After over 20 years of service, it’s just about time to retire my trusty Lifefitness treadmill. Replacing such an essential piece of equipment is a daunting task, especially now when there are so many options. Maybe you can help me solve my treadmill dilemma.
My Lifefitness Treadmill
One thing that makes this decision even harder is that I still like my treadmill. I’ve heard people complain that their treads take too long to change speed or incline to do the Peloton HIIT workouts, but my faithful work horse does fine—it’s just starting to complain about it with concerning noises once in a while. 😉
I’ve had my Lifefitness tread for almost as long as I’ve been running. It got more use some years than others, but has always been there when I needed it, and only required one service call over two decades. Do they even make treads like this any more?
The two treads I’m debating between are the Landice L7 and the Matrix T50.
The Landice L7
I think of Landice as a top-of-the-line treadmill for running. It has a solid reputation—if it’s good enough for Jessie it should be good enough for me—and has a lifetime warranty on most parts.
One of its new options is an “orthopedic” belt and drive system which are supposed to be “seven-times softer than running on grass” and reduce the impact on joints. I was doubtful it could be noticeably different, but it was. I didn’t think I’d like it, but I did. Even after trying out four different treads a few times over, every time I hopped back on the Landice with the orthopedic belt, I could tell the difference. It feels so.much.better.
Things I like better about the Landice L7 treadmill:
- The orthopedic belt and drive system
- The physical speed and incline controls on the front bar
- The reputation and lifetime warranty
Things I like less about the Landice L7 treadmill:
- The console
- The 1% incline increments
Ho-hum.
I would have to buy the tablet holder,
and continue to use my iPad for the Peloton app.
The Matrix T50
Matrix is an unfamiliar brand to me, but it seems to have been around for a while and has a good reputation. Although one of the first things I told the store manager was that I wasn’t interested in spending a lot of money on a fancy screen that might be outdated technology in a few years, I fell in love with it’s console screen and related features.
The console is a wi-fi enabled tablet with a number of apps, including a web browser. The top photo below shows images of some of the built in fitness programs, while the bottom shows the app interface.
No Peloton app, but I’m pretty sure I could use the internet app for Peloton.
At minimum, I could use the HMDI port to mirror my phone to the screen.
Ironically, the manufacturer’s photos don’t show the running screens. There are a few options for the usual incline, pace, distance, and heart rate displays, as well as touchpads for entering a specific speed or incline to jump to, and a “back” key to quickly go to the previous speed or incline. If you are playing an app on the screen, the running data is displayed along each side.
Things I like better about the Matrix T50 treadmill:
- The console and its wi-fi capabilities
- The touchpad for quick pace and incline changes
- The “back” button for quick return to previous pace or incline
- The 0.5% incline increments
- The bluetooth connectivity for a heart rate monitor and headphones
Things I like less about the Matrix T50 treadmill
- The touchpad features I like are built into the console, which only has a 5 year warranty—but there is a 2 year labor warranty on everything
- The physical speed and incline buttons on the front panel are not as convenient as the ones on the Landice L7
Argh! How do I decide??? Even as I’m writing this I’m changing my mind, and changing it again. If I could have the Matrix console on the Landice, I could do without 0.5% incline increments. But do I want to give up that and miss out on the ability to change pace/incline by keying in a number instead of holding down +/- buttons—especially since I love doing interval workouts? But that orthopedic belt is sweet—and could be an important feature over my next decade of running. But do I really use the tread enough for it to make a difference? I love the Matrix screen, but will that technology even be relevant in 5 years? On the other hand the Landice console looks almost as dated as my 20 year old Lifefitness. It does not spark joy. But that orthopedic belt does ….
What About The Peloton Tread
You may be wondering why the Peloton treadmill isn’t complicating my dilemma even more. Honestly, I’m not interested in the Peloton treadmill at all. I don’t like that you only can use its gorgeous screen (and wi-fi) to access Peloton content. I don’t like that the side knobs are the only way to change speed and incline—it would have been difficult to operate when I had fractured my left had. I don’t like that I’d have to pay for the more expensive $39/month Peloton “All Access” subscription (the app subscription is $12.99/month).
