight loss, and the list goes on.

With so many LifeSpan treadmill options, there’s sure to be one that will suit your needs.  Whichever you go with, be assured that if you choose one from LifeSpan, your treadmill will be of the highest quality, safe and comfortable, and user-friendly.

Why do Treadmill Workouts?

Along with delivering an excellent cardio workout, treadmills provide a means of improving fitness and achieving weight loss and muscle toning at home.  They are suitable for use by adults of almost any age and fitness level.  Basically, if you can walk, you can use a treadmill.

As well as walking, you can jog on a treadmill, run on a treadmill, or do both.

Treadmill workouts are well-suited to interval training.  Walk for a while, jog a little, run a bit, mix things up.  Exercising in this manner will burn more calories.  It will also decrease the likelihood of you becoming bored with your fitness routine and quitting.

Maybe it’s snowing or too cold, wet, or hot to exercise safely and comfortably outdoors.  Maybe you’re a busy stay-at-home mom, and the only time you have free to exercise is when your kids are asleep, but you can’t leave them at home alone.

You could be a full-time carer of a child with a disability or an elderly parent, so you can’t leave the house.

The gym might be too far from your home, or you don’t want to commit to the ongoing expense of joining one.

You may be out of shape and uncomfortable at the prospect of working out in public, so you keep putting off starting.

You might work the day shift and not want to risk walking or jogging alone at night.

Or maybe you just enjoy treadmill running or walking.

Whatever the reason, with a reliable treadmill in your home, you will be able to work out any time you feel like it.

Video Overview of the Lifespan TR1200i Folding Treadmill

Which Model Should I Buy?

The quality and durability of the LifeSpan treadmill is, without question, up there with the best available.  The model you choose will depend on your requirements and budget.

Though a little more expensive than some other brands, all of LifeSpan’s models, including their most budget-friendly, come with features that would, in most brands, only be available in their top-of-the-line models.

Below is a brief overview of the LifeSpan TR 4000i Folding Treadmill and the Lifespan TR 1200i Folding Treadmill.  These are two of the most popular models in the LifeSpan treadmill range that consistently get excellent feedback.

LifeSpan TR4000i Folding Treadmill Overview

With its powerful 3.25 HP continuous-duty DC motor, 0.5 to 12 mph speed capability, 54 programs, and 0 to 15 Incline/Decline level options, the TR4000i Folding Treadmill is an excellent choice for anyone serious about exercise.

The treadmill’s precision-engineered frame simulates the feel of road walking, jogging, and running.

Its thickly padded oversized running surface measures 20″ x 66″.  A generous user weight limit of 350 pounds will accommodate most people.

The LifeSpan TR4000i is Bluetooth-enabled, and it has a range of useful accessories that will make your workouts more enjoyable.

It is quick and easy to fold if you want to store it, and it has transport wheels so you can quickly move the unit if you need to.

Specs

Assembled dimensions – Assembled, the LifeSpan TR4000i Treadmill measures 73″ (L) x 34.5″ (W) x 55.5″(H)

Folded dimensions – Folded, it measures 40.5″ (L) x 34.5″ (W) x 65.5″ (H)

Running surface (belt) dimensions and thickness – The 20″ (W) x 66″ (L) phenolic belt is 1″ thick

Handrail length – The handrails are approximately 23″ long

Deck to handrail – The distance between the deck and the handrails is approximately 38″

Rollers – This model has 2.5″ front and 2″ rear rollers

Weight – It weighs 239 1/2 lbs

User weight – It can support a weight of up to 350 pounds

Horse Power – The TR40001 has a 3.25 HP continuous-duty DC motor

Speed – This model has 0.5 to 12 MPH speed capability

Incline/Decline levels – It comes with 13 incline and 2 decline levels

Color – It is black and gray

Drive –

This is a 3.25 HP Continuous-Duty electric model.

Construction & finish –

The LifeSpan TR4000i Folding Treadmill comprises a robust, robotically-welded alloy steel frame and aluminum handlebars.

Its powder-coated finish resists corrosion, scratches, and chips.

Smoothness, Stability, & Noise Level –

The treadmill’s robust frame and sturdy 1” deck, and 8 compression shocks make for smooth, stable, and quiet sessions that reduce the impact on joints.

Speed & Incline/Decline –

You can select your workout speed and incline and decline levels via the touchscreen or by pressing the up/down buttons.

Alternatively, you can choose any of the 5 Quickset™ speed and 5 Quickset™ buttons for an immediate change.

Programs –

This model has 54 programs, including 20 that are preset.

These include 7 for Sports Training, 5 focusing on Weight Management, and 5 that target Healthy Living.

There’s also a 5k/10K Race program, a Rockport Fitness Test, and a Navy Fitness Test.

Additionally, there are 2 Heart Rate programs and 2 User Defined programs that enable you to focus on specific fitness aspects you want to target with many options available.

During workouts, you can adjust the goals of all other than the User Defined programs.

Heart rate monitor –

A Bluetooth-enabled chest strap heart rate monitor allows you to monitor your pulse and train in the best zone to optimize your results.

LCD –

A user-friendly, easy-to-read 7″ x 7″ full-color touchscreen shows your workout stats, enabling you to monitor your sessions and set fitness goals.

Three screen displays, including Graph, Gauge, and Track, are available for a more comprehensive overview.

The metrics displayed include:

Current Program Profile

Time

Speed

Pace

Total Laps and Split Time

Distance Traveled

Total calories Burned and Calories Burned per Hour

Incline/Decline Level

Total Step Count and Step Count per Minute

Elevation Change

Heart Rate and percentage of Max Heart Rate

Folding/Unfolding – 

This LifeSpan Treadmill has an inbuilt hydraulic system that makes for effortless folding and unfolding, assisting you to life the deck for storage if desired.

