We’ve found that the LifeSpan Fitness TR3000i folding treadmill does a lot of things right. It offers incline settings up to a 15% incline, stays smooth at high speeds and offers a maximum speed of just over 20 km/h. In context, a 10K would take just over 30 minutes at this speed, so it’s probably fast enough for most users.
specifications
Dimensions: 83.8 cm x 106.6 cm x 170 cm (33 in x 42 in x 67 in)
Weight: 211 pounds / 96 kg
treadmill size: 20 inches x 56 inches
Maximum user weight: 350 pounds / 159 kg
Advertisement: 7 inch TFT touch screen
Speed: 0-12km/h
Tilt: 0.5-15%
These testimonials have earned it a spot in our roundup of the best treadmills (opens in new tab). But unfortunately it missed out on the top spot due to the fact that its mid-range price doesn’t match the innovative features we’ve seen on similarly priced machines like the Proform Pro 9000 (opens in new tab) and Echelon Stride (opens in new tab).
That’s not to say it’s not a solid runner. Anyone wondering how to run faster (opens in new tab)while training at home with this device will likely be able to increase their speed and endurance provided they follow the right training plan. But if you’re new to running and want a Peloton-like machine that offers engaging and fun courses that take you through lung-busting workouts, this isn’t the product for you.
Today’s best Lifespan TR3000i deals
setup and usability
Setting up the LifeSpan Fitness TR3000i can be summed up in one word: tricky.
The treadmill comes in a large box, which we found took at least two people to maneuver into place. Its daunting dimensions can also prove difficult for anyone trying to fit it through small doorways or around tight corners on the way to its destination in your home.
The belt and base come as a complete unit, however the handlebars must be bolted together with four bolts. Next we were instructed to bolt the covers over the handlebars and then use another handful of bolts to attach two cup holders.
The screen ships separate from the handlebars, but instead of being connected to a single sturdy cable like most smart treadmills we’ve tried, we were tasked with a color-coded cable adjustment exercise. Fuzzy cables must be connected before you can slide the screen into place, with a hollow section enclosing your handiwork. And if you don’t squeeze those fragile-feeling wires hard enough, the features on the treadmill won’t work – as we found with the heart-rate monitor and speed buttons.
All of this cost us the best part of 45 minutes. This isn’t too time consuming, but especially when compared to devices like the Echelon Stride, which takes less than five minutes to pull out of the box and be up and running, the over-complicated assembly of this machine seems to be avoidable.
However, we did like how easily you can fold the belt vertically to store the treadmill. Lift the strap and it will automatically stay in place when lifted past about 50 degrees. Wheels at the front of the machine make it relatively easy to tilt and move, making it easier to store away when not in use.
(Image credit: Future)
design and presentation
Ask someone to draw a treadmill and the results will likely look similar to the TR3000i: with its belt, upright handlebars and two handrails running parallel to the ground, giving it the aesthetic of a classic treadmill.
While it’s not the same size as the colossal NordicTrack X22i, it’s still a big machine. And while this has its downsides, we found the running belt wide enough that we didn’t feel constricted, and there was never any risk of our feet catching on the side rails.
The treadmill features a 7-inch touchscreen display on the handlebars – although the screen functionality seems redundant given the lack of features on offer. There are only four options: Quick Start, Manual, Programs, and HR Control. We felt you could easily select from these with a couple of buttons on the console.
Still, the touchscreen was responsive, although the display feels grainy compared to the larger, crystal-clear screens from the competition.
(Image credit: Future)
features
There are speed options up to a maximum of 20 km/h, incline settings up to 15% and preset interval running programs to choose from.
You can use the quick change buttons to speed up the process of setting the incline and pace (with options for 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 each) or use the up and down buttons on the console and grips to fine-tuning these numbers by 0.1% or mph at a time. However, this approach is painfully slow and quickly becomes tedious. A fan in the console can help you stay cool, and there’s a built-in heart rate monitor.
But considering it’s a four-figure investment, we were blown away by the features of the Lifespan TR3000i. There’s no smart features or app connectivity, so you’re limited to the 17 preset programs, “HR control” sessions, or a “quick start” mode.
