Strengths:
1) Front, Rear & Center Drive Ellipticals - Unlike many other manufacturers, Lifecore makes both front and rear drive ellipticals.
They also recently introduced several center drive models (The CD400 and CD500 ellipticals) - which are becoming quite popular. Many people find center drive ellipticals (pictured above) are more comfortable than standard ellipticals.
The user stands more upright on the elliptical, not leaning as much on the handrails. This can help burn more calories and get a more effective workout.
Also, with center drive ellipticals, the foot pedals tend to be closer together. This also feels more comfortable for many people.
According to our sources at Lifecore, they have taken over the patent that Ironman had on their center drive ellipticals (Ironman is owned by Keys, which has now filed for bankruptcy.)
When the Ironman center drive ellipticals were discontinued, people were understandably upset, since these were very strong machines. Now they can get similar center drive machines from Lifecore.
2) "Best Buy" Ratings - The Lifecore LC985VG was given a "Best Buy" award from a leading consumer magazine and rated especially highly in the areas of construction quality and ease of use.
User reviews (which you can read at their official website) have also been positive.
3) Adjustable or 21" Long Stride - Lifecore Fitness ellipticals either come with a very long 21" stride or an adjustable stride, depending on the machine.
The 21" stride is one of the longest in the industry and helps you fully work your leg muscles.
The adjustable stride is great for multiple user homes since everyone can choose a stride that feels comfortable for them. In fact, the Lifecore Fitness CD500 elliptical comes with strides from 17" up to a monster 25".
4) Smooth Comfortable Feel - Lifecore adds several things to their ellipticals to give them a smooth, comfortable feel.
You get cushioned foot pedals, padded handlebars and ball bearing pivot points for extra-smooth motion. Plus the narrower food pedal spacing reduces the stress on your knees and ankles and feels like your more natural walking motion.
5) Adjustable Consoles - Most Lifecore elliptical consoles are adjustable so they can be tilted forward or back. This makes it easy to see your workout stats whatever your height. It's a little thing, but still a nice touch you won't find on other brands.
6) Fully Welded, One-Piece Frames - Lifecore uses fully welded, one-piece frames which means there's no bolts that are going to loosen over time. (These loose bolts can often cause the dreaded 'squeaking sounds' that so many cheaper ellipticals develop).
Weaknesses:
Lifecore is not as well known as other brands (however with the new center drive ellipticals and the "Best Buy" ratings, that will most likely change in the future).
So it can be hard to find stores that sell them. Also, the money here has obviously gone into tougher construction. You don't get a lot of fancy bells and whistles.
Summary:
As of this writing, Lifecore Fitness ellipticals are one of the best kept secrets on the market. They're not as well known as other brands. However they do give you a lot in terms of strong design quality and smooth feeling rides.
You get long strides, closer foot pedal spacing and sit more upright on the machine than with traditional ellipticals. This can mean a more comfortable ride for most people.
Plus, Lifecore is really focusing on building a reputation for strong customer service. So you know they'll be around, should you have questions about your elliptical in the future.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
While not many stores carry these ellipticals right now, you can buy Lifecore ellipticals direct through the Manufacturer. They have some great videos demonstrating how each elliptical works.
Plus for a short time, they're also offering Free Shipping & a Free Heart Rate Monitor with the purchase of any elliptical which will save you about $150.
Lifecore Fitness elliptical trainers are not as well known as other brands. However, they've been slowly building a reputation for making sleek, strong ellipticals with a good overall design.
Especially popular are their center drive ellipticals which are picking up the market from the now discontinued Ironman center drive models.
Lifecore has over 15 years experience in the fitness industry. They also have experience in the servicing end of the business, so they place a strong focus on customer service.
Is a Lifecore Fitness elliptical trainer the best elliptical for you? Here's a review to help you decide.
