The 4 Best Life Fitness Ellipticals of 2024

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Ellipticals provide valuable low-impact, full-body and cardio workouts, so adding one to your home gym can help you to achieve your fitness goals. As you shop for ellipticals, you’ll quickly find that they have many different features and designs, and the quality can vary, too. Like any other piece of fitness equipment, it’s important to choose the elliptical that’s best for you.

If you’re overwhelmed by the countless options, the Life Fitness line of ellipticals is a great place to start. Life Fitness has earned a stellar reputation for providing quality fitness equipment, and the company stands behind that equipment with impressive warranties. Life Fitness ellipticals are available at multiple price points, and they include a more basic model and a commercial-grade elliptical that’s designed for home use. This guide highlights our best picks from the Life Fitness cross-trainer line, details on why ellipticals are helpful and what to think about when buying one for your home gym.

The Best Life Fitness Ellipticals of 2024:

• E1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer
• E3 Elliptical Cross-Trainer
• E5 Elliptical Cross-Trainer
• Club Series+ Elliptical Cross-Trainer

Life Fitness E1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer

Key features and specs

• Machine weight: 211 pounds
• Maximum recommended user weight: 400 pounds
• Machine dimensions: 82 inches x 30 inches x 59 inches
• Stride length: 20 inches
• Resistance levels: 20
• Bluetooth connectivity: Yes, with an upgrade to the Track Connect or Track Connect 2.0 console

The Life Fitness E1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer is a solid piece of cardio equipment. It shares several key features with all Life Fitness elliptical models: The Whisperstride technology’s maintenance-free ball bearings are designed to be quiet as you glide, so you can use it while you watch TV or stream your favorite workout program on your tablet. The elliptical path is designed to feel natural and smooth, creating a fluid movement while you workout. This model features contact heart rate sensors on both its stationary grips and its moving handles for easy monitoring, so you can make sure you reach your target heart rate during each workout. Twenty resistance levels enable you to tailor each session to your fitness levels, and oversized non-slip pedals aim to provide a secure feel.

All Life Fitness ellipticals come standard with the Go Console, which features an LCD screen and a straightforward operation. The console includes up to two user profiles, 13 preloaded workouts and a telemetry heart rate monitor. The Track Connect console adds $225 to the purchase price and features a smartphone or tablet compression rack. You can connect the console to Life Fitness Connect, Apple Health and Fitbit for a streamlined workout experience. It is Bluetooth heart rate compatible and supports up to four user profiles with 15 preloaded workouts and three custom workouts per profile. If you’re willing to add $300 to the elliptical’s base price, you can upgrade to the Track Connect 2.0 console. While the 2.0 features the same user profiles and workouts as the Track Connect console, it has enhanced Bluetooth, so you can connect it to your Apple Watch, Apple or Android smartphone or your Samsung Galaxy Watch.

Life Fitness stands behind its ellipticals with a lifetime warranty on the frame, as well as a five-year warranty on parts, a three-year warranty on the console and a one-year warranty on labor. White glove shipping within the United States is $499 and includes professional delivery and installation. Be prepared to wait for your elliptical to arrive, though; you should receive the machine between five and seven weeks after you place your order.

Pros:

• 20 resistance levels for a customized workout
• Maintenance-free ball bearings ensure quiet operation
• Heart rate sensors on the grips and handles for monitoring

Cons:

• Takes five to seven weeks to arrive
• Console upgrades add to the purchase price

Life Fitness E3 Elliptical Cross-Trainer

Key features and specs

• Machine weight: 225 pounds
• Maximum recommended user weight: 400 pounds
• Machine dimensions: 82 inches x 34 inches x 61 inches
• Stride length: 20 inches
• Resistance levels: 20
• Bluetooth connectivity: Yes, with an upgrade to the Track Connect or Track Connect 2.0 console

The Life Fitness E3 Elliptical Cross-Trainer includes several features that make it a quality step up from the E1 model. The multi-grip handle gives you more handhold choices for a secure feel during your workouts. The design also lets you experiment with different positions to change your targeted muscle groups. Cushioned pedal inserts are designed to absorb shock and further maximize your comfort, particularly during those long workouts.

