Optimum Fitness Fitness News and equipment reviews
If you are in the market for a good all round treadmill then the LifeSpan TR1200i, reviewed here, should really be near the top of your list. This treadmill has won countless best buy awards over the years, we decide to take a look ourselves. Since it was face lifted in late 2015 has it has been given a new lease of life to make sure it stays relevant for runners today!
The hardest thing when choosing a treadmill is deciding if that investment, about $1000, is really going to turn into health and fitness dividends. If this is a worry to you, look at the brand. LifeSpan are consistently one of the highest rated brands on the market. There is no evidence of ‘cutting corners’ to hit a price point. Their customer service is second to none, and their machines give years of service.
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What exactly is the Lifespan TR1200i Treadmill, and what are its benefits?
Tr1200i Motor
As always we start at the heart of the machine. The motor will, more than other components, determine the quality of the machine. It also governs the speed and lifespan of the unit. The TR1200i is equipped with a reasonably powerful 2.5CHP motor. This is really the bare minimum you can have for a “running” machine. This will power you upto 11mph, which is just shy of the top speeds achievable by its bigger brother, the TR3000i Treadmill. However you will be paying a further $500 for that power.
Running Surface Size
With a generous 20″ x 56″ running surface this Treadmill should be comfortable for users upto about 6′ tall. Any taller and you may have difficulty keeping a long stride length within the confines of the bed. To keep things comfortable, the LifeSpan TR1200i is equipped with a good suspension system. It comprises 6 suspension units that will absorb the impact of your feet at full speed. This will help to minimise injury and joint pain. Further cushioning is provided by the 3/4″ thick running platform, covered in a 2 ply belt. In common with all LifeSpan treadmills this will require a small amount of regular maintenance to keep it in top condition. This consists of applying a small quantity of Silicon Lubricant under the belt. This can be a fiddly job, as the rollers will need to be re-tensioned after. Most users are able to carry out the job themselves in an hour or so.
Speed and Incline Settings
With its top speed of 11 mph this should be able to push users of most abilities. If you need a little more effort then there is the choice to change the angle of the treadmill. On the TR1200i the angle can be adjusted from 0 to 15 degrees via buttons on the control pad. This is automatic and can be controlled manually or via one of the built in programmes.
Console
This is where most of the change is obvious. The new display is more modern and easy to use. Its well designed to keep you on track there is a clear and easy to read console fitted to the treadmill. I really like the clear no fuss layout. With its blue LED lights it is easy to look at, even if you are running in a darkened room. The keys have a premium soft touch feel, and gives access to a number of functions: time, calories, distance, steps, heart rate, speed, and incline level Heart rate is monitored via hand holds on the machine, or via a chest strap. You will have to provide your own chest strap if you want to use that feature. however it is compatible with most of the main brands. Finally as part of the console you are able to plug in an iPhone via a jack and listen to music through the built in speakers.
What are the TR1200i Programs
To keep the workout interesting there are a number of built in programmes. These are have been designed by a top fitness instructor and are ideal for helping you reach fitness or weight loss goals. The 20 programs control both the speed and the incline settings, so you can find the machine moving up and down. Don’t worry if it gets a little steep then you can manually override the position and still keep going with the program. In addition to the preset programs there is also a couple of user programmable modes. These are for heart training, set your target heart rate and the machine will adjust speed and incline to keep you there.
LifeSpan Fitness Club
The TR1200i includes membership to the LifeSpan fitness club. This is a great online club that stores and tracks your performance. During each exercise your resultes are continusly monitored and uploaded to the Fitness Club. This will allow you to monitor your perfomance and see the improvements over time. 
Other features
I have just about covered everything you need to know. It just remains to point out that there is a good book holder and water bottle holders to keep you hydrated during your workout.
Dimensions
The treadmill is foldable to enable storage in even the tightest of homes:
| Assembled Dimensions (LxWxH) | 74 x 33 x 54 |
| Folded Dimensions | 39 x 33 x 66 |
Warranty
To keep you machine in top form, LifeSpan offer the following: Lifetime on the frame and motor, 3 years on parts, 1 year on labor.
What are other reviews saying about the LifeSpan TR1200i Treadmill?
As one of the most popular treadmills in on the market this has recieved its fair share of reviews. Overall it has an impressive 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 130 reviews. Users liked the treadmill was well featured for the price (for more you are looking at 2x the price!) It is easy to assemble with just one person, taking about an hour. Although it did take a couple of helpers to move the 240lb box into position! Any negatives? Just the one really, the LifeSpan Fitness Club that comes complimentary with the treadmill is valid just of one user, if you want more then you will have to take out a seperate membership.
Our Pick of Alternative $1000 treadmills:
| Product name | Rating | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | LifeSpan TR1200i Folding Treadmill | $999.00 | ||
 | Nautilus T616 Treadmill | $999.00 | ||
 | NordicTrack C 990 Treadmill | $1,099.00 | ||
 | ProForm Power 995i Treadmill | $899.99 | ||
 | SOLE F63 Treadmill | $999.99 |
What else could I get for $1000?
What else could you get for $1000?
At this price there are a number of options:
In this article I have done a comparison of the sub $1000 treadmills, and its the LifeSpan that comes out top. Also this is one of the best treadmills for home use you can find.
[table id=9 /]Summary of Features:
- Deck suspension system that can support up to 300 lbs.
- EZ Drop folding system
- Measures 33 x 54 x 70 inches
- Built in speakers
- IPod and headphone jacks
- Built in pedometer (Intelli-Step)
- 15 incline levels
- Lifetime warranty on the frame and motor
- 3 year warranty on parts, 1 year on labor
Video
Introductory Video:
