If you’ve ever been to a YMCA or even a Planet Fitness, you may have seen a Life Fitness treadmill and didn’t even know it. In fact, Life Fitness is the second-largest treadmill manufacturing company based on revenue, only outdone by Icon Health & Fitness. Their cardio machines (and strength equipment, for that matter) are commercial-grade and can be found across the globe.
In an effort to help you see what all of the hype is about, I’ve compiled a few Life Fitness treadmill reviews. I’ll go through the five available treadmill models––being sure to talk about the price, warranty, and specs of each. We’ve also tested a few Life Fitness models ourselves, so we have the full, inside scoop on how they really run (hehe).
Bring Me to Life (Fitness Treadmills)
I doubt Evanescence was talking about Life Fitness treadmills when they sang the smash hit “Bring Me to Life,” but a girl can dream. Luckily, I am talking about Life Fitness treadmills. In fact, I’ve carefully evaluated the six machines the brand currently makes in an effort to give you my honest opinion. This opinion is based on industry standards and expertise within the fitness space––after all, I do have a CrossFit L-1 certification and am a former NCAA D1 soccer player who knows a thing or two about treadmills.
And I’m not the only one. At Garage Gym Reviews, our expert product testers and reviewers are certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and competitive weightlifters. This is both our job and our passion all rolled into one, and we can’t wait to share our knowledge with you.
5 Life Fitness Treadmills Available Now
- Life Fitness T5 Treadmill
- Life Fitness Run CX
- Life Fitness F3 Folding Treadmill
- Life Fitness T3 Treadmill
- Life Fitness Club Series+ Treadmill
| Life Fitness T5 Treadmill | Life Fitness Run CX | Life Fitness F3 Folding Treadmill | Life Fitness T3 Treadmill | Life Fitness Club Series+ Treadmill | |
| Price | Around $5,000 | Around $3,000 | Around $3,200 | Around $3,200 | Around $7,500 |
| Footprint | 79.5” L x 32” W x 61” H | 79.5” L x 32” W x 61” H | 78.5” L x 34.5” W x 58.5” H | 79.5” L x 34.5” W x 57.5” H | 82″ L x 36″ W x 56″ H |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame and shock absorbers, 10-year motor, 7-year parts, 3-year console, 1-year labor | Lifetime frame and shock absorbers, 10-year motor, 7-year parts, 3-year console, 1-year labor | Lifetime frame and shock absorbers, 10-year motor, 5-year parts, 3-year console, 1-year labor | Lifetime frame and shock absorbers, 10-year motor, 5-year parts, 3-year console, 1-year labor | Lifetime frame and motor, 10-year parts, 1-year labor, 6 months on cosmetic items |
| Weight | 341 lbs | 341 lbs | 264 lbs | 243 lbs | N/A |
| Deck size | 22” W x 60” L | 22” W x 60″ L | 20″ W x 55″ L | 20″ W x 60″ L | 22” W x 60” L |
| Horsepower motor | 3.0 CHP | 3.0 CHP | 3.0 CHP | 3.0 CHP | 4.0 CHP |
| Foldable | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Top speed | 12 MPH | 12 MPH | 10 MPH | 12 MPH | 12 MPH |
| Incline | 0-15% | 0-15% | 0-12% | 0 – 15% | 0-15% |
| Weight capacity | 400 lbs | 400 lbs | 350 lbs | 350 lbs | 400 lbs |
Life Fitness T5 Treadmill
Good for: People with a large, dedicated home gym
Life Fitness T5 Treadmill
Life Fitness T5 Treadmill
Product Highlights
This machine hits industry standards from top to bottom. Whether you’re wanting a lifetime warranty, powerful motor, or a lengthy deck, the Life Fitness T5 treadmill has you covered.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Financing options are available
- Lifetime warranty on frame and shock absorbers
- Large running deck
- Comfortable belt
- Two different console options
- 3.0 CHP motor
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Doesn't fold
Bottom Line
If you can afford the hefty price tag, you'll likely appreciate the durability and stability that the Life Fitness T5 has to offer.