This elliptical also comes equipped with Coach Zone technology. You can use Coach Zone to tailor your workouts to hit different muscles. Think of Coach Zone as a guide to lead you through your workouts, so you can maximize your results.

This model also features two cup holders to keep you hydrated as you work up a sweat.

As with Life Fitness’s other models, the E3 comes with three console options: the Go Console, Track Connect, Track Connect 2.0. Go Console comes standard and offers a simpler experience. The Track Connect is an upgraded console for an additional $215 featuring a smartphone or tablet compression rack, 15 preloaded workouts and Apple Health or Fitbit connectivity. The premium console, Track Connect 2.0, will tack an additional $300 onto the price tag. The Track Connect 2.0 offers similar features as the Track Connect with additional enhanced Bluetooth features.

The E3 comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, as well as a five-year warranty on parts, a three-year warranty on the console and a one-year warranty on labor. Delivery and installation costs $499.

Pros:

• Coach Zone guides you through workouts and targets different muscle groups
• Multi-grip handles for grip variety
• Cushioned pedal inserts help to keep you comfortable

Cons:

• Five- to seven-week wait time
• No Bluetooth included unless you upgrade the console

Life Fitness E5 Elliptical Cross-Trainer

Key features and specs

• Machine weight: 251 pounds
• Maximum recommended user weight: 400 pounds
• Machine dimensions: 84 inches x 34 inches x 66 inches
• Stride length: 18 to 24 inches, electronically adjustable
• Resistance levels: 20
• Bluetooth connectivity: Yes, with an upgrade to the Track Connect or Track Connect 2.0 console

Stepping up to the Life Fitness E5 Elliptical Cross-Trainer means you’ll enjoy more customizable features that put you in control of your workouts. Most notably, this elliptical features an electronically adjustable stride length. While the E1 and E3 models feature a set 20-inch stride length, the E5 lets you choose a length from 18 to 24 inches. Customizing your stride length ensures you can maintain a natural stride length that suits your body for a more comfortable workout.

This model features stride length and resistance controls on the multi grip handles. Those integrated controls are designed for easy access during your workout, so you can make adjustments as needed without having to stop, reposition or reach for controls.

The E5 also features an upgrade to the Coach Zone that comes with the E3 model. The E5 features Activity Zone technology to target specific muscle groups. That technology includes LegSculptor and Total Body Trainer workouts, so you have even more specific guidance to keep your workouts focused and maximize the results you see.

As with the E1 and E3 Life Fitness ellipticals, the E5 comes with three options for its console. The standard Go Console, the upgraded Track Connect and premium Track Connect 2.0. Both the Track Connect and Track Connect add additional costs to your purchase.

Pros:

• Electronically adjustable stride length from 18 to 24 inches
• Activity Zone technology includes LegSculptor and Total Body Trainer workouts
• Stride length and resistance controls are on the multi grip handles for easy access

Cons:

• At 251 pounds, this is a heavier machine
• Ships in five to seven weeks

Life Fitness Club Series+ Elliptical Cross-Trainer

Key features and specs

• Machine weight: 86 inches x 29 inches x 64 inches
• Maximum recommended user weight: 400 pounds
• Machine dimensions: 301 pounds
• Stride length: 20 inch
• Resistance levels: 25
• Bluetooth connectivity: Yes

The Life Fitness Club Series+ Elliptical Cross-Trainer is a modified version of the commercial cardio series intended for home use. This top-of-the-line elliptical aims to bring the quality of a professional gym machine into your home. It features 15-inch FlexForm crowned pedals, designed to reduce foot numbness. The pedals limit ankle motion to less than 15 degrees to help keep you comfortable, particularly during long workouts. The elliptical features a 20-inch ergonomic fixed stride and multi-grip moving handles for comfort. Rear wheels allow you to move the machine around as needed, and 25 resistance levels give you plenty of workout versatility.

