Lifespan TR5000 DT5 Treadmill Review

If it were just a treadmill, this would be a great option. With the integration of the treadmill desk, it makes a claim for a unique position in the industry.

This is a decent treadmill, and the fact that it is a treadmill desk really pushes it over the top. In fact, it got our Best Buy award in the treadmill desk category. If you’ve become concerned about the negative health effects of a sedentary lifestyle, and you feel a treadmill desk would be a good option for you, take some time to investigate this model.

This treadmill has a pretty good motor that is capable of generating much more power than you will ever need to use. Typically, with a treadmill desk, you won’t be walking more than 2 mph. This is for both safety and productivity reasons. While you can find some regular treadmills sold below $1,000 that have motors with similar capabilities, adding any more power to a treadmill desk would simply be overkill.

The cushioning is above average, as well. Again, isn’t a major concern, as this treadmill will be used for walking. Walking doesn’t cause the same intense level of impact as running, so providing an extremely forgiving cushioning system isn’t really necessary.

We expect this model to be reliable, in comparison to others in this price range. Not many lower-priced treadmills can withstand as much as this model can. You should remember, however, that hours of continuous use will cause the belt and motor to wear out quicker. Many people think that that beating a treadmill takes during running will cause it to break down the faster, but in reality, constant slow use is harder on the motor and belt.

One complaint we have is the noise level. It is quieter than average and not too bad for the price range, but considering that you’ll want to use it while working and answering calls, we think they could have put a little more consideration into this area.

The warranty is pitiful. You’ll rarely, if ever, see a warranty this bad for treadmill that costs more than $1,000. Labor is covered for 1 year, parts for 2 years, the motor for 3 years, and the frame for life.

• 20” x 56” Walking Belt
• 6 Compression Shocks
• User Capacity: 400 lbs.
• 0.4-4 mph Speed Range
• ¾” Phenolic Deck
• Adjustable Desk
• Foam-Injected Arm Rests
• Intelli-Guard
• Intelli-Step
• Bluetooth
• Windows and OS X
• Cable Management System
• Warranty: 1 year on labor, 2 years on parts, 3 years on motor, and lifetime on frame.

General Information

Lifespan is imported by PCE Fitness, a company that began in 1994 by designing exercise equipment for other companies. They have been known for making some of the best looking designs in the business and are now trying to move into making equipment that is packed with safety and features that enhance the user experience. If you have limited space, this is a good brand to look at with some of the compact units they offer. Their quality has got better and better over the last few years!

Quality / Philosophy

Lifespan is primarily concerned with putting together a quality parts assortment into an attractive package, and they do that very well. They have become much more aggressive with their pricing. Lifespan has made a push into the specialty realm and now has their focus on the mass-market. Overall, they put good components into a nice package on the value end and better components into their higher end machines where it matters.

Outlook

We would expect Lifespan to be around for some time. If there is a Rocky Marciano in the fitness business, PCE is it. They have developed an impressive dealer list in a short amount of time and understand the marketing side of this business. That can carry you a long way. When you visit their headquarters, you understand they know how to pinch pennies which really helps in an economic time like this.

The Lifespan TR5000 DT5 is the Treadmill Doctor Best Buy in The Best Desk Treadmill price range.

Runner's up:
1. NordicTrack Incline Trainer X11i
2. Spirit XT685
3. True M50