Thanks to asthma and some unhealthy eating habits, I was overweight from elementary school until I finally said enough is enough in college.
I knew I was putting myself at risk for a lot of health conditions, I felt terrible about myself, and I didn’t want to live like that anymore.
I didn’t have access to a machine as nice as the XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Treadmill, but I find myself wishing I did.
Before you Buy a Treadmill
Treadmills are the classic exercise machine for a reason, but there’s also a reason people joke about them being really expensive clothing racks.
Treadmills are one of the most versatile cardio machines available, and they’re a great way to achieve cardio goals, but some people find themselves unable to stick with it and need other options.
Cardio exercise has many benefits, like the release of mood and sleep improving endorphins, improved stamina, and increased fat burning.
This is great for anyone who is looking to slim down, build lean muscle, and have more energy throughout the day.
If you’re planning to do strength training, a treadmill isn’t really what you want.
You’ll find a home gym, weights or even a simple pull up bar will help you much more.
People with joint issues will also find that a treadmill might not be right for them, and should look into low-impact exercise like a stationary bike instead.
Essential Questions to Ask
There are several questions to ask yourself before getting a treadmill, such as:
- Where will I put this machine?
- Will I use it enough to justify the cost?
- Is this the type of exercise I want to get?
- Will I get distracted if I work out at home? (Pets, kids, roommates etc.)
Treadmills Are Ideal For:
- Cardio Exercise
- People who Want a Simple Exercise
- Changing up your Workout Without Switching Machines
Treadmills Are Not Ideal For:
- People with Joint Issues
- Strength Training
Presenting the XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Treadmill
The XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Treadmill has a plethora of features to help you get the most out of your workout, from the cushioned running deck to the included audio jack.
It’s part of the TRX treadmill line from XTERRA Fitness, at the midrange of the series.
The XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 goes up to 10mph and has 10 levels of incline, with 24 preset programs to choose from.
In addition to the large console, the handlebars have speed and incline control built right in for ease of use. This treadmill folds up to save space and make transportation easier.
Putting the XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Treadmill head to head against the top selling treadmill on Amazon, the XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 is more expensive, but the top seller only goes up to 6mph and has just three incline levels.
There are only twelve preset programs on the top seller, but it does connect with an app called FitShow via Bluetooth.
Pros
- 10 Incline Levels
- Speed/Incline Controls on Handlebars
- 24 Preset Programs
- Folds up
Cons
- No Bluetooth Connectivity
- Not Wireless Heartrate Monitor Compatible
- No Safety Key
XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Features and Benefits
Running Deck
The running surface on the XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Treadmill is 20″ by 55″ and the belt is made of 2-ply Duraweave.
It also has cushioning called XTRASoft to support you as you run.
This is good because running on a treadmill is a high impact exercise and every bit of cushioning for your joints adds comfort to your workout.
It’s heavy duty enough to hold up to 300lbs.
Console
The console on the XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Treadmill is 5.5″ blue backlit screen that displays speed, pulse, distance, time, incline and program.
There’s a ridge perfect for placing your phone or tablet to watch shows while you run and connect your device to the audio jack.
There are large buttons for starting/stopping the treadmill, choosing an exercise program, controlling speed, controlling incline, turning on the fan, and a large emergency stop button.
Fan
I don’t get cold easily, but the flip side is that I overheat at the drop of a hat, so having a fan built into my treadmill like the XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Treadmill would be wonderful.
No need to grab a noisy fan and find a place to plug it in or have to pause mid-workout to adjust, simply press a button on the console and enjoy the burst of cool air.
Speakers
I love my headphones, but when I have them in, I can’t hear what’s going on around me hardly at all – that’s part of the appeal.
But sometimes I’m needed while on the treadmill, so having headphones in doesn’t work – and sometimes I just don’t feel like having stuff in my ears.
With the built in speakers on the XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Treadmill, just connect your phone, tablet or mp3 player to the audio jack on the console and you can play your music or show on the large included speakers and still hear when someone shouts from the other room that they need you.
Preset Programs
Especially when starting your fitness journey, or just trying a new exercise method, it can be hard to know where to start.
The preset programs on the XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Treadmill allow you to simply hop on and go with a structured workout instead of getting stuck in a rut of just getting on, walking at a pace that your body quickly adjusts to, and getting off.
With 24 programs to choose from, you can also easily vary up your workouts without needing to change machines.
If you have a custom workout that is your go to, you can also program that into the treadmill so any changes in speed/incline are automatic.
Speed/Incline Controls
There are two ways to control speed and incline on the XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Treadmill, the console buttons, or the handles.
