Quick Summary
With exceptional speed potential and a folding frame, the durable LifeSpan TR5500i is a great buy for runners at just $1499.
It provides everything a serious runner needs from a treadmill, all protected by an industry-leading warranty.
Specs include a 4.0 CHP motor, a 13.5 mph top speed, a 2.8 mm-thick belt with extra width, power incline/decline, 40+ preset programs, and Bluetooth for data exporting.
Read on for the in-depth review.
Specifications
Model | LifeSpan Fitness TR5500i |
Rating | 80.5% |
List Price | $1,899 |
Best Price | $1899 |
Speed | 0.5 - 13.5 mph |
Incline | 13 Levels |
Motor | 4.0 CHP |
Deck | 22" x 60" |
Belt | 2.8mm Upgraded Thick Belt |
Folding? | |
Programs | 43 |
Max. Weight | 350 lbs |
Heart Rate | Contact and Chest Strap |
Dimensions | 74.5" x 32.5" x 55.5" |
Display | Blue Backlit LCD |
Cooling Fans | |
Accessory Tray | |
Speakers | |
Quick Controls | |
Warranty | Frame: Lifetime Motor: Lifetime Parts: 5 Years Labor: 2 Years |
Our Rating
Rating: 80.5/100. The LifeSpan TR5500i is a good recommendation for runners. This new model is mid-priced at just $1499 yet it’s loaded with above-average features. Highlights for physical performance are a 4.0 CHP motor; a 22” x 60” running surface with advanced vibration reduction; top speed capacity of 13.5 mph; and the option to simulate outdoor routes with 13 levels of incline and two levels of decline. Each of these features is superior to what other treadmills provide, even in higher price classes. Also impressive is the console programming, which includes more than 40 training programs and a Bluetooth connection for syncing your data with mobile fitness apps. Any potential drawbacks? As a treadmill especially for avid runners, this unit doesn’t provide many non-essentials to motivate. You’ll get a sound system for your MP3s and can dock a tablet computer, but the workout display is a simple 6” LCD with backlighting. Buyer protections include a 30-day return policy, five years for parts, two years for labor, and lifetime coverage for the frame and motor.
Pros:
- High quality workout programs with custom options
- 4.0 CHP motor with lifetime warranty
- 60” x 22” workout area
- Top speed 13.5 mph
- Power incline and decline
- High quality cushioning with eight shock absorbers
- Extra-thick tread belt (2.8 mm)
- Pedometer
- Wireless heart rate receiver
- Bluetooth data syncing
- USB port for data export
- Ledge for mobile device
- iPod compatible
- Three-speed fan
- Automatic track pausing for safety
- 350-pound user weight capacity
- Foldable frame
Cons:
- One-color data display
Introduction
The LifeSpan TR5500i is a durable and high-performing folding treadmill for home use. Because it’s designed to the high standards of serious runners, it can easily support any workout intensity without skipping a beat. This trainer lets anyone sprint at top speed, plus it lets you walk with extra-fast calorie burn if you engage the power incline. Another special feature is power decline; few treadmills can exercise your “downhill” muscles quite like this. Here are details about the workout programming, various high-end components and features, and buyer protections.
Workout Programs
Excellent training programs are built into the new TR5500i console. Choices and categories include:
- 10 weight management
- 10 healthy living
- 14 sports training
- 4 heart rate
- 6 decline training
- 2 user-designed
The workouts and data are shown on a 6” LCD with backlighting. Making a program selection is easy, as the monitor guides you with prompts.
The TR5500i is one of few treadmills with a built-in pedometer. The dashboard shows Steps, Distance, Time, Calories, Heart Rate, Speed, Pace, Incline and Elevation Gained. Heart rate can be measured wirelessly. (Chest strap sold separately.)
Bluetooth enabled, the console can share your treadmill workout data with popular fitness apps.
LifeSpan Fitness TR5500i Features
Extra-wide, this treadmill gives you plenty of elbow room. The running surface measures 22” wide x 60” long. For comparison most treadmills for runners have 20” x 60” surfaces.
To be space-conscious this treadmill has a foldable frame. When you unfold the machine for workouts, the deck drops slowly and quietly into place. The unfolded dimensions are practical for most homes at 73” long and 34.5” wide. When folded the treadmill takes just 40.5” x 34.5” of floor space.
The belt motor has 4.0 CHP and carries a lifetime warranty. We’d expect it to perform best for trainees weighing less than 300 pounds. It lets you reach a top speed of 13.5 mph whereas most treadmills for runners top out at 12 mph.
Another special feature of the TR5500i is incline/decline. You can give your muscles an extra challenge with 13 uphill angles and two downhill slopes.
Durability is promoted with the tread belt and tracking system. Very high quality, the belt is 2.8 mm thick. That’s nearly three times as thick as other tread belts, and the construction helps support quiet treadmill operation for thousands of miles with minimal maintenance. The front rollers are 2.5” in diameter, which also makes this unit an above-average folding treadmill.
To protect your joints and ligaments, eight compression shocks work beneath the belt.
For audio motivation this unit has an iPod-compatible jack and speakers. It also has a media ledge.
To help keep you cool, a three-speed fan is integrated with the console.
For safety LifeSpan treadmills have IntelliGuard. If you step away in the midst of a workout, the machine will pause after 20 seconds of inactivity.
Warranty & Guarantee
The LifeSpan TR5500i carries a competitive standard warranty.
– Frame: Lifetime
– Motor: Lifetime
– Parts: 5 Years
– Labor: 2 years
Additionally two extended warranty plans are available with a factory-direct purchase.
LifeSpan provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Conclusion
Equipped with high quality components, and topped off with ample training guidance and Bluetooth, the LifeSpan TR5500i is a great treadmill for 2017. This new model is a top recommendation for runners and is also durable enough to serve in households with several treadmill users. It’s a good deal at $1499.