XTERRA TRX1000 Treadmill Review: A Great Value or Too Cheap?

Dimensions/Storability

The Xterra TRX1000 is a budget-friendly treadmill that’s compact, folding, and lightweight. While using it, we were fairly impressed with how it performed for us. It remained stable and pretty quiet, so we think this treadmill is suitable for most home spaces. It’s definitely a good option if you’re looking for a compact treadmill for walking and jogging.

Of course, the Xterra is a motorized treadmill, so it does generate noise, but we didn’t find it to be excessively loud. I could see myself being able to use this treadmill at a walking pace in my 4th-floor apartment without disrupting my neighbors too much. Of course, if you live in a shared space like an apartment or condo, I would check with your neighbors and in your lease (if applicable) to be sure a treadmill of any size would be appropriate.

The TRX1000 has a manual incline feature at the backend of the deck, however, its range isn’t noticeable.

There are three notches on either side of the back end of the deck to put a pin lock in to change the grade. When you’re on the deck, though, the grade isn’t noticeable at any of the levels. The deck just feels like a flat 0% grade. We assume that the full incline adjusts the deck to potentially a 0.5% grade if that is the case. So, if you’re looking for a treadmill with an actual incline range, I’d check out the Horizon T101.

Despite what it says on the product description page on Xterra’s website, the folding deck is manual. There isn’t a lift assist that helps you lift the deck and allows it to slowly lower to the floor on its own when unlocked from the folding position. Instead, a pin lock on the left side of the deck, when pulled, unlocks the deck so you can lower it to the floor when unfolding.

If you were to pull the pin and not hold onto the deck, it would come crashing to the floor to potentially hurt you and/or damage your floor. Since the Xterra TRX1000 is a lightweight treadmill, most people will be able to lift and lower the deck; however, if you have mobility or lifting constrictions, you might not be able to utilize the folding feature.

The same is true for the manual incline since it requires bending, kneeling down, and slightly lifting the deck to adjust, similar to what folding the deck requires. So, keep this in mind. There are two front transportation wheels to move the Xterra when you need to.

It just requires being tipped back when folded to engage the wheels, but most people should be able to move it around when needed.

Related: Moving a Treadmill? Here’s a Step-by-Step Guide

Onboard Workouts & Apps

Preprogrammed Workouts

What’s nice about most treadmills in this price range is that they are simple to use. While high-end treadmills include touch screens with subscription training content, most budget treadmills come with standard onboard workouts and metrics tracking that’s included without an additional monthly fee.

The Xterra TRX1000 comes with 12 onboard workout programs.

You can access them by using the “Program” button on the console. On either side of the console are images with charts that demonstrate the intensity of each program. These programs have preset speed levels for the treadmill to automatically adjust to while you workout. You can customize the time spent during each workout.

They’re simple, easy to use and follow, and similar to workout programs found on commercial treadmills in public gyms – nothing fancy but helpful to have. There is also a manual mode for you to hop on and adjust the treadmill yourself.

Console

It might be too small for some people, but for most, it works just fine. Since it isn’t backlit, it is harder to see in lower light, so keep this in mind. I can see the program selected and metrics such as my time, distance, treadmill speed, calories, and heart rate on the screen just fine with overhead lighting. All of this tracking is pretty standard.

The console is a non-backlit 5” LCD screen that is built into the top.

For heart rate tracking, there are pulse grips on the side handles that you have to hold to read your pulse. It isn’t the most accurate. Keep in mind that there aren’t Bluetooth capabilities on the TRX1000, so you can’t connect a monitor or any apps.

The console has good usability with the numbered speed buttons. These are helpful for adjusting the treadmill’s speed more quickly and efficiently. All speed levels from 1 up to 9 mph are included, too. 10 mph isn’t included but most people probably won’t use the treadmill at its max, and shouldn’t for too long – I’ll get into this more later.

Overall, the console is pretty easy to use, with just enough buttons to make it straightforward and intuitive.

The console doesn’t include a fan, so you’ll have to plug in your own, but it has two cupholders for your water and another item, as well as a device rack to set your phone or tablet for streaming your own content. That way, you can read or watch whatever you want. The cup holders aren’t very deep, so they might not hold a large water bottle, though.

The console is pretty low because this is a compact treadmill, so taller users will be looking down to read their workout metrics. With this short height though, you could just set the Xterra TRX1000 in front of a TV when using it.

