The Life Fitness X1 Elliptical Cross Trainer – Super Quiet, High Quality, High Value

The Life Fitness X1 elliptical cross trainer is considered an entry level model, but you get the same outstanding engineering and reliability that found in all of the company's machines.

It offers you the ability to own a club quality model without the hefty price tag, and is such one of the most popular ellipticals in the series.

What You Get

The X1 has a thin profile with stationary and moving handlebars.  The basic Go Console has a blue LCD display with 12 built in workouts and 2 custom workouts, as well as 2 user profiles.

Let's take a look at some of the most important specs...

• Eddy Current Resistance System
• 20" stride length
• 12 Resistance Levels
• ErgoGrip stationary handlebar
• Oversized Pedals
• Step-up height – 6.5 inches
• Unit wt/dimensions: 215 lbs/ 81 x 30 x 59 inches (LxWxH)
• 350-lb. user weight capacity
• Warranty – lifetime frame; 3 years parts; 1 year labor

The Word on the Street

The Life Fitness X1 elliptical cross trainer features the patented Link6™ drive system for a comfortable ergonomic stride, and upper body workout arms for all-body movement.

In addition, the patented WhisperStride technology has self-aligning ball bearings for a quiet, fluid motion.

Other features of the Life Fitness X1 include a built-in reading rack and dual accessory trays. The basic console is pretty, well – basic, but if all you plan to do is to hit manual and go, this model offers your best bet for getting the elite Life Fitness brand name for under $2,000.

The Life Fitness X1 is the most affordable of the Life Fitness rear-drive cross trainers, along with the E1 model,  but it doesn’t skimp on quality just because it costs half the price of the E5 and Club Series models.

The Life Fitness X1 elliptical has the same heavy-duty frame as the pricier X3 and many of the same features. The X1 trainers are super quiet, high quality, high value, and rugged (weighing 215 pounds) units that have pleased owners since the first year the home machines came out.

Elliptical reviews by industry insiders have noted that as Life Fitness continues to dominate the health club market (along with Precor), the company is making great inroads to the home equipment market, and made a splash with the affordable X1 elliptical cross trainer.

How Does the X1 Compare to the Rest of the Life Fitness Ellipticals?

As we mentioned, the Life Fitness X1 is the least expensive model at just under $2,000.  It's still very well built and very well designed, it's just not as advanced as some of the other models in the series.

Let's take a brief look at all of the Life Fitness ellipticals to see how they compare to the X1...

As you've read about above, the X1 gives you the Go console, Link6 drive, grip and wireless heart rate, WhisperStride technology, 20" stride and a 350 lb. maximum weight capacity.

The X3 gives you everything the X1 has, plus a feature called CoachZone that offers specialized targeted training workouts.

The E Series is a step up, giving you an additional console option and higher max weight capacities. 

The E1 is similar to the X1 but with the Track Connect advanced console option and a 400 lb. max weight instead of 350 lbs.

The E3 is similar to the X3 as far as CoachZone training, but with multi-grip handles and all of the features of the E1.

The E5 improves upon the E3 with on the fly resistance and stride changes, and adjustable stride from 18-24" as opposed to the fixed 20" on many of the other Life Fitness ellipticals.

There are also two center-drive, compact models called the FS4 and FS6, both with longer strides than all but the E5.  They also feature the new touch screen console that the others do not.

At the top of the heap you have the three Club Series elliptical cross trainers: a base, a Plus and a Platinum.  These are even more commercial grade than the X, E and FS series models, built for much heavier use.

So as you can see the Life Fitness X1 is on the lower end of the lineup, with plenty of features but not quite as advanced as most of the other models.  You have a lower max weight capacity and no additional console choices.

Which Life Fitness Elliptical Should You Choose?

When it comes to choosing a Life Fitness elliptical, you need to consider what your budget is and what exactly you are looking for.

If your main concern is saving money, and you can do without the bells and whistles, the Life Fitness X1 is a great choice for you. It's smooth and quiet, yet strong and durable, with plenty of built in workouts to keep you satisfied.  If you like the idea of a built in coach, look at the X3 as well.

If there will be multiple users, or if anyone is larger in size, you may be better off with the higher weight capacities on the E series models.  They also give you the customization option as far as consoles which you may find appealing.

Any of the E Series is great, but our favorite here is the E5 as it gives you the adjustable stride and on the fly adjustment capability built right into the moving handlebars.

If space is a major concern, the FS4 and FS6 are the most compact models in the series, with their center drive design taking up much less room than the rest of the Life Fitness elliptical machines.  They also have increased strides and touch screen consoles.

What about the Club Series?  Those machines are fantastic, but if you are considering the X1 you probably don't need something extra commercial grade like the Club Series models. 

Still, if budget is open, and you're looking at those, the new Club Series + is our recommendation in the higher end category.  It's sleek, modern and has the same new touch screen that the FS4 and FS6 have.

Our Thoughts on the X1 Elliptical

The Life Fitness X1 cross trainer is a great elliptical with quiet performance and smooth pedaling motion, and although it is the least expensive model is still built with the highest quality components.

If you're looking to own a cardio machine from this brand, it's a great way to do so without breaking the bank.

If your budget is more open and you want something a little more advanced, look at the up-level E Series as well as the Club Series models.  And if space is a concern, check out the compact FS series.

It’s a toss-up when comparing the Life Fitness X1 elliptical cross trainer and the Sole E98 as to which one is the better $1,999 machine. They rank #1 and #1A in our book.