Life Fitness Club Series Elliptical CrossTrainer Review

Overview

The Life Fitness Club Series elliptical is the residential version of their very popular commercial gym model, bringing the quality and design that health club members have come to love right into the home. Although quite expensive, it is unmatched in terms of design and durability.

Let’s take a look at some of the best features it offers…

Bio-mechanical Motion

Life Fitness is known for their attention to detail, and the smooth, natural motion of these machines is a result of years of extensive research into how the body moves during exercise. You know the minute you start working out that you are on a high quality trainer. The motion is just that fluid.

Heart Rate Monitoring

Just like on other residential models, even the base X1 model, the Club Series features Lifepulse digital heart rate sensors in the stationary and moving handlebars, as well as a Polar heart rate chest strap for more accurate readings. This keeps you within your target zone which is ideal getting the maximum results from your workouts.

WhisperStride Technology

Life Fitness elliptical crosstrainers offer the some of the quietest workouts due to WhisperStride technology, a system of maintenance-free ball bearings that act to minimize friction and reduce noise levels. Although not a big concern in the gym, at home it’s definitely something you’ll be aware of. So this is great if you are in an apartment building and don’t want to bother the neighbors.

Other Features

The Club Series also features ErgoGrip stationary handlebars, accessory tray, reading rack, water bottle holder and iPod compatibility.

Life Fitness Club Series Test Drive

UPDATE: The Life Fitness Club Series elliptical is no longer available. As of 2019 the company has replaced it with an all new Club Series Plus, a new and improved version with much more capability. You can check it out here.

We’ve been using these machines in the gym for years, so we’re well equipped to give an accurate review of the Club Series home model. The motion is very natural and very smooth. You definitely don’t get any of the typical pain or discomfort that you sometimes experience after being on an elliptical machine for an extended period of time.

The display is easy to read and shows you all of the relevant workout metrics such as time, distance and calories, and you can listen to your music while you work out with its iPod compatibility.

The home version of the Club Series doesn’t have the entertainment features that you might find at the gym, such as integrated touch screen or internet…for that you have to look at the new Club Series + or bump up to the Platinum Club Series.

For just working out, however, you won’t find a more comfortable machine to use. Plus, this one will last for years, likely maintenance free, unlike so many others on the market.

The Club Series has a fixed 20″ stride, which should be OK for most users. If you are over 6′ 3″, take a look at the new FS4 and FS6 models.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a gym quality machine for your home, the Club Series from Life Fitness is a good option, although it is a costly one. At over $4000, it’s out of range for some users, and you can certainly get a great elliptical trainer for half that price.

Still, what you are paying for here is design and construction. You won’t find a more natural feel, nor a better built elliptical. If it’s all about the workout, then this is the choice for you.

If you need a little motivation, some extra tools or features, then look at the Platinum Club Series, or to save some money, the E and X series of ellipticals. Those models come with console options that you can choose from to customize your machine more.

All in all, the Life Fitness Club Series elliptical is a solid choice if you can afford the hefty price tag.

Get more info, free shipping and special pricing on this elliptical at the company store