Pros:
- Large deck
- Lifetime frame and shock-absorber warranty
- 400-lb user weight capacity
- 3.0 CHP motor
- 13 preset workout programs
- 15 levels of incline
- Financing options are available
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy at 341 lbs
- Doesn’t fold
If you’re concerned about finding a quality treadmill that will suit your height and weight, the Life Fitness T5 treadmill would like a word. This supersized cardio machine can support users up to 400 pounds, which is 100 pounds above the industry standard. Plus, you can feel confident that the T5 will be able to support all of your running and walking needs––the 22-inch-by-60-inch deck is both lengthy and wide.
The 3.0 CHP motor will also be able to keep up with sustained and frequent running, which is good news for workout fanatics. Onboard the T5, you’ll also find 15 incline levels, a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour, and 13 preset programs. I’m a big fan of preset programs, as not everyone wants to pay a monthly subscription fee for guidance on the treadmill. With the T5, simply choose your desired workout, press start, and get going right away.
Unsurprisingly, all of these wonderful features come with an expensive price tag––the T5 starts at almost $5,000 and goes up in cost depending on which display you select. Luckily, Life Fitness does offer financing options to make the cost more palatable. If you qualify, you could pay as little as $138 per month with affirm.
It is also worth noting that this machine isn’t lightweight. At a whopping 341 pounds, the T5 will require multiple sets of hands to move between floors or homes. Plus, the T5 doesn’t fold, which may not work for individuals in smaller spaces.
Life Fitness Run CX Treadmill
Good for: Heavier folks who want a comfortable treadmill
Life Fitness Run CX Treadmill
Life Fitness Run CX Treadmill
Product Highlights
The Life Fitness Run CX treadmill is a great cardio machine for heavy people. The Run CX has a user weight capacity of 400 pounds, which is rather difficult to find in most machines. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of a commercial treadmill (think lifetime frame warranty) without having to slog your way to a commercial gym. Win-win!
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent warranty
- 400-lb user weight capacity
- 3.0 CHP motor
- Large running surface
- Great financing options available
- User-friendly display
- 15% max incline
- 12 MPH max speed
Cons
- Heavy machine
- Doesn't fold
- Can only be purchased online
Bottom Line
The Life Fitness Run CX treadmill is a great treadmill for heavy people or those who want a lifetime frame warranty.
Pros:
- Has transport wheels
- Lifetime frame warranty
- 3.0 CHP motor
- 400-lb user weight capacity
- Shock-absorbing deck
- Comes with a heart-rate strap
Cons:
- 341-lb machine
- Doesn’t fold
- No touchscreen
The Life Fitness Run CX may be the least expensive option currently offered by the brand, but it certainly doesn’t feel like it. This sturdy home treadmill can support users up to 400 pounds and has a variety of features you’d find on other commercial models.
You’ll find a 3.0 CHP motor, which can support all types of cardio with ease. Plus, you’ll note speed options up to 12 MPH and a maximum 15-percent incline. Whether you’re into completing the popular 12-3-30 or your own interval workout, the Run CX will be ready to assist.
Similarly to the Life Fitness T5, the Run CX doesn’t fold and it is quite heavy at 341 pounds. Although this means the Run CX will require assistance when moving it up or down a flight of stairs, the weightiness does speak to the durability. Reviewers mention how comfortable the deck is and how unmoving the machine is as a whole. Consider me a believer.
If you’re looking for a high-end treadmill with a TV screen, you won’t find it on the Run CX. While some of the Life Fitness machines have the option to upgrade the console to one with an HD screen, the Run CX does not. However, it does feature a user-friendly display with easy-to-read metrics.
Life Fitness F3 Folding Treadmill
Good for: Someone who wants the durability of a commercial treadmill with an added feature of foldability
Life Fitness F3 Folding Treadmill
Life Fitness F3 Folding Treadmill
Product Highlights
The Life Fitness F3 shines where many commercial treadmills don’t: it folds! This means the F3 is a viable options for those in small spaces or for people who need to be able to store their cardio machine. Plus, you’ll find a 350-pound user weight capacity, which is above the industry standard by 50 pounds.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Foldable
- Good financing options
- Three console options
- Limited lifetime warranty on frame
- 3.0 CHP motor
- 350-lb user weight capacity
Cons
- 10 MPH max speed is average
- Running surface is slightly short
- Heavy machine
Bottom Line
The Life Fitness F3 has the best of both worlds: commercial-grade durability coupled with foldability for easy storage.
