Best for Home Use
Best for Serious Runners
Best for Walkers
Best for Seniors
LifeSpan TR100 Treadmill
The TR100 Treadmill is an ultra-compact unit by LifeSpan. When folded, it’s only 11” thick – small enough to store beneath a bed.
What We Don’t Like
Our Verdict
The TR100’s low price of less than $500 is accompanied by a great warranty. However, because of its narrow track (17” x 48”), we’d only recommend this compact treadmill to compact people. This unit’s official weight limit is 250 pounds.
The TR100 is very similar to the TR200. The TR200 costs about $300 more an includes a motorized incline.
What We Like
- Compact Design: This treadmill’s dimensions are just 60”L x 31”W x 52”. It’s foldable too, so it can be slipped beneath a bed or stored in a closet. The design is just right for people living in dorm rooms or studio apartments.
- Already Assembled: There’s no hassle involved in setting up this treadmill. It’s ready to use right when you unpack it.
- Program Variety: LifeSpan’s TR100 has six preset workout programs and provides space for saving six user-designed workouts. While this is meager compared with the more expensive LifeSpan models, it’s more than most other fitness brands include on budget treadmills.
- LCD Console: Compared with other budget treadmills, this model has an advanced console that shows several data fields at once. It includes buttons that quickly adjust the speed between 3, 4, 5 and 6 mph.
- Heart Rate Monitor: A contact heart rate monitor is included.
- Speakers: Use the iPod connection and optional headphones to enjoy your MP3s during workouts.
- Good Warranty: Customers get a lifetime warranty for the frame, a five-year warranty for the motor, one year of coverage for other parts, and one year of labor. Typically you’d need to spend hundreds more to get acceptable consumer protections on a budget treadmill.
What We Don’t Like
- Very Small Track: The 17” x 48” walking area could feel constricting. Most residential treadmill tracks are 20” wide.
- Weak Motor: The TR100 has a 1.5 HP motor, which is relatively weak. It supports a top speed of 6 mph (half that of most treadmills).
Our Verdict
Overall the LifeSpan TR100 is a very good value and a great option for small living spaces. We would especially recommend this product to college students. If you walked at a slow pace while studying, you could easily burn thousands of calories per month! A treadmill mat is sold separately.
