LifeSpan TR1200 Under Desk Treadmill 2023

In-depth Review of TR1200 Under Desk Treadmill

Construction

Overall, we’re impressed with the construction of the TR1200 and find it to be very similar to the TR5000 from LifeSpan. When you purchase the TR1200, only the treadmill and your choice of a console are included. You can buy a desk from LifeSpan, but they are sold separately. So, for this review, we are only going to go over our experience using the LifeSpan TR1200 with our own standing desks.

The LifeSpan TR1200 can fit under most standing desks.

Frame

The treadmill itself features a sturdy frame and has a low step-up height of 5.25” which makes it pretty easy to step on and off. The low profile design helps it fit under most standing desks, too. I have to raise my standing desk slightly when I put the TR1200 under it from when I’m just standing at my desk.

Considering that this LifeSpan under-desk treadmill can handle up to 350 lbs, it’s pretty hardy for how small it is. It isn’t as small as others like the Redliro 2-In-1 or the WalkingPad C2, but it has a much larger weight capacity than these models.

The TR1200 doesn’t feature an incline or decline, which is actually preferable for an under-desk treadmill. Since you are standing in front of a desk, an incline can negatively impact your posture. The TR1200 keeps you upright and supports a good walking stride while you work at your desk.

There aren’t any handles or uprights, so we only recommend it for use under a desk.

Motor

The 2.25 HP motor is quiet and provides a speed range of 0.4 – 4.0 mph. This treadmill shouldn’t bother those in a shared office. When we tested it, the most noticeable noise was from the belt as it slides along the deck. The motor itself makes hardly any noise. Depending on the user’s shoes and weight, the noise output may vary; but in general, this is a quiet treadmill in and of itself.

A low-profile motor hood on the front of the treadmill keeps the motor quiet and protected so it doesn’t impede your stride.

The 2.25 HP motor is not as powerful as the TR5000, but it works great for walking and at slower speeds. It is said to handle up to 6 hours of use per day, and it feels like it can. The motor is quiet and supports a smooth walking pace. It is pretty quiet, so you should be able to use it in a shared office. That’s how we’ve used it and my coworkers don’t find it to be disruptive. It beeps to start, which is annoying, but a good indication of when the belt is going to start and stop moving.

I know for me personally, 1.5-2 mph is kind of my sweet spot for using a treadmill at my desk. Any faster and I can’t type or read as well. But the TR1200 will go up to 4 mph if needed (maybe for a Zoom call — you can walk while you listen). So, overall this speed range is excellent for working at your desk.

Deck

The TR1200 has six shock absorbers under the deck to add joint support and cushioning while you walk. Since many office users may wear business shoes with less cushioning and support than athletic shoes, the TR1200 deck is designed to be supportive and comfortable as you walk throughout your day. You can tuck a pair of easily removable athletic shoes under your desk as well to enhance your walking experience. The LifeSpan TR1200 has more cushioning and feels softer underfoot than WalkingPads and Redliro treadmills which are smaller and less expensive.

The deck measures 20” wide and 50” long, which is enough room for a comfortable walking stride. This width is a little wider than other under-desk treadmills. It isn’t as wide as the InMovement UnSit, however, the TR1200 should fit under most desks, unlike the UnSit.

Console

When you buy the LifeSpan TR1200, it comes with the option of either the Retro or Omni-Hub consoles. We have both. The Retro console feels more, well…retro. It has a red LED display screen and labeled buttons for adjusting the treadmill. It is wider than the Omni-Hub console and cheaper.

The Omni-Hub is more compact and has an updated look.

Both consoles are designed to sit on your desk. This way, you don’t have to look down at the treadmill to see your metrics like time, distance, steps, speed, and calories, which both consoles display.

A safety key clips into either console and then can be clipped to your clothing. This is helpful in case you fall while on the treadmill.

Both consoles have similar functionality. They have clear displays to show your metrics. The Omni-Hub console has preset settings to input specific speeds.

The non-raised buttons and digital screen make this console easy to use.

App And Other Features

Both consoles are Bluetooth enabled to connect to the LifeSpan Club App. This is where you can track past workouts, create a profile, and set goals.

The LifeSpan TR1200 includes onboard Intelli-Step technology. Even if you step on and off the treadmill throughout the day, the Intelli-Step feature will keep track of your total steps.The Intelli-Guard technology ensures a safe work environment and makes sure the treadmill operates only when you are actively walking on it. The LifeSpan Intelli-Step feature tracks your steps and the Intelli-Guard safety mechanism turns off the belt whenever you step off it. This allows you to walk away from your desk without having to manually turn off the treadmill – and when you return, you won’t accidentally step on a moving belt. This is also a great safety feature if you work at home with children or pets around.

Performance & Functionality

The TR1200 is a quiet treadmill designed for office use that will pair with many standing desks. The TR1200-DT3’s compact dimensions make it easy to place under your standing desk or you can select from one of LifeSpan’s 3 desk options (sold separately). Studies have documented many advantages of walking as opposed to sitting and since most office workers spend large amounts of time at their desks, an under-desk treadmill is a great way to counteract any ill effects from sitting and inactivity. Sitting can exacerbate existing postural deviations that may lead to back and neck pain, tight hip flexors, and a forward thrust to the chin. Walking naturally alleviates these issues by stimulating a healthy walking posture that strengthens the legs and core and keeps the head upright rather than leaning forward.

This sized under-desk treadmill is great for most people.

Using the LifeSpan TR1200 is really easy and intuitive. Plus, having the console at your fingertips and within view is a plus. Other under-desk treadmills like the Sunny Health & Fitness Walkstation and WalkingPads have an LED panel over the motor hood and a hand-held remote to control the treadmill. With treadmills like this, you have to be careful to not lose the remote, otherwise, you won’t be able to use the treadmill. You don’t have to worry about losing a remote with the TR1200.

The TR1200 weighs 114 pounds, which is lightweight compared to large, running treadmills. It’s bigger than other under-desk treadmills, though. There are two front-mounted transport wheels that make it relatively easy to lift and roll for proper under-desk positioning. It is not recommended that the treadmill be routinely moved in and out of a closet or in and out of different offices. While it is well built, the treadmill works best when placed where you plan to use it and moved infrequently. It’s still pretty heavy, and it doesn’t fold up, so it doesn’t store as easily as others.

For when you need to move the TR1200, it is relatively easy to roll around.

It is also not recommended to store the LifeSpan TR1200 upright. Lubricant from the belt could drip down into the motor, thus damaging it if it is stored upright and leaned against a wall. Other under desk treadmills like the Redliro 2-In-1 Under Desk Treadmill is designed to be stored upright.

However, the size and motor make this a durable under-desk treadmill that you can walk on for hours every day. It also appeals to more users because it has a higher weight limit than other comparable models. If you’re looking for a high-quality under-desk treadmill that allows you to keep up with that 10,000+ steps a day goal, then check out the LifeSpan TR1200.

Warranty

LifeSpan includes a nice warranty when you purchase the TR1200-Glowup. 10-years for the frame, 2 years for parts, and 1 year for labor make up the warranty. No assembly is required. The TR1200 comes fully assembled, you just have to plug in whichever console you decide to buy.