The preset programs vary the speed or incline (never both) of the treadmill over a series of interval-style sessions, and “HR Control” workouts adjust these variables to achieve specific heart-rate zones (opens in new tab).
This is fine for anyone who has a running schedule that they need to stick to, e.g. For example, those who are going to cover a set distance at a set pace in preparation for a race, or those looking to engage in an active recovery session. However, if you’re new to running and looking for workout inspiration, the lively follow-along sessions offered by the Echelon Stride and NordicTrack X22i will make you more likely to lace up your running shoes. While we found we quickly grew bored with the TR3000i’s offerings.
(Image credit: Future)
perfomance
The LifeSpan Fitness TR3000i doesn’t fare badly, but does little to stand out from the crowd. At 67 inches long and 42 inches wide, it’s not as compact as the foldable Echelon Stride. The larger base and running belt provide a roomy ride, while the treadmill feels comfortable and secure at both high speeds and incline settings. There was no noticeable wobble or judder from the belt, which moved smoothly on every run due to the 2.75 hp (chp) motor, and the treadmill was on the quieter side, too.
The touchscreen controls are so simple that you can jump straight into your workout with a quick start session, and once you know the pace and duration of your run, you can complete it on this treadmill. Unfortunately, we’ve found this machine rarely goes beyond the basics in terms of features and performance.
For the price, the lack of smart features or app connectivity was disappointing. While the Echelon, NordicTrack, Peloton, and Proform machines can provide libraries of on and off-treadmill workouts to increase your overall fitness, the Lifespan leaves you with only one option: run.
When you’re spending that much money, the running feature alone isn’t enough to compete with competing treadmills. Where other smart devices have entertained us and engaged us with new and exciting workout options, we quickly exhausted the TR3000i’s preset workout options.
It could be a good addition to an already extensive home gym setup where you plan to use it as an accessory to a broader training program or for intervals as part of HIIT or CrossFit workouts. However, unlike Peloton and co, it doesn’t offer a well-rounded fitness routine for at home.
(Image credit: Future)
Price-performance ratio
The LifeSpan Fitness TR3000i Treadmill is a solid treadmill with an easy moving treadmill and stable base. However, due to the lack of smart features like app connectivity, we don’t think it justifies its substantial price tag.
At $1,599 (£1,499) it’s cheaper than the Peloton, Proform, Echelon and NordicTrack models, and you don’t have to pay a monthly subscription to access the selection of preset programs. However, its counterparts’ interactive training offerings – delivered on large, uncluttered touchscreens – have the power to engage and educate users. Because of this, we think it’s worth paying a slightly higher price.
Verdict
The LifeSpan Fitness TR3000i foldable treadmill impressed in the test with its sturdy base, spacious running platform and smooth treadmill powered by a 2.75 hp motor. It has a minimalist design, wheels at the front of the machine make it easy to move, and it folds vertically so it doesn’t take up half the space of competitors like the NordicTrack X22i.
Still, its lack of innovation lets it down. While it performed admirably as a running machine, its paltry offering of preset programs (17 interval sessions at varying speeds and inclines) couldn’t compare to other models that offer apps overflowing with exciting workouts. For example, both the Proform 9000 and the Echelon Stride offer users thousands of workouts to choose from, both on and off the treadmill – each one led by knowledgeable, motivating trainers.
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alternatives
(Image credit: Future)
If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for everything to do with at-home fitness and are happy to invest in the best, think of the NordicTrack X22i (opens in new tab) (see above) is the treadmill for you. Its 22-inch touchscreen offers an almost cinematic experience, and the range of workouts offered via the iFit app (including running sessions on the treadmill and strength or yoga classes from it) is breathtaking. The belt adds suspension to protect your joints and the machine has an unprecedented -6% to 40% incline range to mimic challenging hikes.
If you’re looking to balance quality with affordability and size, check out the Echelon Stride (opens in new tab). This compact machine folds flat in seconds for storage under a bed or behind the sofa, and it also connects to your phone or tablet for access to the Echelon Fit app – all for less than £1,600 $ (£1,600).
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