Weekly Run Down
If you’re still reading, I’ll keep my weekly run down short so you can help me with my treadmill dilemma.
Monday: Core + 4.25 Scooby Miles + 20 min G&L Strength
On the first day of Day Light Saving time it was dark at 6:00 am, but Chase Tucker’s pop punk playlist had just the energy I needed to get going.
Tuesday: Core + 30 min upper body strength + 30 min Ride
I found Leanne and Hannah’s 2-for-1 ride from March 2020 and couldn’t believe it was (i) from March 16, 2020 and (ii) how close their bikes were!
Just looking at them makes me uncomfortable!
Wednesday: Core + 5.75 Scooby Miles
I thought this loop was going to be 5ish miles, but it ended up being closer to 6. Luckily I was working from home and didn’t have a conference call until 9 am.
Thursday: 10 min core + 30 min FB Strength + 20 min Peloton ride
I don’t usually celebrate St. Patrick’s Day but Peloton had some fun classes. I started my day with Christine’s St. Patrick’s Day ride from last year and ended my day with Daniel’s St. Patrick’s Day bootcamp.
I had a new tank to wear for the occaision. 🍀
+ 45 min Tread Bootcamp
11 hours later: same tank, different shorts
Friday: Core + 3.7 Scooby Miles + 10 min SFR + 10 min Yoga
I was feeling Thursday’s double workouts so took it easier with my workouts, and even chose a 10 min yoga class that focused on hip-opening poses—lizard and pigeon.
Saturday: Core + 9.1 Scooby Miles
Wasn’t it snowing last weekend? Woke up to 60F temps and dug out one of my Cherry Blossom shirts for the occasion. I wasn’t sure if I’d do 8 or 9 miles, but was feeling good at my decision point (mile 6) so I went for it.
Gotta love that tongue!
Sunday: Core + 30 min Ride
I wanted to do Hannah F’s 45 min premiere ride, but I hit snooze too many times to fit it in before church—maybe I’ll hop back on my bike later. I switched up my daily core with a core-focused yoga class. Definitely easier than non-stop planks, crunches and hollow holds, but worthwhile I’m sure
A huge thank you to Deborah and Kim for hosting the Weekly Run Down link up.
How am I going to resolve my treadmill dilemma?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
No help there. My treadmill died years ago. Before I was a runner. I have no plans to replace it.
I run outside all the time. I often have to re-arrange things due to work and weather but I get it done. I’m pretty sure that if I had a tm, I might use it… but I’ve never had a good run on one…
We are all different.
good week nevertheless. And a nice long run for you too.
You really are good about getting outside for your runs no matter what!
What choice do I have? LOL
We know the first step out the door is the hardest. This winter was exceptionally tough – freezing temps!!
Unfortunately I can’t help you with your treadmill dilemma since I’ve never owned one. I will be interested to see which one you choose though!
Sounds like you had a great week of running. Yes, i’m envious of your nine-miler. Your achilles must be feeling good!
March 16th 2020 was a very weird time- I was still going to work then, but we closed a few days later. It is funny how close together those bikes were- that might have been the last class before they realized they couldn’t do that!
They must have closed the studio pretty soon after that — although this one was in the London studio, so I’m not sure what their timeline was.
Yes, my Achilles is holding up well — knock-on-wood!
I feel you on all the treadmill turmoil. I was pretty thankful when the hubby discovered a reset (?) button that solved Milly’s coma, at least for the time being. She’s been hibernating for almost 12 continuous months! She’s more than 20 years old, as well, so I know here remaining time is limited. I skipped my morning ride for an outdoor recovery run, but will still probably hop in the saddle after our virtual church. I love my cycle time 😉
Well, when Milly is ready to retire, I’ve done ALL the research.
