XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Treadmill

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Incline	Motor	Console programs
XTERRA TRX2500 Check Discounted Price	L:72.3" W:35.5" H:56.1"	300 lbs	Automatic, 0%-10%	2.25 HP, 0.5-10 MPH	24 preset, 2 custom, 1 HR

The TRX2500 is one of the treadmills released by XTERRA Fitness at the beginning of 2018. It’s a mid-range treadmill made for home use. It has a slightly smaller running surface than the XTERRA TRX3500 that we’ve already reviewed and also lacks the Bluetooth feature. But nonetheless, it still supports running workouts and offers speeds up to 10 MPH.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 72.3L x 35.5W x 56.1H inches (184L x 90W x 142H cm)
• Tread belt dimensions: 55L x 20W inches (140L x 51W cm)
• Assembled weight: 207 lbs (94 kg)
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Motor: 2.25 HP, 0.5-10 MPH
• Incline: Automatic, 0%-10%
• Deck cushioning: XtraSoft
• Console: 24 preset programs, 2 custom, 1 heart rate, 1 manual
• Extras: Sound system, cooling fan, tablet holder, bottle holders
• Warranty: Frame Lifetime/ Motor lifetime / Parts 1 year / Deck 1 year / Labor 1 year

Frame and deck

The XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 features a durable steel frame combining rectangular and ovalized tubes. All the steel parts in its construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. Just like the other TRX models, the finish color is light gray, this being the only color available for the treadmill.

Of course, the unit also integrates several ABS parts. For example, the motor cover, the console dashboard, and the side rail covers are made of durable ABS material.

The fully assembled treadmill is fairly large. It is approx. 72.3″ (184 cm) long and 35.5″ (90 cm) wide. Plus, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side of the deck, and at least three feet of clearance at its rear for safe usage and ease of access. This being said, it’s not exactly fit for a small room.

On the other hand, the machine’s deck can be folded up. With the deck folded, its length is reduced to 48.3″ (123 cm), while its height becomes approx. 61″ (155 cm). Also, the folding mechanism uses a hydraulic cylinder which slowly lowers the deck when its unfolded to prevent damage.

Similar to other treadmills in this specs range, the XTERRA TRX2500 is a fairly heavy machine. With all the parts assembled, it weighs approx. 207 lbs (94 kg). However, once it is assembled, its relocation can be done with ease by using the wheels integrated into its front base.

The unit’s deck has a pretty durable construction. It is designed to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). It offers a running surface of 55″L x 20″W (140 x 51 cm) which should be enough for users up to 6’2″ (188 cm). It uses a 2-ply Duraweave belt which offers excellent adherence. The integrated rollers are fairly large as well, 2.4″ (front) and 1.8″ (rear). They have a crowned shape for superior traction and integrate heavy-duty sealed ball bearings for a smooth belt motion.

The treadmill’s deck has the XTRASoft shock absorption system just like the other units of the TRX series. This system consists of multiple points of cushioning throughout the deck for superior impact absorption. Therefore, running on this treadmill will result in less workout-related pain, so you can walk or run longer than on asphalt or concrete.

Incline and step-up height

The XTERRA TRX2500 treadmill is equipped with a motorized incline system. This means you can adjust the incline as you walk or run on it. Also, the console can adjust the incline automatically.

The machine’s incline system consists of a motor (separate from the drive motor) and a small lift situated under the front side of the deck. Therefore, when you adjust the incline, the motor activates the lift which slowly elevates or lowers the front of the deck, changing the incline.

This XTERRA Fitness treadmill makes available 10 levels of incline. The incline range is 0% – 10%, a bit shorter than the TRX4500 model which offers incline levels up to 15%. The incline increments are 1%. Incline can be adjusted gradually, or you can quickly select a desired level of incline within this range as the console has quick selection keys from 0 to 10 (except for the level 1 of incline).

At 0% incline, the step-up height of the deck is approx. 8″ (20 cm). Conversely, with the incline set all the way up, the front of the deck gains a few extra inches in height. Therefore, it is recommended to use this treadmill in a room with a ceiling height that is at least 15″ (38 cm) above your own height.

Drive motor

The XTERRA TRX2500 is equipped with a high torque 2.25 HP motor designed to support long-distance running workouts without overheating or losing performance. It’s also equipped with a small flywheel which reduces vibration which results in a smoother motion of the front roller.

