Is The Teeter FreeStep LT1 Recumbent Cross Trainer A Good Buy? [A Review]

Last Updated on October 20, 2022 by admin

LT1 Recumbent Cross Trainer

The Teeter LT1 Cross Trainer machine is a cost-effective home exercise device that offers a low-impact exercise in a safe atmosphere.

With its small proportions and low price, the LT1 machine is quickly gaining favor among avid gym-goers.

However, just because something is affordable does not automatically mean that it is worthwhile purchasing.

In this review, we are going to do a deep dive into all the essential features and design aspects that the LT1 can give you.

We will cover everything you need to know, from the specs, what’s included in the purchase, and how durable the machine is.  

Here is a full review of the LT1 machine. 

LT1 Overview

The company Teeter was founded by engineer Roger Teeter, who began developing inversion tables because he witnessed its pain-relieving properties.

Their LT1 is one of many machines in the “stabilization” series. These products are designed to improve your muscle strength and prevent injury while keeping you healthy and active.

When completed, this machine measures 54′′ (L) x 38′′ (W). The LT1 weighs roughly 110 kg.

Key Features

If you are already familiar with recumbents, then you know that they aren’t exactly feature-heavy. They perform well without the need for many gadgets or mechanisms. 

Despite that, there are a few special features of the LT1.

The Console

A tiny, battery-operated console is included with this recumbent bicycle. There is nothing fancy about this digital console, but it is handy for tracking a few important exercise statistics such as the calories burned, your time, speed, and distance. 

Magnetic Resistance

This recumbent has a silent magnetic resistance system that is simply adjusted via a dial positioned near the seat.

While this is a fantastic feature, some users noted that it may benefit from higher resistance to give a more challenging workout.

However, you may still like this magnetic resistance as it is super quiet, meaning that you can work out at home without disturbing others in the house. 

TeeterMove App 

Teeter currently provides a free fitness app called TeeterMove that contains training ideas and general guidance on how to utilize their recumbent trainer.

It’s a fantastic addition for those that want some extra training tips or are new to the world of recumbent machines. 

Device Holder

Have you ever used a workout machine and been annoyed that you have to put your phone on the floor? Well, this won’t be an issue for you any more thanks to the integrated device holder. 

This minor convenience can substantially enhance your training satisfaction. If you have a tablet or phone, you may prop it up and watch a movie or listen to music while exercising. 

This device holder is placed specifically on the LT1 in a place where it will not block the digital console, so you can still easily keep an eye on your progress. 

Additionally, the tablet will prevent the display from being obstructed, which is useful.

Adjustable Handles

While in use, the upper body handles may be changed to highlight different muscle areas. For example, you may twist the handle to isolate the biceps from the triceps or the chest from the back.

Bottle Holder

While this may not be the most important feature on this device, the convenience of having a place to put your bottle is something that cannot be glossed over. The last thing you want is to not have an easy-to-reach bottle after a long and difficult workout. 

The Pedals

Recumbent trainers have either a linear or circular pedal movement. In almost all machines, recumbents have employed a linear and stepping-like movement because it is more comfortable, particularly for persons with arthritic hips and knees.

The operation of the FreeStep pedal is linear. This is beneficial since it alleviates tension in your joints. 

It’s pretty nice that the LT1 has a linear pedal motion, as a lot of cheaper recumbent trainers use circular pedals. This is because they do not give you as good a workout but they are cheaper to make and install. 

The pedals are roomy enough to fit your sneakers comfortably. The pedals on the LT move forwards and backward in reaction to the movement of your ankles as you press down which gives you a good workout while also being low-impact on your joints. 

The Seat

The Teeter LT1 comes with an adjustable seat. This enables you to change the reclining setting and height independently. This useful feature boosts your chances of finding the most comfortable and best fit. 

Some consumers expressed surprise that the vertical and horizontal settings of this seat could not be altered independently.

There is just one alternate height adjustment available which is a bit odd considering that most if not all of these types of machines give you more options. 

However, you will notice when using the machine that it is not completely vertical, which means that when you alter the seat position, you are also moving the horizontal position somewhat. This makes sense when the pedal angle is considered.

Seat comfort is a bit of a hit-and-miss issue. The seat on this machine is much larger than that on a regular exercise bike, which enhances user comfort.

