LifeSpan Fitness TR4000i Treadmill Review
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The LifeSpan Fitness TR4000i sits close to the top of this respected brand's home treadmill range. The cost puts it directly in competition with many other models from popular brands such as NordicTrack and Proform, but in our view it can hold its own against them. And one feature it boasts that you don't see on too many machines in this price range, is a negative incline. More on this later.
So on with the review. TR4000i ReviewASSEMBLY With most of the treadmill coming pre-assembled, there's not too much work to be done and shouldn't take longer then 25 minutes. The only fiddly part is the same with most models, and that's attaching the wires from the console down to the supports to connect to the motor. It's easier with two people assembling, but not impossible if you're on your own.
FEATURES & FUNCTIONS One great feature you'll find on all Life Fitness machines is the way workout data is displayed. We'll come onto the details in the 'Console & Workout' section below, but it's obvious that fitness experts at the brand are behind how the programs and screens are designed.
The machine itself contains a good-sized belt (22” x 60”) which is wide and long enough for the majority of runners. The deck is well-cushioned, supported by 8 compression shock-absorbers to reduce vibration and protect your knees. The deck has a depth of 1" which helps to keep the noise of your foot striking the belt to a minimum. The powerful motor is quiet, smooth running, and is capable of shifting the belt up to a speed of 12mph which is more than enough for most runners (a sprint for all but an elite athlete). The long handles contain heart rate sensors and one-touch controls to select incline and speed settings. But as it's Bluetooth enabled, the programs work better using a compatible chest strap for the heart rate programs. A 3-speed cooling fan is housed beneath the console, but even on its highest setting, it's not much more than a summer breeze :0) But this really shouldn't be a deal-breaker - just open a window and pretend you're outside. You may wonder why their is a decline (running downhill) when surely running uphill burns more calories and works your gluts harder. But if you're training for road race, a decline is useful to condition your knees and prepare for 'real' outside running. However, to provide the decline, two levels of incline are sacrificed. However, the highest incline on this model is challenging enough and shouldn't put you off, unless you're training to run up a mountain :0) And, of course, like most treadmills, the Life Fitness TR4000i has a safety key you can attach to your vest, so if you fall the belt will stop rapidly. The lifetime warranty on the frame and motor is generous and better than many of its main competitors. The parts are covered for 5 years, and labor for two years - all-in-all, a good warranty for the price you pay. NEED HELP? 
Not sure what any of this means? Confused by the techno-jargon?
For more info on consoles, pre-set programs and user profiles, click here >>> For help with treadmill motors and components, click here >>> Unsure if a treadmill is right for you? See our guide here >>> CONSOLE & WORKOUT PROGRAMS The TR4000i has a great selection of 2o pre-set programs, plus 2 heart rate, and 2 programs you can customize to suit yourself. LifeSpan really come into their own when it comes to program design and display of your data, easily standing up against their competitors. You can choose from 3 workout dashboards to view during your training. As we've said elsewhere, the graphic representation of your session is both informative and a great motivator, allowing you to track your progress at a glance.
There is a wide range of pre-set programs including weight loss, sports, and healthy cardio workouts. The pre-sets will select incline and speed to keep you within the goals of the session, including keep your heart at the optimum rate, although these really need the chest strap to be effective - note, the strap is not included. You can enter your age and weight (up to 2 user profiles), so when you're training the data relating to calories and heart rate will be pretty accurate and not estimated like lower priced treadmills. Our only beef is the display, while being a full-color, touchscreen, looks a bit small on a machine as good as this, measuring in at 7". In its favor, it's easy to use, plus the Quickstart options allow you to just get on and get going in double fast time. 
3 workout dashboards to choose from
LifeSpan Fitness TR4000i:
TR4000i REVIEW SUMMARY:The LifeSpan Fitness TR4000i offers some very good features for the price. The powerful 3.25 CHP motor gives the impression it will keep going day-in, day-out. The decline feature could be very useful if you're preparing for road-running. And, as with all LifeSpan Fitness machines, the usability, choice of programs, and display of workout data is as good as any brand on the market. It is up against many other models in this price range, but easily compares with them.
PROS:
CONS:
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QUICK REFERENCESpeed / Incline
Top Speed: 12 mph / Incline: 12% / Decline: 2%
Click images to enlarge
LifeSpan Fitness TR4000i
7" Full Color Touch Screen
Easy to use workout selection
A folding model
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BOILERPLATE STUFF:
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Motor:
Speed: Incline: Decline: Belt size: Dimensions: Weight: Max. User weight: Warranty: |
3.25 CHP DC
0.5 - 12 MPH (0.5 intervals) 10% - 13 level settings 2% - 2 level settings 22" W x 60" L Unfolded: 73" L x 34.5" W x 55.5" H / Folded: 40.5" L x 34.5" W x 65.5" H 240 lbs 350 lbs / 158 kg Frame: Lifetime / Motor: Lifetime / Parts: 5 Years / Labor: 2 Years |
ALTERNATIVES:
If you prefer more features such as online, personal trainer-led workouts, the NordicTrack T6.5Si might be for you - but it does cost more.
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