Price: from £1999
Buy From: Fitness Superstore
Overall rating: 4
Ease of use: 5
Console features: 5
Value for money: 4
Comfort: 5
Build quality: 5
If you’re looking for a treadmill to use at home that has more in common with the commercial models, the Life Fitness F3 is a cracking choice. Starting at £1999 (with the Go console – the Life Fitness F3 Treadmill with Track Plus console bumps up the price to £2595) it’s a higher ticket price for a home treadmill but, as the saying goes, “you get what you pay for” and in this instance it’s quality.
The F3 offers excellent build throughout the machine as well as versatile training. Not only does it look the part (it’s really sleek and stylish) but I was particularly content with the running area. I felt very comfortable on the solid treadbelt, and I could really feel the difference from the Flexdeck Shock Absorption, which promises up to 30% reduction on impact. It definitely felt more comfortable than other home models.
As mentioned, you can choose between either the Go or Track Plus console. Both are easy to use and have USB connection, which is great. The Go console is more than adequate with 13 built in training programmes which offer great variety and handy controls like the warm up/cool down. However, if you’re looking for innovation, the Track Plus will certainly deliver as, on top of the 14 programmes, it comes with access to the Life Fitness Virtual Trainer website which lets you download countless more programmes. I also loved the fact I could link my iPad and access RunSocial (formally Paofit). It’s compatible with Android™ and Apple® fitness apps. Great!
As already said, the console is easy to use and a pretty cool feature is the “walk, jog, run” preset buttons. A brilliant quick use option.
One thing I can’t fail to point out is the fact that the F3 is fairly large for a home treadmill. But you can forgive that because the result is a far superior treadmill in terms of stability. It’s therefore brilliant that the treadmill folds. For me, it’s not critical I have a treadmill that folds, but if space is an issue, it’s great as it folds away so smoothly and is easy to manoeuvre. So it might be a bit big and bulky but it can still be conveniently stored away when not in use.
The warranty for the F3 treadmill is lifetime on frame and lifesprings, 10 years on motor and 3 years parts and labour.
Summary
The F3 folding treadmill from Life Fitness is as close to perfection as you will get within this price bracket. The deck is firm yet supportive, the console looks sleek and minimalist yet loaded with features, the price is on the high side but you’re paying for top quality equipment and the ease of use is second to none. Overall a great running experience can be had on the F3, especially if you link your iPad/tablet to it and take advantage of the apps that are available. The best one in my opinion is Runsocial by Paofit.
Buy at Fitness Superstore:
Life Fitness F3 Folding Treadmill with Go console
Life Fitness F3 Folding Treadmill with Track Plus console