The Life Fitness E1 is a cross-trainer with a commercial-style design and heavy-duty construction. However, because it only comes with an in-home guarantee, it is not suitable for commercial usage.
It’s not one of Life Fitness’s newest elliptical trainer models; for comparison, this is the E1-XX00-105 model from 2014. It is, nevertheless, still available today and continues to receive great feedback from users.
Before we get started on the presentation of this training equipment, there is one thing we need to address. This machine comes with two consoles: the standard console and the Track Connect console. The console is included in this package.
The Life Fitness E1 elliptical trainer, like the ProForm Smart Strider 735, has a rear-drive design. However, it lacks a folding feature and has a relatively big assembled footprint.
When completely set up, it takes up approximately 81.7″L x 30″W (208 x 76 cm) of floor space, and it is suggested to leave at least 24″ (61 cm) of clearance all around the unit for safe operation and easy access.
The machine is rather heavy; when completely assembled, it weighs around 211 lbs (96 kg), and the container weighs over 242 lbs (110 kg). As a result, it is suggested that two persons carry and erect it.
On the other hand, this weight contributes significantly to the machine’s overall strength and stability. Even if the weight capacity is near to the limit of 400 lbs (181 kg), you can be certain that it will not move or wobble while in use. In addition, each of its base bars has rubberized stabilizers that may be adjusted.
Despite its weight, the device is not difficult to transport after being built. Two transport wheels are included in the back base, making it easier to move.
As you might expect, this Life Fitness cross-trainer is built with a steel frame. In actuality, its frame has just a few ABS pieces, the most essential of which are the flywheel and pedal covers.
All steel pieces have a chip-resistant and corrosion-resistant paint finish on both sides. The only colors available for this item are dark gray and white, with the “Life Fitness” logo painted white.
Resistance Level
An eddy current, automated magnetic resistance technology is included with the Life Fitness E1 cross-trainer. This implies that the machine must be linked to a power source for the resistance to be available.
It requires a 120-volt circuit to operate. The item comes with an adaptor, and the connecting point is located above the back base. Additionally, only the console may be used to modify the resistance.
A tiny servo motor and a magnetic brake make up the unit’s resistance mechanism. The motor will vary the location of the brake assembly in respect to the flywheel to provide more or less resistance when you pick a difficulty level on the console.
The machine has a total of 20 resistance settings. Although the top 18-20 resistance settings provide enough tension and may easily help you break a sweat, this cross-trainer isn’t designed for high-intensity workouts. It’s essentially a gadget for light to moderate cardiac exercise.
Drive System
A belt drive mechanism is standard on most exercise machines with an eddy current resistance system, and the Life Fitness E1 elliptical trainer is no different.
It uses WisperStride drive technology, including a heavy-duty poly-v belt that makes nearly little noise when exercising. Unlike a chain drive, a belt drive does not require lubrication and creates less vibration. The pedaling action is quite smooth and practically quiet.
The integrated flywheel is balanced, adding to the pedaling motion’s stability. Its weight isn’t indicated, but considering the machine’s size and total weight, it should be between 20 and 30 pounds (9.0-13.6 kg).
In addition, the flywheel is bi-directional. This means you may bike backward while the dashboard continues to calculate your miles traveled, calories burnt, and other data.
Like those on the E3 and E5 versions, the pedals on this elliptical are conventional and uncushioned. However, the pedaling motion creates nearly little stress on your joints thanks to their positioning and the WhisperStride driving technology.
The pedals are big enough to fit all sizes of sports shoes. They have a non-slip surface and a raised inner border to promote foot stability.
The pedal stride is non-adjustable and measures 20″ (51 cm). This stride is suitable for people ranging in height from 5’0″ to 6’2″ (153 – 188 cm). It may be too short for taller users.
There is no inclination system on the machine. This is a significant flaw for a product in this price range. However, the solid structure and exceptionally smooth motor compensate for this.
The pedal step-up height is around 8″ (20.3 cm) above the floor level. Because the highest pedal position will add a few inches to this height, the device should be placed in a room with a ceiling at least 15″ (38 cm) higher than your own.
The Life Fitness E1 cross-trainer has a horizontal elliptical route despite rear-drive equipment. This implies that the pedaling does not have a downhill sensation, unlike comparable bikes with a rear-drive.
This trainer has two sets of handlebars: one mobile and one fixed. The movable arms are basic in construction, with heavy-duty ball bearings at their connection points with the pedal arms and the console mast, adding to the smoothness of the ride.
Pulse sensors are included in the stationary “bullhorn” handlebars. The rubberized grips on both types of handlebars provide improved adhesion and comfort.
Console
As previously stated, the Life Fitness E1 trainer is compatible with two types of consoles: the basic Go model and the Track Connect variant. The Go model of the console is provided with the training.
A 7-inch LCD panel with integrated blue LED lighting improves the readability of this system. It keeps track of time, distance, pace, heart rate, goal heart rate, calories burnt, current resistance level, training profiles, and a message center reading, among other things.
Both imperial and metric units are available for speed and distance. To measure your heart rate, you may utilize the sensors built into the stationary handlebars or the supplied wireless HR chest band.
The message center area offers the user instructional information when the first key is touched. The user will be guided through the process of creating a workout via the message center, which includes selecting an exercise and inputting time, level, and other workout-specific information.
If some exercise feedback options, such as pace and METS, are enabled in the Settings Menu, they will be available during the activity.
The console has 12 preset fitness programs, two custom workouts, and a Manual workout to control the resistance manually while exercising.
Interval programs, calorie-burning, and fat reduction programs, and muscle toning programs are among the 12 predefined programs in the database.
If you want something different every time you use the machine, random software will produce a set of training profiles for you.
Two user profiles are available on the console, allowing two users to record personal information such as weight and height. Each user profile has its unique fitness regimen. Custom programs allow you to tailor a workout to your specific fitness requirements.
Goal-setting options including time, distance, and calories burned are also available on the console device. For each of these measures, you may choose a single goal value, and the unit will start counting down from that number until it hits zero.
A tablet holder is located behind the keypad, one of the console’s supplementary features. This support is big enough to accommodate any tablet. On the other hand, the console lacks a USB connector or any other means of connecting the tablet. It also lacks online connectivity, unlike the Track Connect console.
Assembly
The drive and resistance parts are pre-assembled in the mainframe. As a result, all you have to do now is connect the cables and attach the base stabilizers, the console mast, moving arms, pedals, and console.
It shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes to do this task. The kit comes with all of the essential equipment for assembly and great assembly instructions in the handbook.
There isn’t much that has to be done in terms of upkeep. Some lubricant is advised to be applied to the machine’s joints during assembly.
This way, they will not need to be lubricated again for a long time. Aside from that, you should inspect the machine for loose bolts and parts regularly.
Summary
The Life Fitness E1 is a rear-drive elliptical cross-trainer with 20 levels of magnetic resistance. The Go console is included, which has 14 fitness routines, two user profiles, and wireless pulse reading.
It is made of exceptionally robust materials and has a weight capacity of 400 pounds. It’s a machine that may be used for mild to medium aerobic exercises, weight reduction, muscular toning, stamina development, and rehabilitation.
Finally, despite the lack of amenities like an inclination system or internet connectivity, it still provides exceptional value and quality for the money.
If the joints become noisy, they should be lubricated, and loose bolts and nuts should be checked regularly.
