| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Motor | Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LifeSpan TR4000i Check Discounted Price | L:74.5" W:32" H:56" | 350 lbs | 3.25 CHP, 0.5-12 MPH | 21 | Motor: Lifetime Frame: Lifetime Parts: 5 years Labor: 2 years |
The LifeSpan TR4000i is a treadmill model that has actually received a facelift at the end of 2015. The new model for 2016 brings to the table several improvements over the older model. For example, it features a more advanced console, including fan and Bluetooth connectivity. Evidently, in this review we will address the 2016 TR4000i model. Therefore, let’s see what this fitness machine can do for you.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 74.5L x 32W x 56H inches (189L x 81W x 142H cm)
- Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 20W inches (152L x 51W cm)
- Product weight: 226 lbs (102.5 kg)
- Supported weight: 350 lbs (158.7 kg)
- Motor: 3.25 CHP
- Incline: Automatic, 15 levels
- Deck cushioning: 8 compression shocks
- Speed levels: 0.5-12 MPH
- Console: 21 workouts, Bluetooth enabled
- Amenities: Sound system, USB charging / data transfer port, bottle holders, media holders, cooling fan
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Parts 5 years / Labor 2 years
Frame and deck construction
Although the overall construction of this LifeSpan treadmill is pretty close to commercial treadmills, the main aspect that suggests that it is actually a machine designed for home use, is its foldability. The machine’s deck folds up, featuring a hydraulic cylinder which
facilitates the soft lowering of the deck. When fully assembled, this machine is rather heavy, with a weight of 226 lbs (102 kg). Thus, in order to fold the deck up, a user should be able to lift approx. 70 lbs (32 kg). Also, even though the front base of the frame incorporates wheels, the treadmill isn’t exactly easy to move.
On the other hand, the consistent weight of this machine is a plus, as it supplies a lot of stability. You can be sure that it won’t rock, tip, or change its position due to vibration.
The machine’s frame is made of solid steel, while the side, stepping rails of the deck are made of aluminium. The steel base rests on adjustable, rubberized stabilizers. As we’ve mentioned above, it integrates wheels, which facilitate its movement, when in folded position. The rear of the deck also integrates wheels. However, these serve only as support; they’re not for transport.
The fully assembled treadmill has a fairly large footprint. It takes 74.5″L x 32″W (189 x 81 cm) of floor space, to which you’re required to add at least 2′ (61 cm) of clearance to the sides, and 7′ (213 cm) at the rear, in order to use it 100% safely. On the other hand, with the deck folded up, the machine’s footprint is reduced to 42″L x 32″W (106 x 81 cm), while its height will increase a bit, up to 66.5″ (169 cm).
When it comes to its running surface, this machine offers a 60″L x 20″W (152 x 51 cm) tread belt. This means, the treadmill is suitable to users up to 6’5″ (196 cm). Evidently
, taller users should also be able to use this machine. But during running workouts, the running surface may seem a bit short for them.
The machine integrates a really sturdy, 1″ phenolic deck, which can hold users up to 350 lbs with no problem. It uses a 2.8 mm thick belt, resistant to stretching, offering superior adherence to just about any type of running shoes. The belt is powered by crowned rollers, integrating high-grade, sealed ball bearings for a prolonged life-span. The rear roller is 2″ in diameter, while the front roller is slightly thicker, with a diameter of 2.5″.
Last but not least, the treadmill’s deck integrates 8 independent compression shocks. This deck cushioning system absorbs up to 30 percent of the workout impact, rendering your workouts considerably safer than the alternative of asphalt, concrete or running track.
Incline and step-up height
Like most mid-range treadmills, the LifeSpan TR4000i model features a motorized incline. This being said, the incline of the machine can only be adjusted from the console. There are keys for gradual adjustment, and direct adjustment, for the 2,4,6,8,10 settings. The machine offers a maximum ramp of 15%, gradual adjustment being made in increments of 1%. There actually are a total of 15 levels of adjustment. Evidently, since the console integrates several preset workout programs, some of them also use incline. Therefore, in case you opt to use a program that involves incline, the treadmill will adjust it automatically.
The machine’s step-up height is 8″ (20 cm). In other words, when set at 0% incline, the top of the running belt is situated at 8″ above floor level. Setting incline to maximum, will setup the belt a few inches higher. Thus, to make sure there won’t be any ceiling related issues, add at least 15″ (38 cm) to your own height, and compare the result to the ceiling height in the room where you will be using the machine.
Motor
This LifeSpan treadmill uses a motor with a higher capacity than the TR1200i model. It’s equipped with a 3.25 CHP motor. This rating means the motor is powerful enough to sustain prolonged running sessions, even at full speed, without overheating or lose performance. After all, this is a treadmill designed for running, not just walking an 
jogging.
The motor supplies speeds between 0.5 MPH and 12 MPH. Now, this interval should suffice for just about anyone who wants to undergo a consistent cardio, running workout every day. However, for a professional, long distance run athlete, it may not be the best choice.
The motor itself is quiet compared with other models. Also, the cushioning system built-in the deck absorbs some of the noise generated by your cadence. These being said, the TR4000i offers a fairly quiet operation.
