LiveStrong Fitness Treadmill Reviews

  Treadmill Articles

I stopped by Dick's Sporting the other day and starting talking to a salesperson in the fitness equipment department that actually knew what he was talking about. Now Dick's sells both LiveStrong and Sole treadmills. I asked how the sales compared. He said that Sole had always dominated sales, but LiveStrong, although being relatively new, is catching up.

However, this is what really got my attention. He mentioned that though Sole has always had a decent service record, he has not had one service issue with the LiveStrong treadmills.

Note: You can purchase LiveStrong Fitness treadmills direct at LiveStrongFitness.com. As of 7/29/10 all prices include free indoor shipping — a $75 value.* Also check out our "Best Buy" recommendations.

LiveStrong Fitness treadmills are built by Johnson Fitness, which also builds Horizon and Vision Fitness.   In fact, they replaced Horizon treadmills at Dick's.  As it was explained to me by Patty Parrott, the VP of marketing for Johnson, the goal with LiveStrong treadmills was to build treadmills that are equal or better than the competition in their price range. 

Buy a Treadmill and Fight Cancer!

There is an interesting twist to the LiveStrong treadmills.  First, they are endorsed by Lance Armstrong, which means nothing to me.  However, with every purchase Johnson Fitness contributes to Lance Armstrong's LiveStrong Foundation, which  fights cancer.  Johnson is committed to donating at least $4 million over the next 5 years.  So when you purchase a treadmill you are not only a LiveStrong customer, but also a philanthropist.

And that is a good thing, but the most important concern is buying a treadmill that assist you in reaching your fitness goals. That means you want a treadmill that is durable and provides the features that will motivate you to burn calories and get into shape.  According to Ms Parrott;

"Since we were licensing the LiveStrong Fitness brand name it was important to put our best foot forward in terms of quality. We used frames and components that we have had the best success with.  So if you look at the frames we used, they are ones  we've used in the past, and they are the strongest and the best.  If you look at the LS9.9T treadmill, you can't move it.  It is very solid and stable. "

There are 4 treadmills ranging in price from $799 - $1,699.  They tend to fall into these categories:

• LiveStrong Fitness LS7.9T - Designed for walkers
• LiveStrong Fitness LS9.9T - Designed for walkers and joggers
• LiveStrong Fitness LS12.9T - Designed for joggers/runners
• LiveStrong Fitness LS16.9T - Designer for runners

The LS12.9T and the LS16.9T come with 60" treadbelts and strong motors, so they are also built to handle heavier users and taller individuals. Additional features include...

Speakers and MP3/iPod Input - All models are equipped with speakers and the ability to plug in your MP3 or iPod player.  In fact, the LiveStrong LS16.9T is equipped with Pioneer speakers (Note: on the site it says that the LS16.9T has only a iPod input.).

Fitness Journal - All the treadmills have fitness journaling software, called LiveTrack, where you can log and journal you workouts overtime. You can monitor your progress over the past day, week or month.

Heavy Unit Weight - All four models are above average as far as their weight.  This is an important factor in the stability of the machines.  For example, the LS16.9T weighs in at a hefty 264 lbs.

Warranties - The warranties tend to match up very well against the competition.  All models have a lifetime warranty on the motor, which is fairly standard.  What is worth noting is the LS12.9T and the LS16.9T, which come with a generous 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty.  Warranties can speak volumes as to the durability of the machines.

Our Review - LiveStrong Fitness Treadmills

I believe Johnson Fitness has a winner with LiveStrong treadmills.  The charitable angle makes for a good story, and distinguishes these treadmills from others.  But most important, the models appear to match up well against the competition.  In testing the machines I felt they had a very solid and stable feel, and except for the LS7.9T all the models ran very quietly. A sign of good engineering and quality components.

In the past, when you went to Dick's Sporting you primarily had Sole and Horizon treadmills.  I never felt Horizon was up to the Sole standards, and in talking to the salespeople I got the same impression from them.  I feel the LiveStrong treadmills are going to give Sole some fierce competition. 

Are the LiveStrong treadmills as durable as brands like Sole, Smooth or Pacemaster? They appear to be and the feedback I got from the salesperson at Dick's is that the are very low maintenance.

Go to LiveStrongFitness.com to learn more!

Also see the LiveStrong Fitness LS16.9T Treadmill Review and the LiveStrong Fitness LS12.9T Treadmill Review.