The highlight of this commercial grade model is its technology. It comes equipped with a seven-inch LCD touch screen and Bluetooth connectivity. Key technology features include workout replay, the ability to view trending trainer-designed workouts and the ability to review performance trends on the last ten completed workouts.

When you order this elliptical, you have a choice of three premium consoles, however only one option, the SL console, is currently in stock on the Life Fitness website. The SL console connects to Apple Watch, and is also Bluetooth, Polar and ANT+ heart rate compatible. It supports 18 preloaded workouts. The ST and SE3 HD consoles are not currently available. However, the ST console supports up to 25 preloaded workouts. Its quick controls make for easy, intuitive use, and interactive landscape courses add entertainment to workouts. Upgrading to the SE3 HD console will allow you to connect your Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch. The console is Bluetooth and Polar heart rate compatible, and gives you access to on-demand workout classes. You can use WiFi to browse the internet, can stream video and music apps, and can access up to 25 preloaded workouts.

Life Fitness says the Club Series is a very in-demand model, and built to order with an eight to ten-week lead time.

Pros:

• FlexForm pedals help to reduce foot numbness and maximize comfort
• Comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity
• Three premium console options with great features, like on-demand workout access

Cons:

• At more than $6,000, this model is an expensive investment
• 301-pound weight makes the machine difficult to move

What are the Benefits of Using an Elliptical?

Ellipticals have become highly popular fitness equipment because of their many benefits. Unlike walking, running or biking, working out with an elliptical targets your entire body, including the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves and anterior tibialis. Ellipticals with moving handles can work your upper body and arms, maximizing the results you see from the time you spend on the machine.

According to a report by Harvard University, ellipticals are a great low impact workout since the motion of the pedals prevent you from repetitively leaving and striking the ground, like you do when you run. Low-impact workouts can help to minimize the strain that your joints receive, so an elliptical may be a practical alternative if injuries or general discomfort prevent you from using other gym equipment like treadmills.

Working out on an elliptical may provide a better quality workout than walking using a treadmill or biking. A 2012 study found that using an elliptical activated the quadriceps and hamstrings more than walking, either on the ground or on a treadmill, or using a stationary bike.

Ellipticals can also provide varied workouts. Multiple intensity settings or incline options allow you to tailor to your fitness level, increasingly making your sessions more challenging as you become stronger and fitter. Since ellipticals are available in compact designs and multiple price points, they’re a practical choice not only for commercial settings, but also for your home gym.

What to Look for in an Elliptical

As you look for an elliptical, it’s important to evaluate how the machines compare when it comes to factors like features, space, installation and cost.

Start by considering the features that you want your elliptical to have. It can be helpful to make a list of must-have features, as well as a separate list of nice-to-have features. Consider standard features like multiple resistance settings, adjustable inclines, handle designs, and foot pedal designs. Think about how you want to use technology with the machine, such as if you want to have access to on-demand workouts or plan to pair your fitness watch with the machine.

It’s also important to consider the elliptical’s specifications. Look at specs like stride length and maximum weight capacity to make sure the machine is a good fit for everyone who will be using it. Evaluate the space that you have available for the elliptical and confirm that it will fit well within that area. Don’t forget to review the warranty terms and make sure that you’re comfortable with what is and isn’t covered.

Create a plan for the machine’s installation, too. Consider whether the retailer offers a white glove delivery, and if that service is in addition to the shipping costs. If you plan to install the elliptical yourself, review the installation instructions to make sure that it is practical. It’s also important to think about the machine’s weight and to make sure that you have a plan to get the machine into your home gym.

Finally, consider your budget. An elliptical can be a fantastic investment in your home gym and your personal health, but make sure that you buy a machine that you can comfortably afford, too.

