Lifespan E5i Elliptical Review – A Good Choice for You?
Lifespan E5i Elliptical Review – Highlights:
the Lifespan E5 elliptical is Lifespan’s newest commercial-grade elliptical with some interesting perks.
It’s built tougher and stronger than other Lifespan models with a double-wheel track design and a massive 34-pound flywheel for added stability.
You also get multi-position handlebars so users of various heights can find the right fit for them – making it great for families.
The Lifespan E5i elliptical trainer also uses self-generating power. So you can place the trainer anywhere in your home – you don’t need to be near a power outlet.
The console – while a bit simple – is backlit and easy to read, with lots of built-in workout programs and a USB charging port for your phone. Plus there are also resistance controls on the moving arm bars for quick, on-the-fly adjustments.

Lifespan E5i Commercial Elliptical – Console Review:
The console is bright blue and backlit. It’s intuitive and easy to use, showing your time, speed, calories, watts, stride count, ramp and resistance levels, calories burned, CPM, date and clock.
There’s also a media shelf in front of the console. So you can use this to store your tablet and watch Netflix or YouTube videos as you workout.
Want some extra challenge?
You get 21 built-in pre-programmed workouts to add some extra challenge including weight management, healthy living and sports training based programs.
You also get a built-in jack and speakers to play your favorite tunes as you run. The USB port helps you charge your phone or tablet as you workout.
Plus there’s also the option to add a Bluetooth receiver to this machine. So you can then wirelessly connect to a smartphone app and sync your results if you want to track your progress over time.
Double-Roller Track Design
This is something you usually only see in commercial machines – it’s become a lot rarer in home ellipticals these days. So it’s nice to find here.
Instead of a single-roller on one track per pedal (as with most home ellipticals), you get double-rollers on twin tracks per pedal.
This gives extra stability to the elliptical motion and helps to reinforce the wheel-track design. So the wheels don’t come off the track as easily as a single-roller track design.
This is also great for high-intensity or long exercise sessions.
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Added Stability with 34-Pound Flywheel
All things being equal, the heavier the flywheel the smoother and more stable-feeling the ride. The Lifespan E5i elliptical gives you a massive 34-pound flywheel, which is incredible.
It also helps to anchor the machine for more solid feel to the running motion.
Lifespan E5i Commercial Elliptical – More Benefits
The 20 inch stride is impressive as it will help you work your lower body muscles more fully. A lot of people also feel that the longer 20 inch stride feels more natural and comfortable overall.
As stated above, this machine uses self-generating power. So you can place it wherever you want in your home – you don’t need to be near a plug outlet.
There are also easy resistance buttons on the moving arm bars – so you don’t have to reach up to the console to make fast changes.
Finally, if you do want to sync your results online, there’s an optional Bluetooth receiver you can pick up (added cost) and add it to the back access panel in the elliptical console. You can then sync your workouts with popular fitness apps like MyFitnessPal or the Lifespan apps.
Lifespan E5i Review – Any Downsides?
The console is a bit dated compared to other brands at this price point. Also, there’s no cooling fan – which is fairly standard these days.
And while the shelf for your tablet is great – it will most likely cover all or some of the console window when you use your tablet. So you won’t be able to see your workout stats.
And while Lifespan does say you can track your workout stats using the optional Bluetooth receiver on this trainer, you have to remove the access panel on the back of the console to do it. It seems a little bit laborious and complicated.
Still despite these small drawbacks, overall it’s a well-made, high-stability elliptical from a good name. If you want something that is built to last – with all of the basics, and a few added perks. the Lifespan E5i elliptical is definitely worth considering.
Similar ellipticals to compare this trainer against include the Nordictrack Commercial 14.9 elliptical and the Bowflex BXE216 Elliptical.
Where to Buy and Save:
While the Lifespan E5i elliptical can be hard to find these days – you can get it at a special sale price here. Use the link below to also get Free Shipping and see the full trainer specs.
Click Here To Save on the Lifespan E5 Elliptical
Related: Lifespan E3i Elliptical Review