The Livestrong LS12.9T treadmill is one of the more advanced treadmills in the Livestrong lineup.
Livestrong is Lance Armstrong's new fitness brand (manufactured by Johnson - the name behind the commercial Matrix and Vision treadmills.)
A portion or the sale proceeds from these treadmills go to Lance Armstrong's Livestrong Foundation which is very active in the fight against cancer.
The 12.9T was built with the athlete in mind and gives you a few fitness training tools you won't find on other brands.
Is it a good buy for you? Here's what you need to know:
Quick Stats:
Price: $1299
Motor: 3.0 HP
Speed: 0 -12 MPH
Incline: 0-14%
Treadbelt: 20 x 60"
Folding: Yes
Water Bottle Holder: Yes
Heart Rate Monitor: Hand Grip
User Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
Warranty: Lifetime on Frame and Motor, 5 Years on Parts, 2 Years on Labor
Strengths:
1) Strong 3.0 HP Motor With Lifetime Warranty
This is a great motor power for the price point. It gives you more than enough power to run the extra long 60" belt. (There's nothing worse than feeling that your treadmill is straining to power your workouts.) Plus it's covered by a lifetime motor warranty to protect your investment.
2) Well Designed Console
The console on all of the Livestrong treadmills, including the 12.9T are beautifully designed. They're simple and well laid out - but still manage to appear sophisticated and easy to use.
3) 3 Zone Cushioning System
While most brands have the same level of cushioning throughout the treadmill deck, Livestrong cushioning is different. There are 3 different 'zones' or types of cushioning on the treadmill.
You get a softer cushioned zone closer to the treadmill console (where your feet come down), a harder cushioned zone towards the back of the treadmill (where your foot pushes off) and a moderate cushioned area in the transition zone between the two. This is a more sophisticated, comfortable cushioning system that runners especially will appreciate.
4) iPod / Mp3 Dock
You can plug in your iPod or mp3 and listen to your favorite music or audiobook through the built in console speakers. While this is becoming fairly standard, it's still a useful feature that can make your workouts more enjoyable.
5) Speed & Incline Controls on the Side Handrails
The 12.9T treadmill has incline and speed controls on the side handrails in addition to the front console.
This can be useful as you can change your incline or speed without reaching up to the console, which can sometimes throw off your stride.
6) Fitness Tracking Journal
This is unique to Livestrong treadmills. This is a built-in fitness tracking journal to help you track your workout progress. You can compare your current workout vs your last workout and see your average workout stats (duration of workout, calories burned). You can also set weekly goals and see your weekly total so far.
Weaknesses:
The 12.9T treadmill doesn't have a few of the extras that the higher end 16.9T treadmill has. The 16.9T treadmill has an upgraded Pioneer speaker system, higher motor power, higher user weight capacity and a little more weight to it making it more stable - which may or may not matter to you.
Overall Conclusion:
The Livestrong LS12.9T treadmill is an impressive treadmill endorsed by super-athlete Lance Armstrong. It is sleek, attractive and built to the athlete's level of expectation.
Specific strengths include a sleek, intuitive console, fitness tracking journal and a more sophisticated 3 Zone cushioning system. We were impressed when we tried it and the consumer reviews (some of which you can read on the website) have also been extremely positive.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can buy the Livestrong 12.9T direct from the Manufacturer. They're currently offering Free Shipping and you save on sales tax which will save you a few hundred dollars.