This means that if you’re running further back on the running deck and can’t easily reach the console you can still change the speed and incline easily, or if you run while gripping the handles you don’t have to let go to change the settings.
Heart Rate Sensors
Many treadmills, especially older designs, will have a grip bar underneath the console where they place the heart rate sensors.
I was never fond of having to hold my arms in this position in order to monitor my heart rate, it felt really awkward.
That’s not a problem on the XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Treadmill because the sensors are on the side handles in a much more natural position for running, making it much easier if you want to watch your heart rate instead of simply checking in every once in a while.
Folding
If you live in a small place or rooms in your house have to pull double duty – or even triple duty – then you need to be able to make things as small as possible when not in use.
Not only does the XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Treadmill fold up, but it also has Lift Assist to make the process smooth, safe and easy.
Warranty
XTERRA Fitness really stands behind their products, and it shows in their warranties.
On this treadmill, both the frame and the motor have a lifetime warranty, and the running deck, parts and in-home labor are all covered for a year to help give you peace of mind about a big purchase you’re planning to keep around for a while.
Customer Service
I can never skip over XTERRA’s customer service when I review their products because it’s always mentioned in the reviews, probably because people love it so much.
From replacing parts to assisting in set up, the customer service techs are reported as polite, helpful, knowledgeable and prompt, which demonstrates how dedicated the company is to give their customers a good experience.
What Other Buyers Are Saying
User testimonials are a huge part in making big purchasing decisions, so I’ve gathered some reviews here to give you an idea what people are saying about the XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Treadmill.
Review #1
This reviewer comments on that excellent customer service I mentioned, and they love the treadmill besides!
Review #2
Terri Anderson calls this treadmill “just perfect” and complements how sturdy it is.
Review #3
Michelle comments how she loves it and her kids do too!
Other Treadmill Alternatives
ANCHEER 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
My first thought when I saw the ANCHEER 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill was “wow, that’s colorful.”
It’s not the most vital difference between the XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Treadmill, but it is one of the more striking.
The actual biggest difference between this treadmill and the one from XTERRA is that this machine has two modes, unfolded for running and to act as a typical treadmill, and folded flat to be an under-desk treadmill.
However, this versatility comes at the price of the comprehensive console of the XTERRA Fitness TRX2500.
There’s no fan or heartbeat monitor on the ANCHEER machine nor does it have any levels of incline.
The max speed is 7.5mph and a max weight of 265lbs. It does have a remote control which is very high end as well as a built-in Bluetooth speaker.
ANCHEER 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill vs. XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Treadmill
- Folds Flat for Under-Desk Treadmill
- Lower Max Speed/Weight
- No Incline Levels
- Bluetooth Speaker
- Remote Control
- Built-in Transport Wheels
FUNMILY Treadmill
The FUNMILY Treadmill also folds flat to go under your desk, however it comes with a built-in table, so you don’t have to move it if you want to work while walking.
The top speed of this treadmill is 7.5mph and there are no levels of incline.
There’s a Bluetooth speaker and LCD display for your workout stats. There is a place to put your phone or tablet to hold it upright while you exercise.
The ability to fold flat and the included transport wheels make this treadmill easy to move and store out of sight when not in use.
The running surface is smaller on this treadmill, only 40.55″ by 16.5″. The max weight capacity is 265lbs, lower than the 300lbs the TRX250 can hold.
FUNMILY Treadmill vs. XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Treadmill
- Folds Flat for Transport/Under Desk use
- Built-in Table
- Bluetooth Speaker
- No Incline
- Top Speed 7.5mph
- Built-in Transport Wheels
GYMAX 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill
Like the others in this section, the GYMAX 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill can be converted to an under desk treadmill if desired.
When flat, the top speed of this treadmill is 2.5mph, and when in regular treadmill mode you can get up to 7.5mph.
The running surface is 40″ by 16″, and there’s a touchscreen LCD display for your workout metrics. The treadmill comes with a remote control for use when the machine is flat.
The running belt on this treadmill has 7 layers for shock absorption and is non-slip, and comes with a Bluetooth speaker to make listening to music or watching shows with your workout convenient.
There’s no installation needed for this treadmill so it’s ready to go quickly once it arrives at your home.
GYMAX 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill vs. XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Treadmill
- Folds Flat for under-desk use
- Remote Control
- Bluetooth Speaker
- Top Speed 2.5mph Flat, 7.5mph Upright
- No Incline
- Smaller Running Surface
Final Thoughts
Treadmills are a staple exercise machine in many people’s fitness journeys for good reason.
The XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Treadmill could be the sturdy, versatile machine to help you get up, moving and feeling great.
