Life Fitness Ellipticals Review 2023: Which Model is Right for You?

When it comes to fitness, few pieces of equipment are as popular as the elliptical. Designed for a full-body workout, ellipticals have become a staple in many gyms and homes across the country. Plus, they aren’t as hard on your joints as treadmills, which makes them great for rehabilitation, or athletes who are trying to avoid injuries. Ellipticals are also an alternative to stair steppers, especially if you’d like to train your upper and lower body simultaneously—something a stepper doesn’t offer.

If you're considering purchasing a piece of cardio equipment for your own home workouts, you'll want to check out this Life Fitness elliptical review. Known for producing commercial-grade home workout equipment, Life Fitness is one of the most popular brands to buy cardio machines from. Their ellipticals offer a variety of features that can help you tailor your workout to your specific goals.

We’ve chosen our favorite Life Fitness ellipticals and broken down the pros, cons, and pricing of each in this handy guide. So whether you're already a fan of the elliptical or just curious about what they can offer, keep reading for our take on the best Life Fitness ellipticals.

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A Quick Look at Life Fitness Elliptical Trainers

Founded in 1977 by Augie Nieto and Ray Wilson, Life Fitness is a global brand with a reputation for manufacturing some of the best workout equipment worldwide. Their cardio machines can be found in fitness clubs across the country, and they pride themselves on producing innovative and high-quality machines that inspire people to get active and improve their health.

Users love the sturdy construction, smooth motion, and user-friendliness of the machines. Their ellipticals are also a fan favorite because they're incredibly quiet and have a variety of customization options, including stride length and pedal adjustments.

The Best Life Fitness Ellipticals - Our Favorite Models

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• Life Fitness Club Series+ Elliptical Cross-Trainer
• Life Fitness E1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer
• Life Fitness E3 Elliptical Cross-Trainer
• Life Fitness E5 Elliptical Cross-Trainer
• Life Fitness SCIFIT REX Recumbent Elliptical

Life Fitness Club Series+ Elliptical Cross-Trainer

Specs

• Footprint: 86"Lx29"Wx64"H
• Resistance: Up to 25 resistance levels
• Stride: 20"
• Pedal style: Oversized 15" FlexForm Pedals
• Handle style: Multi-grip moving handles and stationary handles with remote resistance controls
• Bluetooth capability: Bluetooth enabled with X-console
• Monitor: C-console features a LED screen, X-console features a touchscreen
• Weight: 301 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 400 lbs.
• Built-in programs: C-console features four built-in programs, X-console features up to 30 built-in programs
• Key features: Remote resistance controls, multiple built-in programs, FlexForm pedals
• Warranty: Lifetime frame, 3-year mechanical and electrical components, 1-year labor, 6-months cosmetic items

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First up on our list is the Club Series Cross Trainer, a high-performance elliptical that's found in commercial gyms across the world. It features a multi-grip design with integrated resistance controls on the handles for ease of use, and has up to 25 resistance levels to choose from. Plus, its oversized, non-slip FlexForm pedals made with a crown-shaped design helps reduce numbness in your feet. Additionally, it features rear mobility wheels for easy transport and adjustable levelers so you can work out on almost any surface.

As with the E-series ellipticals, choose between two types of consoles: the C-console or the X-console. The C-console features an LED screen with membrane buttons and four built-in programs. It's ideal for a beginner or someone who wants something simple. The X-Console comes with a 7-inch touchscreen monitor and Bluetooth connectivity with up to 30 built-in programs to choose from, including manual, quick start, hill, random, time goal, distance goal, calories goal, and heart rate goal.

Our favorite feature, though, is the "Workout Replay" and "Trending Workouts", which allow you to replay previous workouts or follow along with new workouts designed by trainers. Finally, both consoles come with an integrated accessory tray to store your tablet, phone, or iPod as you work out.

