Beth

by Beth
(Bear, Delaware)

I bought a LifeFitness about 13 years ago. At the time it cost about $ 1500.00 and I do not know the model #.

I have not used it regularly over the years but have started using it alot in the past 3 years. I can only guess that I've put over a thousand miles on it for the entire time. Recently the motor went. It started slowing down and just shutting off and blowing the circuit breaker. I got a mechanic in and he cleaned and oiled the motor for $ 150.00 and that lasted about a year. Now the motor is totally blown. The machine is still in perfect condition (tread, controls, etc). I would definately buy another but they are way too expensive now. I don't really want to spend the money to fix it because I was told by a leisure fitness employee that would probably last only a year. I really liked this treadmill and am sorry it died.

Great feel, but high maintenance costs

Love the soft deck and cushy feel of the Life Fitness. However, after buying a "commercial" T9i in 2003, we had to have the motor rebuilt in 2007. Our $5,000 treadmill does NOT have a reversible deck, so we're facing $500 in deck and belt replacements every 3 or 4 years. The heart rate monitor hasn't worked right since the motor rebuild. Perhaps the belt and deck replacement might help our current motor problem - the treadmill stops after 20 minutes of running at high speeds.

life fitness treadmill

by Mary
(Ontario, Canada)

I use a Life Fitness 9500 treadmill at my gym. I always stayed away from treadmills because I thought it would be boring. I tried it when I joined the gym and now I go in everyday to use it for an hour sometimes a little longer. I just love it. I will probably buy a Life Fitness treadmill to have one at home.

LIfe Fitness T3-i

by Billie
(San Diego)

Loved my machine,but it has been broken off and on for most of this year, and I have not been able to get the company to be responsive to my service complaints. After having paid $2800 for the initial machine and an additional $900 in repairs, the machine is still not operational and Life Fitness cannot get the necessary part(s) to make the repair. The part is backordered and is not expected for another 6 weeks or so. By that time, I will have been without my treadmill for approximately 6.5 months out of 12. The company does not seem to have the ability to maintain an adequate service and parts distribution system. Therefore, I'd think twice before purchasing from this brand again.

There are other similar complaints that can be found on various websites.

Parts and Customer Service

I needed to replace the AC adapter for my LifeFitness machine. It took 2 hours on the phone to LifeFitness to convince them that my machine needed an adapter, and that, indeed, it was shown and listed in the operators manual. Three days later they shipped me the wrong part. When I called about this they told me they would get back to me in 2-3 days after they investigate whether they had in fact shipped me the wrong part.

Life fitness T3i

by Pete
(New York)

We bought it new and have used it consistently for the past 9 years. The motor (2.3hp) started to make a high pitched sound and I knew it was time to be replaced. I called Life fitness to find out how much and they informed me the motor is under warranty for 10 years. 2 days later, I received a new motor (3.0hp) and it now runs like new! I have had no problems with this company and we are looking to buy a second one!

Life Fitness Treadmill

by Bill Christie
(Osterville, MA 02655)

I have used many Life Fitness treadmills in Marriott facilites and also Pritikin Program facilities over the years.

I am presently working out at home on a Landice treadmill which I like but find it hard to see the digital display.

I work out everyday on the treadmill for about 50 minutes. I use level 4 to 10 at bout 3.6 MPH. I do not use nor know how to use some of the other programs. I do like the mileage readout along with inputing my weight for more accuracy and also the calorie counter.

I am presently exploring Star Trac treadmills (like the small fan installed in unit) and also Life Fitness units.

Would like some input on what you recommend for a small gym contained in a old salt tower on the second floor of a 5 story builing on Cape Cod (Osterville, MA).

ST35 treadmill

by Calvin
(Gold Coast, Australia)

We have owned this model for about 3 years and only used it a handful of times, maybe 20 miles in total. We have already had to get lifefitness out to replace a small broken bit of plastic which was stopping the treadmill from working at a cost of $150. After not being used for a year or so I just went to use it again and it would not start. Lifefitness told me it is more than likely that the motor is the problem which would cost $800 to replace or the main board which costs $400. I bought lifefitness as it was a well known brand and thought it would be a good reliable machine.

Not so, I would advise everyone to stay away from this brand and go for a cheaper model like what this site recommends, why spend the extra money when all you get is rubbish?

13.5 years and it's still running!

by Mark
(Japan)

I bought a LifeFitness 5500HR treadmill for my wife in March 1995 and she has used it continuously ever since. The belt slips and squeaks now, but with that many miles it is understandable. I would squeak and slip too if I had someone running on me for that many miles!! Great quality peace of equipment. Oh, and it has survived numerous military moves, including all the way to Japan!

Follow us