LiveStrong Fitness LS16.9T Treadmill Review

  Treadmill Articles

The LiveStrong Fitness LS16.9T treadmill is their high-end model and also their biggest seller.  I think part of the reason is the unique and attractive design.  Most treadmills look like they came from the same cookie cutter.  In contrast, the LS16.9T has a unique design with flowing contours and a contemporary feel. 

If you go to Dick's Sporting and look at their line-up, the LS16.9T definitely stands out. But looks are only skin deep, or in this case sheet metal and plastic shroud deep. What about the guts?

Note: As of 3/14/10 the LiveStrong Fitness LS16.9T treadmill was selling for $1,699 with free indoor shipping (A $75 value). Go to LiveStrongFitness.com for the latest deal.*

Well, the LiveStrong treadmills are a hybrid of Horizon and Vision Fitness — both built by Johnson Fitness.  However, from talking to the company and trying these machines, I feel there is more of the Vision Fitness quality in the engineering.  And that's a good thing. 

Vision Fitness makes some impressive treadmills. In fact, when I talked to a representative from the company, they kept reinforcing how quality control was an overriding issue in building LiveStrong.  The frame and the components  all have a high success rate.

Furthermore, there is an interesting element to the LiveStrong treadmills worth noting.  Johnson Fitness bought the licensing rights to the LiveStrong name.  This is Lance Armstrong's charitable foundation, which is devoted to fighting cancer.  With each purchase of a LiveStrong treadmill there is a donation to the foundation.

LiveStrong Fitness LS16.9T Treadmill Features...

3.25 Continuous Duty Motor — Adequate power for runners, which runs smoothly and effortlessly at higher speeds.  Also this motor should not strain with heavier users, but I feel the 400 lbs. user limit is high - maybe 325 lbs.

20" x 60" Treadbelt — Adequate length to handle runners with long strides, in addition to taller individuals.  The belt is orthopedic, meaning you get some additional cushioning.  You will notice a slight reduction in the impact.

Speakers and iPod Input — They use Pioneer speakers, rather than the cheap ones you find in most treadmills.  Haven't actually heard the sound, didn't have my MP3 player with me, but I'm sure it is an improvement over your typical speaker equipped treadmills.

LiveTrack Fitness Journal — The LiveStrong LS16.9T treadmill has software that tracks you progress.   You can refer to your progress, or lack of it, during the past day, week or month.
Heavy Unit Weight - The LS16.9T weighs 264 lbs., the comparably priced PaceMaster Bronze only weighs 190 lbs.  The extra weight of the LS16.9T contributes to the stability and gives it a very solid feel.

Warranty — You get lifetime motor, 5-year parts and 2-year labor coverage.  Which suggests the LS16.9T is built to last, otherwise the company would go broke covering repairs.

Our Review - LiveStrong Fitness LS16.9T Treadmill

The LiveStrong LS16.9T treadmill has several things going for it, it looks good, it runs quietly, has a powerful motor, an extra long treadbelt, decent shock absorption, software that tracks your progress and you can listen to music.  In addition, there is the affiliation with the LiveStrong Foundation.

This is a relatively new brand and treadmill, but Johnson Fitness has been in the treadmill business for a number of years.  In fact, I believe they are the #2 manufacturer of treadmills in the world.  The LiveStrong is a worth contender in the $1,500 - $2,000 price range.

Go to LiveStrongFitness.com for more details!