Spirit Fitness XT285 Treadmill

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Incline	Motor	Console
Spirit Fitness XT285 Check Discounted Price	L:80" W:35" H:58"	350 lbs	Motorized, 12 levels	3.0 HP, 0.5-12 MPH	8 programs, Bluetooth, Spirit Fit App

The Spirit Fitness XT285 is a treadmill made for residential use but does offer quality and sturdiness similar to a light-commercial model. It is also compatible with the Spirit Fitness App, so you can save your workout history and track your progress online. In terms of features, it can be compared to the Sole F63 treadmill.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 80L x 35W x 58H inches (203L x 89W x 147H cm)
• Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 20W inches (152L x 51W cm)
• Assembled weight: 249 lbs (113 kg)
• Supported weight: 350 lbs (159 kg)
• Motor: 3.0 HP, 0.5 – 12 MPH
• Incline: Automatic, 12 levels
• Console: 8 programs, Bluetooth, Spirit Fit App compatible
• Extras: Sound system, cooling fan, accessory trays, tablet holder,
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Deck lifetime / Parts 10 years / Labor 1 year

Frame and deck

The Spirit Fitness XT285 features a heavy-duty steel frame and a durable 1-inch phenolic deck rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 350 lbs (159 kg). Most treadmills made for home use only support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). All the steel tubes in the treadmill’s construction feature a chip-resistant and corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is light gray, this being the only color available for this XT285 treadmill model.

Of course, the machine also has several ABS parts in its construction. For example, the side rail covers, the motors cover, the console dashboard, and several other small covers are ABS made.

The fully assembled treadmill is fairly large. It is approx. 80″ (203 cm) long, and 35″ (89 cm) wide. Plus, it is recommended to leave at least 24″ (61 cm) on each side of it, and at least 36″ (91 cm) of clearance at the rear of the deck for safe usage.

The machine’s deck is foldable. It can fold up to allow better storage possibilities. With the deck folded up, the unit’s length is reduced to half, and its height gains several inches. The folding mechanism involves a hydraulic cylinder which assists you with unfolding the deck preventing, slowly lowering it to the floor to prevent damage.

Although the fully assembled treadmill weighs approx. 249 lbs (113 kg), it is fairly easy to move. Its front base is equipped with a set of wheels that facilitate its relocation. Also, the rear base section of the deck features adjustable levelers with large rubber pads for extra stability.

The Spirit Fitness XT285 treadmill offers a standard running surface of 60″L x 20″W (152 x 51 cm). This being said, it should accommodate users up to 6’4″ (193 cm) allowing a complete range during running. It uses a 1-ply (1.6 mm thick) rubber belt designed to provide an excellent contact with the runner’s footwear. Its internal rollers are crowned for superior traction and to prolong the lifespan of the belt. They’re fairly large as well, 2.5″ diameter for the front one, and 2.0″ diameter for the rear one.

Last but not least, the machine’s deck is equipped with 6 cushioning elements. They’re all concealed by the side rails. Two pairs are placed closer to the front of the deck to provide more shock absorption during each foot strike. The rear pair features a more rigid mount for an extra push.

Incline and step-up height

The Spirit Fitness XT285 treadmill is equipped with an automatic (motorized) incline system. This means you can adjust the incline of the deck as you run. Also, the console can automatically adjust the incline, if a program that involves incline is in use.

The incline system consists of a separate motor from the drive motor and a small lift. They’re both placed under the front section of the deck. As you adjust the incline, or as the console automatically adjusts the incline, the motor controls the lift elevating the front part of the deck.

The machine makes available 12 levels of incline. The incline increments are approx. 1%. The console features gradual incline adjustment buttons, as well as quick selection incline adjustment buttons (from 1 to 9). Plus, there are incline adjustment controls integrated into the left handrail of the machine.

In case you’re wondering, the default deck elevation is approx. 8″ (20 cm). However, with the incline set to maximum, the front of the deck will be higher by a few extra inches. Therefore, the machine should be used in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than the height of the tallest user.

Drive motor

The Spirit Fitness XT285 treadmill features a motor similar in power to the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7874 motor. It’s a 3.0 HP motor designed to support prolonged running sessions without overheating or losing performance. It is also equipped with a small, perimeter-weighted flywheel for extra motion stability.

The machine’s motor offers a speed range between 0.5 MPH and 12 MPH. The speed can be adjusted in increments of 0.1 MPH and 0.5 MPH. To be more specific, the speed controls have double-function; short repeated presses will adjust the speed in increments of 0.1 MPH, while if pressing and holding them, the speed can be adjusted in increments of 0.5 MPH.

