LifeSpan Fitness TR800-DT3 Under-Desk Treadmill Review

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The LifeSpan Fitness TR800-DT3 is the most affordable under-desk treadmill in their collection, which also includes the bestselling TR1200-DT3 and TR5000-DT3 designs.

But with a smaller walking area and shorter running time (3 hours) than the TR1200-DT3, does the TR800-DT3 really represent good value for money?

This is one of the questions we answer in our review, by taking a closer look at the design features and console functions, as well as making some important comparisons with under-desk treadmills from companies including RebelDesk, iMovr, and ProForm.

Design features

The LifeSpan TR800-DT3 is the entry level model in their under-desk collection, making it an excellent option if you already have a workstation at home.

It’s also 2-inches narrower than the TR1200-DT3 and TR5000-DT3 models, making it a better fit for sit-to-stand desks where it gives you more space to switch between a walking workout and your office chair.

As with all LifeSpan Fitness treadmills, the running belt glides over a deck suspension system that uses 6 independent compression shocks to reduce the stress on your knee and ankle joints.

But because this is an entry level under-desk treadmill, there are a few features that aren’t quite up to the same standard as on later models.

Although the motor is virtually silent, unfortunately it’s one of LifeSpan’s least powerful designs, rated as 2 HP high torque continuous duty. This is compared to the 2.25 HP rating assigned to the TR1200-DT3, and the 3 HP motor that accompanies the top-of-the-line TR5000-DT3.

You’re also getting a slightly lower weight capacity, but the limit is still set at a very reasonable 300 lbs. This increases to 400 lbs by the time we reach the TR-5000 treadmills.

All 3 of LifeSpan’s under-desk treadmills have a very similar footprint and identical warranty coverage, as well as the same 0.4-4.0 mph belt speed (can be restricted to 2 mph top speed via the console). But there’s another slight difference in the step-up height, which at 5″ is slightly higher (+0.4″) than most of their other models.

The walking area for the LifeSpan TR800-DT3 is slightly narrower than the other DT-3 treadmills, but the 18″W x 52″ surface still provides ample space for users up to 6’8″ tall.

In addition to the high-quality, low maintenance 2-ply tread belt, you can also take advantage of LifeSpan’s main treadmill desk features, in the form of Intelli-Guard™ and Intelli-Step™.

What are Intelli-Guard™ and Intelli-Step™?
Intelli-Guard improves the safety of your walking by automatically pausing the belt if you step off the machine for longer than 20 seconds. This is one of the features that you can disable via the console if required.

Intelli-Step acts as a form of pedometer, counting your steps and keeping you updated with your total via the LED console display.

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Display console features

Under-desk treadmills like the TR800-DT3 are designed to combine work with exercise, helping increase productivity and promote a healthy lifestyle. This is why you won’t find many of the same entertainment and workout functions that you would on home and commercial treadmills.

Although you don’t have the web-enabled color touch screens of the ProForm and NordicTrack treadmills, LifeSpan have still included a red LED display, which provides continuous feedback of your workout progress. This includes your step count, workout duration, distance, walking speed, and number of calories burned.

There’s no built-in port for MP3 players or speakers to listen to music, but there is a USB charging port for charging wireless mobile devices if needed.

The compact size of the portable console also results in more space on your desktop for home office equipment, such as monitors and a keyboard.

Because the console is also very light, you can easily move it closer towards you to remain within easy reach of the safety key and lanyard.

This is a common safety feature amongst most treadmills we review, and requires one end to be attached to the console and the other to an item of your clothing. It simply works to stop the tread belt motion if you move too far from the console and detach the key, reducing the risk of injury.

The button layout itself is very simple and intuitive to use, with the red LEDs that indicate which information is being shown on the screen, stop and start buttons, and speed control keys (unfortunately no quick-select options).

One other console feature that’s worth mentioning is the built-in Bluetooth module, which supports wireless data transfer to the LifeSpan apps that can be downloaded from the LifeSpan Fitness Club. These apps show real-time results from your workout, as well as allowing you to view a historical record of your past performance.

Workout programs and user profiles

For most of our treadmill reviews we include a section that walks you through the various workout programs available, and any options for extending the program selection (iFit).

But because the LifeSpan TR800-DT3 is designed to keep you active while working, it’s not designed for intense workouts. Instead you can select a comfortable walking speed and maintain your pace while you work, helping to reduce the likelihood of health risks caused by sitting for long periods.

There are also no user profiles, but the console does allow you to enter your weight before you start your walk, which helps improve the accuracy of the feedback for number of calories burned.

It’s worth mentioning that having no workout programs has nothing to do with the price. Although this is LifeSpan’s most affordable under-desk treadmill, even their top-of-the-line TR5000-DT7 treadmill desk doesn’t offer any preset workouts.

Ease of assembly and maintenance

If you’re buying a new piece of fitness equipment on Amazon, if it’s a larger high-value item like a treadmill, chances are you’ll be able to book a home delivery service at the same time.

But although assembling home gym equipment isn’t the daunting prospect it once was, it’s still nice to know that the LifeSpan Fitness TR800-DT3 arrives fully pre-assembled out of the box.

Because there’s no desk to assemble, this means you can carry the box to your home office, unpack the treadmill, and start your first walking workout in a matter of minutes.

If you decide to switch locations or are looking for an easy way to move the under-desk treadmill, LifeSpan have mounted transport wheels to the front for easier mobility.

Maintenance required
Unfortunately the TR800-DT3 user manual doesn’t offer any advice from a maintenance perspective, but it does have a comprehensive section on how to troubleshoot any minor issues.

The TR5000-DT7 treadmill desk, which was redesigned for 2016, features a maintenance-free, high mileage Habasit® belt. Because this isn’t a feature that’s offered by the TR800-DT3, we would simply recommend the standard level of treadmill maintenance. This is to check all parts are tightened on a regular basis, and to keep the belt clean and lubricated to ensure smooth movement over the rollers.

Because the DT3 doesn’t include a desk, you don’t need to worry about calibrating the height or storing any memory-pre-sets like you would with the DT5 or DT7 models.

What’s covered by the warranty?