The motor offers a speed range between 0.5 MPH and 10 MPH. Just as for the incline, the console and the side grips feature controls for gradual speed adjustment. Also, the console has speed adjustment controls for quick selection from 1 to 10 MPH.

The gradual adjustment buttons offer the possibility to adjust the resistance in increments of 0.1 MPH and 0.5 MPH. By pressing one button repeatedly, the speed of the belt will be adjusted in increments of 0.1 MPH, while when pressing and holding the button, the speed adjustment will increase to 0.5 MPH. This is quite a useful feature as you can easily find the most comfortable pace for your workout.

Needless to say, since the XTERRA TRX2500 is a motorized treadmill, it requires an external power source. It has 72″ (183 cm) of cable and a U.S. standard plug.

Console

This XTERRA treadmill is equipped with a mid-range console featuring a 5.5″ LCD display with LED backlight and large digits for improved readability. It tracks time, distance, speed, incline, calories burned, and heart rate. Each one of the workout metrics has its own field on the display so you don’t have to use a scan function to alternate them.

The console offers the possibility to select either metric or English units for the display of speed and distance. Also, for the pulse reading function, you have to use the sensors integrated into the side grips of the machine. The console is not telemetric and cannot read your pulse from an armband or a wireless chest strap.

As opposed to the more inclusive XTERRA TRX treadmills, the TRX2500 model does not have a Bluetooth function and is not compatible with any online fitness apps. However, it has a fairly decent preset program database. It actually offers 24 preset programs that cover a wide variety of workouts. The programs from P1 to P14 only control the speed of the machine, while the incline remains at 0%. The rest of the programs (from P15 to P24) also adjust the incline.

The machine also makes available 2 Custom programs and one HRC program. If you select a custom program, the unit gives you the possibility to create your own program profile, save it, and re-use it whenever you want. The HRC (Heart Rate Control) program allows you to select a Heart Rate value between 60 and 220 BPM. Once the program is initiated, the machine will auto-adjust the speed in order to keep you at the selected BPM value.

Other notable features with regards to the TRX2500 console are the sound system, the cooling fan, the tablet holder, and the two bottle holders. The sound system consists of two large speakers, one on each side of the unit. There is an audio jack input on the console so you can connect it to your smartphone, MP3 player, or tablet and listen to your music through the integrates speakers.

The workout fan is placed at the bottom of the unit. It’s not too powerful but does provide a bit of cooling during a more intense workout, if needed. The tablet holder is placed above the fan; it can accommodate any tabled, but there isn’t any USB docking port. And finally, the unit’s dashboard features two molded bottle holders, one on each side.

Assembly and Maintenance

The machine’s deck with the belt, rollers, and motors comes pre-assembled and attached to the metallic base frame. Therefore, you only need to attach the two upright bars, the transversal reinforcement bar the unites the two upright bars, and then the console. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. The manual provides all the necessary instructions and all the tools for it are included.

For maintenance, the most important aspect is belt and deck lubrication. The deck comes pre-lubricated, though, and does not require lubrication before the first use, but will require lubrication after 180 hours of use. Other than this, it is recommended to keep the belt clean, periodically check for loose parts, and re-adjust the belt if necessary.

The Pros

• Sturdy frame construction – can support users up to 300 lbs;
• Folding frame with soft drop mechanism;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Adjustable stabilizers;
• XTRASoft cushioning, with multiple shock absorption points;
• 55″ x 20″ running surface;
• Motorized incline with a range between 0% – 10%;
• 2.25 HP motor offering speeds up to 10 MPH;
• Speed can be adjusted increments of 0.1 MPH, allowing you to find the perfect pace for your workout;
• EGK pulse sensors integrated into handlebars;
• Speed and incline controls built-in the handlebars;
• 24 preset workout programs;
• 2 custom programs;
• 1 HRC program;
• Sound system included;
• Cooling fan included;
• Tablet holder included;
• Accessory trays included;
• One bottle of lubricant for the belt is included;
• Quiet operation;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• No online connectivity;
• A tablet placed on the tablet holder may cover the console display;
• The cooling fan is not extremely powerful.

Summary

The XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 is an electric treadmill designed for home use. It features a 2.25 HP motor with a speed range between 0.5 and 10 MPH, automatic incline (0%-10%), XtraSoft deck cushioning, a console with 24 preset programs, and more. It’s an excellent machine for light to intense cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, interval training, and weight loss. It’s not one of the most affordable machines in this feature range, but definitely offers great value for the price.