What We Like

• Max user weight of 400 lbs. means a wider variety of people can use the elliptical
• The X-console comes with 30 different programs to choose from
• A wide range of resistance levels
• Comfortable pedals
• Ability to replay workouts
• Trainer-led workouts automatically added each week

What We Don't Like

• Stride length is only 20" which means taller users may not be able to use it
• No cooling fan
• Expensive

BUY: Life Fitness Club Series+ Elliptical Cross-Trainer

Life Fitness E1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer

Specs

• Footprint: 86"L x29"W x64"H
• Resistance: 25 resistance levels
• Stride: 20"
• Pedal style: Oversized, non-slip pedals
• Handle style: Moving, multi-grip handles and stationary grips
• Bluetooth capability: Bluetooth enabled with Track Connect console
• Monitor: LCD monitor
• Weight: 211 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 400 lbs.
• Built-in programs: 14 programs with Go console, 18 programs with Track Connect console
• Key features: Heart rate monitoring, compatibility with popular apps, tracks a variety of metrics
• Warranty: Lifetime frame, 5-year parts, 3-year console, 1-year labor

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If you need a low-impact and effective way to get in shape, the Life Fitness E1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer is a great option. With their Whisper Stride technology and advanced engineering, you get a quiet and comfortable workout with a natural fluid motion that's easy on the joints. The E1 also comes with 20 levels of resistance that can be easily adjusted with the push of a button, and the oversized non-slip pedals ensure you have a safe and comfortable experience.

It also features heart rate monitoring that allows you to track your progress to ensure that you're always working out at your optimum intensity level. Similar to the Life Fitness Club trainer we just mentioned, with the E1 Elliptical, you have a choice between two consoles: the Go Console or the Track Connect. The Go Console comes with two user profiles, 13 preloaded workouts, and one custom workout per profile, while the Track console comes with four user profiles, 15 preloaded programs, and three custom workouts per profile. The Track Connect is slightly more advanced and allows you to connect with Life Fitness Connect, Kinomap™, Rouvy™, Wahoo™, Zwift™, and other apps. The Track Connect also features an integrated workout tray so you can keep your phone or tablet nearby. Both consoles allow you to track time, speed, and calories burned.

What We Like

• A great warranty on the frame and god warranties on the rest of the machine
• WhisperStride technology for a quiet workout
• Choice between two consoles that each come with their own features
• Access to popular apps through the Track Connect console
• Heart rate monitoring to optimize your workout
• More affordable than other Life Fitness models

What We Don't Like

• The Go console has limited functionality
• No cooling fan

BUY: Life Fitness E1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer

Life Fitness E3 Elliptical Cross-Trainer

Specs

• Footprint: 82"L x 34"W x 61"H
• Resistance: 20 resistance levels
• Stride: 20"
• Pedal style: Cushioned pedals inserts
• Handle style: Multi-grip moving arms and stationary grips
• Bluetooth capability: Bluetooth enabled on Track Connect console
• Monitor: LCD monitor
• Weight: 225 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 400 lbs.
• Built-in programs: 14 programs with Go console, 18 programs with Track Connect console
• Key features: Coach zone for targeted workouts, several built-in programs, heart rate monitoring, and basic tracking capabilities
• Warranty: Lifetime frame, 5-year parts,3-year console, 1-year labor

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Tired of the same old gym routines? Looking for a workout that's both effective and enjoyable? Then the Life Fitness E3 Elliptical Cross-Trainer could be exactly what you're looking for. For extra workout motivation, the "Coach Zone" feature guides you through a variety of workout programs that each target different muscle groups. Plus, this machine offers a smooth, natural motion that's easy on the joints, making it ideal for a wide range of users. Additionally, the cushioned pedal inserts provide increased comfort while pedaling.

Heart-rate monitoring is an essential feature of exercise machines, and the E3 has both contact and telemetry sensors to give you accurate readings. The contact sensors are located on the moving multi-grip handles and stationary grips, while the wireless chest strap is included with the console for telemetry monitoring. This gives you the flexibility to choose which method works best for you.

