The Life Fitness T5 Treadmill Review – High Price Tag But Rock Solid

The Life Fitness T5 treadmill is a solid, well-crafted machine that would be a runaway best seller — if it were priced a little less.  

Still, it's a great choice for those looking for a high end machine that will provide years of service with little to no maintenance required.

T5 - The Machine

The T5 comes with a choice of two consoles: the base Go console and the up-level Track Connect console.  

Both come with plenty of workouts and extensive feedback showing you all of your workout stats.

Let's take a look at the important specs on the Life Fitness T5 treadmill:

• 3.0 HP Continuous Duty DC MagnaDrive Motor
• 0.5-12 mph
• 0-15% Incline
• 22" x 60" belt
• Adjustable FlexDeck
• Heart Sync HR Controlled Workouts
• Contact HR hand sensors
• Polar® Wireless Heart Rate Chest Strap
• 400 lbs. max. user weight
• Lifetime Warranty on frame and shock absorbers, 10 yrs motor, 7 yrs electrical/parts, 3 years console, and 1 year of in-home service

The Buzz

The Life Fitness T5 treadmill has a 3.0 CHP motor and large 2” rollers, as well as other advanced features such as the FlexDeck adjustable belt from which you can choose 3 different settings to match your preferred terrain.

The T5 is powerful yet quiet, and offers a large running area (2" wider than the T3 model) and a host of excellent programs — one of the true staples of Life Fitness products. The quality of components and the long warranty help justify the high price.

Users and treadmill reviewers have all touted the good aspects of the T5 treadmill, since it is a well-made, solid product.

Customers are aware that Life Fitness sells thousands of treadmills to health clubs around the world so they expect this model to be equal if not superior to competitors in this price range.

But keep in mind that the Club model sold by Life Fitness and used in commercial settings starts at around $6,000.

The T5 treadmill isn’t in the same league as its pricey sibling, but it is a rock solid machine and more than enough for home gym use.

As we mentioned, you get a choice of two consoles.  The Go has a blue LCD screen and gives you 12 workouts, 2 custom workouts and 2 user profiles.  

The upgraded Track Connect console connects with your smart phone or tablet and gives you LFConnect and other fitness app compatibility, 16 workouts, 12 custom workouts and 4 user profiles.

The Track Connect console will cost you about $500 extra, but it's well worth it for all the additional features and capabilities you get.

Fitness experts love the T5 and the rest of the Life Fitness lineup for that matter.  You really can't go wrong with one of these machines.

How Does the T5 Compare to the Other Life Fitness Treadmills?

Currently there are six Life Fitness treadmills, including one folding model and five non folding models.  

All of the residential machines are built strong just like their commercial counterparts, and you really can't go wrong with any of them.

The Life Fitness T5 treadmill bridges the gap between the entry/mid level machines and the top end Club Series models, as does the newest model in the series, the Run CX.  

It offers the benefits of both, which is why it has become so popular.

Let's take a look at how it compares to the other Life Fitness treadmills...

As we mentioned, there is one folding treadmill: the F3.

The F3 has a strong 3.0 CHP motor as well as an additional console option and a heavy 350 lb. max weight capacity.

You then have the five non-folding models: the T3, T5, Run CX, Club + and Platinum Club.

The T3 is nearly identical to the F3, except you get a longer 20" x 60" running surface and up to 12 mph speed instead of 10 mph.

The T5, as you've read about above, improves upon the T3 with the largest running surface, 22" x 60", FlexDeck Select cushioning, automatic workout recall and a 400 lb. max weight capacity.

The Run CX, the newest member of the lineup, has most of the features of the T5 yet is much more affordable. Only difference is you don't get two console choices.

The Club Series models are more commercial-grade, and closer to the machines you find at your gym.  

The Club + is the newest model in the series, with a sleek. modern look, an advanced touch screen display, a ton of built in workouts and the same large deck that the T5 has.

The Platinum Club is an even more commercial-grade version of the base model, with the most advanced cushioning, specialized workouts, four frame color choices and three unique console options.

So as you can see the Life Fitness T5 treadmill gives you many of the benefits of the up-level Club Series models without the hefty price tag that those treadmills have, including the largest available deck, adjustable cushioning and an impressive 400 lb. max weight capacity.

Which Life Fitness Treadmill Should You Buy?

Now that you've read about the features of each one, hopefully it's easier to make a decision as to which treadmill you should buy.  

Think about your budget as well as what your fitness needs are to help you arrive at a decision.

If you need a treadmill that folds, then you have the F1 or the F3.  The F1 is going to be the least expensive option, at just over $2000, but it is more of an entry level machine with a smaller deck.  

If you plan on using it more often, or need more room, look at the F3 instead, which will be about $400 more.

If you don't need a folding treadmill, we would definitely recommend the Life Fitness T5 if you have the budget for it, or the Run CX if you want something similar but more affordable.  

As we mentioned, they give you many of the most important features of the Club Series models.

What about the Club Series? For most users, the T5 or Run CX is all that you need.  

However, if there are a number of different users of various sizes, and budget is not a concern, take a look at the Club Series +, which is probably our favorite Life Fitness treadmill.  

It's the newest model and as such has all of the latest technology including the touch screen and advanced cushioning, among other great features.

The Platinum Club treadmill is great, but they haven't been updated in years and are just not worth spending the money on unless you are opening up a gym in your home.

Life Fitness T5 Review - Bottom Line

The Life Fitness T5 is an awesome treadmill and one of the most popular machines in the company's lineup...it’s solidly built with top-notch cushioning, large running deck, incline capability and console choices for customization.

For those that are looking to work out on a regular basis and like to stretch out, the T5 gives you plenty of flexibility and you can change up the feel of the belt to mimic an outdoor run or provide the highest level of support to minimize impact on your knees and joints.

Also take a look at the T3 and Run CX if you want to save a little money, although they are not as advanced as the T5.  

If you want to upgrade a bit, look at the newest model in the series, the Club Series +.

But again, you can not go wrong with any of the Life Fitness treadmills...regardless of which one you end up buying, you will be more than happy with your purchase.