Life Fitness Treadmill Reviews: 6 Best Models Compared

Life Fitness Treadmills Compared

Why Choose the Life Fitness Treadmill Brand?

Space Saving Design

Luxury can come in all sizes, and Life Fitness treadmills are designed to offer maximum user comfort and convenience without sacrificing space. Each model offers sleek, durable frames designed to complement your home gym without overwhelming it, and several Life Fitness foldable models provide excellent storage solutions for compact spaces.

FlexDeck Shock Absorption System

Life Fitness’ signature FlexDeck cushioning system utilizes 8 innovative shock absorbers for maximum comfort, no matter how fast your stride. Compared to traditional running surfaces, the FlexDeck System reduces users’ knee & joint stress by up to 30%, making this an excellent brand for endurance runners or those with joint concerns.

Quiet MagnaDrive™ Motor System

Life Fitness utilizes MagnaDrive Motors for its ultra-quiet, high-performance treadmills. Renowned for their whisper-quiet performance, each MagnaDrive smart-motor detects individual user’s weights and adjusts its horsepower accordingly. Life Fitness also helps you reduce your footprint, as most MagnaDrive motors automatically reduce energy consumption by up to 90% when not in use.

LifePulse Digital Heart Rate Monitoring

Life Fitness’ patented LifePulse Digital Monitoring system offers precise health data on your performance, with most models offering both handlebar and wireless chest strap monitors. As nearly all treadmill models are compatible with Polar Telemetry heart rate monitors, you can trust the innovative wireless microprocessors to keep track of your every heartbeat.

Quick Start Technology

Every model offers a conveniently customizable QuickStart feature, which will recall each user's preferred stride. QuickStart will log whether you prefer to walk, jog, or run, as well as three different incline positions, for easy "get on and go" functionality.

Touchscreen Console

Say goodbye to boring workouts! Every Life Fitness treadmill offers various touchscreen and integrated LCD or HD consoles, with several models allowing you to customize your preferred console. Life Fitness consoles offer everything from preset workout routines, to internet browsing, to in-console games and limitless streaming & fitness apps.

Track Incline

Utilizing a track incline, even while walking, has been shown to reduce joint stress while optimizing your caloric burning. Even a 0.5% incline can assist and, luckily, each Life Fitness treadmill comes with precise track incline controls. Whether you’re adjusting to a 0.5% or challenging yourself with a full 14%, Life Fitness treadmills will help you maximize your strides.

Fitness Apps

Beyond the brand’s intuitive LFConnect application, each wifi-enabled smart console comes with dozens of preprogrammed workouts and streaming applications to choose from. Even Life Fitness' more affordable models offer fitness tracking data compatible with third-party fitness apps such as Apple Health, Google Fit, Samsung S-Health, FitBit, MyFitnessPal, and more.

Integrated Smartphone & Tablet Holder

The Life Fitness integrated smartphone, tablet, and book rack console is perfect for any purpose. The Life Fitness console makes it easy to catch up on emails with your tablet while taking a walk or simply fit some reading time into your workout routine.

Bluetooth & NFC Connectivity

With Life Fitness treadmills, it’s easy to stay connected without chords tying you down. Whether you need to connect your AirPods, wireless headphones, or Apple Watch, Life Fitness treadmills come equipped with Bluetooth and NFC connectivity. With entertainment and workouts kept as quiet as the MagnaDrive™ motor, parents and shared roommates can jog anytime without fear of noise complaints.

Lasting Warranties

Even the most economical Life Fitness models come with warranties meant to last: 7-10 years is the standard for most model's mechanical and electrical parts, including 1-year free labor and expert repairs. And with higher end models offering lifetime warranties on their durable frames and MagnaDrive motors, you can trust that your Life Fitness treadmill will be a well-protected investment.

1. Life Fitness 95T Elevation Series Treadmill

Best Life Fitness Treadmill for Runners

Between the 19” integrated touch screen console, high 14mph capacity, and Apple & Android compatibility, we’ve found plenty to love in the Life Fitness 95T. And with an extra-long track and safety rails, this model is perfect for serious runners.

