After testing home treadmills with bright touchscreen displays and high-tech features, reviewing residential machines from commercial brands sometimes feels underwhelming. They don’t feel as flashy, so it feels like paying two or three times as much for a less impressive machine. However, that’s not the whole story, especially not with a durable treadmill like the Life Fitness Run CX Treadmill.
The Life Fitness Run CX’s strength is its powerful and durable build, complemented by a better-than-average warranty. This treadmill is what a marathon runner like me needs, especially if you already have a training plan from a coach or elsewhere.
The Life Fitness Run CX is worth considering if you care more about a treadmill’s durability and longevity than its features. Read on to find out more about the Run CX, your new long-run companion.
Life Fitness Run CX Treadmill Review: Bottom Line
Life Fitness Run CX vs. Similar Treadmills
Check out the Life Fitness Run CX’s highlighted features and how it compares to other home treadmills.
 Life Fitness Run CX |  NordicTrack X24 |  Sole F89 |  Matrix TF30 |  Horizon 7.8 AT | |
| Price (MSRP) | $2,399 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | The Life Fitness Run CX has a tablet rack and great console Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity to pair with many third-party apps. | This premium treadmill offers maximum training features to use with iFIT’s expansive outdoor workouts. | This premium treadmill has a large screen for streaming free workout videos and Netflix, as well as an inclining and declining foldable deck. | The Matrix TF30 folds almost 90 degrees for compact storage and has four transport wheels. | Horizon’s premium model features a quick-adjusting motor, roller dials, and Sprint 8 programming for the ultimate HIIT training treadmill. |
| Awards Earned | |||||
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Product | Life Fitness Run CX | NordicTrack X24 | Sole F89 | Matrix TF30 | Horizon 7.8 AT |
| Workout Experience | 8 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 8 |
| Specs / Features | 6 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Dimensions / Storability | 6 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 8 |
| On-Board Workouts & Apps | 6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 |
| Build Quality | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Overall Score | 71 | 90 | 87 | 67 | 79 |
| # of Onboard Workouts | 28 | 11 | 100+ | 10 | 10 |
| Paid Programming - Cost | N/A | iFIT - $39/month | Sole+ App - Free | iFIT - $39/month | N/A |
| Netflix / 3rd Party Apps | N/A | Prime, Netflix, Spotify | Sole+ App, YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Peacock, Hulu, Spotify, ESPN, CNN, Audible, Kinomap | Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, MyFitnessPal, Weather, Web Browser, Kindle, Flipboard, Press Reader, Solitaire | N/A |
| Display | LCD | 24” pivoting touchscreen | 21.5″ touchscreen | 16" HD touchscreen, 10" HD touchscreen, or 8.5" LCD | 9.3" TFT LCD screen, 16-digit LED |
| Dimensions (In Use) | 79.5" x 32" x 61" | 69.9” L x 38.1” W x 73.3” H | 83″L x 38″W x 68″H | 77” L x 35” W x 62” H | 76" L x 37" W x 64" H |
| Deck Size | 22" x 60" | 22” x 60” | 22″ x 60″ | 20" x 55" | 22" x 60" |
| Treadmill Weight | 341 lbs | 445 lbs (in box) | 319 lbs | 294 lbs | 330 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 400 lbs | 400 lbs | 375 lbs | 350 lbs | 375 lbs |
| Motor Size | 3.0 CHP, 6.0 HP peak | 4.25 CHP | 4.0 HP | 3.25 CHP | 4.0 HP |
| Max Speed | 12 mph | 12 mph | 12 mph | 0 to 12.5 mph | 12 mph |
| Incline/Decline | 0 to 15% | 40% to -6% | 15 incline levels, 6 decline levels | 0 to 15% | 0 to 15% |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame and shock absorbers, 10-year motor, 7-year parts, 3-year console, 1-year labor | Lifetime motor, 10-years frame, 2-years parts, 1-year labor | lifetime frame and motor, 3-year deck, parts, and wear items, 1-year labor | Lifetime frame, motor, and cushioning, 5-years parts, 2-years labor | lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 5-year parts, 2-year labor |
| Additional Features | Tablet rack, Bluetooth, custom training features | SmartAdjust, ActivePulse, soft deck cushioning | Sole+ trainer-led classes, sleek build, durable and heavy-duty construction | 90-degree folding, Sprint 8, 4-wheel transport system | QuickDial controls, Bluetooth speakers, 3-zone cushioning |
Dimensions/Storability
The Life Fitness Run CX is a non-folding treadmill with dimensions of 79.5″ x 32″ x 61″ and a weight of 341 lbs. Though it has transportation wheels to help you move it around, it isn’t easy. We do not recommend storing it in an upstairs room because it would be hard to navigate over stairs.