Finally, consider your budget. There are countless options with various price points and features. You can choose from high-end options like Nordictrack’s Commercial 14.9, mid-range models like Sole’s E35, or more budget-friendly machines like Bowflex’s Max trainer M6. An elliptical can be a fantastic investment in your home gym and your personal health, but make sure that you buy a machine that you can comfortably afford, too.

How to Choose the Best Life Fitness Elliptical for You

The Life Fitness ellipticals are all designed to provide a quality home workout experience, but it’s important to consider the difference in their features and capabilities to decide which one is right for you. Handle designs vary, with the upper-level models giving you more handhold options. The pedals also become more sophisticated as you get into the upgraded models, with features like increased shock absorption designed for more comfortable use. Pay attention to stride length, too. Consider whether the standard 20-inch stride length is suitable for you, or if you need to upgrade to the Life Fitness E5 Elliptical Cross-Trainer, which features an 18 to 24 inches adjustable stride length.

It’s also important to think about if you want to use technology with your elliptical. Life Fitness gives you the ability to upgrade the console in all of its machines. Once you find an elliptical that’s right for you, you can choose the console that will best help you to meet your workout goals. Consider whether you want to be able to pair a device like an Apple Watch with the console and how many workout programs you want to be able to load.

Finally, consider your budget. These ellipticals are available at multiple price points, but the console option you choose will also impact the price. Life Fitness includes White Glove delivery and installation in the shipping costs, so the prices are transparent and it’s easy to compare the total that you will spend on each model. Whether you’re looking for a more streamlined model or want a high-end elliptical with all the latest technology, chances are one of the Life Fitness ellipticals will be a fantastic match.

FAQs

What are the top-rated Life Fitness ellipticals?

The Life Fitness E1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer is a top-rated machine, with a 4.6-star rating on Life Fitness’ website. Ninety-one percent of reviewers indicated that they would recommend the E1 elliptical to a friend. Many reviewers praised a seamless purchase and installation process.

The Life Fitness E5 Elliptical Cross-Trainer received a 4.1 star rating, with 71 percent of users saying they would recommend this model. Several reviewers remarked that they were able to workout without suffering joint pain on the E5.

Also earning 4.1 stars is the Life Fitness Club Series+ Elliptical Cross-Trainer. One reviewer on the Life Fitness website said, “I am very happy with my decision and if you can justify its expense like I did, it's well worth it.”

The Life Fitness E3 Elliptical Cross-Trainer has a 3.9-star rating. One reviewer commented, “I use my elliptical roughly three to four times a week and I love it. It feels extremely sturdy and is very smooth on the joints.” However, other users complained about issues with the console and heart rate monitor.

Do Life Fitness ellipticals show distance/speed in kilometers or miles?

All three Life Fitness consoles allow you to choose whether to see the distance and speed in kilometers or miles.

How long do Life Fitness ellipticals last?

Life Fitness ellipticals are built to be long-lasting additions to your home gym. Life Fitness also offers generous warranties on the ellipticals, including a five-year warranty on parts and a lifetime warranty on the frame, suggesting this is a highly durable, quality product.

Do life fitness ellipticals come with an incline feature?

While Life Fitness elliptical machines don’t come with an incline feature, they all include at least 20 resistance settings, and 25 resistance settings on the Life Fitness Club Series+ Elliptical Cross-Trainer. The ability to change the resistance allows you to make your workout more or less challenging, even if you can’t alter the machine’s incline.

Final Thoughts

An elliptical is a valuable addition to your home gym, and it can deliver a challenging cardio, whole-body, and low-impact workout. Life Fitness ellipticals have a fantastic reputation for quality and durability, and the four models highlighted above can accommodate a wide variety of home gym and fitness needs.

To get the maximum value out of your home elliptical purchase, you need to choose a machine that’s right for you and your workout goals. With different console options, foot pedal and handle designs and an extensive use of technology, Life Fitness ellipticals give you plenty of options. Think carefully about your budget and the features that you want in an elliptical. One of these Life Fitness machines might be the perfect fit for your needs.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.