The 95T Elevation Series features the highest mph among Life Fitness models — 14 mph, compared to industry standards of 10-12 — as well as their most powerful 4.0 continuous horsepower (CHP) MagnaDrive Motor. Ultimately, It’s no surprise that this model ranks highly in our Life Fitness treadmill reviews.

With an extra-long and extra-wide 22” x 60” belt for additional runner stability, sprinters and joggers alike can feel comfortable running at any pace. Paired with extra-long safety handles and a wireless heart rate monitoring system option, the 95T Elevation offers improved stability and safety. And thanks to the FlexDeck cushioning system, runners won’t have to fear joint stress.

This model comes with Life Fitness’ best entertainment and fitness engagement programming, with 42 preprogrammed workouts and limitless internet connectivity included on its 19” touchscreen display. Although the large track rollers allow this model to be moved, it clocks in at 442lbs once assembled. In our Life Fitness 95T treadmill review, we’ve found this model best suits a committed runner with ample home gym space.

2. Platinum Club Series Treadmill

Best Life Fitness Luxury Treadmill

Adapted from Life Fitness’ standard luxury fitness club model, the Platinum Club Series Treadmill is the ultimate luxury home fitness solution. With a 10-year frame warranty, integrated LCD touch screen, and choice of 3 different deluxe consoles, the Life Fitness Club Series is the perfect investment for a home gym.

Alongside a quiet yet powerful commercial 4HP motor, the Platinum Club offers motorized power incline up to 15% and a top speed of 12mph. Each console comes with internet connectivity, Life Fitness Connect app compatibility, 42 distinct training programs, and interactive videos.

Your workout data can be synced via the LFConnect app to the fitness tracking app of your choice, and the console’s internet connectivity and optional integrated TV offers unlimited entertainment and training options.

With on-demand interactive classes and Polar Telemetry heart rate monitoring, the Platinum Club Series treadmill is an excellent model for dedicated cardio exercise and self-tracking. We’ve found the Life Fitness Club Series treadmill is best for serious, high-end runners who value high-end tech compatibility and countless entertainment options.

3. F3 Folding Treadmill

Best Life Fitness Compact Treadmill

Combining the best of luxury engineering with space-saving solutions, the Life Fitness F3 treadmill is perfect for any compact home gym. One of Life Fitness’ only foldable models, the F3 can be vertically folded and rolled elsewhere for easy, out-of-sight mobility.

The F3 also comes in its sister model, the Life Fitness T3 Treadmill, which is nigh-identical save for its lack of folding capacity. Both models offer plenty of Life Fitness’ high-end features at a lower cost, including FlexDeck joint cushioning, a 3.0HP DC motor, and Smart Power Control.

The Life Fitness F3 treadmill comes with two different consoles, Go and Track Connect. The Go console offers a straightforward display with a dual-zone design: the upper section contains a book or tablet rack, while the lower display provides in-workout LED controls.

The Track Connect console features 16 preprogrammed workouts, 12 customizable slots, and 4 user profiles. This is an excellent choice for serious athletes, as it connects to Apple and Android devices for real-time tracking.

We’ve found Life Fitness F3 Folding Treadmill reviews rated highly amongst apartment owners, college students, and space-savers. Whether you choose the Track Connect console for serious training or the Go console for easy access, this model is a winner no matter what.

4. T5 Treadmill

Best Value Life Fitness Treadmill

For fitness enthusiasts willing to invest a little more than the F3 or T3 series, the Life Fitness T5 Treadmill is an excellent mid-range choice for any home gym. Between its customizable consoles, price point, and variety of luxury features, we’ve found the Life Fitness T5 Treadmill to be the best value model.

As with the T3, this treadmill allows you to choose from Go or Track Connect consoles to better suit your needs. Its smart energy-saving motor lessens consumption up to 90% when not in use, automatically adjusts to different users’ weight, and provides three variable belt densities with its FlexDeck Select system.

The variable-density belt is the standard 60” length but provides an extra 22" width for a comfortable running experience. LifeSpring shock absorption technology helps protect against impact damage, the same long-lasting system found in Corvette suspensions. In addition to joint protection, the T5 comes with contact and wireless heart rate monitors.

