Looking for a specialty treadmill? You'll probably want to look at a Lifespan. Lifespan treadmills are some of the most innovative machines on the market today.
You can find ultra-compact units that will fold up and store under your bed. Or how about a treadmill with a built-in desk where you can walk and work on your laptop?
Safety stop sensors in the belt sense when you're no longer stepping on the belt and will pause the treadmill after several seconds.
And a USB drive saves your workout results so you can track your fitness progress online.
Here's a quick review of what these treadmills can offer you:
Strengths:
1) Compact
Lifespan builds their treadmills to be more compact than many other brands. So they take up less space in your workout area.
Lifespan even has some specialized compact treadmills - like the TR200 - which folds up and can be stored under a bed or in a closet. It's only 13.5" high when laying flat.
2) Side Handlebar Controls
Most Life span treadmills offer speed and incline controls on the handlebars - which is a very convenient way to control your treadmill since you don't have to reach up to the front console (which can often throw off your stride).
Also, some models even put the heart rate sensors on the side bars as well - another convenient touch.
3) USB Device + Free Membership to Lifespan Fitness Club
These treadmills come with a free USB device that automatically tracks and stores your workouts. It also holds your personal information (so you don't have to re-enter it when you start up the treadmill every time).
Then you can upload your information to the Lifespan Fitness Club online and track your results.
The Free fitness club membership also helps you track and manage your fitness goals and routines.
You can get customized fitness routines based on your preferences and goals.
4) Automatic Safety Pause - Most Lifespan home treadmills have a sensor in the belt. It senses when you're no longer stepping on the belt and will pause the treadmill after several seconds.
This is a great safety feature - especially if you have kids - to give you and them some added protection.
5) Built-In Treadmill Desk - The new Lifespan TR1200 treadmill comes with a built-in treadmill desk - which is great if you want to work on your laptop or do paperwork while walking.
It's also ideal for the workplace as many people are now walking slowly on treadmills at work to stay fit.
6) Positive Lifespan Treadmill Reviews - Given that this is a smaller fitness company, it's impressive to see how many top expert reviews they have:
For example the TR4000i was featured as one of the best treadmills for runners by Runner's World. The TR4000i was also rated the #1 Best treadmill by Health Magazine.
The TR1200i was rated "Very Good' for ease-of-use, construction and ergonomics." by a Leading Consumer Products Testing Group.
The TR2000 was awarded the prize for "Best Unique Design" from a Leading Consumer Products Testing Group and the Los Angeles Times said:
"Nice safety and performance features including a rare 5% decline. Convenient handlebar speed and incline control toggle buttons let you adjust at full stride. Child-safe belt pauses after 20 seconds of nonuse. Feels firm compared to other treads in this price range."
Weaknesses:
Since Lifespan is not as well known as other brands, these treadmills can be harder to find. Also, because they are built to be a bit more compact than other brands, belts are not as long as others in similar price categories.
Conclusion: Recommended
Lifespan treadmills are the dark horse in the treadmill race. Not many people know about them (yet) - but they pack a very strong punch.
They're built to be more compact than other brands, saving you space. They offer strong decks for running and lots of unique touches like a belt-sensor safety stops, speed and incline controls on the handrails, online fitness and health tracking, a desk design and even decline.
Overall, they're definitely worth a look.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can buy Life span treadmills direct from the Manufacturer. They are currently offering Free Shipping. Or you can go with their Concierge service which will deliver, setup and install the treadmill for you.
