Life Fitness T5 Track Treadmill Review

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Motor	Apps	Warranty
Life Fitness T5 Track Check Discounted Price	L:80" W:32" H:61"	400 lbs	3.0 CHP, 0-12 MPH	14, LFConnect capable	Frame: lifetime Motor: 10 years Parts: 7 years Labor: 1 year

The Life Fitness T5 treadmill is actually available with 3 types of consoles: “Go”, “Track” and “Track+”. The model presented here is the one supplied with the Track console, which offers Android and iDevice compatibility, USB connection for data transfer, also being LFConnect compatible. This being said, the Life Fitness T5 Track treadmill features a heavy-set, extremely sturdy construction. Even though it’s a treadmill made for home-use, its deck, frame and console offer commercial quality. In fact, this treadmill is used by many gyms.

Technical Details and Specifications

Assembled dimensions: 80L x 32W x 61H inches (203L x 81W x 155H cm)
Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 22W inches (152L x 56W cm)
Assembled weight: 341 lbs (155 kg)
Supported weight: 400 lbs (181.4 kg)
Motor: 3.0 HP continuous duty DC
Incline: Automatic, 0%-15%
Deck cushioning: Adjustable, 3 levels
Speed levels: 0.5-12 MPH,
Console: Track+, 14 training programs, USB connectivity, LF VirtualTrainer compatible, Android, iPhone, iPad, iPod compatible
Amenities: Cup holders, accessory holder, tablet tray,
Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor 10 years / Parts 7 years / Labor 1 year

Deck and running surface

The deck of a treadmill is its most important component, and the T5 from Life Fitness offers an extremely solid deck, incorporating industrial quality rollers, 2.6″ at the front, 2.0″ at the rear, both precision crowned for a superior grip onto the running belt. Speaking of the running belt, this treadmill features a 2-ply heavy-duty and stretch resistant belt, with a durable polyurethane top-layer, to supply the ideal running surface, and a nylon under-layer, for the optimal adherence to the rollers.

The T5 deck has a built-in suspension system, utilizing custom engineered lifesprings, being able to absorb up to 30% from the impact on your joints. The suspension system actually has 3 levels of adjustment: Standard, Firm and Hard. Therefore, this machine can actually simulate running on different surfaces, from asphalt and running pitch, to off-road.

This treadmill features a 60″L x 22″W (152 x 56 cm) running surface. It can definitely support running, not just jogging or walking, and due to its dimensions, it can accommodate runners up to 6’6″ (198 cm) comfortably. When it comes to user weight capacity, the deck can withstand users up to 400 lbs (181.4 kg), just as any commercial treadmill should.

Motor

The Life Fitness T5 treadmill uses a 3 HP continuous duty motor, with a peak power of 6.0 HP. This motor can withstand long running sessions at top speeds with no problem, even if the user is close to the maximum allowed capacity. You can be sure it won’t choke, overheat or emit disturbing noises when put up to superior stress.

This motor can offer speeds up to 12 MPH (19.3 KM/h). So, it goes without saying that it’s a machine built for running. The speed can be adjusted in increments of 0.1 MPH. Therefore, you can be sure you’ll get just the right speed level that fits best to your workout or fitness level.

Speed can be adjusted manually, as you run. Or, in case you’re using one of the preloaded or custom workouts, the treadmill will adjust speed automatically, according to the current segment of the selected workout.

This treadmill requires to be connected to a standard 120 VAC power circuit. It comes with a normal, U.S. standard plug, not an adapter. The power cord connects to the machine at the front, and near the connection point there is also an On/Off switch. On top of that, the Track console supplied with this running machine also has an Energy Saver Button, which puts it into sleep mode to reduce consumption, when the treadmill is not in use. By default, the machine will enter Energy Saver Mode after 5 minutes of inactivity.

One final aspect to mention here is that the motor is quiet. And overall, the use of the treadmill is pretty quiet as well. Since the deck features a suspension system, not only that absorbs some of the shock on your ankles and knees, it also reduces the noise generated by your cadence.

Incline

Just as any commercial quality treadmill, the T5 features a motorized incline system. Needless to say, the adjustment of the incline is done from the Track console supplied. Just as for the speed, you can adjust incline manually, as you run, or if using an on-board workout routine that involves incline, the machine will adjust it automatically.

The incline supplied by this treadmill isn’t extreme though, as in the high-end industrial treadmills. It can be adjusted in increments of 0.5%, offering a maximum slope of 15%, which is approx. 9°. But nonetheless, the existence of this feature considerably increases the spectrum of possible workout routines that can be carried out on this machine. For example, running at 10 MPH, with a 10% incline, requires quite a high level of fitness.

The elevation given by the deck at 0% incline isn’t high, placing you at cca 15″ above floor level. Incline at maximum setting will add a couple more inches to your height. Therefore, in order to determine whether or not the room’s ceiling where the treadmill will be placed will fit you, add at least 20″ to your own height.

Frame

Evidently, since this Life Fitness treadmill features a heavy, commercial grade deck, it has to be sustained by a solid frame. The base of the treadmill is made of solid steel, coated with anti-scratch and corrosive resistant paint. The rear base rests on two leveling feet with rubber caps, allowing the perfect leveling of the machine on just about any type of flooring. The front base rests on caster wheels, which can help with the relocation of the fully assembled machine. However, given the fact that this treadmill is quite heavy, with an overall weight of 341 lbs (155 kg), it’s best to assemble it in the place where it will be in use.

