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HealthRider R60 Treadmill Review

By Michael on Nov 22, 2008 in Treadmill Reviews

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The HealthRider R60 treadmill is a machine which is not short on standard features: fans, speakers, heart monitor; nor is it short on the non-standard: ifit system and over-sized walking surface. A mid level machine which is thought to match its price tag by most in the field, the r60 delivers a number of feature to meet the need of the casual user.

HealthRider R60 Specification:

Motor- 2.0 Hp
Folding- Yes
Max Speed- 12mph
Incline- 0-10%
Walking Surface- 60″ X 20″
Display- 4 window LED BioLogic Console
Programs- 10 + ifit compatible
Dimensions- 80″ x 33″ x 58″
Treadmill Weight- N/A
Max User Weight- 330 lbs
Warranty- 10 years motor, 1 year parts and labor

Fans, speakers and a unique use of the ifit.com ifit system helps users to follow a proven, professionally developed training plan to lose weight or get into better shape, help define this machine as feature filled.

Using either an internet connection or by buying optional CD’s the ifit program can be used on this machine to not only adjust settings to give a work-out which follows professionally developed guidelines, it also provides the user with audio encouragement. With a cushioning system developed over years of refinement the R60 also reduces impact on knees and joints.

Big Machine, Big Value?

The R60 has a large running surface, something that I, as well as most runners, love in a treadmill. The 60″ x 20″ also provide the type of room necessary to enable those individuals less sturdy to have confidence on this machine, which is good for older users who plan to mostly walk or jog on the machine.

The ifit system compatibility gives owners a sense of value most other machines simply to not offer. This is a feature available on all newer HealthRider treadmills and helps to give the brand a distinctive flourish. Enjoyable workouts are aimed at helping users meet there fitness goals and stick with their workouts.

Used without the ifit system the machine also provides a good measure of programs including fat burning, heart rate, distance, and timed workouts. The provided programs are at least average and add further features to the machine beyond manual settings and the ifit system.

Unfortunately the large running surface does not come with a large motor. The 2.0CHP motor is a bit below standard for a 20″ x 60″ belt and makes the machine much more suited to walking and jogging than a serious running workout. Customers also dislike the warranty which is a little less than average at the price range of $1500 dollars and drives consumers towards the more “prestigious” machine lines.

Another major default is the console which appears quite dated. To go out and buy a machine that looks like it is from the 80’s is not on most fitness enthusiasts list of things to do. With the good set of features it seems like a modern console could have been provided to match the ones found on other machines in this price range.

Ok For Walking, Forget Serious Running

Awesome features aside, the machine is a tad lackluster. It is good for walking and provides a good value if you are looking for a large belt and are happy with an incline of 10 % or less. But, the machine is not good for serious runners who desire a machine they can have a smooth running experience on at high speeds.

Having said this, I recommend the Healthrider R60 to joggers who are looking for a mid priced machine and are interested in the ifit system.

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