We also like how this elliptical has 20 resistance levels to choose from, which allows you to gradually increase the intensity of your workout as your fitness level improves. As with the E1, you can choose between the Go Console or Track Connect, which gives you access to a variety of built-in programs and popular training apps as well as all the basic tracking capabilities.

What We Like

• Multiple grip options and contact sensors for heart rate monitoring
• Coach Zone to lead you through targeted workouts
• Multiple built-in programs
• A wide range of resistance levels
• Comfortable pedals

What We Don't Like

• No cooling fan
• Stride length of 20" may limit who can use this elliptical

BUY: Life Fitness E3 Elliptical Cross-Trainer

Life Fitness E5 Elliptical Cross-Trainer

Specs

• Footprint: 84"L x 34"W x 66"H
• Resistance: 20 resistance levels
• Stride: 18-24"
• Pedal style: Cushioned pedal inserts
• Handle style: Multi-grip moving handles and stationary handles with stride and resistance controls
• Bluetooth capability: Bluetooth enabled on Track Connect console
• Monitor: LCD monitor
• Weight: 251 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 400 lbs.
• Built-in programs: 14 programs with Go console, 18 programs with Track Connect console
• Key features: Electronic stride adjustment, Activity Zone with targeted workouts
• Warranty: Lifetime frame, 5-year parts, 3-year console, 1-year labor

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If you need a versatile machine to help you achieve a full-body workout, the E5 Elliptical Cross-Trainer is a superb option. Designed with years of biomechanical research, Life Fitness has built the E5 to provide a smooth and natural motion so you can experience a comfortable and low-impact workout. And with 20 resistance levels to choose from, this elliptical provides a challenging workout for a variety of users.

The E5 features a stride that can be adjusted electronically from 18 to 24 inches, so you can easily choose the best stride length for your height and preference. Additionally, heart rate monitoring is built into the E5, with sensors on both the moving multi-grip handles and the stationary grips. Or, use the included wireless chest strap for telemetry heart rate monitoring.

We think the highlight of the E5 is the "Activity Zone", which lets you target specific muscle groups with LegSculptor and Total Body Trainer workouts. This is useful for anyone who wants some training guidance or wants to pay special attention to a certain muscle group. Finally, choose between the "Go Console" and "Track Connect" console, which offers built-in programs and basic tracking capabilities.

What We Like

• Electronic stride adjustment and remote resistance controls
• Stride adjustment of up to 24" caters to a wider variety of users
• Activity Zone gives you access to specialized programs such as LegSculptor

What We Don't Like

• Bluetooth only available on Track Connect console
• Go console has limited functionality
• Higher price point

BUY: Life Fitness E5 Elliptical Cross-Trainer

Life Fitness SCIFIT REX Recumbent Elliptical

Specs

• Footprint: 73"L x 28"W x 55"H
• Resistance: 191 resistance levels
• Stride: N/A
• Pedal style: Oversized pedals with a safety edge
• Handle style: Dual position handles
• Bluetooth capability: Heart rate monitoring
• Monitor: LCD touchscreen
• Weight: 299 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
• Built-in programs: 10 built-in programs
• Key features: Swivel seat with fore and aft adjustments, 191 resistance levels, bi-directional exercise capability
• Warranty: 3-year parts, 1-year labor

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Love the idea of the elliptical but prefer a recumbent style machine? The Life Fitness SciFit Rex Recumbent Elliptical may be just what you need. It features a comfortable swivel seat with fore-and-aft adjustments, plus oversized pedals with foot straps for a safe and comfortable workout. With its 191 levels of resistance that can be adjusted at increments of 0.1, this machine can accommodate most fitness levels.

We like the large 7-inch LCD display that’s easy to read and tracks a variety of metrics, including time, distance, watts, RPM, and calories burned. Plus, the dual-position handles allow you to change up your workout on the go. Another benefit? You can easily move your elliptical around with the built-in transport wheels.

One of the unique features of this bike is the ability to train in two directions, or planes. This gives you a more comprehensive workout and helps to tone your muscles more effectively. Finally, the elliptical has several built-in programs, including quick start, manual, heart rate, stress test, fit-quick, hills, random, and more. This recumbent cross trainer is ideal if you want a full-body workout but prefer recumbent-style exercise machines.

