Welcome back to Big Guy Treadmill Review & Bikes, your best source for expert and unbiased reviews on treadmills and exercise bikes, with a special emphasis on how they perform for bigger individuals.
Today, we’re diving into a treadmill that might not be for everyone but has a lot to offer for those who value high-end fitness equipment: the Life Fitness Club Series Plus Treadmill with SL Console. At a price point around $8,000, it’s not exactly a casual purchase. But believe it or not, there’s a market for this beast of a treadmill—and quite a few people are willing to invest in it.
Most treadmills in the USA sell for under $1,000. So, what makes someone drop eight grand on a treadmill? The answer is simple: value. If you’re a marathon runner, have a large family that needs a durable machine, or if you’re a bigger individual looking for something that won’t break down after a few months of use, the Life Fitness Club Series Plus could be the treadmill for you. If you’ve burned out your last four budget treadmills, you understand the importance of quality and durability. So, an $8,000 treadmill may not be as ridiculous as it sounds, and that’s why we do these reviews at Big Guy Treadmill Review—to help you understand what you’re getting for your money. So, what exactly do you get when you spend $8,000-$10,000 on a treadmill?
Big Guy Rating: 90/100
We’ve given the Life Fitness Club Series Plus Treadmill a 90 out of 100 Big Guy rating, and for good reason.
First things first: the Life Fitness Club Series Plus Treadmill (with the SL Console) is a powerhouse. It is, without a doubt, the finest treadmill I’ve ever used. And believe it or not, it’s not even the most expensive treadmill out there (check out Technogym and Woodway models, which can cost 50%–100% more). High price doesn’t always equate to the best feel—sometimes the suspension can be too hard or too soft. However, Life Fitness nailed it with this model. The suspension feels perfect.
The treadmill offers a spacious 22” x 60” running surface, which is ideal for taller and bigger users. The motor’s strength, torque, and overall performance are exceptional, thanks to a 4 HP motor with an 8 HP peak. From top to bottom, the design details have been meticulously thought out—even the placement of the cup holders is convenient and well-considered.
Console Options: Choose What Suits You Best
When it comes to the console, Life Fitness offers different options that can add another $2,000 to the price. If you prefer simplicity without sacrificing quality, the SL Console is a great choice. For a more feature-rich experience, there’s the HD Console, but keep in mind this will increase the cost significantly. The ST Console is primarily designed for gym environments and isn’t practical for most home settings (unless you want coaxial cables running across your floor).
Design and Aesthetics: Sleek and Modern
We don’t usually focus too much on the aesthetics of a treadmill, but this one deserves a mention. The Life Fitness Club Series Plus looks fantastic with its sleek edges, modern colors, and streamlined design. It’s a treadmill that not only performs at a high level but also looks great in any home or commercial gym.
Why It’s Not Our #1 Rated Treadmill
The Life Fitness Club Series Plus is nearly perfect in many ways, but it does come with some drawbacks. The price is its most significant downside. If this treadmill were priced under $6,000, it would likely give the 3G Cardio Elite Runner a serious challenge for our #1 overall spot. Is the Life Fitness Club Series Plus technically a better treadmill than all the others we’ve reviewed? Absolutely. But is it our top-rated treadmill overall? No. There are simply too many other factors to consider, such as price and practicality for the average user.
Final Verdict: Top Performance but Comes at a Cost
The Life Fitness Club Series Plus is hands down the best treadmill we’ve tested in terms of feel, performance, and design. It also comes with a solid warranty, adding to its appeal as a top-tier machine. However, its high price tag and noise level—clocking in at 70.5 decibels, making it the loudest treadmill we tested—are things to keep in mind if you’re considering it for home use.
In conclusion, if you can afford it and are looking for the absolute best in treadmill technology, the Life Fitness Club Series Plus Treadmill is worth every penny. But if you’re looking for a more balanced option in terms of price, performance, and noise level, there are other excellent choices out there. At Big Guy Treadmill Review, we’re here to help you make the best decision for your specific needs and budget. Check out our website and our comparison chart bigguytreadmillreview.com/treadmills/comparison/ for more great information.
