Life Fitness X5 Elliptical Cross-Trainer Review

Quick Summary

Build your best body with the X5 Cross-Trainer! This gem from Life Fitness is the top model in a highly rated series.

Shoppers choose Life Fitness cross-trainers in general for great biomechanics, reliable performance and useful workout programming. The X5 is distinguished by an adjustable stride (18″ to 24″) and CoachZone programming.

These features combine to support fantastic muscle toning along with your cardio training.

Get the details from our complete X5 Cross-Trainer review below.

Specifications

Model	Life Fitness X5
Rating Our custom rating considers all of the elliptical's features, specs, warranties, and 100's of user & expert reviews, to save you time!	89%
List Price Suggested retail price, typically higher than the price you'll pay with our recommended retailers.	$3,499
Best Price Since prices change daily, this link goes to our preferred retailer for the best price we've found.	$2,799
Resistance Resistance is what determines calories burned per stride. The more levels, the more precisely you can control the difficulty.	20 Levels
Resistance Type The type of resistance affects the performance of your elliptical. Magnetic and Eddy-Current are the most common types.	n/a
Stride Length Stride Length is important for comfort and smooth strides. A stride length of 18-21 inches is ideal for most heights (5'3 - 6'7).	18" - 24"
Pedals Elliptical pedals can be cushioned and adjustable for maximum comfort and minimum impact on joints for injury prevention.	Oversized Non-Slip Pedals
Incline Some elliptical trainers can be set at an incline to increase difficulty and burn more calories.	yes
Flywheel The flywheel controls the smoothness and resistance of your workout. In general, the higher the better.	Undisclosed
Programs Elliptical Programs allow you to complete a workout with changing speeds and inclines, without changing anything manually.	12
User Profiles For each profile the elliptical allows, you can create a custom user account with saved programs and goal settings.	2 Users
Heart Rate Heart Rate programs allow you to track how many times your heart is beating per minute (bpm), and some control the workout for you.	Pulse Grips Wireless chest strap included
Display Elliptical Display refers to the screen you'll look at to monitor workouts. LED and LCD displays are similar to TV screens.	Go & Track+ Console
Max. Weight Max User Weight is the amount of weight, in pounds (lbs), that it can safely support, which can represent durability.	350 lbs
Dimensions Dimensions are included to help you figure out if this elliptical will fit properly (Length x Width x Height and Height x Depth).	83" x 26" x 63"
Upper Body Most ellipticals have handles to hold while you're working out that provide an upper body workout.
Accessory Tray Some ellipticals include an accessory tray for holding items such as water bottles, wallets, keys, or MP3 players like iPods.
Speakers Ellipticals that include a sound system allow you to listen to your MP3 player/iPod through built-in speakers (without headphones).
Cooling Fans Cooling Fans are designed to help keep you cool during an intense workout on your elliptical.
Folding? Some ellipticals are designed to conserve space by folding up. This is a convenient option, but some features might be reduced.
Quick Controls Quick Controls allow you to select speed, incline and even workout programs with the touch of a button (usually on the handles).
Warranty The warranty is an important part of your investment. The longer the warranty, the longer you can get free/discounted repairs.	Frame: Lifetime Parts: 3 Years Labor: 1 Year

Our Rating

Rating: 89/100. The X5 Cross-Trainer from Life Fitness leads an impressive lineup. What makes it number one? Adjustable stride! The stride range of 18″ to 24″ offers two benefits: First, there’s a setting to match virtually anyone’s natural gait. Second, choosing longer or shorter strides allows targeted muscle toning. To help trainees make the most of this feature, CoachZone technology is included (see below). Another highlight of the X5 elliptical machine is its arm bars, which can move with you or remain stationary. Exercise guidance is built in, plus there’s the option to integrate mobile fitness apps. The X5 is normally priced at $3,499 but is now selling for $2,799. Sound like a match? Here are pros and cons to consider.

Here are points to consider.