What We LIke

• Oversized pedals with a safety edge for a comfortable and safe workout
• Swivel seat for easy entry
• Unique design
• Extensive tracking capabilities
• Several built-in programs

What We Don't Like

• Max user weight is not as high as the other models
• No lifetime frame warranty
• Highest price point out of all the Life Fitness models mentioned

BUY: Life Fitness SCIFIT REX Recumbent Elliptical

What to Look for When Shopping for a Life Fitness Elliptical Trainer

Ellipticals are an investment, so before you purchase one, it's crucial to make sure that you know what to look for so you can find an elliptical that's right for you. Here are some factors to consider:

Size and Construction

If you have a small apartment or limited workout area, a smaller elliptical trainer might be your best bet. On the other hand, if you have plenty of space and want a machine that can accommodate intense workouts, a heavy-duty model might be a better choice.

Next, consider the construction. The construction of an elliptical also determines whether the machine can be used for light daily use or intense training. A heavier frame is typically more stable, durable, and can handle intense exercise with multiple users. But, heavier machines might be too difficult for some users to move around.

A lighter frame, on the other hand, will be easier to move, but might not be as sturdy. Ultimately, the best Lift Fitness elliptical for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Stride Length

Longer stride length typically accommodates a wider range of users, both tall and short. In addition, a longer stride length can provide a more challenging workout because it requires more effort to move your legs through a greater range of motion.

However, a shorter stride length may be more comfortable for some users and can be easier to control. The best stride length for you is the one that feels most comfortable and allows you to get the most out of your workout. If multiple people are using the elliptical, it’s best to get a model with a longer stride length, since that accommodates a wider range of users.

Resistance Range

If you're looking for an elliptical that will give you a great workout and last for years to come, pay attention to the resistance range. The resistance makes the elliptical challenging, and the range refers to how many levels of resistance the machine offers.

A wider range is always better because it means you'll have plenty of options for challenging yourself as you get stronger. If you’re new to elliptical training, you'll want to start with a lower resistance level and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts as your fitness level improves.

An elliptical with a wide range of resistance levels will give you the ability to do just that. If the range is too small, you might out-train the machine too quickly and end up disappointed with your purchase. When shopping for an elliptical, be sure to pay attention to the resistance range to ensure that you’re getting a machine that meets your needs.

Built-in Programs

Some ellipticals come with built-in programs, which can make your workouts more effective and enjoyable. Although they're not strictly necessary, built-in programs can help you get the most out of your machine by varying your workouts. This can help you avoid boredom or plateauing, which is essential for staying motivated in the long run.

Value-added Features

If you're like most people, you probably start your workout with the best of intentions. But sometimes it's hard to stay motivated. That's where ellipticals with value-added features can come in handy.

Whether it's an integrated tablet holder that keeps you entertained during your workout or a water bottle holder that helps you stay hydrated, these features ultimately make your elliptical experience more enjoyable. Bluetooth-enabled ellipticals can also give you access to popular training apps, so you can track your progress and see results.

Extra features also ensure that you get the most for your money and investment.

Tracking Capabilities

When you're working out, it's also important to track your progress so you can ensure that you're challenging yourself and working towards your goals. An elliptical that can track metrics such as time, distance, calories burned, watts, heart rate, and RPM is ideal for this.

With all of this data, you'll be able to create better workouts and make sure that you're pushing yourself without overdoing it. Additionally, tracking your progress helps you stay motivated to keep working out and reaching your goals.

Budget

Finally, consider how much you're willing to spend on an elliptical. The prices of ellipticals vary based on the construction and features of the machine. Generally, the more expensive models have more advanced features with a more durable build.

Life Fitness Ellipticals range from $2,700 to $5,000. Although the prices may seem a bit steep, these machines are packed with features and are engineered to provide a great, comfortable workout experience. If your budget is limited, you can opt for one of the less expensive models with a simpler console.