I am still working on my review. But you know what? I’ve never stepped foot on a treadmill before buying it. I bought my old one online, too, which is kinda amazing when you think about it.
I LOVE having the buttons on the arms, but it doesn’t matter what I love, it only matters what you love.
I can’t imagine buying a tread without being able to try it! But, it was also easy for me to do, with several stores around. I know people love those arm controls, but I am not sure I’d get used to them. I feel more clutzy with a knob for some reason.
The controls on the arm on my mill are buttons. So very easy. I love them!
Wow. That treadmill is a dedicated soldier.
My vote would be the Landice. The added expense of the tablet holder is probably a wash over time and since you’d be upgrading your iPad as needed, you’d guarantee the tech was as up to date as you felt was necessary. The orthopedic belt sounds delicious and would probably be the difference maker for me given my legs. On the Matrix, besides the HDMI you could probably also cast your phone to it.
The orthopedic belt/drive train on the Landice really is nice. They say it’s softer, but it feels more supportive.
A new treadmill is a tough decision! We’ve got a million miles on ours. My husband services ours, and he has replaced the belt a few times and the deck too I think. I do love it! It’s kind of like when I bought a new car – I was amazed at all of the new technology that I didn’t know I was missing!! The only advice I have is that it’s an investment – so get the best you can. You won’t regret it. Since I watch TV when I use ours, a screen doesn’t matter to me either… but then again, I haven’t tried one either 😉 (I’d probably really like a screen!).
It’s really nice — but how long will it last? I know I don’t need all the extra treadmill programs, although I did use to do the intervals program built into my Lifefitness.
I am the wrong person to ask since I barely use my TM. I replaced mine a few years ago with the same ProForm that I bought 20+ years ago. I don’t need any bells and whistles, just a back up plan for when I’m stuck inside and that is what I got. I’d probably go with the Landice because it is so much more comfortable to run on!
Yeah, I really don’t need the bells and whistles either. It’s just hard to pass them up!
Go with the 7x softer- than-grass Landice! It’s probably great for your Achilles.
You don’t mention any large price differences, so I’m guessing they’re similar?
If you’re still undecided, create a decision matrix and weigh each characteristic with a factor from 1-10. That should help you to make a rational decision.
I struggled with how to weigh the different factors. The Landice is a bit less, but the Matrix is on sale right now, so the prices weren’t different enough for that to be a deciding factor.
Well, you know my opinion 🙂 But the Matrix is really nice too! It seems like you’ve done your research and will make a good choice for you! Good luck!
As you know, I avoid my treadmill at all costs. Coincidentally, I do have an old Landice and it is fine. If I was getting a new one, I would most likely go Peloton. I should probably get mine serviced I think the belt needs to be tightened. Good luck w your search for the perfect treadmill
Oooh. That’s a tough one. I can’t even imagine shopping for a treadmill. I don’t even know what features I would want. It’s interesting that the Peloton tread can only be used for Peloton related activities. That seems so limiting!
Given how I feel about running on a treadmill in general, I think the orthopedic belt of the Landice would probably be the tipping point for me. Though I’m probably the wrong person to offer buying advice since I won my ProForm tread in a giveaway lol.
Oh man, the treadmill choice is a hard one. I am leaning more toward the Landice because of the belt. In one of the Peloton treadmill groups someone mentioned the Sole ST90 which seems like a good option too but I don’t know much about the brand.
We may also be looking for a new treadmill. Although we have the extended warranty for the Peloton Tread+, we are concerned that if something goes wrong, they will not be able to service the treadmill. if there are no longer going to be producing the Tread+ – how will they have hardware to replace pieces? Customer service isn’t really providing clear answers on this either. We have until November to return the Tread+ so I’ll see if any new developments pop up.
I’m probably no help at all since you probably know my 21+ year old mill is still chugging along. The kids tell me it’s loud but it works perfectly and I still love it. Personally I’d go with the Landice because I don’t care about having a screen. Sounds like you’ve given it plenty of thought and will make a great decision!