Even the most enthusiastic of runners—or cardio fiends—can find it hard to get to the gym at times. That’s why owning a piece of at-home cardio equipment can be immensely useful in helping you reach your fitness goals. And the popular Life Fitness brand now offers a treadmill that’s available for your home gym. Widely known for their commercial gym equipment, Life Fitness produces high-quality, industry-leading strength and cardio machines. But the Life Fitness Run CX treadmill in particular is specifically designed for home use rather than in a fitness club or gym.
This premium treadmill comes with a large running deck (similar to ones you may find in your gym), large interactive touchscreen, and on-demand workout classes via the Life Fitness app. While it’s a bit pricier than other, more budget-friendly treadmills on the market, its durability, commercial-grade quality, and wide array of features make it a solid investment.
If you're in the market for a new home treadmill, you might feel a little overwhelmed when it comes to specs like footprint, motor, programs, and speed. That's why the ACTIVE Reviews Team is here to break it all down for you. Below, we explore the pros, cons, pricing, and more for the Life Fitness Run CX treadmill.
Why Trust Us?
The ACTIVE Reviews Team is made up of fitness experts that include athletes, coaches, and certified trainers who bring their years of knowledge and experience to each review. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
A Quick Look at the Life Fitness Run CX Treadmill
Life Fitness is well known in the fitness industry as a popular choice for durable cardio and strength-training machines. They've been designing exercise equipment for over 50 years, so it's safe to say they have experience in the industry. Until recently, their products were almost exclusively found in gyms and health clubs, but they’ve started to branch out to the home consumer. The Life Fitness Run CX offers all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a commercial treadmill, but at a lower price point.
Priced at $3,000, it's more pricey than some other home treadmill options, but its heavy-duty construction, generous running deck, 3.0 HP motor, and numerous on-demand programs set it apart from less expensive models. If you’re looking for a quality brand and a machine that can last through miles of running, the Life Fitness Run CX treadmill might be just what you’re looking for.
The Life Fitness Run CX Treadmill
SPECS
- Footprint: 79.5"L x 32"W x 61"H
- Running area: 60"L x 22"W
- Motor: 3.0 HP (6.0 HP peak) DC motor with MagnaDrive motor controller
- Incline: 0-15%
- Speed: .5-12 MPH
- Bluetooth capability: Yes
- Monitor:Dual zone console with Track Connect console and touch keys
- Weight: 341 lbs.
- Max weight capacity: 400 lbs.
- Standard programs: 15
- Custom programs: 12
- Key features: FlexDeck Shock Absorption System, large media holder, comes with heart rate strap, on-demand classes, includes pre-downloaded workout programs
- Warranty: Lifetime on frame, shock absorbers; 10-year on drive motor; 7-year on parts; 3-year on console; 1-year on labor (outside U.S. may vary)
Footprint
Because the Life Fitness Run CX treadmill is designed to function like one you may find in a commercial gym, it's not the most compact piece of equipment. It's also heavy, weighing in at over 300 pounds, so be sure to recruit an extra set of hands or two when setting up. This treadmill doesn’t fold, and its size requires its own dedicated space in your home gym. The benefits of its larger size, though, is a more durable structure that's sturdy and built to last.
Running Area
Measuring 60-inches long and 22-inches wide, the running area of the Life Fitness Run CX treadmill is generous and larger than other at-home treadmills on the market. A larger running area is important because as speed increases, so does stride length. The more surface you have to run, the less prone you are to injury. Long distance runners in particular or those training for a race also benefit from a larger running deck.
Motor
The 3.0 horsepower DC motor is strong enough for walkers, joggers, and runners. Some premium treadmills have 4.0 horsepower motors, allowing them to reach speeds more quickly, but for most runners, this motor should be sufficient.
Incline
The incline options range from 0-15% and the treadmill increases at an incline rate of 0.5%. It doesn't come equipped with downhill or decline options, but you can still enjoy a variety of incline levels with the range it does come with.
Speed
The Run CX offers a variety of paces from a gentle 0.5 MPH walk all the way up to an all-out at sprint (12 MPH). So whether you’re looking to push yourself or simply maintain a steady running pace, this treadmill should have you covered.
Bluetooth Capability
The Run CX is Bluetooth compatible and can sync to the Life Fitness app for on-demand classes, as well as speed/time/distance tracking. Users can also connect to several other apps such as Apple Health, Strava, and Zwift.
