LiveStrong Fitness LS8.0E Elliptical Trainer Review

When I was out at the company headquarters and I tried the LiveStrong Fitness LS8.0E elliptical trainer, what impressed me the most was the comfortable elliptical stride at a reasonable price. So often elliptical trainers at this price range tend to have a more oval stride that is very bouncy. The stride on the LS8.0E is more elliptical, meaning it is longer and feels more natural. The stride length is 20", while most sub $1,000 elliptical trainers are 18" or less.

The comfortable design of the elliptical stride is part of their SIXSTAR certification. The company reviewed a number of elliptical trainer users to determine what were their most important concerns in selecting a crosstrainer. They came up with the following list...

Note: The LiveStrong Fitness LS8.0E elliptical trainer typically sells for $799 with free inside delivery. Get the latest deal at www.LiveStrongFitness.com.*

Ideal Pedal Placement - Pedals are placed with zero distance between them to eliminate stress on hips and back.

Optimal Handlebar Spacing - Grips are within ideal reach and distance for both small and large framed users.

Straight-up Body Posture - Keeps your body upright for better comfort.

Long, Natural Elliptical Stride - Mimics a natural running or walking motion while minimizing fatigue.

Low Pedal Placement - Pedals placed low to the ground are easier to step on and off.

Smoother Momentum - The LS8.0E is designed with a large drive pulley ratio that contributes to a smooth elliptical motion.

So the folks at LiveStrong Fitness (A Johnson Fitness subsidiary), designed their elliptical trainers around the user rather than an engineer's concepts. The results are apparent in the overall feel of the LiveStrong LS8.0E.

One other note. The name comes from the Lance Armstrong cancer organization. They worked out a deal where Johnson gets use of the LiveStrong brand and Lance's endorsement. In return Johnson makes a contribution to his charity with every sale.

Other LiveStrong LS8.0E Elliptical Trainer Features...

Adjustable Incline - You can adjust the incline, and by doing so you can increase your cardio workout and target different lower body muscles. The only drawback is that you have to manually adjust it, however I tried it and it take little effort to make a change.

Heavy Unit Weight - The LS8.0E weighs in at 192 lbs. At this price you will find some competitive models weighing as little as 100 lbs. The extra weight contributes to and stable and solid feel.

23 Lb. Flywheel - The heavy flywheel further contributes to a smooth and natural elliptical stride.

Built-in Fan - I personally sweat like crazy and having a fan pointed directly at your core is a nice feature.

1-Year Parts and Labor Warranty - Fairly standard at this price.

Our Review - LiveStrong Fitness LS8.0E Elliptical Trainer

Johnson Fitness is a major player in the fitness equipment industry. They are worldwide and in addition to LiveStrong, they produce Horizon and Vision Fitness. The LiveStrong is their latest release and they've put significant thought into the design of these elliptical trainers.

At $800 I would say the LiveStrong LS8.0E is one of the better values. You probably are going to find comparably priced ellipticals with more bells and whistle, but they won't be as heavy duty or provide as pleasurable workout.

The LiveStrong Fitness LS8.0E is built on the same frame as the LS10.0E and the LS13.0E. It just comes with less frills. So if you want to save money and settle for the strip down model there is no reason to upgrade.

Learn more at LiveStrongFitness.com.