For my entire life, I struggled with fluctuating weight.
No matter what I did, it felt like I could never get it right.
To be honest, I spent many nights cycling through fad diets and strict “lifestyle” changes that never seemed to stick.
Of course, that was before I invested in an at-home folding treadmill. The XTERRA Fitness TR300 is a robust, quiet, and efficient folding treadmill that makes running enjoyable.
Interested? Let’s dive into everything XTERRA-related below!
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Folding Treadmill
Whether you’re a fitness junkie or fresh to cardio, an at-home folding treadmill is suitable for you.
Folding treadmills not only make it easy to get a run in before work, but they’re also designed to save space in small living quarters.
That’s right – you won’t have to sequester one part of the room for the treadmill to live.
Folding treadmills have a pivoting central console that folds flat against the running surface, allowing the device to be pushed under furniture or into closet spaces.
Before you buy a folding treadmill, there are a few important factors you’ll have to consider.
First, I have to caution you that many folding treadmills skimp on quality to make the product as compact as possible.
Let me be the first to tell you: it’s no fun to use a flimsy, loud, and inefficient treadmill.
You should get a folding treadmill constructed with a high-quality motor, all-metal internal components (skip the plastic), and a cushioned running belt.
For speeds over 8 mph, I recommend at least a 2.5 HP running motor.
Moreover, you’ll want your treadmill to be equipped with pre-set workout programs, a broad LCD monitor, and a spacious running surface of at least 17″ x 45″.
Essential Questions to Ask
Ask yourself these questions to gauge how well a folding treadmill would work for you:
- Do I need to save space in my office or home?
- Would I prefer a treadmill that’s easy to transport or one with more power at a lower price point?
- What’s my physical ability to fold and unfold a hefty running deck?
- Will I use it, or will I be discouraged whenever I have to get it out of storage?
The XTERRA Fitness TR300 Treadmill
Meet the XTERRA Fitness TR300 treadmill.
Designed to help you achieve better health, the XTERRA features a broad 5.5″ blue backlit LCD, easy folding lift-assist design, 24 pre-configured workout programs, and convenient controls for speed and incline.
The XTERRA is designed for the “everyman”, whether or not you have experience running. The soft, high-cushion running deck is texturized for anti-slid, skid, and vibration resistance.
The treadmill features an integrated audio jack and in-console speakers for a surround sound workout experience.
The running deck is spacious, measuring 20″ x 55″, which is suitable for virtually every runner.
Utilizing a soft-drop, hydraulic-based fold system, the XTERRA is especially useful for anyone with physical impairments unable to support the weight of the deck.
The treadmill is powered by a 2.25 HP continuous-duty motor that’s able to reach blazing speeds of 10 mph.
Pros
- Powered by heavy-duty 2.25 HP motor for accommodating continuously high speeds
- Features broad running surface that’s comfortable for almost all runners
- Simulates nearly any location with wide incline range between 0 to 10%
Cons
- Treadmill console does not fold completely flat against running deck
- May run somewhat louder on the highest speed setting
- Does not include USB device pairing for music playing
Features and Benefits of the XTERRA TR300 Treadmill
Below, I’ve compiled a brief list of the most compelling features of the XTERRA TR300 Treadmill, spot-lighting the qualities that runners need to boost their performance.
Preset Workout Programs
Interested in optimizing your run?
The XTERRA Fitness TR300 Treadmill has you covered. With 24 preset programs, you can tailor your workout around factors like calorie-burning, strength-building, heart rate control, and performance training.
You can calibrate your workout with handlebar-based incline and speed adjustments.
Intuitive LCD Display
Aside from the workout programs, the XTERRA Fitness TR300 Treadmill features a bright, blue-light backlit LCD that monitors all the most important workout metrics.
Get an idea of your heart rate, calories burnt, distance traversed, and time at a glance.
The central console also comes with an integrated audio jack so you can accompany your workout with a soundtrack or podcast.
Soft-Cushion Running Deck
The soft, super-cushioned running deck is designed to minimize the impact of your footstep. As your foot hits against the textured surface, vibration and noise are minimized.
The cushioned deck is especially important for athletes with mobility impairments or recent injuries.
Simply put, the running deck helps to minimize the impact on your joints, knees, and ankles.
Easy Fold System
The XTERRA Fitness TR300 Treadmill uses a hydraulic, easy-fold system to make packing and set-up virtually effortless.
The patented Lift Assist supports the full weight of the running deck, meaning you’ll never have to worry about damaging your floor or your feet.
Additionally, the easy fold is particularly important for those with bad backs or joints. Unfolding a non-soft drop system treadmill can cause unintended harm.
What Do Buyers Think?
I spent some time looking through the most popular reviews of the XTERRA TR300 treadmill, trying to gauge how worthy of a purchase it was.
Review #1
“I’ve used this treadmill every day since it arrived. It’s very smooth, quiet, and transitions speed/incline seamlessly. Plenty of width and length for jogging and running, too, which is exactly what most cheap treadmills don’t offer,” one reviewer mentioned, pleasantly surprised by the high quality of the XTERRA.
