LifeCore LC5000 Elliptical Trainer Review

The LifeCore LC5000 is the top of their line-up of elliptical trainers.  They offer it for both residential and light commercial use, which suggests this is a durable machine.  For those that are unfamiliar with LifeCore, they are best known for the LC985SV compact elliptical. It received a "Best Buy" award from a popular consumer magazine.  It was described as a small machine with a big feel.

Well the LifeCore LC5000 is their big machine with a bigger feel.  The focus is not on extraneous features that you will probably never use.  This elliptical trainer is all about quality engineering and design.   And the extensive residential warranty reflects that aspect.

Features on the LifeCore LC5000 Elliptical Trainer

Solid Construction - The LC5000 is welded throughout, and not bolted.  This adds to the solid feel, since bolts can loosen over time.  If you have ever been in a large sporting goods store that sells ellipticals, you will find many of the demo machines literally falling apart because the loosening of the bolted joints.

Sealed Bearings on all Pivotal Joints - No bushing are used in the pivotal points, which often can wear and also loosen.

Self Generating - You don't need to plug in the machine, just start the motion and the console lights up.  

Dual Wheel Rails - Being a front drive elliptical, the pedals run on wheels.  For stability the LifeCore LC5000 uses two wheels per rail that run along a grooved channel.  This prevents left to right movement. The rails are aluminum, which means no rusting or pitting.  The area is enclosed to minimize dust and dirt collecting.

Cushion Foot Pedals - This helps to reduce impact and stress to your feet. 

Large LED Display - LED is the premium type of display on any exercise equipment.  The large LED display on the LC5000 gives you all the feedback you need to monitor your progress.  It also tilts for optimum viewing.

Warranty - What really makes a statement on the quality of the LC5000 is the 7 year parts warranty.  Few elliptical trainer companies offer such a generous warranty.

Our Review - LifeCore LC5000

With ellipticals it all comes down to the feel and the LifeCore LC5000 just feels good.  Besides being solid and stable, the all bearing joints, welded construction and the dual wheel rails give it a very smooth and comfortable elliptical motion. 

I checked out the LC5000 at a local fitness equipment store.  In talking to the general manager, he mentioned how excited the commercial department was in having a commercial grade elliptical that they could offer for around $2,500.  A commercial grade elliptical can easily cost over $4,000.

I asked him about the 400 lbs. weight limit, and if that was realistic.  His response was there are other brands and models where they make similar claims that are often overestimates. In the case of the LC5000 he could feel comfortable selling this machine to an extremely overweight individual.  That shows his confidence in the quality of the construction and the overall durability.   

Also checkout the Lifecore LC3000 elliptical review.