LifeSpan TR 1200i Folding Treadmill Review
LifeSpan TR 1200i Folding Treadmill 2012 Model
Coming in at just under $1000, the LifeSpan TR 1200i Folding Treadmill
With the included LifeSpan Fitness Club account, the TR 1200i claims to allow users to easily track their progress with access to constant reports of their achievements and exercise results. Many treadmills in this price range have similar online health management systems. The question is, does the LifeSpan TR 1200i stand above its peers, or does it fall flat?
Key Specs For The LifeSpan TR 1200i Folding Treadmill
- RRP: $974.94 Maximum Weight
- Capacity: 300 lbs
- Top Speed: 11 mph
- Incline: 15 levels
- Foldable? Yes
- Number of Programs: 8
LifeSpan TR 1200i Folding Treadmill: The Pros
LCD Console: One of the first things you notice about the LifeSpan TR 1200i is the control console. This mufti-coloured LCD console is striking to say the least. The large display console constantly displays a whole range of relevant information, including time, speed, incline, calories burned, distance covered, number of steps taken and your heart rate. This means you can simply turn on the treadmill, select a training program and start running without having to set up the machine for your specific measurement target.
The buttons to control the treadmill are large and smooth to operate, and you can change settings comfortably during operation without losing your balance. Similarly, there are control buttons on the handlebar, so users that are more comfortable using the handlebars for support when exercising can change settings without having to remove their hands.
Comfort: A must for treadmills in this price range, the LifeSpan TR 1200i does not disappoint. The large 20 x 56 inch running belt is extremely accommodating for users of all heights and sizes, and the bio-mechanical deck suspension system stands up to the manufacturers claims of offering a smooth and comfortable platform for the more vigorous training programs.
The TR 1200i has 15 levels of incline, but even at its most steep, the running deck shows no signs of being under pressure. There is no movement and the treadmill does not show any indication of any additional strain.
The 2.5 horsepower motor is more than powerful enough to cope with all of the training programs that come with the TR 1200i, and that is encouraging for more experienced runners who will push their treadmill to the limit during training. For close to $1,000 you would expect the TR 1200i to be a comfortable machine to use, but it is a pleasant surprise to see just how comfortable it actually is.
LifeSpan Fitness Club: When you purchase a LifeSpan TR 1200i treadmill, you automatically receive free membership to the LifeSpan Fitness Club. This is an online exercise management program that allows members to not only keep an up to date record of their training, but to track their health also.
Your LifeSpan Fitness Club account is specific to you, and through this users can receive much more specific information about their training and health statistics. When you use the TR 1200i, the treadmill records your information on a USB storage device, which in turn updates your LifeSpan Fitness Club records.
Although the Fitness Club registration can be a little tricky to start with, once in place it is a fantastic resource for keeping an accurate and up to date record of your achievements and goals.
LifeSpan TR 1200i Folding Treadmill: The Cons
Assembly: The LifeSpan TR 1200i should not be too difficult to assemble. It comes with quite simple instructions and there is not a whole lot of construction required. However, some users have mentioned that putting the treadmill together proved more troublesome than it should be. Some of the screw holes on the handlebars do not line up perfectly, and this can result in quite a bit of elbow grease being needed to assemble the treadmill properly.
Heart Rate Sensors: The bane of many treadmills and other exercise equipment, the LifeSpan TR 1200i displays an all too characteristic trait of not giving accurate heart rate readings. The heart rate readings show a huge variance at different times. If you have a perfectly placed grip, the readings do not seem as erratic. However, if your grip is anything less but perfectly central over the sensors, the heart rate readings are quite clearly not indicative of your actual current heart rate.
Is the LifeSpan TR 1200i Folding Treadmill (2012 Model) Worth Buying?
With a selection of 17 pre-set programs, customizable training programs and a heart rate control program, the LifeSpan TR 1200i
It is a shame that the alignment of screws and holes can be off, as there is so little assembly required in the first place. However, once you do get the LifeSpan TR 1200i up and running, you most likely won’t be stopping anytime soon.
