You want to get in shape, but the weather isn’t great for running outside and you don’t really have the time to hit the gym every day.
So, what do you do?
I was in the same boat, which is why I bought the LifeSpan TR5500i Folding Treadmill.
Keep reading if you want to learn more about this treadmill and how it helped me get in shape from the comfort of my own home.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Treadmill
Buying a treadmill is a great way to stay active and get in shape without having to leave the house, but it can be difficult to find the right option before making a large purchase.
Here are a few things you should consider before buying a home treadmill of your own.
Amount of Space
Treadmills are a fairly large piece of exercise equipment, so you’ll want to consider the amount of space they take up before you decide which one to purchase.
If you want to save space, a folding treadmill can be easily stored in a closet or against a wall out of the way when you aren’t actually using it.
Some of the smaller options can even be stored completely flat underneath your bed when they aren’t in use.
Additional Tech Features
There are some incredibly basic treadmills out there, and those are great for people who simply want to get their body moving but aren’t necessarily concerned with tracking or monitoring their progress.
Not everyone wants or needs a high-tech option, and we understand that.
However, treadmills with more tech features will allow you to monitor your heart rate, track your progress over time, play music with Bluetooth, and even watch videos during your workout.
It’s worth considering the extra bells and whistles if you want to get serious about your new exercise routine, stick to it, and even enjoy it.
Speed and Incline
We all have different workout goals.
While some of you may just want to get moving and walk casually on the treadmill a few times a week, others may want a more intense workout that really gets their heart rate up.
The speed at which you run and the incline you choose play a huge role in how hard your overall workout is going to be.
You’ll definitely want to consider your personal goals before committing to a treadmill of your own.
Make sure the speed and incline capabilities align with the workouts you’ll be doing at home.
The LifeSpan TR5500i Folding Treadmill
The LifeSpan TR5500i Folding Treadmill claims to be designed specifically with a runner’s best interests and goals in mind.
Featuring an incredibly durable frame, high tech accessories and monitoring capabilities, Bluetooth compatibility, incline and speed control, and the ability to fold away, this treadmill is supposed to make working out easy and enjoyable.
Pros
- Folds away for easy storage
- Durable construction
- High tech accessories accessories and capabilities
- Stable and comfortable
Cons
- Can be loud when the fan and belt are running
- Treadmill computer can be difficult to set up
- Takes up a lot of room when it isn’t folded away
Features and Benefits
Over 50 Built-In Workouts
You don’t have to know what you’re doing to use the LifeSpan TR5500i Folding Treadmill, because it comes with over 50 easy-to-follow workouts already built into the computer.
Whether you want to run, walk, train, race, or something else, you can connect to the treadmill’s computer via Bluetooth for an audio, step by step guide.
The treadmill also allows users to input their own personalized workouts if they rather customize their own.
Large Touch-Screen Display
The LifeSpan TR5500i Folding Treadmill features a 10″ full color display screen, which makes it easy to see your stats as you workout or set your fitness goals.
This screen is larger than most other treadmill consoles, making it easier to use if you have poor vision.
On the screen, you will be able to cycle through the different workout options, log your progress over time, see your heart rate, and keep an eye on your distance ran or current incline level.
Extra Wide Running Surface
A lot of home treadmills currently on the market have slim belts, but the LifeSpan TR5500i Folding Treadmill features an impressively large running surface that measures 22″ across.
This is more similar to the size of commercial treadmills used at professional gyms, so you’ll have the comfort and stability of a gym workout right at home.
Thanks to the wider belt, this treadmill can be used by people of all shapes and styles and is ideal for any time of training you can imagine.
8 Compression Shocks
Beneath the belt’s deck, the LifeSpan TR5500i Folding Treadmill features 8 separate compression shocks.
Along with the fact that the deck is 1″ thick, these compression shocks mimic the feel of running in a natural outdoor environment.
This is a great feature for runners because it protects knees, joints, ankles, and backs from unnecessary impact injury and stress.
If you want to stay safe during your workouts and recover faster between runs, this is an important feature to have.
The compression shocks also prevent the treadmill’s frame from shaking as you run, eliminating vibration in the console screen.
This makes it easier to read your stats and settings, even as you’re running.
13 Different Incline Levels
If running flat isn’t enough of a challenge or a workout for you, then you’ll be glad to hear that the LifeSpan TR5500i Folding Treadmill has 13 different incline levels.
