Quick Summary
The Life Fitness X3 is an almost silent cross-trainer built for home gyms.
Highlights are excellent ergonomics, a 20″ stride and CoachZone workout boosters for targeted muscle toning.
A choice of two consoles is offered, with the more advanced console featuring wireless connectivity for real-time data tracking and digital entertainment.
Learn more from our full Life Fitness X3 Cross-Trainer review below.
Our Rating
Rating: 87.8/100. A reliable rear drive elliptical, the X3 Cross-Trainer is the middle model in a Life Fitness series of elliptical trainers for home use. These fitness machines have arm bars that can stay stationary or be used in total body workouts. Non-moving arm bars are included for extra support. The X3 is distinguished from the entry level Life Fitness X3 because it not only includes classic elliptical workout programs but also has CoachZone technology. CoachZone helps tone your body with programs named Arm Toner and Glute Toner. Overall the X3 is a great tool for improving your cardiovascular health while also helping you develop or maintain beautiful muscle definition. Its elliptical path length is 20″, which feels natural for most trainees. Shoppers seeking an adjustable stride might prefer the Life Fitness X5 for its 18″ to 24″ stride choices. The X3 in this review has a full price of $2,699 and a web price of $2,199.
Here are points to consider.
Pros:
- Excellent biomechanics
- 20″ stride
- Reversible motion
- Cushioned pedal inserts
- 20 resistance levels
- Choice of two consoles
- 2 or 4 user profiles (Depending on console)
- Preset workout programs
- CoachZone muscle targeting
- Wireless heart rate monitoring
- Contact heart rate monitoring
- Virtually silent operation
- Two cup holders
- Accessory tray
Cons:
- No cooling fan
- No incline training
- Stride is fixed at 20″
- Large footprint (81″ x 30″)
Comparing Life Fitness X Series Ellipticals
Other trainers in this Life Fitness series are the X1 and X5. The X3 in this review is an upgrade to the X1 mainly because of its CoachZone muscle targeting guidance. The X5 is a bigger upgrade mainly because it has adjustable stride (18″ to 24″) instead of a fixed 20″ elliptical path.
Introduction
The Life Fitness X3 is a low maintenance elliptical trainer designed for home gyms. This sturdy fitness machine has a 350-pound weight capacity and a 20″ stride to comfortably accommodate the typical trainee. (Life Fitness also makes ellipticals with 18″ to 24″ strides.) The X3 is a cross-trainer that you can use two ways: Get total body training by using its arm bars as you stride, or just focus on your lower half and leave the arm bars stationary. Here are details about its workout consoles, other features and standard warranty.
Workout Programs
The X3, like many other Life Fitness cardio trainers, can be used with either of two consoles: Go and Track+. Whichever console you choose, the preset workouts can be used with CoachZone. CoachZone adds a layer of cross-training to each workout. Choose from two modes: Arm Toner and Glute Toner. An LED prompts you to take different actions, and a lit diagram helps you understand which muscles to recruit.
The Go console supports two user profiles. It has 12 preloaded workout programs and lets each user profile save two customized programs.
The Track+ console supports four user profiles. It has 14 preset workouts and lets each profile save 12 custom-made programs. Other advantages of the Track+ console are described in the next section of this review.
X3 Cross-Trainer Elliptical Features
Built with friction-free magnetic resistance, Life Fitness ellipticals have virtually silent operation. Exercise without disturbing your household!
The Track+ console integrates with mobile apps for Apple and Android for real-time exercise tracking, training guidance and entertainment.
The Track+ console is iPod compatible.
The handles for the X3 are contoured to comfortably support multiple grips. Change your grip position to naturally train different muscles.
Touch heart rate sensors are built into the machine’s moving arm bars and stationary grips. A wireless chest strap is included with the Track+ console.
The machine has two cup holders and an accessory tray.
The pedals on this model are an upgrade over those on the X1. They have cushioned inserts for even better comfort.
Warranty & Guarantee
The standard Life Fitness X3 Cross-Trainer warranty includes:
– Frame: Lifetime
– Parts: 3 Years
– Labor: 1 Year
Extended warranties are available.
Conclusion
The X3 is a solid and high-end total body trainer. Its CoachZone technology makes it a nice step up from the X1, especially considering the merely $200 price difference. CoachZone can enhance any workout and is available at different challenge levels to help you avoid fitness plateaus. Overall the X3 scores well for durability, training support and comfort.