Extremely good machine with a great feel. Lifespan made a great machine with an easy to use interface but they really charge for it. The only reason for not going with this machine if you are a serious user is the name. People who have this type of running experience may want a True, Landice, or Precor machine. It is a bargain at $3,500 but since it is such a large amount of money, many people will be more comfortable going with a brand that is better known.
General Information
Lifespan is imported by PCE Fitness, a company that began in 1994 by designing exercise equipment for other companies. They have been known for making some of the best looking designs in the business and are now solidly in the niche area of fitness while you work- like treadmill desks. If you have limited space, this is a good brand to look at with some of the compact units they offer. Their new niche product is electronically foldable machines.
Quality / Philosophy
Lifespan is primarily concerned with putting together a quality parts assortment into an attractive package with some unique features and they do that very well. They have become much more aggressive with their pricing. Overall, they put good components into a nice package on the value end and better components into their higher end machines where it matters.
Outlook
We would expect Lifespan to be around for some time. If there is a Rocky Marciano in the fitness business, PCE is it. They have developed an impressive dealer list in a short amount of time and understand the marketing side of this business. That can carry you a long way. When you visit their headquarters, you understand they know how to pinch pennies which really helps when you are trying to be competitive.
