Best for Home Use
Best for Serious Runners
Best for Walkers
Best for Seniors
HealthRider H50 Crosswalk SL Review
This folding treadmill has some old technology mixed with new. An example of newer technology is the USB port for MP3 players. Like older treadmills though, the H50 Crosswalk SL uses iFit cards instead of iFit Live. These cards are sold separately and provide eight weeks of workouts each. In contrast, iFit Live lets you download new and personalized workouts from iFit.com daily.
The H50 Crosswalk SL gets the lowest rating of all HealthRider treadmills. This treadmill is cheap in the short run – just $699 on sale – but according to customer reviews, it could soon fall apart.
HealthRider’s best treadmill is the H190t. It has iFit Live, adjustable cushioning, a 10″ color touch screen and a five-year parts warranty.
What We Like:
- Folding: The H50 Crosswalk SL uses the SpaceSaver design. You can quickly move the track into a vertical position, freeing up floor space.
- 12 Built-In Workouts: Twelve workout routines are included. These were designed by a certified personal trainer. Six are for weight loss and six are for performance, or improving your speed and endurance.
- iFit Cards: Besides having built-in workout programs, the Crosswalk SL can be used with iFit workout cards. These cards are sold separately from the treadmill. Each card holds workouts to last eight weeks. You can choose from cards with different workout goals, such as weight loss or endurance. The iFit cards definitely add to the machine, but these are old iFit technology; the new ifFit Live technology uses an Internet connection instead of a card reader. It can deliver unlimited workouts and includes some very cool features such as online racing with Facebook friends, virtual training with Jilliam Michaels from The Biggest Loser, and experiencing routes that you make with Google Maps.
- 10% Incline: The H50 Crosswalk SL Treadmill has a maximum incline of 10%. It is automated, which isn’t always the case on cheap treadmills. Incline training is an efficient way to boost your metabolism and develop great muscle tone. You can control the incline yourself or let the treadmill control the tilt.
- 10 mph: This treadmill has a top speed of 10 mph, which is more than enough for any walker.
- Sound System: This unit has 2″ speakers by Intermix Acoustics. You can stream your MP3s using the treadmill’s USB power port for smartphones.
What We Don’t Like:
We very rarely assign one-star treadmill ratings, but the HealthRider H50 Crosswalk SL Treadmill scores as low as we go. It has major shortcomings.
- Tiny Track: Most treadmill tracks for walkers measure at least 20″ wide and 55″ long. This treadmill has a walking area of 18″ x 50″.
- Motor: This unit has a 2.8 CHP Endura motor, which sounds more than adequate for walkers. However, the motor only has a 10-year guarantee. That’s a red flag because treadmill motors typically have lifetime guarantees. Customers who report being of reasonable weights have exhausted the machine in just a few weeks.
- Warranty: The H50 Crosswalk SL has one of HealthRider’s shortest warranties. There’s no warranty for the frame. Parts are only protected for 90 days and aren’t durable. The motor is covered for 10 years but doesn’t have a reputation for enduring.
- Questionable Capacity: The user weight limit is supposedly 300 pounds. However, this treadmill only weighs 165 pounds.
- No Console Extras: This treadmill definitely doesn’t feel like a health club fitness machine. The cushioning is light and you won’t get conveniences such as a drink holder, an accessory shelf or an exercise fan.
- Small Screen: The treadmill has a small LCD that shows data such as calories burned and speed. People find it difficult to read.
- Cheap Heart Rate Monitor: A grip heart rate monitor is built into the handlebars for your convenience; you don’t need to slow down to get a reading. However, this feature has been criticized as inaccurate and unreliable.
- Basic Cushioning: This HealthRider treadmill uses TreadSoft cushioning. It’s not especially orthopedic, and it isn’t adjustable for your weight and personal preference.
Our Verdict:
The HealthRider H50 Treadmill has a low price, but buying this machine is a big gamble. Some excerpts from customer reviews are “Please don’t buy this treadmill” and “I am hauling it to the dumpster this weekend.”
A better cheap treadmill is the Horizon T101-04, which is on sale for $799 and has a one-year warranty.
The HealthRider H50 Crosswalk SL Treadmill is on sale right now
See best price »
This treadmill is currently on sale