Paired with a lifetime frame and cushioning warranty, 10 years on the MagnaDrive motor, and an additional 7 years for parts and electrical, the Life Fitness T5 Treadmill is a long-lasting investment that’s well worth the money. For any buyer looking for high-tech, durable builds at a great value, look no further than the T5 Treadmill.

5. Club Series + Treadmill

Best Life Fitness Treadmill for Race Training

They say elephants never forget, but they’ve got nothing on the Life Fitness Club Series + Treadmill. By automatically recalling your last 10 workouts for easy, quick-access training, the Club Series + is ideal for the runner pursuing continuous progress in their stride.

This model combines the best of a sleek frame with user-friendly design elements. The extra-wide 22” belt provides runners plenty of room, as well as ergonomic speed and incline controls conveniently placed on the handlebars.

Although the Club Series + treadmill is non-folding, it’s 2 front wheels allow for stowing and maneuvering when not in use. Its FlexDeck shock absorption system will protect your joints from impact damage, while the LifePulse digital heart rate monitoring system keeps a close eye on your heart rate zone.

The AC motor can be slightly louder than other models, and its non-continuous 4HP makes the model less suitable for heavy endurance running. But with a 10-year warranty on all electrical and mechanical elements, you can count on the Club Series + to last for years to come.

We recommend this model for runners or walkers seeking demonstrable improvement in their stride performance. Whether you’re aiming to lose weight or training for a 10K, the Life Fitness Club Series + Treadmill is ideal for tracking and enhancing your progress.

6. Life Fitness F1 Smart Treadmill

Best Life Fitness Treadmill for Beginners

One of the highest quality folding treadmills on the market, the Life Fitness F1 Smart treadmill is an excellent space-saving choice. With all the convenience of the F1 Folding treadmill and the intuitive tech of a Club Series model, the F1 Smart is the ideal choice for home walkers or joggers.

While most folding treadmills sacrifice luxury features for the sake of simplicity, the F1 Smart comes with FlexDeck shock cushioning, iPod compatibility, and a power incline from 0.5 - 12%. The console contains 8 preprogrammed workout routines but offers unlimited fitness programming, with smart-suggestions offered by the console computer.

This model’s DC motor keeps things quiet, although the 2.5HP can be a little lower for serious runners. The fully sized 55” by 20” belt can also be a tad short for longer strides: taller users and runners may prefer longer tracks.

However, the F1 Smart works perfectly for trainees, power walkers, or beginners. Including a wireless heart rate monitor chest strap and fitness app connectivity, this model is perfect for tracking your initial progress.

And with a wheeled folding design, energy-saving smart motor, and lifetime frame and cushioning warranty, the Life Fitness F1 Smart is sure to see you through every finish line.

Pros & Cons of Life Fitness Treadmills

Life Fitness Treadmill Types Explained

F Series

The most affordable in the Life Fitness treadmill family, the F Series are excellent entry models. Although they lack more advanced consoles, they are the only series to offer foldable models. As such, students and apartment owners may prefer the low cost and space-saving capabilities.

T Series

For a step above the F Series in terms of cost and quality, the Life Fitness T Series treadmills are an excellent mid-range model for more dedicated home gym owners. Although they lack space-saving possibilities, the T Series makes up for it with a greater range of features and higher-quality build.

Club Series

The Life Fitness model most commonly found in boutique gyms and fitness spas, the Club Series is primarily designed for light commercial use. The Club Series may cost more, but offers a host of luxury features and a comfortably cushioned track. It’s an excellent choice for a casual walker or runner in need of space and support.

Elevation Series

The Elevation Series combines the Club Series's commercial elements with cutting-edge entertainment and fitness engagement technology. With a variety of colors and consoles to choose from, this ultra-customizable series is meant for modern runners and joggers who enjoy using what the best touch screens have to offer.

Integrity Series

The Integrity Series offers the pinnacle of Life Fitness' favorite treadmill design features. While it’s less tech-centric than the Elevation, it’s 14mph mph max speed makes this an excellent choice for serious, committed cardio users who don’t need to preserve space.

Console Options for Life Fitness Treadmills

What is the Life Connect App?

The Life Connect app (or LFConnect) is specifically designed to connect with the Discover and Explore Life Fitness consoles. Available for iOS and Android, LFConnect tracks your daily progress, allows for personalized workout programming, and works as an in-workout monitor display.

