Its small size did make me wonder about its durability over time. It also has a smaller motor, which allows it to be low to the ground. Many of the treadmills I’ve tested have bigger motors, which gives them the power to handle higher speeds and incline and take more wear and tear. If the Lifesmart machine were just a walking pad, I wouldn’t be concerned that it’s so small—it would be a bonus! Only long-term testing will show whether the 3-in-1 will hold up.
When I added the desk attachment, which just lies across the side rails, I was shocked that it didn’t bounce or move at all, even if I was walking (and running) at higher speeds. The only downside to the desk is the height. It’s about as tall as my hips (I’m 5’4″), so I had to look down to work. There’s no way to adjust this height, so I don’t see this station as somewhere I could work for an extended period of time, but it worked fine for answering emails and listening in on meetings.
The Lifesmart 3-in-1 Treadmill has a screen on the base that cycles through time, speed, distance, calories, steps, and heart rate (there are small sensors on the rail handles by the buttons). The screen was easy to read inside my garage at night, with the overhead light on, but when I used the treadmill during the day with the garage door open, the display was washed out and harder to read in natural sunlight.
Photograph: Kristin Canning
There’s a remote to allow you to stop and start the machine and adjust the speed. If you’re using the machine in walking mode (with the rail down), the remote is the only way to stop and start it and control the speed (though it stops automatically if the safety clip gets pulled). The remote connected to the machine right away, and I didn’t have any connectivity issues during testing (a common issue with walking pads). The remote also has buttons that allow you to skip to various speeds instead of clicking up or down one by one.
Across the front rail, there are ridges and a clip that can hold a phone or tablet in place, in case you want to watch a show or follow along with a workout while you jog or walk. These held my device in place really well, even when I was pounding along the belt. The running platform had a springy but stable, responsive feel.
Overall, I liked how easy this treadmill was to set up and control, and I like that you can use it in multiple ways. If the rail height were adjustable, that would really make it a viable replacement for a standing desk. It would also be nice to see more traditional treadmill features, like sprint speeds and incline options, especially since I’ve tested similar machines that offer incline for a much lower price. Still, I appreciate the Lifesmart’s compact size and foldability for small spaces that can’t be dedicated to gym equipment.
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