The Lifecore VST-V8 Elliptical with On-the-Go Stride Length Adjustment

The Lifecore VST-V8 elliptical is the company’s “next generation” machine and its first entry into expensive high-end trainers. This is a front-drive Variable Stride Trainer that lets the user step, walk, or run at the touch of a button, varying not only the stride length but also the style of the stride.

What You Get

The Lifecore VST-V8 elliptical has a programmable blue backlit console display with Quick Keys for the 12 Preset Programs including Heart Rate Control Programs with 55%, 75%, 90%, & Target Heart Rate, a Watt Specific Program, and User Customized Courses.

The full specs are:

• 18" - 26" Adjustable Stride Length
• 16 Resistance Levels
• 12 programs / 4 user profiles
• Cushioned pedals
• Safety Locking mechanism
• Water bottle holder
• 300-lb. user weight capacity
• Front Transport Wheels
• Unit dimensions/wt: 56"L x 34"W x 65"H / 238 lbs
• Warranties – 5 years parts, 1-year labor, lifetime frame

The Word on the Street

UPDATE: As of 2016, or perhaps earlier, it appears that Lifecore Fitness is no longer making elliptical machines, choosing to focus on their exercise bikes and rowing machines instead.  

Check out our best picks in the $1000-2000 range and the $2000-$3000 range for comparable models.

The Lifecore VST-V8 offers sealed bearings in all moving parts, friction-free magnetic resistance, close 2" pedal spacing, 16 levels of resistance, and a Safety Locking Mechanism that keeps kids from turning on the machine accidentally. The cushioned footpads provide additional comfort, and the compact 56" frame lets the user set up the VST-V8 elliptical trainer anywhere in the house.

The main reason for buying this hybrid suspension Lifecore elliptical is the 18" - 26" On-the-Go Stride Length adjustment. The shortest length can be used in a stair stepper motion to hit the gluts and upper legs, and the longer striding motion is ideal to simulate running and power walking. Used along with a full compliment of programs and HRC workouts, the Lifecore VST-V8 is a good machine to help you to reach your fitness goals.

Our Thoughts

While the Lifecore VST-V8 elliptical is a solid machine, for $2,999 you can do much better in a high-end elliptical. Reviews by fitness equipment experts have been questioning why Lifecore would even start making a product at this price level since the light commercial market is dominated by some very powerful brands.

If you are going to spend around $3,000 on any style of elliptical, go with a Cybex Arc, True TX, or anything made by Precor.

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