Review #2
“The XTERRA is an outstanding piece of equipment in its price category, and then some. I have been into fitness for 35 years and have seen many fitness centers that used different equipment. I am 110% satisfied with my purchase,” another stated.
Review #3
Another reviewer claimed: “This thing is built nicely. The fold-up and maneuverability are awesome. This is a solid, heavy treadmill – set-up is simple, yet I would recommend two people, especially when attaching the main electronics to the side rails.”
Overall, buyers are (pleasantly) surprised by the high-quality, durable construction of the XTERRA.
Popular Alternatives to the XTERRA Fitness TR300 Treadmill
Merax Electric Folding Treadmill
Designed to save space, the Merax Electric Folding Treadmill boasts a compact size and even slimmer fold-down dimensions.
Once you’re done with your workout, you can transport it using the convenient caster wheels located at the front of the running deck.
The treadmill features a multi-functional LCD that tracks everything about your performance: time, distance, speed, and calories burnt.
Once you plug in your phone to the USB flash drive, you can even start playing tunes through the built-in speakers.
The smooth, quiet 1.5 HP motor is configured with twelve preset programs and three count-down modes, supporting speeds that range from 0.5 to 7.5 mph.
Short-cut buttons on the handles help you stop, start, and increase the intensity of your workout.
Interestingly, the Merax running belt is textured to mimic the sensation of running on high-density grass.
The cushioned belt helps to minimize vibration-caused noise, slipping, and joint injury.
Folded down, the treadmill is a mere 29.5″ x 23.5″ x 49″, making it easy to stow away in any part of the home.
Users should keep in mind the treadmill supports a maximum weight of 240 pounds.
Of course, the Merax isn’t quite as compact as the XTERRA when folded. Moreover, you may notice the motor struggles at higher speeds over time.
Pros
- Great budget find
- Very quiet and smooth operation
- Equipped with twelve different preset programs that optimize your workout
Cons
- Motor may struggle on higher speeds
- No defined place to put your devices
Ancheer Folding Treadmill
Available in shades ranging from fire-engine red to silver, the Ancheer Folding Treadmill provides a great workout for athletes and those new to cardio training.
The multi-functional treadmill is equipped with twelve programs that can be tailored to your workout goals.
The Ancheer features a fast-fold design with convenient transportation wheels. It can easily be folded vertically for upright storage and laid flat and rolled under furniture.
This treadmill is especially recommended for environments where noise matters. Dorms, bedrooms, offices, and shared spaces aren’t disrupted by loud engine noises or vibration.
Additionally, this treadmill is constructed with a quiet vacuum motor that dampens the noise of your footstep.
The lawn-textured running belt absorbs impact easily while protecting sensitive joints.
Users appreciate the treadmill since it’s configured with robust safety features.
It meets internationally recognized ATSM standards and SGS certification, providing users with an emergency shut-off button and clip-on safety key.
The spacious LCD console displays information concerning time, speed, heart rate, distance, and calories burned. For heart rate information, simply hold onto the handles for automatic pulse sensing.
Of course, the Ancheer’s quiet performance does come with a trade-off. Unfortunately, the 1.5 HP motor isn’t quite as powerful as the XTERRA treadmill.
Pros
- Very quiet, smooth operation suitable for noise-conscious spaces
- Energy saving treadmill doesn’t bump up your electricity bill
- Internal components are highly temperature resistant for long-term good performance
Cons
- Motor may struggle on highest speed setting
MaxKare Folding Treadmill
Equipped with 15 preset programs and a spacious LCD, this pumped-up MaxKare Folding Treadmill reaches high speed through a quality, steel-based construction.
The monitor displays information including speed, time, calories burned, distance, and real-time heart rate.
It’s equipped with a pure copper motor that results in quiet yet powerful running experience.
This treadmill reaches speeds from 0.5 to 8.5 mph. Even on the highest speed setting, users state the MaxKare works quietly without a hitch.
It can withstand a maximum weight of 220 pounds.
The 17″ wide, multi-layer tread belt is anti-slip and super padded to keep your joints safe.
The belt helps to reduce the noise caused by your footstep, making this treadmill appropriate for quiet environments.
Again, the MaxKare isn’t quite as extensive as the XTERRA – above all else, it is a budget find.
The MaxKare would be best for new runners that want to get used to running on a treadmill without requiring max-intensity sprints.
Pros
- Reaches speeds up to 8.5 mph
- Utilizes 2.5 HP continuous-duty motor to reach high speeds without difficulty
- Soft-drop system helps you fold and unfold treadmill easily
Cons
- Some users complain the treadmill is a bit noisier than expected
Final Thoughts
The XTERRA Fitness TR300 treadmill is, without a doubt, a great piece of equipment at a low price point.
All in all, it’s hard to beat the high-quality, durable motor and solid internal components.
Compared to other treadmills, the XTERRA makes running run and worry-free.
It’s easy to squeeze in a quick, quiet workout before work before stowing the treadmill away for later – it’s the ultimate space saver, yet doesn’t skimp on the size of the running deck.
Configured with 24 preset programs and a broad LCD, the XTERRA competes well with your local fitness center’s treadmills.
Overall, if you’re ready to get started with your fitness journey, then this is a solid treadmill to start with.