Onboard Workouts & Apps
The Run CX has 15 onboard workouts and 12 custom workouts integrated into the console. These preprogrammed workouts have six modes, during which the treadmill will adjust for you, or you can simply press start, jump right into manual mode, and do your own thing.
Using this interface reminded us of gym treadmills, which have basic programming and a more old-school feel. However, the Run CX does seem to have a good amount of workout choices.
The Heart Rate Training mode requires using the heart rate monitor chest strap. Your heart rate is also shown on the screen during all the workouts, whether you use the chest strap or pulse grips.
The other modes include classic, advanced, goal, custom, and HIIT.
Custom mode is where you can completely create your own workouts.
There are up to 4 user profiles where you can input your age and weight and set a default workout duration. You’ll also be asked to input your walking, jogging, and running paces as well as inclines for those speeds. The multiple profiles let numerous people in your household save their stats when they use the Run CX, which is convenient.
Once you log into your profile, the information you input will be set as the default in the preprogrammed workouts; however, you can also change it.
I did find that inputting my stats to create a profile was a little challenging because of the basic design and limited buttons. I’ve become accustomed to higher technology by using the touchscreen on my phone and touchscreens on several other home fitness equipment.
So, this is something to consider if you prefer a more updated interface or even a touchscreen. The Run CX has a large entertainment rack, so you can also use your phone or tablet. The rubber on both parts of the rack helps keep the device in place.
If you have a tablet, it would probably work better than a phone on this rack, though, because it would be easier to see the screen. I didn’t like using my phone on the rack because the screen is small.
You can easily connect to the Life Fitness Run CX treadmill through Bluetooth, which allows you to use apps like Zwift and the Life Fitness Connect App. Once connected, your workout data is reflected in these apps.
The Life Fitness Connect App tracks and saves your workouts. It also offers a surprisingly large number of coached workouts. Although you can access a few audio workouts for free, the choices are limited without the premium subscription.
There are video and audio classes on and off the treadmill, as well as other Life Fitness equipment like rowers, ellipticals, and outdoor walks/runs. These workouts are prerecorded and are led by a trainer.
However, they aren’t as interactive and high-quality as a trainer-led class on iFit, which is integrated into NordicTrack treadmills. So, if you’re looking for subscription content and studio classes to take on your treadmill, the Life Fitness Connect app and the Run CX treadmill might not be for you.
Our team likes that the Life Fitness Run CX treadmill can be used without a monthly subscription, and it doesn’t connect to wifi since plenty of treadmills require these on the market.
Console
Overall, the console is straightforward, and it’s easy to see and reach all the features. However, I did have some problems initially with navigating it, which made it feel a little clunky to use.
All of the buttons are clearly labeled and make sense, but there are only a limited number of buttons, which, in our team’s opinion, makes the overall functionality suffer.
However, we enjoy the overall feel of this console. There’s also plenty of storage for items like your phone, wallet, keys, and water bottle.
The pulse grips and additional buttons on the lower part of the console stick out in front of the interface a bit, which makes them convenient to reach, but it shifts you back slightly on the running surface.
Even though the buttons and pulse grips are closer to you when you run, it doesn’t get in your way.
There are six buttons that allow you to jump from preselected higher and lower speeds/inclines. These buttons make it more convenient to hop from high to low inclines and slower to faster-paced than holding down the silver up/down buttons. These buttons adjust the speed by 0.1 mph and incline by 0.5%, which lets you find specific incline and speed levels.
The design is more compact than the Sole F85 treadmill and NordicTrack 2950, but this is also due to the lack of an interactive screen, fan, and additional buttons for adjusting your speed/incline.
