Life Fitness F1 Smart Treadmill Review

Name: Life Fitness F1 Smart Treadmill
Brand: Life Fitness

Last Updated Dec 21, 2022

Editor's Rating: 8.5 /10

The Life Fitness F1 Treadmill, or F1 Smart, combines excellent ergonomics with a solid core of built-in workout programs. In fact, programming is actually unlimited though. With get access to the LFConnect website, you can create workouts online and transfer them via USB to the treadmill! The website also offers a “buddy program” or support system to increase your odds of achieving fitness goals.

Size: This treadmill’s track measures 55″ x 20″. This makes it great for walking but perhaps not long enough for running. The entire unit has a 77″ x 34″ footprint when unfolded. It folds vertically to take up less floor space. The F1 Smart Treadmill weighs about 260 pounds and has a 300 pound capacity.

Building a durable and enjoyable folding treadmill isn’t easy. Life Fitness is among the few brands that can actually pull it off.

What We Like:

Overall quality: The F1 is a folding treadmill for the home, but it’s built with the same biomechanics that make Life Fitness a leader in the commercial treadmill industry. This unit has an incline and is almost interchangeable with non-foldable options. The five-year parts warranty and 10-year motor warranty encourage confidence too. Most brands issue shorter warranties with their foldable treadmills.
Incline: Tone muscles and rev up your metabolism with a 15% incline! Power buttons can adjust the incline in increments of .5%. This unit also saves your three favorite incline positions. They can be accessed with the Quick Start button.
Console: The F1 Smart Treadmill has an accessory tray and dishwasher-friendly cup holders. A basic selection of treadmill workouts is included (Hill, Manual, Random, Fat Burn, and Cardio) and there’s also a fitness test. We’d be bored if this were it, but since endless programs can be created online and downloaded to the treadmill that’s not really an issue..
Heart rate monitor: A wireless chest strap is included. This can help you exercise in the most efficient heart rate zone to make the most of workouts.
FlexDeck cushioning: Compared with other treadmills, the F1 Smart can reduce shock on your body by up to 30%! Patented FlexDeck cushioning helps improve endurance and minimize the risk of injury. This is the same cushioning that’s used on Life Fitness’s more expensive offerings.
Motor: Life Fitness F1 treadmills are powered by MagnaDrive motors. These are quiet and acceptable for home use. The 2.5 horsepower is ample for many trainees, but others could do better with the 3 HP of the Life Fitness F3. Life Fitness motors are under warranty for 10 years.
Child safety lock: This treadmill can be set to only operate with a key. Peace of mind comes with knowing that kids, dogs, and cats won’t accidentally activate the treadmill.
Energy smart: More and more treadmill companies are going “green” to some degree. The F1 is designed to automatically reduce its power draw when the user takes a break. It also has smart motor technology. The lighter the trainee, the less power the treadmill motor will exert. There’s no sense in paying for energy that you don’t use!
Warranties: The F1 is sold with a lifetime warranty on the frame and cushioning system, a 10-year warranty on the motor, a five-year warranty on the electrical and mechanical parts, and a year of labor. (This warranty package is for US customers. Warranties may be different for customers in other countries.)

Life Fitness F1 Smart Treadmill Treadmill - Key Specs:

Star Rating:	4.25-stars
Motor:	2.5 HP
Incline:	0 - 12%
Running Area:	55" x 20"
Folding:	No
Top Speed:	10 MPH
Weight Capacity:	300 LBS
Dimensions:	77" L x 34" W x 59" H
Built-In Programs:	8

What We Don’t Like:

Short track: The F1 Smart Treadmill track is 55″ long. That is typical for a walker’s treadmill, but it’s not long enough for tall runners unless they use a steep incline. It’s a good idea to actually measure your natural pace before investing in a home treadmill.
Overall size: You’ll need a good deal of room for this unit when it isn’t folded up. The footprint of 78″ x 34″ is too large for small home gyms. However, once the F1 Smart is vertically folded, it takes up surprisingly little space.

See More Review Features of the Life Fitness F1 Smart Treadmill on video!

Our Verdict:

The Life Fitness F1 Smart Treadmill is a great option for most walkers and joggers who want a folding treadmill. For this price, you probably won’t find a better folding treadmill with wireless monitoring, power incline, unlimited programming potential, and durability. The cushioning is fantastic as well! However, if you’re taller and/or want to run, you might prefer a treadmill with a longer 60″ track (perhaps the F3, from Life Fitness?).

Recent Updates

October 31, 2022: Updated treadmill specifications, added FAQs.

Is the Life Fitness F1 Smart Treadmill foldable?

Yes, this model is able to fold vertically to take up less floor space.

What is the maximum user weight capacity for the Life Fitness F1 Smart Treadmill?

300 lbs.

Is the Life Fitness F1 Smart Treadmill heavy?

This treadmill weighs about 260 lbs, making it one of the heavier treadmills available.

What is the track size on the Life Fitness F1 Smart Treadmill?

The track size or running area measures at 55" x 20", making it perfect for walking but maybe not wide enough for serious running.

Can the Life Fitness F1 Smart Treadmill monitor your heart rate?

Yes – a wireless chest strap is included to track your heart rate while working out.