Life Fitness F1 Smart Treadmill Review
Last Updated: March 23, 2021
The Life Fitness F1 Smart treadmill has been engineered for casual home use with a decent combination of features. It is built to support light to moderate intensity workouts, allowing smooth functionality and a good speed and incline range.
Here’s all you need to know about the foldable Life Fitness F1 Smart treadmill:
- 2.5 HP Motor
The motor power on the F1 is not ideal, to say the least. 2.5 HP is the bare minimum recommended by experts for jogging, let alone running. This means that the F1 can work great if you’re only looking for light to moderate workouts, but the motor likely won’t survive hardcore running sessions for long.
- 4 x 6 inch Console LCD
The console display offers the usual feedback of your workout stats – nothing remarkable but functional enough. It does have space to hold your own smartphone or tablet if you get bored while walking and need some entertainment.
- 19 km/h Top Speed and 12% Max Incline
We like the speed and incline range on the F1 Smart treadmill but won’t recommend regularly maxing out on either since the motor might not handle it well over. A 12% maximum incline provides you the option of adding a bit of strength training to your cardio workout and shaping up your lower body while multiplying calorie burn.
- Multiple Workout Options
The workout options on the F1 itself consist of 7 preset programs, but you can always use the LFconnect website for further unlimited variety. The Life Fitness Virtual Trainer website offers custom programs along with the option of personalizing your workouts and transferring them via USB to your treadmill.
- 51 x 140 cm Deck with Cushioning
The 51 x 140 cm running deck on the F1 Smart treadmill should be enough to allow most individuals to jog comfortably while minimizing the machine’s footprint. The integrated FlexDeck shock absorption system reduces the impact on your joints by as much as 30% compared to road running.
- Gas-Assisted Folding Feature
You’ll love how convenient it is to fold up the F1 once you’re done using it. Every inch of floor space counts when you live in right quarters, and it is ever so convenient to free up a few extra feet of space after your training session. To unfold, release the child safety lock, and the deck will drop softly to the floor without any alarming thuds.
- Dual Heart Rate Monitoring Options
The F1 has pulse-sensing handlebars for tracking your heart rate when you hold them. Alternatively, you can use the integrated telemetry system via the Bluetooth chest belt for hands-free monitoring.
- Energy Saving Button
We’re impressed by the energy-saving feature on the F1 that reduces power usage up to 90% when it’s turned on but not in use. Once you return to the treadmill, it starts right back up without any lagging.
- Other Features
This treadmill also offers iPod charging and compatibility, an ergobar for stability, a generous warranty package, and durability-enhancing 2.6” rollers.
Pros
- 2.5 HP Continuous Duty motor
- Dual colour console LCD
- 19 kph top speed
- 12% max incline
- 7 preset training programs
- Life Fitness Virtual Trainer website compatibility
- iPod charging and compatibility
- 51 x 140 cm deck
- FlexDeck shock absorption for up to 30% impact reduction
- Convenient folding option with child safety latch
- Energy-saving feature
- Touch pulse sensors
- Telemetry for Bluetooth chest strap
- Stability-enhancing ergobar
- Accessory tray included
- Durability-enhancing 2.6” rollers
- Good warranty package
Cons
- No cooling fans
- Not enough motor power to support heavy workouts without compromising durability
- No immersive training options like virtual running offered on other modern treadmills
- Questionable value for money
- Mixed reviews on customer support
Warranty Summary
The F1 Smart treadmill comes with:
Lifetime frame warranty
10-year motor warranty
3-year parts and labour warranty
Bottom Line
The Life Fitness F1 Smart treadmill is not for very heavyweight users or hardcore running sessions. The modest combination of features allows proper home use for walking and jogging, but its value for money is questionable. If you can afford the F1 Smart treadmill, why not consider the feature-packed NordicTrack c1750 at a similar price point?
4.45

Specifications | Life Fitness F1 |
---|---|
Rating | 4.0 |
Motor | 2.50 CHP |
Speed | 19 km/h |
Decline / Incline | 12% |
Running surface | 51 x 140 cm |
Folding | |
Display | 4 x 6 inch LCD |
Training programs | 7 + option to add more |
Bluetooth | |
Web Connectivity | |
Heart rate monitor | |
Dimensions | 196 x 87 x 150 cm |
Max user weight | 137kg |
Warranty | Motor: 10 years Parts and Labour: 3 years Frame: Lifetime |