You can even track non-treadmill activity through the app’s GPS, adding any outdoor runs, walks, or bike rides to your Weekly Work-Out Goal totals.

Comparison to Other Popular Treadmill Brands

Life Fitness vs. Bowflex

Bowflex treadmills are designed for minimal, low-impact use with cheaper materials rather than serious cardio usage with lasting durability. Although most Bowflex models are typically foldable and less expensive, they can lack the interactive touch screen consoles, long-term warranties, and commitment to quality found in every Life Fitness treadmill model.

Life Fitness vs. NordicTrack

NordicTrack treadmills may come in various series, including incline and home desk models, but individual machines can leave something to be desired. NordicTrack owners will have to pay extra for Club Series to gain the cushioning systems, quiet motor, and sturdy build that come standard with all Life Fitness models.

Life Fitness vs. Sole

Sole treadmills are designed with light usage and affordability in mind. Every model has various user-friendly features, such as foldable functions, but Sole's limited workout programs and shorter handrails can fall short of Life Fitness' safety features and entertainment options.

Sole can be an excellent brand for beginners, but more committed home gym owners may wish to look elsewhere.

Life Fitness vs. Weslo

Although designed to be extremely economical, reviewers often find Weslo’s quality to be as low as their prices. With small belts, no warranties, 2.0 HP motors, and manual incline only, Weslo models are built for only light walking and temporary usage. Serious runners should seek more durable builds, such as the Life Fitness 95T Elevation Series.

How to Setup a Life Fitness Treadmill

Always keep your Life Fitness treadmill manual close at hand. Most customers find it best to use a professional assembly service upon purchase: both Amazon and the Life Fitness online store can offer suggested services in your region.

Once assembled, press the Enter/Start button (or equivalent) and follow the manual instructions to set up a user account. Always start slow with a Quick Start workout, and make use of the emergency stop lanyard during your first few workouts.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

What is the history of the Life Fitness brand?

The Life Fitness family of brands began in 1968 in Illinois under the ownership of Augie Nieto and has since been acquired by KPS Capital Partners. Their commitment to quality remains apparent in every Life Fitness treadmill design. Although they’ve become a world-renowned brand, Life Fitness remains an American company based in New York.

What is the best Life Fitness treadmill workout routine for beginners?

With Life Fitness' dozens of preprogrammed workouts and interactive programs to choose from, it’s easy for beginners to be overwhelmed. Luckily, Life Fitness’ Quick Start program makes it easy for joggers to set their own pace before switching to one of 3 Classic Workout routines.

Do Life Fitness treadmills come with a readable manual?

Absolutely. Every Life Fitness treadmill comes with a clear, easy-to-read user manual as well as multi-year warranties.

How do I connect AirPods to a Life Fitness treadmill?

How to connect AirPods to Life Fitness treadmill couldn’t be easier. For AirPod and Bluetooth headphones, simply refer to the guide here.

How can I see the calories burned on these treadmills?

Although your console choice can vary from model to model, every Life Fitness treadmill console comes equipped with a user-friendly miles run and calories burned readout.

How do you change the language on a Life Fitness treadmill?

International users may be curious to know how to change language on Life Fitness treadmill. On your treadmill’s console, enter the Manager’s Configuration setting. Using the up and down arrow keys, scroll through the available languages. Select the language of your choice and press enter to confirm.

How do you take care of Life Fitness treadmill?

Keep your model’s user manual somewhere safe should troubleshooting ever become necessary. For high-impact runners or hardwood floors, consider placing a gym mat underneath. Lubricant and maintenance kits are good to keep on hand, and we recommend consulting this guide on lubricating your Life Fitness treadmill.

Where is the best place to buy Life Fitness treadmills?

We find it's best to check Amazon or Life Fitness' online store for the lowest prices and most comprehensive range of models.

Conclusion

With various price points, consoles, and uses to choose from, there’s a Life Fitness model for every user in mind.

If you’re looking for the highest quality machine with the greatest value, there's no better choice than the Life Fitness T5 Series Treadmill. From its intuitive tech to its multi-year warranty, the T5 Series promises the best of luxury offerings at an affordable price point.