Pros:
- Foldable
- 350-lb user capacity
- Lifetime warranty on frame and shock absorbers
- 3.0 CHP motor
- Comfortable cushioning
Cons:
- Deck could be slightly longer
- Heavy machine
- Max speed of 10 MPH is average
Who says you can’t have the best of both worlds? Not the Life Fitness F3 Folding Treadmill, which offers everything you could ask for in a commercial treadmill (and more) while still giving you the convenience of being able to fold it away when it’s not in use. We love versatility around here.
Starting off with the basics, you get a durable 3.0 CHP motor, a cushioned deck to reduce noise and impact to your knees, a 350-pound weight capacity, and a lifetime frame warranty. The 55-inch running surface length is five inches short of the 60-inch industry standard, but that won’t make too much of a difference unless you’ve got a particularly long stride.
If you’re an avid runner who likes to test their agility, then this might not be the best choice for you as the speed maxes out at 10 miles per hour.
But if you’re someone who’s looking for a treadmill that’s loaded with pre-programmed workouts, then boy do we have some good news for you. The Life Fitness F3 Folding Treadmill comes with three console options: Go Console, Track Connect, and Track Connect 2.0.
The Go Console is the simplest of the three but still comes with two user profiles and 13 pre-programmed workouts.The Track Connect 2.0 gives you four user profiles, 15 pre-programmed workouts, Bluetooth compatibility, and an integrated smartphone/tablet holder. If you want the basic Track Connect, you’ll still be able to view a variety of metrics, enjoy Bluetooth connectivity, and take advantage of a few different user profiles.
Life Fitness T3 Treadmill
Good for: People who want a reliable treadmill with a variety of features
Life Fitness T3 Treadmill
Life Fitness T3 Treadmill
Product Highlights
If you want a commercial-grade treadmill you’ll have for years to come, consider choosing the Life Fitness T3 treadmill. This machine is sturdy, durable, and has the stats to support a variety of people. It is an inclusive treadmill, thanks in part to the 350-pound user weight capacity and the large deck.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Large deck
- 3.0 CHP motor
- Good financing options
- 15% incline maximum
- 350-lb user weight capacity
Cons
- Heavy at 243 lbs
- Expensive
- Doesn't fold
Bottom Line
The Life Fitness T3 treadmill isn't cheap, but if you can afford it, you'll be impressed with the overall durability.
Pros:
- Large running belt
- Comfortable deck
- 3.0 CHP motor
- 350-lb user weight capacity
- 12 MPH max speed
- Dual cup holders
- 15 incline levels
Cons:
- Doesn’t fold
- Reviews state that customer service is lacking
The Life Fitness T3 treadmill is a sleek-looking cardio machine that could be a good option for your home gym. Everything about this treadmill hits the expected industry standards, which is no easy feat. The machine maxes out at 12 miles per hour, while the incline goes up to a level 15. You can easily practice for your next hill run in the comfort of your home (thanks, A/C) and enjoy the well-cushioned deck in the process.
Oh yeah, did we mention the deck? This 60-inch-by-20-inch belt is ideal for runners of all heights. You won’t be worried about falling off the machine due to a short deck. Plus, with a 350-pound user weight capacity, this machine can hold an additional 50 pounds more than what we’d traditionally expect.
There isn’t much to dislike about the Life Fitness T3. If we’re being nitpicky, it would be nice if the machine folded, but it isn’t a necessity. It is just worth nothing that you’ll need a spot to leave the treadmill out 24/7.
I also noticed a few reviewers mentioned customer service was slow to respond to complaints. This shouldn’t necessarily deter you from purchasing the T3, but you should know you may have to wait a bit for any assistance.
