Life Fitness X1 Elliptical Trainer with Track Console Review

The X1 may be Life Fitness’ entry level elliptical but as the price tag and spec sheet shows, it’s certainly not a ‘budget’ machine! There are 2 options available in terms of whether you go for a standard ‘GO’ console or the more advanced (and more expensive!) ‘Track’ console. It would do the ‘GO’ a disservice to call it ‘basic’ as it’s has a good selection of inbuilt programs that should give it long term appeal to many users. However, it does lack the ‘bells and whistles’ that some would enjoy, so if you’re already forking out all this hard-earned cash for a Life Fitness machine, then perhaps it’s worth an extra £300 for the added extra features you get with the Track. Here’s what you can expect…

Before we delve into the depths of the console’s technology, let’s first look at the X1 in general. We noticed 2 main things at first glance. Firstly it’s worth noting that the machine is just over 2 meters long so it may deter those with space restrictions. The flipside of the size is that it’s ideal for heavier users up to the 25 stone maximum . The fixed stride length of 20” also makes it ideal for most shapes and sizes, plus the step up height onto the pedal is just 6.5” above the floor so it’s easy to climb aboard.

Once you do climb on, there’s a feel of sheer quality and engineering excellence! The X1’s ergonomics is a great example of why Life Fitness is the premier choice of fitness equipment around the world AND why it’s rather pricey! The motion is superbly smooth and wonderfully silent. The

Exclusive WhisperStride™ technology offers such quiet, fluid stride that you could literally exercise in the same room as a sleeping baby!

The static handles have contact sensors for basic heart rate readings but the chest strap transmitter included is a far better option for accuracy. Plus the wireless transmitter also allows you to utilise the Heart Rate controlled programs.

Being critical (that’s our job after all!)…the stationary handles are rather closely positioned together which perhaps doesn’t give the same feeling of stability as if they were wider apart however it does mean you don’t have to consciously keep your elbow out of the way of the dynamic handles. The durable build quality is evident here too as no matter if you quickly throw the momentum in a change of pedal direction, there’s no hint of flexing or strain. The chunky welded handles are extremely solid and sturdy and have the thickness and feel of a true life fitness commercial machine.

With just the rear flywheel covered by the plastic shroud you have a clear view of the exposed frame and all of it’s the biomechanical engineering. The angles and hinge positions along with a narrow Q-factor (space between the pedals) all combine to give a very natural movement that feels safe on the joints and tough on the muscles!..And it literally gets no tougher than level 20 resistance! There is more than enough here to challenge the hardiest trainers.

The Track console is packed with some exclusive Life Fitness innovation too. The LCD display screen is vibrant and easy to read with bold white characters over a blue background and each bit of data has it’s own dedicated window. The layout and clear labelling of the buttons make it easy to navigate around the functions.

There are 3 clearly labeled buttons either side of the display screen. ‘Manual’, ‘Hills’ (which is based around interval training) or ‘Random’ (which are unique courses taken form over 1 million possible combinations of course patterns) are all accessed by the ‘Classic Workouts’ button.

There’s another 3 for ‘Advanced Workouts’ including a Fit Test which scores you based upon your heart rate readings during the session.

You have the choice of 3 target specific workouts in ‘Goal Workouts’ based around Calories, distance or Target heart rate.

When it comes to Heart rate controlled programs, Life Fitness’ trademarked HeartSyncTM Workouts featured in both GO and Track consoles are fantastic! There are 5 pre-set programs: FAT BURN, CARDIO, HEART RATE HILL, HEART RATE INTERVAL, and EXTREME HEART RATE workouts designed to cater for all levels of abilities and goals.

Users can also create your own HRC custom session too in the Custom Workouts feature! The Track computer allows up to 4 people to store their personal details and each user has provision for 3 custom workouts equating to a whopping total of 12 customised workouts!

As if that wasn’t enough, the USB port allows you to Load unlimited custom programs and transfer your workout results between Life’s ‘Virtual Trainer’ website and console or there’s a free app available for the iPhone or iPod touch.

If you possess such an Apple device, then you can enjoy further compatibility via the iPod dock on the top of the console. Just sit it on and use the console’s dedicated controls to adjust the volume or skip through tracks. The only downside is that there’s no inbuilt speakers so headphones must be connected into the inbuilt socket (still we did already mention that you could literally exercise in the same room as a sleeping baby!..)

Other welcome features include twin storage compartments to hold your water bottle and other paraphernalia. There’s a narrow shelf on the console should you wish to rest a book or tablet in front of you while you workout. Levelling feet at the front, can be adjusted to give a stable footing on uneven floors and at the rear are transport wheels. If you’re considering moving the X1 then do remember that to wheel it about you’ll first need to lift it up and with a product weight of just under 100 kgs, that is no easy task!

Clearly this machine isn’t really designed to be easily moved and tucked away – the X1 is built to be enjoyed! No doubt, it deserves pride of place in the home IF you have the room! Space and budget permitting, this is a fabulous cross trainer and a very good example why the ‘Life Fitness’ brand has always been synonymous with quality and innovation.