Spirit Fitness XT175 Treadmill Review

  About Fred Waters

The Spirit XT175 treadmill is the lowest-end model of the XT series and the least expensive.  Nevertheless, it is a quality treadmill and perfect for walkers who don’t want to spend a fortune on fitness equipment.

Because it is a lower-end model, the XT175 is made of somewhat lighter-weight materials than the more expensive models.  It has a slightly smaller walking surface, and its parts are not quite as high quality as the higher-end Spirit treadmills. 

The lighter weight means that the Spirit XT175 is a little less sturdy than the heavier machines.  But, for walkers, this model is plenty stable and durable.  The smaller active surface isn’t really suitable for tall users, but it’s a comfortable size for people of average or short stature.  Also, the smaller size makes this unit more practical for people who have limited space.

Features of the Spirit Fitness XT175 Treadmill

For a budget treadmill, the XT175 is loaded with some decent features, similar or identical to those found on the more expensive Spirit treadmills.

Features found on the Spirit XT175 treadmill include the following:

• Folding deck with “Soft-Drop” assist—“Soft-Drop” assist lowers the deck gently to prevent damage to floors and furniture.  This is a nice feature to have in homes with small children, as it reduces the risk of injury caused by a lowering deck.
• Cooling fans in the console—Great feature to have on any treadmill!  The fans send a cool breeze towards the user’s body, making workouts more comfortable.
• Frame built of commercial grade steel—Steel is strong and durable.  The heavy weight of steel keeps the treadmill stable during workouts.
• 2.5 HP continuous duty motor—The motor is plenty powerful to drive the machine through brisk walks and perhaps an occasional light, easy jog.  However, runners and households with multiple users would do better with a treadmill that has a more powerful motor.
• Built-in speakers and jack for MP3, CD, or radio—Even on this lower-end treadmill model, you can enjoy your favorite music as you exercise!  What a nice way to jazz up those workouts!
• 20” x 50” walking surface—This is a smaller than average  size treadbelt…and is shorter than those found on the more expensive Spirit models.  This one is best suited for users with a shorter stride who are not too tall. The size of the treadbelt is a drawback on this model.
• 6 built-in programs and 2 custom programs—Choose from a variety of workouts to challenge your body and keep exercise sessions interesting. 
• Active buttons—Membrane-type “quick-key” buttons make it easy to adjust your speed and incline levels, without having to stop your workout.

Our Review—Spirit XT175 Treadmill

For a more affordable treadmill, the Spirit XT175 is a decent machine.  It can adequately meet the needs of average-to-short individuals who weigh less than 250 pounds.  It is more suited for those who are just beginning an exercise program and those who prefer walking over running.

The smaller size of the Spirit XT175 makes it a good choice for those who have limited space in their homes, however the price is a bit steep for a treadmill with a 50" long belt ($1,199).

I would look at Smooth Fitness, Sole Fitness and NordicTrack.  All three offer much more value at this price.