True Fitness M30 Treadmill

Overview
The TRUE M30 treadmill is a solid, gym-quality machine built for all levels of athletes, from walkers all the way up to serious runners. With a powerful motor, great comfort features and space-friendly design, it’s a smart choice for those who can afford the price tag.
TRUE has established themselves as a real contender in the high end market, offering features and capabilities that other commercial brands don’t offer. One of the biggest draws, besides the patented orthopedic belts, is the strong warranty, which speaks to the company’s belief in their products. While many brands have reduced coverage over the years, TRUE has maintained lifetime coverage on their frames as well as 30 years on their motors, which is unheard of these days.
Let’s jump into our M30 review to see what this treadmill is all about…
Specifications
Click Specifications to see detailed model info
Speed : 0.5 - 12 mph (0.8 - 19 kph)
Incline : 0% - 15%
Motor : True 3HP DC
Belt : 58 in x 20 in/ 147 cm x 51 cm
Quick speed keys : included
Step-up height : 6.7 in/ 17 cm
Cushioning system : Soft deck cushion in front and firm foot push off towards the rear
Folding options : No
Maximum user weight : 300 lbs/ 136 kg
Unit dimensions : 74 in L x 29 W/ 188 cm x 74 cm
Unit weight : 220 lbs/ 100 kg
Step-up height : 6.7 in/ 17 cm
Warranty : Lifetime for frame, 30 years for motor, 5 years for parts, 1 year for labor
Features
Easy to Use Display
The 7″ single window LCD provides feedback on speed, incline, elapsed time, distance, heart rate, calories.
Additional keys are: start, stop/ pause, enter, incline/ speed, quick speed/ quick incline keys and workouts buttons.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The M30 gives you two options for measuring heart rate: contact heart rate monitoring and polar chest strap compatibility. The latter provides a more accurate reading and is ideal for those who want to ensure that they are staying in the recommended zone throughout their workout.
Diverse Workout Programs
The TRUE M30 treadmill comes with 9 preset workouts, just like the up-level TRUE M50. You get Manual, Cardio Challenge, Speed Ramp, Glute Buster, Leg Shaper, Speed Intervals, Hill Intervals and 2 Custom workouts. An additional 2 HRC workouts boost the cardio experience.
Some visitors have asked how to use the various programs, so here is a quick primer for you:
To start a preset workout, press Preset workouts until you reach the workout you want to start.
Use + and – to insert weight, time, max speed and to adjust level. To use a custom workout, press Custom workouts. Adjust time, speed, incline.
To use a HRC workout, put on a compatible transmitter strap, press HRC workouts until you reach the desired program.
Adjust weight, target heart rate, time, max speed and max incline.
There is a warm-up segment at the beginning of the workout and a cool down segment at the end of the workout.
Entertainment options
not included
Other features
Reading rack/Tablet holder
included
Dual Water Bottle Holders
included
Oversized accessory tray
included
Transport wheels
included
Conclusion
The TRUE M50 treadmill is built to last, with gym-quality construction and a powerful motor to accommodate every user. There are ample workout programs and the belt minimizes stress on the joints. Let’s look at some pros and cons…
Pros
First, the powerful motor sets the mood for a positive review. It definitely motivates you to keep running on the treadmill. TRUE Fitness is renowned for their whisper quiet motors that make our lives much easier. The M30 takes that legacy further and provides us a silent workout experience which we much appreciate.
There is one detail that really suits our needs and we love it. It’s the step-up height. The running surface is very close to the ground, which makes it so easy to hop on and off the treadmill. It may be an insignificant detail to some runners, but for us it’s a nice little treat.
Another major pro is the cushioning system. It really works, effectively, throughout our longest workouts and highest intensity. The cushion adjusts to our needs, allowing us to land smoothly and push off firmly. It almost feels like the treadmill is doing the job for you. Almost.
We love the console. It makes it easy to read the feedback info, such as your heart rate when you’re really hitting that deck during a tough HRC workout. It’s a great advantage not to hover over the console just to get an idea of how you are doing.
Not only does the console have a nice look, but the entire treadmill has very nice aesthetics. The sleek design definitely caught our eye when we first saw it. Then we noticed the warranty package and we knew it was a done deal.
Drawbacks
There are a few drawbacks to the machine that we must point out, but it basically applies to taller and heavier users. At 58″ the belt might not be long enough for the tallest of users, so if you are on the tall side you might want to opt for one of the PS Series models which offer a 60″ running surface. The extra 2″ does make a difference.
The max weight on the TRUE Fitness M30 is 300 lbs. If you are on the heavier side you might again want to opt for one of the higher level models which offer max weights of 350 lbs. and 400 lbs.
What's the bottom line?
If you are in the market for a gym quality treadmill that won’t take up a lot of space, you can’t do much better than the TRUE M30 treadmill as far as build and comfort. Are there less expensive treadmills on the market with as many features? Absolutely. But TRUE is in a class by itself when it comes to design and functionality.
Most users will be quite happy with the M30. Again, if you are on the taller or heavier side, take a look at some of the other models in the series that have more generous belt size and max user weight.