A respected name in cardio fitness equipment, XTERRA has a reputation for reliability and a self-proclaimed mission to make fitness accessible to everyone.
That’s something the brand achieves in spades with the XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill – the most affordable in its entry-level Compact Series.
This machine may be budget-friendly, but no corners have been cut in terms of construction. This solid piece of equipment performs remarkably well, whether you use it for walking, jogging, or light running.
Of course, some of the bells and whistles you come to expect with high-end treadmills are lacking with this model. The tech is about as basic as it comes, with no Bluetooth connectivity, sound system, charging port, or fan.
Instead, XTERRA has concentrated on the basics, designing a highly affordable yet durable treadmill that will allow you to work out consistently and effectively from home.
In this review, we will take a look at the features of the TR150 and how well it performed when we tried it out for ourselves.
| Pros | Cons |
| Stable and durable | Very basic tech features |
| 3 manual incline settings | No sound system or fan |
| Smooth, quiet operation | No bottle holder |
| Pulse sensors to monitor heart rate | The console is hard to read in low light |
| Folding frame | |
| Easy-to-use interface | |
| XTRASoft deck cushioning to protect joints |
The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill: Features and First Impressions
Treadmills can be notoriously difficult to set up! But this one is refreshingly straightforward, with clear instructions and tools included. All you need to do is attach the 2 extension bars and console unit to the base, which can be done in under 30 minutes. You can do it alone, but it’s helpful to have a second pair of hands when connecting the console wiring.
Let’s take a look at its features.
#1: Size and Portability
The Dimensions
The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill has a relatively small footprint, measuring 63.4″ x 28.75 x 51.4 once assembled.
This is reflected in the belt size of 16″ x 50″, which is somewhat narrow and with a length ideally suited to walking or jogging. But if you have a small frame or a shorter stride, then you may be able to manage a light run too.
It weighs 108 pounds, which is significantly less than many models and makes it easier to move for storage. Despite its relatively low weight, it is stable during use and is rated for users weighing up to 250 pounds.
A Folding Frame
The frame folds and unfolds easily using a simple knob mechanism. The pin to hold the deck in an upright position is definitely on the short side, so for safety reasons, it’s important to use the included strap for storage.
The folded dimensions of the frame are 28.5″ x 28.75″ x 61″, so it’s pretty compact and easy to store at the side of the room or in a deep closet. It doesn’t fold completely flat and isn’t designed to fit under a bed.
Wheels for Portability
This model comes with wheels for transportation at the front of the base, although their small size makes them difficult to use. This means that the treadmill is more suitable for moving short distances, rather than from room to room.
#2: Technology
Console
The 5″ LCD display is basic, with large digital figures that make it very easy to read. It gives you all the information you’ll need as you train, including your speed, incline, time, distance, pulse, and calorie burn.
There are buttons to adjust the speed in 0.1 mph increments, or you can use the direct access preset speed buttons. These allow you to change pace smoothly as you exercise and are ideal for interval training.
Onboard Programs
The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill comes with a manual program to design your own workout plus 12 preset programs. Each is 30 minutes long and interval based, with automatic increases and decreases in speed that you can override if you prefer.
Heart Rate Monitoring
To help you keep within your desired training zone, there are hand grip pulse sensors conveniently located on the side handlebars. As with most treadmills, though, these can be somewhat inaccurate and it’s important to remember that they only provide an estimated heart rate.
Extras
Whilst the tech on this model is pretty unsophisticated, there is a tablet holder on the console. This means that you can independently stream content and use your favorite fitness apps to make your workout more interesting.
There are two shallow pockets for accessories on either side of the display, plus two sloping shelves. Unusually, though, there is no dedicated bottle holder.
#3: Speed and Incline
The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill has a speed range of 0.5 – 10 mph (equivalent to a 6-minute mile), adjustable in increments of 0.1 MPH. This makes it ideal for everything from walking to recreational running and is better than we might expect to see in a model at this price point.
There are 3 incline settings but these need to be adjusted manually. This means you will need to set your preferred incline prior to working out, or stop during your session in order to adjust it.
#4: Motor
This model features a high torque 2.25 HP motor, powerful enough for the average user to walk, jog, or run recreationally.
If you are a heavier user or marathon runner, then you’ll need a treadmill with at least a 4.0 CHP motor.
#5: Cushioning
Cushioning is an important feature on a treadmill as it reduces impact on your joints. This is why running on a treadmill is so much easier than running on the road!