Build Quality
Although we haven’t had this treadmill for long, and it’s our first treadmill from Life Fitness, we can’t explicitly say it will last a long time, but it certainly feels like it could.
The Run CX treadmill has a very solid construction.
Frame
When our team assembled it, we noticed that there were additional steel components under the hood that are built into the frame and console than what we’ve seen in other treadmills. This makes the Run CX feel extremely solid, which explains why it’s so heavy at 341 lbs.
There isn’t a metal crossbar under the handles like on the NordicTrack 2950 and Sole F85, which helps keep those consoles. The Run CX, however, doesn’t need a crossbar because it’s already solid and still the way it is.
The handles are sleek and have a nice coating that doesn’t feel sticky or slippery when you start sweating.
Motor
The Life Fitness Run CX has a 3.0 HP DC motor. DC motors are commonly found in home treadmills because they require less electricity than AC motors, typically in gym treadmills.
Although DC motors start and stop more slowly than AC motors, they are quieter. The Run CX motor is the same size but quieter than the Peloton Tread. The incline motor is a touch louder but still pretty quiet.
The motor’s peak horsepower is 6.0 HP, which it can sustain for short periods. So, the motor will adjust to handle high speeds when you’re running and sprinting. This makes the Run CX treadmill feel like a solid yet quiet workhorse.
Treadmill Deck
When running and skipping, we noticed that foot noise was very low. We heard more foot noise when we ran on the Sole F85, NordicTrack 2450, and Peloton Tread.
The Run CX also has a pretty low step-up height, especially compared to the NordicTrack 2950, so this is something to consider if you have lower ceilings.
The running surface is 22″ x 60″, a nice size and standard on treadmills of this quality. However, compared to the deck on the Matrix TF30 treadmill, the Run CX is a bit longer and wider.
The cushioning isn’t as soft as that of NordicTrack treadmills, but it is sufficient to help minimize the impact on the joints.
Our team didn’t have any discomfort in our legs after running and sprinting on the Run CX.
The cushioning could be suitable for long-distance runners who want a firm surface but more shock absorption than running on concrete.
Warranty/Customer Service
The Life Fitness Run CX treadmill was delivered to us like a regular customer. Two of our team members, including myself, assembled it. Assembly was pretty straightforward and similar to other treadmills that we’ve assembled. We recommend that at least two people set it up.
The warranty is pretty extensive. Life Fitness offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and shock absorbers, a 10-year warranty on the drive motor, a 7-year warranty on parts, a 3-year warranty on the console, and a 1-year labor warranty.
This warranty is similar to what Matrix offers on the TF30. Both brands have lifetime warranties for certain components, which is nice.
Should You Buy the Life Fitness CX Treadmill?
If you’re looking for a solid treadmill that feels and functions like one you’d find in a gym, check out the Run CX treadmill from Life Fitness. It’s a bit sleeker and more compact than a gym treadmill, making it more attractive for the home.
We found the limited buttons and basic console a little challenging to navigate. However, the fact that you don’t need an internet connection or a workout app to operate it makes the Run CX a nice option if you want a treadmill that you can use as is.
The Run CX can accommodate households with multiple users as well as larger folks. Our team here at Treadmill Review Guru thinks that the Run CX treadmill has the potential to last with regular use, and we were impressed by its sturdy design.
Life Fitness Run CX Q&A / FAQ
Is Life Fitness better than NordicTrack?
Life Fitness is a better investment for walkers and runners who want a treadmill with a long warranty. It does not have the high-tech features that NordicTrack treadmills do, like touchscreen displays, onscreen trainer-led workouts, and ActivePulse adjustments to match the speed with the right heart rate zone.
NordicTrack cushioning is softer, and their treadmills are more affordable. However, Life Fitness treadmills may be better for marathon runners and households with multiple serious indoor runners.
Is Life Fitness a good brand?
Life Fitness is a good brand with commercial and residential equipment. Life Fitness makes treadmills with sturdy builds and nice warranties.
How fast do Life Fitness treadmills go?
Life Fitness treadmills go 12 miles per hour with a couple of exceptions with speed limits of 10 and 14 mph.
Who makes Life Fitness?
KPS Capital Partners, LP owns Life Fitness.
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