Spirit XT485

The 9 inch blue backlit LCD is divided into several displays: a Data display with info on pace, distance, time elapsed/ countdown, calories, pulse and a Dot matrix showing speed, program profiles incline, lap track, average speed and average heart rate. The Message center shows average speed, average pulse, maximum speed, altitude, segment time. A ¼ mile track is displayed around the dot matrix window. It indicates your progress as you work out.

Available keys are Quick keys, Control keys and Safety key. There is also a Muscle Activation profile on the left side of the console.

Two options are available on this console, the sensors contact and telemetric. The heart rate strap is included in the price.

The XT485 has 12 built-in programs: Manual, Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Strength, Interval, Calorie, Fusion, 2 Heart Rate programs and 2 user defined workouts, all fun and challenging.

To select a program, press the corresponding Program key. Press Enter. You can either start programming or you can start with the default values. The Message center will start blinking, which means you must now insert your Age, Weight, Time, Speed and Incline. Press Start to begin your workout.

For User programs, press the User 1-2 key once for user 1, twice for user 2. Press Enter. Enter Age, Weight, Time, Speed and press Start. Programs begin with a 3 min warm-up and end with a 3 min cool down segment.

The Fusion program delivers intense cardio and strength. You must select 10 intervals, 5 cardio and 5 strength of 0:30 each, followed by recovery intervals of 1:00. You’ll need dumbbells to complete this program. The message center alerts you prior to every step you must take, including dumbbell use. If you choose 20 intervals, you’ll be repeating each exercise twice. If you choose 30 intervals, you will be performing each exercise once and then repeat the sequence of all 5 exercises and second and third time.

included

included

included

included

If you’re one of those serious runners looking for a serious unit, you’ve landed on the right page. The XT485 is one of the best $2000 range units on the market today, that provide less entertainment and more efficiency. We strongly recommend this treadmill to devoted runners and walkers, even with longer strides.

The first and foremost aspect that we need to clear up is the motor, otherwise known as the heart of the treadmill. We were already accustomed with the sturdiness of the Spirit XT385, the XT185 and the XT285, so we knew we couldn’t expect less.

The high torque motor works great even at highest incline and speed, and by great I mean sturdily and surprisingly, almost silently. A nice addition that will definitely prolong the motor’s life is the patented Spirit ventilation system. This design practically takes in the extra heat, allowing the motor to work at full potential, no matter how high the incline.

Then, there is the running surface that is one other tricky point for treadmills. Luckily, this treadmill carries the entire package. The running surface is large and long enough to support even taller users. So, not only you won’t be falling off the treadmill, but you can also rest assured you’re safe. The cushioning system definitely does its job. We all know how important it is to be able to work out as fast as you want, without worrying about injuries or dragging aches.

The programs really match this powerful unit. There are few programs, but well designed and more than enough for a runner’s needs. There is no buzz revolving entertainment or extra luring features, because Spirit cut straight to the core with this one. And the programs prove it. Plus, you can only find the Fusion program on this model or higher, and trust me, if you’re looking for cardio and strength, you got it.

The user programs allow you to save your profile and your settings, as most user programs do. You get to enter age and weight, which is quite great for those who want to lose the extra pounds. An extra advantage is the ability to control incline and speed during workouts by simply using the handrails, a feature that you may disable at any time. This is quite a pro, and avid runners know why.

The console works great and info is really easy to read, you don’t have to bend over the machine just for a glimpse of feedback.

All other features are basic, the incorporated speakers are not to die for, but still they’re good enough. There’s a fan to cool off at any time, you get to fold the unit easily and the warranty is more than satisfactory.

This is where Spirit really outdid itself. The Muscle Activation Profile is one of the biggest breakthroughs in the world of treadmills. This feature alerts you which muscles you’re using and which you’re not, which ones are most and which are least activated. Basically, you’ll be completely aware of how you’re working your muscle groups, which means you’ll have full control over your body and your performance.

We can’t say there’s any serious drawback to mention here. Apart from the medium quality sound, there’s nothing else I could complain about.

All in all, Spirit XT485 treadmill is one of the best machines from Spirit in the $2000 – $2500 range. Still, don’t forget that Sole and Spirit treadmills are both designed by the same producer. You can compare your options from both manufacturers before making a final decision. Sole is is a bit cheaper, but only because it doesn’t have the extra features and also has a weaker warranty.