While the seat is spacious enough to fit the majority of people, it’s not exactly the most comfortable to sit on. It could do with some extra padding, but this can be done by adding a small pillow or something similar to the seat. 

Another issue is that several consumers complained that the backrest moved while they were using the machine. This is not normal and will be addressed by Teeter during the warranty period if it arises.

Height And Weight Capacity

When buying any kind of workout machine, you must check out the minimum and maximum height and weight capacities of these. This ensures that it will be safe for a person of your body type to use the machine. 

This category is also an excellent way to assess the durability of the machine. The more weight it can handle the more sturdy and durable it will be.

If you are stuck between choosing two similar machines, always go for the one that has a higher weight capacity. 

The FreeStep has a 300-pound weight limit. This is adequate to meet the needs of the majority of home users while also providing us with assurances about design and quality.

300 pounds is usual for this kind of home training equipment; anything less should raise danger flags.

When it comes to height restrictions, Teeter states that this recumbent chair is suitable for anyone standing between 4’11” and 6’6′′ tall. This means that the LT1 is suitable for almost anyone. 

Assembly

The FreeStep is a breeze to put together. Each level is depicted by large, simple-to-follow images. As every single part is very easily identifiable, you should have no trouble finding the right part for whatever step you are on. 

The only tool required to build the LT1 is the included Allen wrench/screwdriver combo.

While building this machine will be pretty straightforward, the hardest step will be when it is time to attach the pedals. For this step, it is necessary to turn the machine over so that it is lying on its back. 

While doing this by yourself will not be impossible, the machine will already be quite heavy, and you may not have the necessary strength to safely do this yourself. That is why it is highly recommended that you get someone to help you at this stage. 

Once you get past this hurdle though, it will be smooth sailing the rest of the way. 

Warranty

If you take a glance at the warranty of the LT1, you’d think that Teeter was offering a one-year warranty for the machine. This is only partially the truth though. Reading the small print on their guarantee information reveals that the one-year warranty covers only the frame.

The foundation and every moving part are covered by an even shorter 90-day warranty.

It is often not surprising to see more budget machines with a shorter warranty. A long warranty is often a sign of quality, as the company is so confident that their products won’t break that they are confident in providing decades-long or even lifetime warranties on these items. 

As budget machines are made with cheaper materials than more high-end ones, there is more of a chance that they will break down after an extended period of time. This is why they don’t offer long warranties. 

However, there is no denying that the 90-day warranty on all moving components is absurdly brief, even if the recumbent is priced reasonably.

Pros And Cons

Check out our pros and cons of the LT1 before you leave us today!

Pros

• Very affordable – this is probably one of the cheapest recumbent machines on the market
• Quiet – you won’t disturb anyone at home while you are using this machine
• Low impact – if you want a hard workout without damaging your joints, this is the machine for you
• Magnetic resistance – not only is this quiet but it also gives you several resistance levels to choose from, to up or lower the intensity of your workout
• Portable – thanks to the integrated transport wheels at the bottom, you can easily move this machine into another room

Cons

• Short warranty – with just a year on some parts and 90 days on others, this is a very low warranty compared to other similar machines
• The seat is uncomfy – though the seat is roomy, it is not very padded, which could leave you sore after a while

Summary – Should You Buy It? 

Recumbent trainers are a fantastic way to exercise in comfort while performing a low-impact exercise. They are generally safe to use, even for people who suffer from arthritis or painful joints.

The Teeter LT1 is both little and reasonably priced. It is one of the most affordable recumbent cross trainers on the market. Typically, these machines will set you back a few thousand dollars, but the LT1 costs just a fraction of that. 

Overall, this recumbent provides excellent value for money. The adjustability of the seat and grips provide a respectable level of comfort.

While it is true that this machine will not give the same degree of comfort as a commercial-grade recumbent, appropriate expectations must be set given the low cost. 

Magnetic resistance is a quiet technology that may be adjusted easily with a turn of a dial.

Bear in mind that these machines were designed with rehabilitation in mind, where a high degree of resistance is frequently not required to complete the task.

The only real flaw with this machine is the warranty issue. Although, again, given the price of this device it is not surprising how low the warranty time is. 

The LT1 is best suited for the elderly or those wanting a gentle workout. The low-impact exercise provided by this machine can be highly beneficial.
In other words, the Teeter LT1 is a fantastic buy.