This allows you to take complete control of the difficulty of your workout.
The incline can be easily controlled from the full color screen and the physical buttons on the console.
High Speed Capability
If speed is what you’re after, then you’ll love that the LifeSpan TR5500i Folding Treadmill can reach speeds of up to 13.5 miles per hour.
This allows serious runners, marathon trainers, racers, and workout enthusiasts to nearly reach a full sprint right in the comfort of their own homes.
Fold-Away Treadmill Deck
Treadmills can take up a lot of space in the home.
When they aren’t being used, it can be a bit frustrating to have them jutting out into a room, making it more difficult to walk around or store other belongings in an organized way.
Fortunately, this treadmill folds away for easy and convenient storage.
After you use it, simply fold the deck back up against the frame and console.
This is easier than it may sound, as the deck is lightweight and designed to lift easily for both storing and using.
This is a great option for anyone who has a smaller living space, like a studio, apartment, or small garage or basement area to workout in.
Continuous Duty Motor
The LifeSpan TR5500i Folding Treadmill has an incredibly powerful continuous duty motor.
With 4 HP of power, the motor is strong enough to keep up with high speed and high incline workouts without burning out or slowing down.
The motor is also durable, meaning that it will last for years and years to come, even with frequent use.
This is important because you want to know you’re getting your money’s worth with a larger purchase like a treadmill.
Bluetooth and USB Compatibility
The LifeSpan TR5500i Folding Treadmill can be easily connected to your phone via a wireless Bluetooth connection or a standard USB cable.
This makes it easy to hear the workout routines as you work out, play your own music, monitor your heart rate, and keep all of your stats both on the treadmill itself as well as your smartphone.
Reviews from Other Users
I love this treadmill, but I wanted to find some online reviews other than my own to share with you.
Here are a few things that others users have to say about the LifeSpan TR5500i Folding Treadmill:
Review #1
One reviewer says that they are impressed with the high speed capabilities of this treadmill and that it’s a “great choice for your home workout.”
Review #2
Another reviewer loved how sturdy the treadmill is and how it does not shake while running.
Review #3
Reviewers love that this treadmill “provides everything a serious runner needs” all for a mid-range price.
Alternative Treadmill Options
While I love this treadmill from LifeSpan, it may not be the very best option for everybody out there.
Whether you want something a little more affordable, smaller, or with less bells and whistles to worry about, one of these options may be better suited for you and your own unique workout goals.
ANCHEER Under Desk Folding Treadmill
If you’re looking for a more space-saving treadmill option or find yourself on a tighter budget, then this option from ANCHEER may be a better option for you.
The ANCHEER Under Desk Folding Treadmill can be used without folding the frame out at all, or it can be used with frame and console for more stability. When folded, you can store this treadmill completely upright, against a wall, and out of the way completely.
The motor is not as powerful as the LifeSpan treadmill, so this wouldn’t be a great option for more serious runners who want top speeds, inclines, and more workout options.
GYMAX Folding Treadmill
If you want similar features to the LifeSpan treadmill while spending less money, then this option from GYMAX is more affordable and comparable in several ways you may like.
The screen is smaller and less high-tech, but it still allows you to carefully monitor your workout and customize your settings with ease. Not all treadmills feature a display screen, so this is a pretty good feature for an affordable option to have.
The GYMAX Folding Treadmill becomes incredibly flat when it’s folded, unlike the LifeSpan, so it can be pushed underneath beds and desks or stashed in closets when you aren’t using it. It’s a great option for tight living quarters.
Merax Electric Folding Treadmill
This Merax Electric Folding Treadmill offers great quality at an incredibly budget-friendly price.
It may not be as durable, high-tech, or long lasting as the LifeSpan alternative, but it offers comparable features for runners who don;t want to break the bank.
This treadmill folds to a standing position, like the LifeSpan, so it still takes up some space.
However, it’s large size means that it can handle up to 240 lbs of weight, making it a better option for runners of varying shapes and sizes.
Like the LifeSpan, this treadmill also offers USB connection ports so that you can play your music loudly directly from the treadmill console itself for an enjoyable and energetic workout.
Conclusion
If you’re like me and want to start getting fit and staying active right in the comfort of your own home, then LifeSpan TR5500i Folding Treadmill offers a fantastic way to do that.
This treadmill has everything new and experienced runners alike could want, including a high-tech console, a large display screen, a wide, shock-absorbent belt and deck, a high power motor, and so much more.
