Best for Home Use
Best for Serious Runners
Best for Walkers
Best for Seniors
LifeSpan Treadmill Desk – TR1200-DT
What We Like
The concept of a treadmill desk is brilliant. With very little effort, a person using a treadmill desk can easily drop an extra pound per week while improving bone mass and gaining muscle tone. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine estimates that annual weight loss of 66 pounds (30 kg) could be achieved with three hours of daily use.
Elsewhere weâve described how to build a treadmill desk. Although we love DIY projects, we admit that buying this treadmill desk makes more sense. Thatâs because its motor is optimized to run for hours at a low speed. Other treadmills might burn out with an exercise-and-work fitness scheme.
Here are the LifeSpan treadmillâs top selling points:
- Simple Assembly: The treadmill arrives already assembled! Within 30 minutes most people can have the desk assembled and positioned too.
- Good Motor: The 2.25 HP motor can easily accommodate low-intensity exercise for hours at a time. Its virtually silent operation wonât interfere with business phone calls.
- Good Speed: Most trainees only walk one or two miles per hour at a desk. The TR1200 lets you walk up to 4 mph, which is a very brisk pace.
- Roomy Walking Surface: The TR1200-DT treadmill has a 20â x 56â track. This is more than enough space for walking.
- Shock Absorption: The track specially absorbs impact at six points to make exercise easier on your joints.
- Soft Armrests: Foam-injected armrests help you avoid wrist fatigue at the computer.
- Well-Placed Console: The TR1200-DT console is placed in a convenient spot without detracting from work space. It shows calories burned, number of steps taken, time and distance.
- Desktop Height Adjustment: Highly adjustable, the treadmill desk can comfortably fit users 4â10â to 6â8â tall.
- Safety Features: The Intelli-Guard safety feature pauses the treadmill automatically when you step away. Non-slip guard rails are also included.
- High Capacity: The maximum user weight is 350 pounds.
The warranty for this treadmill includes three years on the frame and motor, one year on parts, and one year of labor. That might seem short but itâs a commercial warranty; six hours of daily use are presumed. You can expect this treadmill to outlast its warranty as long as you keep it clean of dust and make sure the belt is lubricated.
What We Donât Like
- Slow Start-Up: Yes, itâs for our own safety, but we resent how the TR1200-DT shuts off whenever we step away. Upon returning to the treadmill, a person needs to hit Start and reset the speed. Maybe this is a good feature for elderly people or very distracted workers, but it seems like a bit much.
- No Back-Up Memory: If you accidentally pull the plug, all of your workout data will be lost. This includes information from the cool pedometer feature. It tallies all the steps youâve taken on the machine until you accidentally erase them.
- No Extras: This basic treadmill doesnât include a ramp, heart rate control or preset workouts like other treadmills do. Those features wouldnât make much sense for a work environment though.
Our Verdict
If youâd get regular use from a treadmill thatâs designed for desk work and long, slow walks, then we definitely recommend the TR1200-DT. Youâll suddenly be burning more calories than ever while checking email or printing reports. This treadmill operates very quietly; you can even have a speakerphone conversation and the other party wonât hear your workout. Made with a two-ply belt and high-quality motor, the Life Fitness treadmill desk can be expected to last well beyond its warranty period with moderate daily use.
Best Alternative
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill: A Home Gym Powerhouse?
I always enjoy getting on a NordicTrack Commercial 1750. Each season, we hop aboard treadmills manufactured by every brand...read more
See best price »
