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Best Feature:
Once folded, it can be stored under a bed or in a closet
Worst Feature:
Motor is only powerful enough to reach speeds up to 6mph
Best Uses:
Very compact treadmill for walking/light jogging
Pricing:
$764 (Warranty- LLW frame; 5yr motor; 1yr parts/labor)
Overview
The LifeSpan TR 200 treadmill is an inexpensive, compact treadmill with a 1.5 HP continuous duty motor that is great for light exercise in homes with limited space. When folded, the TR 200 is small enough to be pushed under a bed or in the closet. The treadmill can only go up to 6mph since it has a smaller motor, and therefore it is best suited for walkers. You'll be able to track your time, calories, distance, heart rate, speed and incline level on the blue LCD display, and you can immediately change your speed or incline level to vary the intensity of your workout. The TR 200 also comes equipped with an audio jack for your MP3 player and headphones, so you can exercise while rocking out to your favorite tunes.
The LifeSpan TR 200 can be purchased at http://www.lifespanfitness.com for $700.
Product Report Card Grade
We give LifeSpan’s TR200 Treadmill a B+ because it is a great compact, folding treadmill for walking and light jogging. It is only 11” high when folded and can be stored horizontally or vertically, so it is perfect for small spaces. It features a blue LCD display console where you can track your progress (ie. speed, time, distance, calories) and your heart rate through the hand-grip heart monitor. While this treadmill could be a perfect fit for some people, we had to deduct a few points because we found it to be lacking in some respects when compared to similarly priced machines. Most notably, the TR200 will limit the possible intensity of your cardio workouts because it doesn’t have enough cushioning or enough power for even moderate jogging. Additionally, the warranty on its motor is relatively short, and it doesn’t have a built-in fan to keep you cool.
Date Reviewed
January 2012
January 2012
January 2012
Pros
Inexpensive with a good warranty; no assembly required; better incline than other compact, budget treadmills; folding design great for people with limited space; easy to use; purchase includes 4 months of free access to LifeSpan Fitness Club, which is a great way to kick start fitness routine
Inexpensive with excellent warranty and many of the bells & whistles seen on higher priced models; adequate belt size; quiet and powerful motor; heavy steel frame won't shake; speed and incline ranges provide lots of combinations to vary the intensity of your workout; fan keeps you cool; easy to use
Extremely affordable; lightweight and portable; folds for easier storage; simple set up; energy efficient
Cons
Good for walking and light jogging but not great for intense workouts given the motor size, belt size and lack of cushioning; slight burning smell noted by some users after 30 minutes of use; some users didn't feel the speakers were very good; doesn't have a built-in fan, reading shelf or cup holder
Machine is large and doesn't fold up all the way, so not great for small spaces; many users expressed frustration with the set-up and especially with the belt, which needs to be lubricated initially and then again every 150 miles; some users were annoyed that the power switch is at the base of the machine instead of on the console; treadmill will trip GFCI breakers; console does not show you miles per minute
Short warranty; manual treadmills can take some getting used to; some customers have reported issues with the rear bearings coming off and the belt slipping to one side; some customers felt it was noisier than other manual treadmills; doesn't have a very stable frame for heavier individuals; belt is shorter and narrower than other budget treatments; manual incline with only 2 options
Type
Budget Treadmill
Budget Treadmill
Budget Treadmill
Warranty
Lifetime limited warranty on the frame; 5-year limited warranty on the motor; 1- year limited warranty on parts & labor
Lifetime limited warranty on the frame & motor; 1-year limited warranty on parts & labor (extended warranties are also available)
3-year limited warranty on the frame; 90-day limited warranty on parts
Manual or Motorized
Motorized (1.5 CHP)
Motorized (2.25 CHP)
Manual
Folding?
Yes, it folds down to 11" in height and can be stored vertically or horizontally.
Yes, it uses the FeatherLIGHT™ lift system for easy folding and unfolding.
Yes, it folds up to 18" x 26" x 47.5" (L x W x H).
Dimensions (L x W x H)
60" x 31" x 52"
71" x 33" x 55"
47" x 26" x 44"
Weight (lbs)
135 (est.)
200 (est.)
56 (est.)
Belt Size (L x W)
48" x 17" (small compared to other budget treadmills)
55" x 20" (sufficient for those of average height or less)
42" x 17" (small compared to other budget treadmills)
Max Weight Capacity (lbs)
Speed
0 - 6 mph (also has Quick Start Speed control)
0 - 10 mph
N/A - self powered
Incline
Automatic incline from 0 - 10% (1% increments). Also has Quick Start Incline control.
Automatic incline from 0 - 10% (.5% increments)
Manual incline at 8° and 10°
Belt Cushioning
Not specified
2-ply belt is 1.4 mm thick and features PerfectFLEX™ cushioning technology.
Not specified
Progress Tracking
The console has a blue LCD display screen that shows your progress in terms of time, calories, distance, heart rate, speed and incline level.
The console tracks your progess using 3 orange LED windows, LED brickyard, and target/workout LED indicators.
The console has a battery-operated monitor that tracks your distance, time, speed, and calories burned.
Workout Programs
It has 3 speed programs and 3 incline programs.
It features 9 program options that are based on a target (time, distance or calories) combined with a workout (manual, interval or weight loss).
N/A
Heart Rate Monitor
Yes, it has a hand grip heart rate monitor.
Yes, it has a hand grip heart rate monitor.
N/A
Built-In Audio
Yes, it has speakers and a plug for headphones.
Yes, it has Sonic Surround™ speakers that allow you to listen to your favorite music with or without headphones.
N/A
Built-In Fans
N/A
Yes, it has the COOLfit™ fitness fan (not adjustable).
N/A
Reading Shelf
N/A
Yes, it has a reading shelf.
N/A
Cup Holder
N/A
Yes, it has 2 cup holders.
N/A
ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Inexpensive
- No assembly required
- Better incline than other compact, budget treadmills
- Compact design great for people with limited room
- Easy to use
- 4 months of free access to LifeSpan Fitness Club is a great way to kick start fitness routine
Cons
- Better for walking and light jogging. Not great for intense workouts given the motor size, belt size and lack of cushioning
- Slight burning smell noted by some users after 30 minutes of use
- Some users didn't feel the speakers were very good
Key Features
Frame
Dimensions are 60" x 31" x 52' (L x W x H). When folded, it is 11" thin and can be stored vertically or horizontally.
Motor
1.5 HP Continuous Duty (smaller than other budget treadmills, but sufficient for walkers)
Belt
17" x 48" (smaller then other budget treadmills because of its compact design)
Weight Capacity
up to 250lbs
Incline Range
Automatic incline from 0 - 10
Quick Speed and Incline Buttons
Yes, you can punch in your desired speed/incline directly on the console.
Programs
3 speed programs and three incline programs
Heart Rate Monitor
Yes (grips)
Console
Blue LCD display shows your progress in terms of time, calories, distance, heart rate, speed, incline level
Audio Capabilities
Speakers and headphone plug-in
Residential Warranty
Lifetime for the frame, 5 years for the motor and 1 year for parts and labor
Additional Features
LifeSpan Fitness Club 4 month trial membership included. The data from your workout can be uploaded to your personal online account through a USB device, so you can track your progress.
Reputation
The LifeSpan TR 200 appears to be the best inexpensive compact treadmill on the market. Reviews on Amazon are generally positive, and it has won awards such as the 2010 Treadmill Doctor "Best Buy" award and the 2010 Fitness Professor "Best Treadmill Under $1,000" award. That said, the size of the belt and motor are best for people who are under 6 feet and 250lbs, and who only plan on using it for walking or very light jogging. Unless you absolutely need a compact, portable treadmill, you might want to consider other brands in the same price range.
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