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Related: Need a New Workout Routine? Learn How to do HIIT on a Treadmill

Build Quality

With how lightweight and compact the Xterra TRX1000 Treadmill is, we were a little unsure of its overall durability. This treadmill only weighs 103 lbs. It’s not quite as beefy as the Horizon T101, which is similar in price, but it’s a bit more compact than the T101. For its size and weight, the TRX1000 handles up to 250 lbs which is a nice limit considering these factors. I don’t recommend the TRX1000 for users over this limit.

Frame

For entry-level budget treadmills like this one, we like to see an additional steel crossbar mounted in between the uprights below the console. I think this probably would help add some extra stability to the TRX1000, but we found it to be pretty solid without one.

The TRX1000 has a standard steel frame that is positioned under the front of the deck, and two steel uprights that extend up to hold the console.

The side and front handles are minimal and short, so this treadmill might not be best for seniors or those with balance problems. For treadmills of this size, though, they’re pretty standard and within reach when you need them.

Motor

With its small stature, the TRX1000 has a surprisingly large motor. The motor is 2.25 HP, which we consider to be best for walking and light jogging. With how this motor performs, we suggest it for a few miles of use per day. I wouldn’t use it for long distances or over long periods of time because it isn’t built for that, and heavy use could affect its durability in the long term.

The speed does go up to 10 mph, which is a significant pace for most people. While it can go up to this speed, I would only use it at higher speeds of 8-10 mph for short periods of say interval training. Larger treadmill motor sizes of 3.5-4.0 HP are better for longer use at higher speeds, in comparison. Treadmills with these motor sizes are significantly higher in price than the Xterra, too.

The TRX1000 is a compact machine but people with shorter stride lengths can run with ease.

Related: Treadmill vs Outdoor Running – Our Experts Weigh The Pros and Cons

Deck

The deck is what makes this treadmill so compact. It is just 16” wide and 50” long. This width is closer in size to some under-desk treadmills that we’ve tested. It doesn’t feel excessively narrow, but it might take some getting used to, especially if you want to jog or run.

I didn’t find myself looking down at my feet to make sure I was staying centered on the deck, however. With the length being only 50” long, users with long stride lengths probably won’t be able to run but should have enough room to walk and slowly jog. I am 5’1”, and I can jog and run on the deck, although I have a fairly short stride length.

Our tallest reviewer, Matt, is 6’5” and he can only walk on the deck.

This deck is similar in size to the WalkingPad R2, which I’m able to use at the full 7.5 mph, which is around the maximum speed at which I can use the TRX1000. I don’t quite have enough room to open my stride for 9-10 mph.

So, just keep this in mind if you’re looking for a treadmill for running. The Xterra’s deck sits up higher instead of on the ground, like the R2. The TRX1000 has a step up of 5”, but it still should work for most ceiling heights since it is still pretty low to the floor.

The deck cushioning feels firm without much give in the deck under each footfall. We didn’t expect a highly cushioned deck like other premium models, but it feels more forgiving than 2-in-1 treadmills like the Redliro and WalkingPad R2. The Horizon T101 has softer cushioning but also has a larger deck and higher step-up height.

Warranty

Xterra Fitness includes an impressive lifetime warranty for the frame. For a budget treadmill, this is really nice to see. It also comes with a 1-year motor warranty and a 90-day warranty for the deck, parts, and in-home labor.

Should You Buy the Xterra TRX1000 Treadmill?

The Xterra TRX1000 Treadmill is compact, lightweight, and foldable. This is a good option if you’re looking for a small budget treadmill to use in your home, especially on an upper-level floor. We’re impressed with its motor size and fairly quiet noise output, as well as its overall stability and performance.

While this treadmill isn’t appropriate for heavy training and use for several hours per day, it should be good for light to moderate walking and some jogging. If you have a short stride length, you might be able to run at a higher speed, too.

The TRX1000 is an easy-to-use treadmill with a manual folding deck. Its manual incline feature isn’t noticeable but for walking and jogging at a flat grade, it gets the job done without taking up much space in your home.

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Looking for more choices? Take a look at our list of top-rated treadmills by Xterra

Xterra TRX1000 Treadmill Q&A / FAQ

How much does the Xterra TRX1000 weigh?

The TRX1000 treadmill weighs just over 103 pounds and is 112 pounds shipped.

What is the weight limit on the Xterra TRX1000?

The weight limit on the Xterra TRX1000 is 250 pounds. That’s a little lighter than most treadmills. But since this is such a compact machine

Why does my Xterra treadmill say lube?

All treadmills belt require lubrication to keep it running smoothly. Lubrication is applied to the deck to help the treadmill belt glide smoothly over the surface as someone walks or runs on the treadmill.

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