The T150 features XTRASoft cushioned deck technology which effectively absorbs shock, relieving stress on your knees and ankles. This allows you to train comfortably for longer.
#6: Price
At just $391.49, the XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill is one of the most competitively priced high-quality models on the market.
#7: Warranty
The TR150 comes with a lifetime warranty for the frame, 1 year for the motor, and 90 days for the deck, parts, and in-home labor.
The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill: The Road Test
This is one of the most budget-friendly treadmills I’ve tried, so I was interested to see how it would stack up against pricier models.
Here’s what I found after putting it through its paces.
#1. It’s Easy to Fold – But Not So Easy to Move
If you’re short on space and need a treadmill that you can fold away when not in use, the TR150 is ideal.
Folding it is easy. You simply lift the deck, pull out the knob on the left-hand side of the frame, then insert the pin into the deck to lock it into place. To unfold it, simply remove the pin and lower the deck to the floor.
For me, the problem came when trying to roll the folded treadmill into another room. Yes, it has wheels, but they seem poorly positioned and so small that you need to tip the deck in order to engage them. This makes the unit extremely difficult to steer and awkward to move!
My recommendation would be to use this treadmill in the room in which you’ll be storing it.
#2. The Motor Is Very Quiet
Even when I set this treadmill to its max speed of 10 mph, it produced very little noise and I could watch my TV or listen to music at normal volume.
This makes the TR150 a model to consider if you live in shared accommodation or want to train at any time of day without disturbing your neighbors.
#3. The Console Could Be Better
I’d already accepted that the strengths of the TR150 lie in its construction – not its tech features – so I wasn’t expecting more than basic functions from the console. And though they may be limited, they work well.
It’s easy to change your speed at the touch of a button and adjustments are smooth, with no lag. All the running metrics you’d expect to see are clearly displayed and there is enough variety in the programs to keep things interesting.
However, the screen isn’t backlit so I found it pretty difficult to see my stats in dim lighting. And the positioning of the device holder/reading rack is poor.
It is located centrally right below the display, so placing a book or tablet there completely blocks your view of the screen. It’s also pretty low and means you need to look down, which can get uncomfortable after a while.
I also found the lack of a proper bottle holder disappointing. Yes, there are accessory pockets on either side of the display but these are too small and shallow for most bottles. You might want to consider using a bike mount with this machine to keep your bottle close at hand when you train.
#4. The Incline is VERY Subtle
The TR150 has three manual incline settings – but don’t expect too much of a challenge! At just 0.5°, 1°, and 2° the difference is barely discernible. Nevertheless, having an incline at all is a bonus at this price point, and even a small adjustment will impact your overall calorie burn.
You can change the setting using the adjustable stabilizers on each side of the deck. Simply raise the deck to lift the footpad, then move the pin to the relevant hole on the frame.
#5. This Treadmill Looks and Feels Well Built
The problem with many budget-friendly treadmills is that they just don’t feel stable enough, particularly when jogging. This isn’t the case with the XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill.
It has a heavy gauge steel frame which gives it a very solid feel and I didn’t notice any shaking, even at higher speeds. There are two adjustable rear stabilizers to enhance the stability which will be useful if your floors are slightly uneven.
The belt runs smoothly and needs little maintenance, with XTERRA recommending that you lubricate it after every 40 hours of use. I liked the fact that a message comes up on the screen to remind you and that a bottle of lubricant is provided. Instructions are included and I found the process very quick and easy.
All steel parts of the treadmill are coated with anti-corrosive paint and although some of the plastic trim seems a little cheap, this feels like a durable machine that will last well into the future.
The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill Review: Key Takeaways
There was once a time when buying a decent home treadmill required a significant investment. With XTERRA’s TR150 model it is clear that’s no longer the case.
It may not be built for high-speed running but this is a well-constructed machine with a comfortable deck ideal for walking, jogging, or light runs.
The tech is pretty limited and if you need a treadmill with Bluetooth connectivity you might want to consider a model like the Proform City L6 instead. But the basic features of the TR150 make it exceptionally easy to use, whilst the media rack means that you can still stream running apps to make your workouts more interesting.
Overall, the XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill is a very affordable machine with all the features you need to get a great daily workout at home.
Are you new to At-Home Training
Then check out our article all about how to run on a treadmill. You’ll learn the basics and discover the benefits of exercising at home. We also share our tips for making your runs more fun and engaging!