Just as for incline, the console provides keys for gradual and quick speed adjustment. The gradual keys will adjust speed in 0.5 increments, while the quick keys allow you to select the 2,4,6,8,10 (MPH) speed settings.
Needless to say, since this machine integrates two motors, one for incline, and one that powers the belt, it requires to be connected to a power circuit. It comes with a standard, 3-prong U.S. plug, and 6 1/2′ (2 m) of cable.
Console and amenities
The new (2016) version of the TR4000i treadmill features an improved console, with a 6″ display, with backlight. The display indicates speed and incline current settings, time, calories, distance, step count, and heart rate. Distance can be measured in miles or km, while speed can be measured in MPH or km/h.
The console offers 21 workout programs to choose from, including 17 preset programs, 2
heart rate programs, and 2 custom user programs. Each one of the preset programs features 3 intensity settings. The heart rate programs are evidently designed to help you keep within a specific HR interval. And finally, the custom user programs give you the possibility to create your own workouts, also inserting data such as your weight for a better calorie burn count, and the total time of each workout. Having 2 custom user settings is actually great if you want to quickly swap between custom workouts, or if other persons use the machine, and you want to keep your own workout settings.
The console offers the possibility to record your workout data on a USB stick, and transfer it into your LifeSpan Club account, to keep a better track of your progress. The USB stick also fulfils the function of a charging port, being able to charge most tablets or phones. It does not charge iPad 1,2,3 tablets though.
The console is also Bluetooth enabled. In other words, with an optional Bluetooth adapter, you can sync with your phone, tablet or laptop to transfer data directly, or use various fitness apps, such as Active Trac, or Train & Trac.
Among other features available with the console unit of this machine, we can mention Intelli-Guard and Intelli-Key. Intelli-Guard will pause the belt 20 sec. after you step off, while Intelli-Key is given by the sequential button illumination that helps with the setup of a workout programs. There’s also the Intelli-Step, the function that we’ve already mentioned, which is the step-counter.
In terms of amenities, this treadmill offers sound system, 3-speed fan, 2 media trays, and 2 bottle holders. The fan is a new addition to the TR4000i, as the older model does not feature one. Although it’s not exactly the most powerful fan, it still offers 3 speed settings, offering some cooling during a more intense workout session. The sound system is compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones and tablets, also featuring a headphone jack.
The tablet trays are set at different angles. The one closer to the keys will keep your tablet vertical position, while the second one offers an oblique position, leaning under the console display. The bottle holder compartments are situated on the sides. They’re pretty large and can host various other accessories that you would need on the treadmill.
Finally, the console is telemetry enabled. Not only it can read pulse via the integrated sensors in the front handlebars, it can also read it through a HR chest strap transmitter, accessory which is included.
Assembly and Maintenance
This LifeSpan treadmill is fairly easy to assemble, but the assembly process requires at least two people, as the machine is rather heavy. It’s best to assemble it within the room where it’s going to be used. Also, it’s a good idea to place it on a rubberized mat, to prevent damage to the floor, reduce any static effects that may occur, and maximize its stability.
Assembly shouldn’t take more than one hour. The deck with its motors is ready-assembled, and the console masts with the console are already attached to the deck with one bolt. You will need to lift the console up and secure the console masts with two other bolts each, then add the monitor and connect the cables.
Like most treadmills, this particular model requires belt lubrication from time to time. It’s indicated to use a silicone lubricant for it. The console has an indicator that will notify you when the belt should be lubricated. Other than this, the running belt should be kept clean and free of any objects that might be dragged into the rollers and motor.
The Pros
- Sturdy overall construction, similar to commercial treadmills;
- Solid deck, being able to support users up to 350 lbs, even for running sessions;
- Folding design, with soft-drop, hydraulic mechanism;
- Deck cushioning consisting of 8 independent compressions shocks, cutting off up to 30% of the workout impact;
- Safety function that stops the belt automatically 20 seconds after you step-off;
- Step counting function;
- 3.25 CHP motor, for prolonged workouts;
- Automatic incline, 0% – 15%;
- 21 workout programs, including 2 user profile settings that allow you to create your own, custom workouts;
- USB port for charging your tablet or phone, and for workout data transfer;
- Bluetooth enabled;
- Various amenities, such as sound system, media shelves, 3-speed fan, bottle/accessory holders;
- Pulse sensors and telemetry enabled console;
- HR chest strap transmitter included;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- Little maintenance required;
- Consistent warranty plan.
The Cons
- Fan is rather weak;
- Heavy machine, rather difficult to transport and handle;
- Bluetooth adapter not included.
Summary
The LifeSpan TR4000i treadmill is a mid-range running machine, designed for home use, but with an overall construction similar to commercial treadmills. It’s a machine designed to support running workouts, offering excellent cardio, muscle toning, interval, stamina, strength, and weight loss training possibilities. It supplies a consistent array of workout programs, being also Bluetooth capable. And considering that this machine is under the mark of $1,500, we can safely say it’s a great deal, with an excellent price quality ratio.