Monitor
The console is divided into two separate areas: The upper zone has a tablet holder for viewing your favorite media and the lower zone contains the data screen. Life Fitness's "Track Connect" screen is also a touchscreen, making it easy to control. Adjust the incline and speed with the click of a finger, plus view core stats like time, heart rate, and calories burned.
Weight
At 341 pounds, the Run CX is heavy and durable. Once you find its designated spot, you’ll want to keep it there for a while. While the treadmill doesn't fold, it does have two front wheels if you need to move it.
Max Weight Capacity
The weight capacity for the Run CX is 400 pounds, meaning it can handle users of all body types. In general, the higher the weight capacity, the more durable the machine, making the Run CX treadmill one of the best in its field when it comes to sturdiness.
Standard Programs
There are 15 standard programs preloaded onto this treadmill. For someone who’s looking to hop on a machine and get going, this is ideal. You don't have to spend time crafting your own workout and can simply follow along with one of the many programs provided.
Custom Programs
Looking to customize your workout regimen? The Run CX comes with 12 custom programs, allowing you to create a variety of workouts. Maybe one day you're focused on HIIT interval training, while another day calls for more of a steady state run. With this treadmill’s ability to personalize workout programs, you can have all of those workout options and more saved to your machine.
Warranty
The Run CX machine includes a lifetime warranty on the frame and shock absorbers, a 10-year warranty on the motor, a seven-year warranty on parts, a three-year warranty on the console, and a one-year warranty on labor. These warranties adhere or either exceed the industry standard, although a lifetime warranty on the motor would be ideal.
PROS
- Durable, heavy-duty frame
- Offers commercial-grade quality
- Large running deck
- Bluetooth compatible
- Comes with a large media holder for your devices
- Flex deck shock absorption system eases pounding on joints
- 15 preloaded standard workouts and 12 custom workout options
- Ability to connect to the Life Fitness app to track workouts or view on-demand classes; users can also connect to 3rd party apps like Zwift, Apple Health, Strava, and FitBit
CONS
- Machine is heavy and doesn't fold up to save space
- The motor only comes with a 10-year warranty
- Higher price point, might not work for people on a budget
Final Thoughts on the Life Fitness Run CX
Many people wonder if they truly need a treadmill (especially since running outside is free!), and while we can't answer that question for you, we can tell you that the Life Fitness Run CX treadmill gives you a commercial gym experience from the comfort of your own home.
The Life Fitness Run CX treadmill is an extremely durable machine from a respected brand. With its large running surface area, FlexDeck shock absorption system, included tablet holder, and bevy of preloaded workouts, this machine delivers an above-average running experience. If you're looking to invest in a high-quality piece of home fitness equipment, we think the Run CX treadmill is one of the best on the market.
Life Fitness Run CX FAQs
Does Life Fitness make good treadmills?
The Life Fitness brand is well-respected in the gym and health club industry, and is a leader in commercial treadmills, exercise bikes, and strength-training equipment. The brand's home treadmills are pricier than some other options, but they make up for the cost in terms of quality. These are just a few features you can expect from a Life Fitness treadmill: durability, robust shock absorption system that protects joints, variety of workout programs, and free access to the Life Fitness app.
How does the Run CX compare with other Life Fitness treadmills?
The Run CX is the least expensive option when it comes to Life Fitness’s residential treadmill models. In terms of max speed, all the brand’s machines cap out at 12 mph, and the Run CX's 60 inch by 22 inch running belt is one of the largest. If you're looking for a folding treadmill, the comparably priced T3 treadmill fits the bill, although its other specs are a bit less impressive.
For a truly deluxe experience, runners might opt for the brand’s Platinum Club Series treadmill. However, it’s priced at $10,999, so the machine's 4.0 horsepower motor and premium SE3 HD touchscreen doesn’t come cheap.
How long does a Life Fitness treadmill last?
Most manufacturers state that a treadmill should last around 10 years, or around 10,000 miles depending on how much it is used and how well the machine is maintained. To extend the life of your treadmill, keep it in a clean, dry place and be sure to follow any recommended maintenance schedules.
The Life Fitness Run CX machine comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and shock absorbers and a limited warranty on everything else. If you're a long distance runner, plan on sharing the machine with other users, or are training for a race, this treadmill is a great choice that can last beyond many miles.