The Livestrong LS9.9E Elliptical – Comfortable Ergonomic Ride

The Livestrong LS9.9E elliptical is a $999 power incline machine that offers 21 levels of incline to help you train more muscles in less time.

What You Get

The Livestrong LS9.9E elliptical offers 10 pre-set training programs including intervals, weight loss, constant watts, manual, and more. The console has a plug-in and speakers that works with any audio device, and the readout displays time, speed, distance, calories, heart rate, level, watts, and rpm. The list of features includes:

• 20" Stride Length
• 23-lb Flywheel
• 10 Programs
• 21 Incline Levels
• 20 levels Resistance
• 0" Q-factor Pedal Spacing
• Contact Grip Heart Rate Monitor
• Speakers with MP3/iPod® compatibility
• Dual action upper body handlebars
• SixStar Certified™ frame
• 325-lb. User Capacity
• Unit Weight/Dimensions — 182 lbs; 75" x W: 24" x H: 65"
• Warranty: Lifetime frame & brake, 3 yrs parts, 1 yr in-home labor

UPDATE:  Johnson HealthTech is no longer selling any ellipticals or treadmills under the Livestrong brand.  Check out Horizon and Vision for comparable machines.

The Word on the Street

The Livestrong LS9.9E elliptical trainer frame has a SixStar Certification™, which means it is designed and engineered for a truly comfortable ergonomic ride.

This design feature includes key areas such as: pedals placed with zero distance between them to eliminate stress on the hips and back; a FLATellipse™ natural foot path to mimic a natural walking motion and minimize fatigue; optimal handlebar spacing, a large drive pulley ratio for a smooth ride, a StraightUP™ body posture design, and pedals placed low for easier entry and exit.

The Livestrong LS9.9E has just about everything you desire in an elliptical trainer: a 20" stride, big 23-lb flywheel, a power incline, dual action handlebars for upper body workout, speakers, advanced 0" Q-factor pedal width, and a solid 182-lb frame. (The LS9.9E doesn’t have transport wheels so it will have to stay set up where you put it.)

While this Livestrong model is a promising machine, early elliptical reviews posted in December 2009 are mixed. Consumers discovered issues with the pedals, and Johnson immediately issued a voluntary product recall to correct the problem.

Our Thoughts

The Livestrong 9.9E is one of only a limited number of sub-$1000 elliptical trainers that offers an incline, which is ideal for maximizing your workouts. This feature allows you target a greater range of muscles from your calves and quads, to your hammies and gluts.

The Livestrong LS9.9E elliptical is a great looking machine with much potential, but due to the product recall, this 2010 model gets a red light until Johnson Tech gets all the kinks worked out.

Show me other Livestrong Elliptical Trainers