Lifestyler 1900 Treadmill Review
The Lifestyler 1900 Treadmill is a vintage home fitness machine that was popular in the 1990s and early 2000s. Manufactured by Icon Health & Fitness (the same company behind brands like ProForm and NordicTrack), it was designed as an affordable and straightforward treadmill for light cardio use. While now considered outdated by modern standards, the 1900 still garners interest for its simplicity and durability. This review explores its key features, user experience, and whether it still holds up today.
Key Features of the Lifestyler 1900 Treadmill
Despite its age, the Lifestyler 1900 comes equipped with basic functions to support low-impact workouts:
- Dimensions: Approx. 165cm L x 70cm W x 130cm H (varies slightly by model year)
- Running Surface: Around 40cm x 120cm
- Motor: 1.5 HP continuous-duty motor
- Speed Range: 0.5 – 10 mph (~0.8 – 16 km/h)
- Incline: Manual incline with 3 levels
- Display: LED or basic LCD (time, speed, distance, calories)
- Workout Programs: Few or none – mostly manual operation
- Heart Rate Monitoring: None or basic hand grip sensors
- Foldable: Yes – folding deck for storage
- Max User Weight: Approximately 100 – 115 kg
- Warranty: Originally limited (varies by seller, typically expired now)
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Simple and reliable for basic walking and light jogging
- Easy to use with minimal electronics
- Sturdy frame for a machine of its era
- Foldable for easy storage
- Often available at low cost secondhand
Cons:
- Outdated technology with limited or no programs
- No automatic incline
- Motor underpowered for running or intense use
- Small running surface not ideal for taller users
- No connectivity or modern feedback features
- Difficult to find parts or support today
Performance and User Experience
The 1.5 HP motor is sufficient for walking and occasional jogging but lacks the torque and cooling needed for prolonged running. It can become noisy with age, especially if not well maintained.
The manual incline system requires users to get off the treadmill to adjust the level — not ideal for dynamic interval training.
Users generally found the treadmill comfortable for basic cardio, but the narrow running belt and basic shock absorption are not suited for intense workouts or high-impact use.
Console and Features
The console is extremely simple, often displaying only core stats such as time, distance, and speed. Some units had LED dot matrices, while others featured small LCDs. There are no entertainment features, Bluetooth, speakers, or smart integration — which is expected given the age of the machine.
Build Quality and Durability
Lifestyler treadmills were built with steel frames and basic electronics, which have stood the test of time for many units still in use. However, the belt, motor, and rollers are prone to wear and may require replacement if purchased secondhand.
Given that replacement parts are scarce, purchasing this treadmill today comes with the risk of unrepairable components.
Space and Storage
The folding design was a key selling point for the Lifestyler 1900. The deck lifts up vertically and locks in place, allowing for better use of space in tight home environments.
Transport wheels are included, though they may wear out or become stiff over time.
Who Is It Best For?
The Lifestyler 1900 Treadmill is best suited for:
- Budget buyers looking for basic home cardio equipment
- Seniors or casual users wanting low-impact walking workouts
- DIYers or fitness enthusiasts who enjoy restoring old equipment
- Secondary or backup use in a home gym
It is not ideal for:
- Runners or serious athletes
- Tech-focused users expecting app integration or entertainment
- Anyone needing incline workouts
- Those who expect easy access to customer support or parts
Final Thoughts on the Lifestyler 1900 Treadmill
The Lifestyler 1900 is a relic from a simpler era of home fitness. For light walking and basic cardio, it still performs reasonably well — especially if you find a unit in working condition at a low cost.
However, if you value modern features, training variety, or support, this treadmill is well past its prime. While it might serve a purpose as a no-fuss walking machine, most users would be better served by a newer budget treadmill with updated technology and better safety standards.