Life Fitness X1 Elliptical Trainer Review

The Life Fitness X1 elliptical trainer is their entry model. However, you are still getting the Life Fitness quality.

Life Fitness, along with Precor, is one of the best elliptical machines available. And like Precor, the ellipticals are commercial quality for the home. What makes LifeFitness ellipticals better than others? The solid construction and the smooth and quiet elliptical motion. When you get on a Life Fitness elliptical you get spoiled. In fact, many people who use them in their health club, find anything less a disappointment.

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Note: As of 3/11/10 the Life Fitness X1 with the Advanced Workout Console was selling for $2,299 with shipping at Amazon.com.

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There are two version of the Life Fitness X1 - Basic and Advanced. The difference is the Advanced provides more workout programs and wireless heart rate control. Is it worth the extra expense? If you like variety in your workouts, than having a various programs that control the level of intensity can be motivating.

Regarding wireless heart rate control, experts claim using your heart rate as the deciding factor for the level of your exertion can optimize your workout. Using your heart rate can get you in shape faster and burn more calories. Of course, you need to check with your doctor as to the acceptable level of exertion.

The X1 weighs a solid 205 lbs. You won't have any swaying or bouncy like you will with other lightweight machines. The user weight is listed at 300 lbs., and although other brands make claims beyond the capacity of their machines, in regards to the X1 I would say they are close to the mark.

The LifeFitness X1 comes with a comfortable 20" stride. This is a what I consider a perfect stride length for an average to above average height individual. If you are under 5'4", you may want to consider a smaller stride.

Note that this is a rear drive elliptical, and many people find this preferable. What is the difference between front and rear drive? The front drive ellipticals tend to force you to lean forward, while the rear tends to better center your body . Also, most front drive machines have pedals that run on rollers. In general, there are more parts that are capable of wearing out.

Our Review - Life Fitness X1

The Life Fitness X1 is not quite up to the standards of their commercial models, but it is still a quality machine. It would be equivalent to buying the entry model BMW 325. You are still getting quality, but in a smaller package.

Consumer Reports rated the X1 Basic as excellent in construction and exercise range.