XTERRA Fitness Sport Series Premium Folding Smart Treadmill, Handlebar Speed and Incline Controls, Large XTRASoft Cushioned Running Deck, Built-in FTMS-Enabled Bluetooth with XTERRA+ Fitness App

I’m a “runner” (in comparison to a jogger or ‘recreational’ runner) & conducted weeks of in-depth product reviews on Amazon & YouTube of various treadmills. The point of this review is to share what I learned along with why I chose the XTERRA TRX4500.1st of all, my budget was up to $1,000 and looking for the best treadmill I can find with the needed features and preferences to meet my need as a runner. If I could have found that at $500 then even better...but coincidentally various treadmill options fell in the $1k+ range.My Required Features:*Horsepower - & Why It Matters:You will see models with an HP from 2.0 - 4.5. The TRX4500 HP is 3.25 & the next lower model (XTERRA3500) has a 3.0 HP.If you are a runner, I recommend not buying a treadmill with less than 3.0 HP. You don’t want to be maxing out the motor speed on a regular basis and believe 3.0 & higher will reduce the wear & tear and strain on your motor as a runner.*Overall Size:The TRX4500 has a length of 60 & width of 20 (60x20). After HP, this was the second most important factor as a runner because I reviewed so many models that many looked very small and limited actual running space.As a runner I don’t want to feel constricted with a small physical platform and the 60x20 is perfect.I could perhaps live with a 55x20 but when I’m sprinting and have to slow the machine down to catch my breath, I find myself using every bit of the 60 length. If ur a walker or jogger then a smaller physical platform is fine. As a runner, I could not buy a treadmill with less than 20 inches in width.*Handle Bar ControlsAs a runner, having speed controls on the side panel (i.e. handlebars) is not just a nice feature but a needed feature. When I’m pushing myself, it’s difficult to rely on reaching the controls on the main panel. It was interesting that other comparative models did not include this feature.*Pace MonitorAs a runner, being able to monitor my pace is very important to me and the vast majority of comparative models did not have a “Pace” feature in their metrics. Speed, time, calories & distance are universal but pace is just as important.*Panel Size & LayoutIn most treadmills, the panel size & quality is actually a significant amount of the cost. The 7.5 Panel size was larger than many comparative models and very pleased with the overall quality (look and feel) of the panel layout.*Speed & InclineThe TRX4500 goes up to 12 mph & an incline of 15 degrees. Getting myself back in running shape but I haven’t been able to even touch the 12 mph or 15 incline yet. I’m running at a comfortable 6.5 & sprinting at 8 right now starting out so plenty of ability to improve.Bonus Features:*Quiet MotorI’m a bit of a skeptic when I hear marketing pitches - especially when it’s on just about every comparative model but when XTERRA said the TRX4500 has a quiet motor - it has a very quiet motor.*Easy To AssembleI’m not a handy man kinda guy and if I had my choice, I would have paid for the assembly just for the convenience but with that said, from the unboxing to be able to use - it took about 40 minutes to put together - and it was fairly simple & straightforward.The directions seemed to misname the type of screws but pretty logical which screw fit in what hole so not really a big deal. It was pretty simple and was skeptical something may go wrong but when we turned it on, it powered right up.*Chest Strap Heart Rate SensorIt actually took me longer to figure out how to snap together the heart rate sensor than the TRX4500. :p.Needless to say the heart rate strap is much more accurate than the heart rate sensors on the handle bar panel and an overall nice feature to monitor. I literally just put it on and it began registering automatically on the TRX4500.*Warranty:Unlike most comparative models, XTERRA offers a lifetime warranty on the frame & motor. Having a lifetime warranty on the frame is one thing but a lifetime on the motor gave me a lot of confidence in buying the TRX4500.Combine that with a 2 year warranty on parts when just about every comparative model only gives a 90 day warranty says a lot on the overall quality of the product.*Machine Weight & Weight CapacityThe TRX4500 listed weight is 220 pounds. It’s a nice solid & stable machine weight so it’s not sliding all over the floor when using. The usage capacity is 350 pounds which was on the higher end of comparative models. When u understand that impact weight is much more than ones physical weight grinding and pounding on the machine so having a capacity of 350 pounds reflects the sturdiness of the TRX4500.*Bluetooth Feature:The TRX4500 will connect with your iPhone or iPad. It comes with a connection cable that may be compatible with an iPod or android so bought an adapter for $7 to fit my iPhone.*Lift Safety FeatureThe lift feature is nice not just for space when not using but also for moving & cleaning under the machine. However, where I believe XTERRA didn’t capitalize on a marketing opportunity is that when you release from the lifted position, the TRX4500 will slowly decline so it doesn’t accidentally come crashing down on a small pet or child. Many comparative models do not have this safety feature.Additional Features (Not Worth Mentioning):Speakers:The speakers on the TRX4500 are adequate if you are plugging in an app from your phone. I read criticism in other reviews of the speakers but let’s be honest...you don’t buy a car for the stereo and u don’t buy a treadmill for the speakers. The speakers work fine but if you want higher-end quality sound then plug in a nice headset from your phone and you’re all set.The Fan:I read criticism the fan is a joke - and it really is. I don’t use it anyways as I’d rather keep a nice sweat going and if I really needed a fan I’d adjust the temp in my house or get a fan in my gym but I don’t