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Wednesday, February 19th
Life Fitness is a brand that's known for producing fitness equipment used in both fitness centers and home gyms. Their line of treadmills is one of the widest ranges in our review with a total of 10 different models to choose from.
Models are very similar
It can be a bit tricky to discern the distinctions among them in terms of cost and features. Many of them seem quite similar in style and price, potentially causing confusion for customers. One of the models was completely out of stock with another only available through "special order”. This left 8 models available for regular purchase, which was better than expected. Typically, finding exercise machines marked as "in stock" at Life Fitness can be a bit challenging.
Equipment Overview:
Basic model: F3 Folding Treadmill
If you're judging by price point, the "basic model” seems a little odd at Life Fitness. The base model at Life Fitness costs $3,399. While there are a few cheaper options due to promotions, this is the lowest-tier treadmill available from this brand. The base model has the Go Console which features a maximum speed of 10 mph and its standout feature: the ability to fold, providing an efficient space-saving solution if you have limited room. The heart rate monitoring system includes contact hand sensors and wireless telemetry for accurate tracking during workouts. The Quick Start function memorizes preferred walk, jog, and run speeds, along with three different incline positions. The treadmill can track two user profiles, each with 13 preloaded workouts, and you can create one custom workout per profile. Backed by a 3-year warranty and offering incline capabilities ranging from 0% to 12%, this model is highly user-friendly. However, the cost is a little questionable. With many companies offering fully built-out treadmills with high-end tech and some with touchscreens for this price, $3,000+ seems a little steep for a base model.
Top-tier model: Elevation Series Treadmill
If you thought the base model was a little pricey, wait until you see the tag on their top-tier model. The Elevation Series Treadmill is Life Fitness' top-of-the-line treadmill starting at $15,299. However, this is a sale price for an outlet promotion. The regular price for the Elevation Series is $16,999. So what does Life Fitness offer for this steep price?
The treadmill also offers internet browsing via Wi-Fi directly from the built-in touchscreen. With up to 25 preloaded workouts, and support for various apps, including YouTube, Flipboard, Chess, Solitaire, Sudoku, Pandora, BBC, and ESPN, you'll never be bored during a workout. The speed ranges from 0.5 to 14 mph, and the Elevation Series offers an incline range from 0% to 15%.
Life Fitness dropped free shipping
Life Fitness provides free shipping for certain items like towels or dumbbells, but unfortunately, this offer doesn't include their large exercise machines. This means you'll have to cover the shipping costs for any treadmill you buy from Life Fitness. We noticed during our research that Life Fitness had previously provided free shipping but has recently discontinued this service, making it less competitive than other brands in the market that offer no-cost delivery. Considering the price of the machines themselves, it seems unnecessary to charge for shipping too.
Limited 15-day returns
Returns aren't top-tier at Life Fitness either, which is particularly disappointing given the high price point. You can only make returns within a 15-day window. However, these returns are applicable only for treadmills that are either defective or damaged during transit. If your concern involves not being satisfied with the treadmill, you won't be able to return your machine. Once you've received your treadmill from Life Fitness, the option for a changed-your-mind refund is no longer available.
Customer service doesn't match premium price
Life Fitness generally maintains a fairly positive reputation. The brand currently holds a "B" rating from the Better Business Bureau, and most of the brand's treadmills receive a customer rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars on the Life Fitness website (though three of them are entirely unrated). However, Life Fitness doesn't fare as well on third-party review sites. Trustpilot rates the brand only 2.4 out of 5 stars. Recent reviews highlight issues like malfunctioning machines, monitors failing within a few weeks, and sluggish responses from customer service. Given the comparatively high cost of Life Fitness treadmills compared to other brands, one would expect superior quality and service, and according to the reviews, customers aren't getting it.
Mid-tier service for high-budget customers
The treadmills at Life Fitness offer a wide variety of options, but they may only be suitable for those who have a larger-than-average budget. With the base model starting at $3,399, you're definitely not going to find any budget-friendly treadmills from Life Fitness. Considering that despite this price the return and shipping policies aren't customer friendly, the company fell in our rankings. If you're looking for the best value, this may not be the best pick for you. However, the warranties are competitive despite complaints about the customer service, so it earns a middle-ground rating. If high-tech and high-end are your jam, Life Fitness might be worth a look.
With a rising interest in health and fitness, treadmills have become very popular in recent years. A treadmill is a traditional but reliable piece of equipment, offering a way to bring the jogging track (or your favorite uphill hikes) into your personal home gym. Putting in even a half-hour on a treadmill can promote heart health and aid in weight management.
Treadmills allow you to control the intensity of your workout, adjusting speed and incline according to your fitness level. The convenience of having a treadmill at home eliminates weather constraints or time limitations, making it easier to maintain a consistent exercise routine right in the comfort of your home. And buying a treadmill online has become easier than ever before.
Instead of driving to different exercise equipment stores, and listening to various sales pitches, you can shop right from the comfort of you own home. You can explore a wide variety of brands, models, and pricepoints. And many companies even offer free shipping, right to your door.
Treadmills are a popular choice for many due to their advantages. Treadmills offer a predictable and cushioned surface, reducing the impact on joints. So, for joggers looking for an option that's lower-impact than running outside or on a track, treadmills can create a perfect solution. The machines offer a range of fitness levels, from walking for beginners to high-intensity sprints for advanced workouts. Whether you're getting started on your home gym journey or you're a seasoned athlete, a treadmill is a great addition to your workout routine.
As you explore various treadmill brands, you'll discover a wide array of options on the market. Modern treadmills come equipped with features like built-in screens for virtual classes, fitness app connectivity, and even virtual jogging tracks like mountainscapes that make it feel more realistic for runners who prefer the challenges of outdoor exercise. Even if you've been to the gym in the last few years, you may be impressed with some of the major technological improvements in today's treadmills.
Today, treadmills are more than just a simple cardio tool. They can serve as your personal fitness cheerleader, providing stats to track your progress and celebrate fitness milestones. Whether you pick one with a touchscreen or just the usual LCD stat trackers, you can rest assured that you'll get a full rundown of your fitness and performance whenever you need it.
Choosing the right treadmill can be daunting with the number of treadmill brands available. Some of the models and brands look so similar you might be asking: "What's the difference?” Don't worry. To help you navigate the choices and find the perfect fit, we've sifted through the best options and put together a checklist to help you narrow your search.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
Are you ready to get a running start on your fitness? Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best treadmill brands available online today to help you feel confident in your newest addition to your home gym. We hope this helps you get a head start on your fitness journey and start enjoying your cardio. Ready? Set? Sprint!
Select any 2 Treadmills to compare them head to head