This treadmill doesn’t feature a folding, space saver design. Its footprint is rather large, occupying 80″L x 32″W (203 x 81 cm) of floor space. On top of that, some clearance is required for the proper use of the machine, in order to avoid potential accidents. The optimal clearance required for most treadmills is 1′ on each side, and a minimum of 3′ at the rear, rules which apply to this machine as well.

Console

As we’ve mentioned above, the T5 treadmill described here comes with the Track console. And to be clear, this is the “Track” console, not the “Track+”. The Track console isn’t much different from the Track+ one, though. The Track+ only incorporates a tablet holder, situated under the console’s display, while the Track one doesn’t have this feature. The Track+ also has two extra workout programs. They’re pretty much the same in every other aspect.

Now, regarding the features and functions offered by the Track console, we’ll start with the on-board programs that it includes. This unit comes with 14 built-in training programs, programs developed and perfected by Life Fitness. These programs include: Manual, Random, Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Heart Rate, Heart Rate Interval, Extreme Heart Rate, Fit Test, Sports Training, EZ incline, Goal, and 2x Custom Profile Workouts. Each program has its own specifics, and focuses on a specific type of training. For example, the Goal program allows you to setup a goal for distance traveled, calories burned or heart rate. The Fit Test gives you the possibility to determine your current fitness level, and track your progress. And the Custom profiles allow you to actually create and define your own workout.

The Track console offers a USB port for data transfer. Via this USB port, you can upload new workouts from the LFConnect database, and also save your own data, or custom programs, and upload them into your LFConnect account.

The console offers compatibility with Android and iDevices. It features a docking port for these devices at the top, and a series of keys at the bottom which allow you to control the sound on your docked device. The docking port also serves as a charging port for your device. Also, there is a port for earbuds or earphones on the console, which offers more convenience on the positioning of the cable as you run.

The display indicates multiple values, such as current heart rate and target heart rate, distance, calories, speed and incline levels, time, and current workout profile. A segment of the screen also offers information and coaching throughout specific workouts.

There are several keys on the console for program selection and other features, but the speed and incline gradual and direct keys are situated on the small control center, connected to the transversal grips of the machine. These controls include direct speed keys for 2 MPH / 3 KmH (Walk), 4 MPH / 6 KmH (Jog) and 6 MPH / 9.6 KmH (Run). There are also quick keys for 1.5%, 3%, and 5% incline. However, with the arrow keys you can adjusts incline and speed from the lowest to the maximum possible.

Last but not least, the Life Fitness Track console is telemetry enabled, and can read pulse via a heart rate chest strap. The strap is not included.

Other accessories

When it comes to other accessories and functions offered by this treadmill, the first one to put on the list refers to the pulse sensors integrated within the transversal grips of the machine. In case you don’t workout with a HR chest strap, you can still track your pulse via these sensors.

The dashboard construction of the machine incorporates two cup holders and an accessory holder, which are dish-washer friendly.

Assembly and Maintenance

First of all, since the running machine is quite heavy, it’s best to place it on a mat from the start, assembling it directly on the mat. And second of all, you will need at least two people for moving and placing the unit within the place where it will be used.

The overall assembly process is not complicated. The deck comes fully assembled, but in order to attach the lateral upright bars of the machine, you will need to remove the motor hood, and screw the bars in, then put the hood back in its place. Next, all you need to do is connect the bridge with the control unit, the console and the cup holders. Evidently, you will need to connect multiple wires between the motor and the console. The manual supplied with the machine will guide you through the whole process step by step.

For maintenance, you will need to vacuum the belt, under and around the deck, and also inspect the functionality of the belt, the tightness of bolts etc. The belt is prelubricated with high-performance lubricant, and shouldn’t require any lubrication for a long period of time.

Last but not least, don’t forget to register your product with LifeFitness.com, in order to become a registered owner, which assures coverage in the event you lose your proof of purchase.

The Pros

Extremely solid construction, similar to full commercial treadmills;
Commercial grade deck;
400 lbs user weight capacity;
Adjustable deck cushioning (3 levels);
2-ply, commercial quality belt, stretch-resistant;
3 HP continuous duty DC motor;
Motorized incline 0-15%;
Life Fitness Track console, compatible with other Life Fitness machines;
12 preset workouts + 2 custom profile workouts;
Docking / charging port for Android and iOS devices;
Quick controls for your connected media device;
Headphone jack;
USB data transfer port;
Compatibility with LFConnect;
Pulse sensors and wireless pulse reading via chest strap;
Quiet machine;
Fairly easy to assemble;
Solid warranty plan.

The Cons

No fans;
No integrated speakers – but evidently you can use your media device directly with, or without headphones;
Chest strap not included.

Summary

The Life Fitness T5 treadmill with the Track console offers the construction, weight capacity and function range of a commercial treadmill. But still, it’s rated as a treadmill for home use, and only comes with a user oriented warranty. Its definitely a treadmill that can supply the training setting for a professional runner. But just as any full-range and solid treadmill, it can be used for interval training, stamina building, losing weight, jogging and walking. Even though it costs quite a bit more than other models with this range of features and functions, it’s definitely a treadmill built to last. Therefore, it’s safe to say that this particular machine is worth every penny.