Life Fitness Club Series+ Treadmill
Good for: Those who want a treadmill with a variety of preset program options
Life Fitness Club Series+ Treadmill
Life Fitness Club Series Treadmill
Product Highlights
- Commercial-grade, high-quality treadmill with patented FlexDeck shock absorption to reduce impact to joints
- Impressive maximum user weight of 500 pounds
- Features an intuitive control board
- Allows for up to 6 saved personalized workouts
- Powerful 4.0 HP AC motor supports
- Speeds from 0.5 to 12 mph and incline ranges from 0% to 30%
- Wirelessly connect with any Polar Heart Rate strap (one is included with purchase)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Built like a tank
- Intuitive controls
- Solid range of incline
- Powerful motor
- Cushioned running surface
- Receive a Polar Heart Rate strap with purchase
Cons
- Heavy
- Large footprint
- No decline option
- Expensive
- Lacks specs seen on similarly priced treadmills
- Basic monitor
Bottom Line
This commercial-grade treadmill is heavy and expensive but built like a tank with a powerful motor. If you are not interested in immersive training or pre-programmed workouts, this may be a choice for you.
Pros:
- 4.0 CHP motor
- 400-lb user weight capacity
- Different consoles are available
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 22 preset workouts
- Lifetime frame and motor warranty
- Large deck
Cons:
- High price tag
- Non-folding
- High step-up height
We’ll be honest with you: There’s no reason to get the Life Fitness Club Series+ Treadmill unless you own a training studio or you truly want a commercial-grade treadmill for home use. For those who fall into either of those categories, allow us to explain why your investment will be rewarded.
The 4.0 CHP motor is powerful and will support even the fastest runners. I’m also impressed by the eight shock absorbers and the lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. The running deck meets the industry standard of 22 inches in width and 60 inches in length, though the eight-inch step-up height is steeper than most treadmills.
It’s also a very sleek-looking treadmill thanks to the brushed stainless steel detailing along with corrosion-, stain-, and chemical-resistant coating throughout the black onyx frame.
When it comes to the console, you can go for the basic SL console that just displays your running metrics or the SE3 HD touchscreen console that you can watch Netflix and on-demand workout classes on. Every console option comes with Bluetooth connectivity and easily pairs with your Apple Watch.
One of the reasons we only recommend this for training studio owners is that it’s expensive, starting at $7,500 and going up to $10,000 (that’s a lot of cheese!). But again, it’s an investment and one we think could be a worthwhile one if you plan on using it a lot for yourself or your clients.
Notable Discontinued/Sold Out Life Fitness Treadmills
Life Fitness CLST Integrity Series Treadmill: Although this machine is no longer sold on the Life Fitness website, you can still find it used on other websites. Fair warning: This machine is especially heavy, with one website listing the weight at 494 pounds.
Life Fitness Platinum Club Series Treadmill: The Club Series treadmill is still on the Life Fitness website, but it is out of stock without any noted date of return. This cardio machine is almost $11,000, so you may be better off purchasing it secondhand anyway to save some cash.
Life Fitness Treadmills FAQs
Are Life Fitness treadmills good?
Yes, Life Fitness treadmills are good. They generally have solid warranties, great deck lengths, and powerful motors. They are a brand known for their durability, so provided you can afford one, it is a good buy.
Is Life Fitness a good brand?
Yes! Life Fitness is a great strength and cardio brand geared towards those who want commercial fitness equipment. You’ll find a variety of their products in gyms across the country because they are known for their durability. The brand makes treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, and rowers.
How long will a Life Fitness treadmill last?
This will likely be based on the warranty. If the Life Fitness treadmill you chose has a lifetime frame and motor warranty, you can feel good about the longevity of your machine. When something breaks down, you’ll be able to contact customer service for applicable replacement parts.
What are some of the best treadmill brands?
Besides Life Fitness, Sole Fitness and NordicTrack are two other good treadmill brands for home use. However, if you’re looking for a high-quality option for a commercial gym/health club, you may want to consider spending the money for a Life Fitness, Cybex, or Precor machine.
