LiveStrong Fitness LS9.9T Treadmill Review

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A Solid Buy at $999

So how does the LiveStrong LS9.9T compare? It is a solid built treadmill with a good service record that feels very stable and runs quietly.

Note: As of 7/29/10 the LiveStrong Fitness LS9.9T treadmill was selling for $999 with inside shipping (A $75 value). Go to LiveStrongTreadmills.com for the latest price.*

Also check out our "Best Buy" treadmill recommendations.

LiveStrong is built by Johnson Fitness, who also builds Horizon and Vision Fitness.  In fact, LiveStrong is replacing Horizon treadmills in all Dick's Sporting Goods. I not a big fan of Horizon, and I feel the LiveStrong brand is a substantially better in both the engineering and the design.

More Than an Horizon with Yellow Stripes

When I was talking to a fitness equipment store manager and mentioned I was going to look at the new LiveStrong Treadmills, he said, "Oh Horizon with yellow stripes."  Actually, they are not a remake of Horizon with a different name. 

The LiveStrong treadmills are a hybrid of Horizon and Vision Fitness.  They took some of the best components with the highest success rates, and incorporated them into the LiveStrong machines.  However, in the process they kept the prices very competitive. 

Another factor about the LiveStrong treadmills is that with each purchase the company donates money to Lance Armstrong's charitable foundation that fights cancer.  And this may or may not mean anything, but Lance endorses these treadmills.  Celebrity endorsements do nothing for me, but for many they can impact a purchasing decision.

LiveStrong Fitness LS9.9T Features...

2.75 Continuous Duty HP Motor — Usually at this price you find treadmills with 2.5 HP motors. So you are getting a slight boost in power.  The motor is good for walkers and joggers.

20" x 55" Running Area —  Typically companies define the length in terms of the treadbelt.  What they don't tell you is that often the treadbelt is covered with several inches of shroud.  So that would mean this treadmill offers a slightly longer running area over the typical $999 treadmill.

Built-in Fitness Journal — You have the ability to store and monitor your progress on your treadmill over a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

Speakers with iPod/MP3 Input — This features is becoming standard on most new models.  The sound isn't great, but it is preferable to exercising with headphones.  There is also a fan built into the console, which is also a nice add on.

Warranty — The LiveStrong LS9.9T comes with lifetime motor, 3-year parts and 1-year labor coverage.  Brands like NordicTrack and ProForm only have 1-year parts.  The Sole F63 is similar to the LS9.9T.  The Smooth 5.65 has the same coverage for the motor and parts, but has a 2-year labor warranty.

Heavy Unit Weight — I feel one of the features that is a standout is the weight of the LS9.9T.  It weighs 240 lbs.  With the combination of the frame design and the overall weight, you have a very stable and solid machine.   However, the extra weight does make it a bit difficult to move around.  This is a treadmill you want to leave in place.

Our Review - LiveStrong Fitness LS9.9T Treadmill

The LiveStrong LS9.9T treadmills is a contender at $999. When I tested it, it felt very sturdy and stable. It ran very quietly, even at higher speed. And most important, the feedback I got is that it is a low maintenance machine.

I would say it is very comparable to the Smooth and Sole $999 treadmill, the only difference is you contribute to a charity when you buy a LiveStrong treadmill.

One last note. When talking to a salesperson at Dick's he mentioned they had less service issues with the LiveStrong treadmill than other brands in the store.

Go to LiveStrongTreadmills.com to learn more!