The machine’s maximum speed is 12 MPH, but the quick selection speed controls only go from 1 to 9 MPH, as they’re the same buttons as for the quick incline selection. So, in order to select a higher speed than 9 MPH, you can only use the gradual speed adjustment controls on the console or on the right handrail of the unit.

In terms of noise generated, the motor is pretty silent. However, when running at a high speed, your cadence will be heard.

Console

This treadmill is equipped with a console similar up to a point to the console of the Spirit Fitness XBR55 recumbent bike. To begin with, it features a large LCD display which shows 9 workout metrics simultaneously so you won’t have to use a Scan Mode to rotate them. It shows time, distance, pace, calories burned, pulse, incline level, speed level, the grid of the program in use, and a message center at the bottom. Speed and distance can be set either to English units (MPH, miles) or Metric units (kmh, kilometers). The distance is also shown as a 1/4-mile track and the console counts the number of laps you have completed.

The console is telemetric. This means it can read your pulse from a wireless HR chest strap. This accessory is not included, but even if you don’t opt for it, you can still monitor your pulse by holding on the two front grips of the machine which have integrated metallic sensors.

The console of the Spirit Fitness XT285 offers 8 workout programs. Each one of them has its own quick-access key on the console. The programs are Manual, Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Strength, Interval, HR 1, and HR 2. The Manual program allows you to adjust the speed and incline as you like during your workout. The other programs are preset. Each one has its own specific grid and will adjust the speed and incline accordingly. The HR1 and HR2 programs are preset for a heart rate of 60%, and respectively 80%. Depending on the one you choose, the machine will adjust the speed to keep you at the selected heart rate.

Bluetooth connectivity is also available and the console is compatible with the Spirit Fit App. This being said, you can sync your smartphone or tablet with the machine’s console and stream your workout data into the Spirit App, in order to keep a better track of your workout history.

Among other notable console features, we can count the sound system, the cooling fan, and the tablet holder. The sound system consists of two small speakers and an AUX port; therefore, you can connect your smartphone or tablet via cable to the unit and play your music through the integrated speakers. The cooling fan is placed at the center of the console; it is not extremely large but does provide some cooling if needed. The tablet holder consists of a small shelf, placed between the console display and the controls, right above the fan. It is large enough to accommodate any tablet.

Assembly and Maintenance

The machine’s deck comes pre-assembled. The belt, the motors, the incline lift, and all the other drive elements are already in their place, connected to the base frame. Therefore, you only need to attach the two upright bars of the machine, and the console dashboard with the handrails. This shouldn’t take more than one hour of your time. The task is pretty simple and the manual provides all the necessary instructions. Also, all the tools for the assembly are included.

For maintenance, belt and deck lubrication is necessary. A bottle of lubricant is included. However, the belt comes pre-lubricated, so it doesn’t need any lubrication before the first use, only after 180 hours of use, or if the deck becomes dry. Other than this, it is recommended to keep the belt clean to prevent any debris or textile fibers to be caught into the rollers or into the motor, and to periodically inspect the machine for loose or broken parts.

The Pros

• Sturdy frame and deck – can support users up to 350 lbs;
• Folding frame with soft-drop mechanism;
• Transport wheels on the front frame base;
• Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
• Shock absorption system (6 cushions) integrated into the deck;
• Motorized incline – 12 levels;
• 3.0 HP motor, offering speed levels up to 12 MPH;
• Speed increments of 0.1 MPH and 0.5 MPH;
• Quick keys for speed and incline (from 1 to 9);
• Speed and incline controls integrated into the machine’s handrails;
• Pulse sensors integrated into the front grips of the machine;
• Telemetric console – can read pulse from an HR chest strap transmitter;
• Multi-function console with a large, 7.5-inch display which shows up to 9 workout metrics simultaneously;
• 1/4-mile track display for the distance traveled, with laps count;
• Both metric and imperial units for the speed and distance;
• 8 workout programs;
• Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with the Spirit Fit App for online progress tracking;
• Sound system included;
• Cooling fan included;
• Bottle/accessory holders included;
• Tablet holder included;
• Quiet operation;
• Deck lubricant and tools for the assembly are included;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• An HR chest strap is not included;
• The cooling fan is not too powerful.

Summary

The Spirit Fitness XT285 is a heavy-duty treadmill designed for home use. It is equipped with a 3.0 HP motor, a motorized incline system, and a console with 8 workout programs and online connectivity. It offers an impressive weight capacity of 350 lbs, and a running platform or 60″L x 20″W. It’s an excellent machine for light to high-intensity cardio workouts, power walking, interval training, weight loss, stamina development, and muscle toning. And finally, even though it’s not the most affordable treadmill in this price range, it definitely offers excellent value for the price.