Life Fitness Treadmills Reviewed

Life Fitness treadmills reside in more health clubs globally than any other brand. As the world’s largest provider of commercial fitness equipment their quality is indisputable. But how does the “Nike” of treadmills fair when it comes to producing treadmills for the home?

As you’d expect a name that carries the same weight as Life Fitness also carries a heavy price tag. Starting from around $2500 and up to $5000 it’s fair to say Life Fitness treadmills (home treadmills that is) fall into the higher price category.

When you buy a Life Fitness treadmill you are paying firstly and fore mostly for quality components and construction (and perhaps to some extent the prestigious name) rather than special features. For example, Life’s latest range features either a standard electronic console or an interactive console…

If you are thinking of spending out for a Life Fitness treadmill the interactive console is a necessity. It features the industry-leading heart zone training programs compared with the very sparse and lack lustre standard console.

The warranties on Life Fitness treadmills are good with five years protection on the motor and three years on all other parts. Still, if you are going to spend several thousand dollars on a piece of fitness equipment you should expect the best. In this price range Landice offer the best warranty with an incredible blanket lifetime of cover on all their treadmills.

Life Fitness Treadmills to Consider

Life Fitness T3i Treadmill
The T3 Series is Life’s lowest priced range consisting of two treadmills. Although both display the solidity you’d expect the basic T3 model is sparing when it comes to the control panel and heart rate monitoring. Although the T3i is more expensive at just under $3000 the slick heart rate zone training facilities are a must. The T3i was Consumer Report’s best buy in 2002.

Motor Size: 2.5 continuous duty
Running Surface: 54in x 20in
Maximum Speed: 10mph
Maximum Incline: 15%
Heart Rate: Yes
Folding: No

Life Fitness T5i Treadmill
This machine placed 5th out of 11 treadmills reviewed by Runners World in December 2002. Scoring well for stability and cushioning the only criticism was the toggling readouts on the display. At $3500 you get a larger motor, larger running surface and side handlebars compared with the T3i.

Motor Size: 2.75 continuous duty
Running Surface: 58in x 20in
Maximum Speed: 12mph
Maximum Incline: 15%
Heart Rate: Yes
Folding: No

Life Fitness T7i Treadmill
With a huge motor, huge running deck and enough workout programs and electronics to keep the most fanatical runner occupied, this is a big step up from the T5 series more than the extra $500 would suggest.

Motor Size: 3.0 continuous duty
Running Surface: 60in x 20in
Maximum Speed: 12mph
Maximum Incline: 15%
Heart Rate: Yes
Folding: No

Life Fitness T9i Treadmill
The closest home version to the Life Fitness tanks you find in clubs. A commercial grade Leeson motor is coupled with a commercial grade tread belt and it displays the same mind boggling electronics. If you have $5000 to spend stick to the T7i and buy a multi gym too!

Motor Size: 3.0 continuous duty
Running Surface: 60in x 20in
Maximum Speed: 12mph
Maximum Incline: 15%
Heart Rate: Yes
Folding: No

Commercially, Life Fitness treadmills lead the industry. When it comes to home treadmills however, they have some stiff competition. It’s well worth considering other prestige brands such as Landice, Precor and Star Trac before you commit to anything.

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