LiveStrong Fitness LS12.9T Treadmill Review

  Treadmill Articles

The LiveStrong treadmill are having an impact on the treadmill industry in their short history.  They are sold online and through the Dick's Sporting Goods chain.  In talking to a Dick's salesperson, he mentioned that Sole treadmill had dominated their sales in the past, but the LiveStrong models are taking a growing share of the market.

Here are some of the reasons...

• Lance Armstrong's endorsement.
• Purchases result in a contribution to the Armstrong charitable organization.
• Quality engineering and components.
• Generous warranties.

To learn more about the LiveStrong brand and to hear about my interview with the VP of marketing go to the LiveStrong Treadmill Review.

Note: As of 9/7/10 the LiveStrong LS12.9T treadmill was selling for $1,299 with in-room delivery. Get the latest deal at LiveStrong Treadmills.

Also check out our "Best Buy" treadmill recommendations.

The LiveStrong LS12.9T is the third model in their line-up of four.  It is also one of their more popular treadmills.  Part of the reason is it has the durability to handle runners, and yet is sold at a very reasonable price.  

For a treadmill to handle runners it must be able to withstand the constant impact that is part of running.  There are many budget treadmills in the sub-$1000 category that suggest they can accommodate running, but they really are not built to withstand that type of abuse.

LiveStrong LS12.9T Treadmill Features...

3.0 Continuous Duty HP Motor — I ran on the LiveStrong 12.9T treadmill and got it up to about 8 mph.  At that speed the motor ran effortlessly and was extremely quiet.  In fact, the treadmill in general ran very quietly.  The motor is powerful enough to handle runners and incline training.

20" x 60" Treadbelt — If you are going to run on a treadmill than you want a longer belt. It gives you that comfort zone where you don't feel like you are about to fall off the end.  When running on the LS12.9T I felt it had a very solid and stable feel.  Part of the reason is the heavy 249 lbs. weight of the machine. I also felt the shock absorption had the right amount of give without being too cushy.

Built-in Speakers and Fan — Lately these have become standard features on most new treadmills.  It is nice to have the ability to plug in your MP3 player and have the sound optimally directed to your head.  While it is also desirable to have a fan that targets provides relief to your core.

Fitness Journal — The LiveStrong LS12.9T is equipped with fitness journal software, called LiveTrack.  You can log and journal you workouts over time and  monitor your progress over the past day, week or month.

Generous Warranty — There are only a couple of other  treadmills at this price that give you a lifetime motor, 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty.  Which suggest this machine is low maintenance.

Our Review - LiveStrong LS12.0 Treadmill Review

I mentioned this in a couple of the other LiveStrong reviews, but it is worth repeating.  When I was at Dick's I asked the salesperson about the service track record.  He said there isn't one because they've had no problems.  Now I am sure a small portion of buyers have had service issues with their LiveStrong treadmill, but for this store not to have any is quite a testament on the quality of these machines.

What makes the LS12.9T appealing is that you are getting a running machine for a reasonable price.  Granted,  you won't get the quality found in more expensive treadmills like a Landice, True or Precor, but you may be getting the quality found in some models that cost several hundred more.

Learn more at LiveStrongFitness.com!

Also see:

LiveStrong LS16.9T Treadmill Review

LiveStrong LS9.9T Treadmill Review

LiveStrong LS7.9T Treadmill Review