Pros:

Rear drive design for comfort and durability
Excellent ergonomics
Adjustable stride (18″ to 24″, manually controlled)
Movable handlebars with multiple grip positions
Reversible motion
Choice of consoles
Preset workout variety
2 or 4 user profiles (Depending on console)
Wireless heart rate monitoring
Contact heart rate monitoring
iPod compatible (Track+ console only)
Wireless app integration (Track+ console only)
Flexible pedals absorb shock
CoachZone targets arms and glutes
Two cup holders
Virtually silent operation
Good warranty

Cons:

Track+ console costs extra
Stride is adjusted manually, not electronically
No cooling fan

Comparing Life Fitness E Series Ellipticals

Other choices from the same Life Fitness elliptical series are the E1 and E5. The E3 in this review is a step up from the E1 because it adds a second grip to the arm bars, has coaching technology and has cushioned pedals. The E5 is a greater step up because it also has adjustable stride (18″ to 24″) instead of a fixed 20″ foot path.

Introduction

Designed for fantastic total body training, the X5 Cross-Trainer is a favorite elliptical machine in the $2,500 to $3,000 price range. It leads an impressive series of three Life Fitness ellipticals made for home gyms. Like all Life Fitness cross-trainers it earns high marks for ergonomics, trouble-free performance and workout support. The X5 stands out from lower models (the X1 and X3) thanks to its dynamic 18″-24″ stride. The manually adjustable stride makes this trainer suitable for small and tall people alike, plus it lets each user target different muscle groups by choosing a shorter or longer elliptical path. Read on for info about the Life Fitness X5 elliptical’s workout programs, other features and warranty.

Workout Programs

Shoppers have a choice between two consoles for the X5: Go and Track+. Both consoles have CoachZone, which provides special guidance for arm toning and glute toning. The consoles differ in terms of user profiles, wireless connectivity and other features.

The Go console is the simpler option. It’s named “Go” because starting a workout is quick and easy! Select from 12 preloaded workouts and two custom programs. Some program names are Hill Climb, Cross Train Aerobic and Sport Training. The Go console can save two user profiles. Each user can save two customized workouts.

The Track+ console is named for its tracking technology: It can sync with mobile apps that track each workout and help you monitor your stats over the long term. A holder for your tablet computer or smartphone is included to make this easy, plus it makes entertainment available. The Track+ console is also compatible with iPod. The Track+ can save four user profiles, has 14 preset workouts and lets each user save up to 12 customized programs.

X5 Cross-Trainer Elliptical Features

A big selling point for the X5 is its adjustable stride. With a range of 18″ to 24″ virtually anyone can get a natural fit. The adjustable stride also lets you focus on different muscle groups. The stride is adjusted manually.

For superior joint protection the pedals have flex. They’re oversized to let you reposition your feet during workouts, and they’re non-slip for safety.

For total body training the X5 has movable arm bars. These have multiple grip positions to support different sorts of workouts. The arm bars can be left stationary if just lower body training is desired.

For heart rate monitoring the X5 has contact sensors built into its moving and stationary handlebars. The Track+ console has a wireless receiver and is sold with a chest strap transmitter.

The Track+ console invites your iPod along for workouts. It also has a dock for a tablet computer or smartphone, making it convenient to use fitness apps or just be entertained as you exercise.

The Life Fitness X5 has two cup holders and an accessory tray.

Energy Saver mode reduces the electricity draw by up to 90% when the machine isn’t in use.

The above features combine into a very quiet machine. Thanks to magnetic resistance and overall high quality construction, the Life Fitness X5 is virtually silent.

Warranty & Guarantee

The standard Life Fitness X5 Cross-Trainer elliptical warranty includes:

– Frame: Lifetime

– Parts: 5 Years

– Console: 3 years

– Labor: 1 Year

Extended warranties are available from the manufacturer.

Conclusion

The Life Fitness X5 Cross-Trainer is a quiet, reliable and rewarding choice for home gyms. With an adjustable stride it can fit different family members and help create gorgeous muscle definition, and with the Track+ console it supports data tracking and on-board entertainment too. The X5 is now available with free shipping (a $299 value) when purchased directly from Life Fitness.