Then, when you are ready to use it again, the deck’s soft-drop system will slowly and safely lower the deck for you.

Transport wheels –

Two front and two rear transportation wheels in the base facilitate moving the machine easily if required.

Accessories –

This model is Bluetooth enabled, and it has high-quality speakers and an iPod/headphone jack so you can listen to music as you work out.

Other TR4000i accessories include a water bottle holder, a book rack, and a strap heart rate monitor.

App compatibility –

Android and iPhone users can download the LifeSpan Active Trac app to sync with any app able to receive workout data from Google Fit or Apple Health.

Assembly –

The treadmill will arrive with most of the components already assembled.  Instructions and the required tools for finishing the job are supplied.  This took most buyers about an hour, though some took longer, and others finished the job in half an hour.

The machine is heavy, so having a second person help will speed up the process.

Warranty –

The LifeSpan TR4000i Folding Treadmill comes with a lifetime warranty for its frame and motor.  There’s also 5 years of coverage for parts and 1-year for labor.

LifeSpan TR1200i Folding Treadmill Overview

If you require something a little smaller with a lower price tag, it would be hard to go past the LifeSpan TR1200i Folding Treadmill, which folds to fit under a standard-sized bed.

One of the most frequently purchased treadmills on the market today, though compact, it has some excellent features for the price.  These include a 2.5 HP motor, 15 incline levels, and a speed range from 0.5 to 11 MPH.

it has some great features and accessories for the price.  These include a 2.5 HP motor, 15 incline levels, and a speed range from 0.5 to 11 MPH.

Specs

Assembled dimensions – Assembled, the LifeSpanTR 1200i measures 70.25″ (L) x 33″ (W) x 55″ (H)

Folded dimensions – Folded, it measures 39″ (L) x 33″ (W) x 63″ (H)

Running surface (belt) dimensions & thickness – The phenolic deck measures 56″ (L) x 20″ (W), and it is 3/4″ thick and has a brace

Handrail length – The handrails are approximately 23″ long

Deck to handrail – The distance from the deck to the handrails measures approximately 38″

Rollers – This model has 2.5″ tapered rollers

Weight – It weighs 197 lbs

User weight – Its user weight limit is 300 pounds

Horse Power – The LifespanTR1200i Folding Treadmill has a 2.5 HP continuous-duty DC motor

Speed – This model has a speed range of 0.5 to 11 MPH

Incline/Decline levels – It comes with 15 incline levels

Color – It is black and gray

Drive –

The LifeSpanTR1200i is a 2.5 HP Continuous-Duty electric model.

Construction & Finish –

The treadmill’s strong, durable frame is powder-coated to resist chips, scratches, and rust.

Smoothness, Stability, & Noise Level –

A solid frame and 8 compression shock absorbers integrated into the 1″ thick deck offer smooth, steady, and quiet sessions with reduced joint impact.

Speed & Incline –

Use the up and down arrow keys to change your speed and the deck’s incline.  For an immediate selection, press one of the 4 Quick Select keys.

Programs –

The LifeSpan TR1200i offers 21 workout programs. f These include 7 Sports training, 5 weight loss, and 5 that focus on Healthy Living.  You will also find 2 Heart Rate Controlled and 2 User-Defined programs that allow you to customize your sessions.

LCD –

A Bluetooth-enabled 7″ x 7″ full-color LCD shows your workout metrics, including Workout Time (length), Distance, Speed, Step Count, Incline Level, Calories Burned, and Heart Rate level.  It also shows the date and the time.

Three different viewing formats for more detailed monitoring are offered, including Graph, Gauge, and Track.

Heart rate monitor –

Use the grip pulse sensors with the integrated receiver to track your heart rate. (This does not come with a chest strap.)

Folding/Unfolding –

The treadmill has an integrated system that utilizes hydraulics to quickly and easily lift the deck if you want to store the treadmill.

The deck’s soft-drop technology will gently lower when you want to use the treadmill again.

Accessories –

The LifeSpan TR1200i Folding Treadmill has speakers and iPod/head jack integration.  Other accessories include a book rack and a water bottle holder.

Transport wheels –

2 transport wheels in the front base and 2 to the rear enable easy mobility should you want to move the machine.

Assembly –

The treadmill comes partially assembled.  Completing the process is straightforward, taking most people an hour or so, though some people did it in less time, and it took others a bit longer.  Instructions and assembly tools are supplied.

Warranty –

The warranty covers a lifetime for the frame, 5 years for the motor, 2 years for parts, and 1-year for labor.

Final Thoughts on Choosing a LifeSpan Treadmill

Buying a high-quality treadmill from a reliable brand such as LifeSpan could be one of the best decisions you make when it comes to your health and fitness. 

Buy a low-quality treadmill that doesn’t have a smooth action and is uncomfortable to use, and chances are you will use it three or four times tops before relocating it to its new home in your storage shed.

The LifeSpan treadmill is for anyone who wants to tone up, lose weight, and improve their health and fitness. 

Whether treadmill workouts will be your sole form of exercise or part of an overall workout plan, owning a treadmill will give you the freedom that using one at the gym cannot.

Deciding which LifeSpan treadmill is right for you will depend largely on three things, these being your budget, your intended use, and how much room you have to house it.

If you plan to do long, rigorous, fast workouts and want a treadmill with “the works,” you will have to spend more.

If you envisage lighter use and will be happy with basic features, you can get away with paying less.

Either way, there’s sure to be a LifeSpan treadmill that will be perfect for the type of treadmill workouts you want to do.

If you need help choosing a treadmill, check out Treadmill Buying Guide – 14 Tips on Buying a Treadmill.

To read reviews of other popular treadmills, click this link