see a fan on any comparative model being much different.The XTERRA APP:You can download the XTERRA app on your phone and there is much criticism on its simplicity but this is not a reflection of the TRX4500 treadmill. Don’t like their app then use a different app (simple as that). For me, the panel has all the info I need.OVERALL BOTTOM LINE:Before buying, I was never aware of XTERRA. I compared the TRX4500 to comparative models of MaxKare, Sunny, OMA, Horizon, Asuna, Nautilus & NordicTrack. And even to the next lower & higher XTERRA models (TRX3500 & TRX5500) & my results have found the TRX4500 is the BEST TREADMILL with the BEST FEATURES and BEST PRICE based on competitor models.As an additional testament, the XTERRA TR150 is an Amazon #1 Best Seller which adds confidence that XTERRA’s lower end products are well received and good quality, it should transfer over to their higher-end products like the TRX4500.And after using it, I’m very pleased with the TRX4500. In fact, I find it a better treadmill than the ones I used at the gym where I could feel the roller pins when running. In the TRX4500, the cushion & support are very nice and I know my knees and joints are much better for it.Because I put in so much time researching a treadmill, I went above and beyond in this review hoping it helps the next person who has no idea where to start (like me) when purchasing a quality treadmill.And as a final statement, I have to say I was not paid or a sponsor in any way by or for XTERRA (although they should pay me for this review). :p----------------------------JUNE 2025 PRODUCT UPDATEI bought the Xterra 4500 Treadmill in May of 2021 and over 4 years later - this is still the best treadmill ever! I have had absolutely no issues with this treadmill whatsoever. I haven't even had to adjust the belt. This treadmill is just as great as it was when I first bought it 4 years ago. Best decision ever!

My old treadmill was a welso cadence that I've had for more than 15 years and the dashboard lights were going out and it was time to research a new treadmill. After reading a lot of reviews and articles. I found that the manufacturer for Xterra is the same as Sol, but at a better price point.Comparison:The 3500 was on sale of less than $700 while the 2500 was $999 and the 4500 was $998. I compared the different models. Obviously, a smaller belt size, smaller motor, and screen didn't warrant paying $300 more for the 2500. The 4500 has a bigger screen, same size belt, and slightly bigger HP but it did not convince me that it was worth $300.Subscription: I also cycle so I have a subscription to Swift. I did not want a treadmill that requires me to pay another monthly subscription, like Nordic Track. I enjoy Swift for indoor cycling and I enjoy fitness plus through Apple so I wanted a treadmill that was Swift compatible allowing me to use my current subscription. However, I also wanted to be able to watch a show on my iPad and work out or use fitness plus. I wanted the option to change it up whenever I chose.Equipment: The running belt is 20X60 and the Hp is 3. I am short but my husband is tall so the longer belt will accommodate my six foot husband. I am amazed at how quiet the treadmill is compared to my old treadmill. It's like a whisper comparatively. The quick access incline and speed buttons are a huge help if you do HIIT workouts. Just touch the preset speed and it happens. My old treadmill was a million little clicks to increase speed or incline. Quick access pre set buttons make it so easy to focus. Plus, I love that I can make small adjustments on each handle or at the control console if I want. The fan is a nice extra, not a lot of air but at least you get a little face breeze. I've never used a treadmill with a great fan. The big cup holder is great for a water bottle. The extra soft belt cushion will help my knees last longer while exercising. But the best part, the treadmill folds up so we can move around our make shift gym and it lowers by itself too.Book Rack: A lot of the newer models have built in displays so you can watch your subscription instructor. I just wanted the old book rack holder so I could place my iPad and follow Swift or fitness plus, or watch a show while I exercise. The iPad turned side ways (landscape mode) does encroach on the quick access buttons but in vertical (portrait mode ) it doesn't obscure anything. I think it comes down to preference. I just slide the horizontal landscape iPad a couple of mm and then access the quick buttons. The book shelf was one of the main reasons that I choose Xterra. Newer treadmill models with only a screen and no option for a rack to hold an iPad seem presumptive and limited.Delivery : Delivery by Amazon inside your entry is unbeatable and you don't realize how great that is until you see the shipping weight label. It is rated at over 200lbs but the shipping label said 300lbs. I know that the Amazon guys are fabulous. They brought it in and we were able to push the box into the room on the same floor. There is no way that my husband and I could have carried this thing upstairs. It is HEAVY so plan accordingly.Construction: It was easy to put together. There are only four steps. All the tools are provided, you just need a partner to hold the side rails while you screw in the bolts and then the same thing for the console. I am amazed at how easy it was. Everything thread perfectly if you are lined up.This unit feels like a treadmill at the club, big and solid with all the extra bells and whistles. The heart rate measurement coincided with my Apple Watch so I believe it to be accurate. Connecting to Swift was a breeze.Pros: InexpensiveGreat QualitySmall face FanBook Rack for iPadSwift CompatibleLarge running surface 20X60Good motor-3 HPFoldable and controlled releaseExtra soft running cushionCons: It is heavy and if you plan on having it up or downstairs, that could be a problem.I Love this treadmill. Quality solid treadmill at a bargain price. So glad I bought it.