SOLE vs. Life Fitness Ellipticals: Value & Features Compared

Key Takeaways

• SOLE ellipticals offer great value, with lower prices and customizable features like adjustable pedals and incline.
• Life Fitness ellipticals are designed with high-end tech but come at a significantly higher cost.
• SOLE models like the E35, E95, and E98 have heavy flywheels for smooth, stable motion and are built to minimize stress on joints.
• Life Fitness ellipticals focus more on preset programs—lacking the personalization options that SOLE offers.
• For budget-conscious buyers looking for long-term reliability, SOLE ellipticals provide excellent performance at a lower cost.

SOLE vs Life Fitness Elliptical Comparison | Features, Pros & Cons

Choosing the right elliptical can be tricky, especially when comparing brands like SOLE and Life Fitness. Both offer top machines, but there are important differences you need to keep in mind which will help you make the right decision.

Here, we’ll break down the key features, pros, and cons of each brand.

At SOLE Fitness, we’re proud to offer the best treadmills for your home or gym. These machines are crafted to meet the highest standards of quality and performance, ensuring they are ideal for anyone - from fitness novices to seasoned athletes. Featured Products SOLE Ellipticals: Priced from $1,199.99, SOLE ellipticals are known for their ergonomic design, durability, and affordability. They provide a quiet, smooth workout with intuitive consoles, adjustable stride lengths, incline options, and heart rate monitoring, ensuring a comprehensive exercise experience.

Stride Length & Resistance

Model	Stride Length	Resistance Level	Incline Level
SOLE E35	20”	20 levels	20 levels
SOLE E95	20”	20 levels	20 levels
SOLE E98	20”	40 levels	20 levels
Life Fitness Activate	18”	25 levels	N/A
Life Fitness Aspire	18”	25 levels	N/A
Life Fitness Integrity+	20”	25 levels	N/A

SOLE prioritizes comfort and versatility, which is why all SOLE ellipticals have a 20” stride length. This helps you get a natural feel during your workout. The models also come with 20 levels of both resistance and incline, so you can target different muscle groups effectively. The E98 has 40 levels of resistance for those who really want to challenge themselves.

Life Fitness ellipticals, while offering advanced biomechanics, have a shorter 18” stride on the Activate and Aspire models, which may feel limiting for taller users. The Integrity+ model matches SOLE’s 20” stride, but lacks incline options across the board.

Comfort & Stability

Model	Flywheel	Handles	Pedals
SOLE E35	25 lbs	Multi-grip, rubber-coated; integrated incline/resistance controls and pulse sensors	Oversized, cushioned, 2° inward tilt; 3 levels of adjustment
SOLE E95	27 lbs	Multi-grip, rubber-coated; integrated incline/resistance controls and pulse sensors	Oversized, cushioned, 2° inward tilt; 10 levels of adjustment
SOLE E98	32 lbs	Multi-position, rubber-coated; integrated incline/resistance controls	Oversized, cushioned, 2° inward tilt
Life Fitness Activate	N/A	Moving and fixed handles	Oversized, non-slip pedals; no cushioning or adjustability
Life Fitness Aspire	N/A	Moving and fixed handles	Oversized 15” pedals with 3” space between; no cushioning or adjustability
Life Fitness Integrity+	N/A	Multi-grip, moving and stationary handles	Oversized 15” FlexForm™ pedals with non-slip surface; 2° inward slope, but no adjustability

SOLE ellipticals have heavy flywheels (up to 32 lbs on the E98), for a smoother, more stable feel. The multi-grip handles with built-in controls for incline and resistance help you stay in control without needing to interrupt your stride. They also come with oversized, cushioned pedals that have a 2° inward tilt—designed to reduce stress on your knees and ankles.

Life Fitness ellipticals, while offering well-designed moving and stationary handles, lack adjustable or cushioned pedals on most models, which can affect comfort during extended or intense workouts.

Display & Programs

Model	Display	Metrics Tracked	Programs
SOLE E35	10.1” touchscreen	Time, distance, calories, RPM, level, laps, heart rate % graph, pulse, watts, program	10 pre-programmed, 12 user-defined
SOLE E95	13.3” touchscreen	Time, distance, calories, RPM, level, laps, heart rate % graph, pulse, watts, program	10 pre-programmed, 12 user-defined
SOLE E98	13.3” touchscreen	Time, distance, calories, RPM, level, laps, heart rate % graph, pulse, watts, program	10 pre-programmed, 12 user-defined
Life Fitness Activate	Standard activate console	Time, distance, calories, heart rate	Limited preset programs
Life Fitness Aspire	16” or 24” smart touchscreen	Time, distance, calories, heart rate, RPM, pace, resistance	Life Fitness On Demand+ programs
Life Fitness Integrity+	16” or 24” smart touchscreen	Time, distance, calories, heart rate, RPM, pace, resistance	Life Fitness On Demand+ programs

SOLE ellipticals have large, intuitive touchscreens, with the E95 and E98 offering displays up to 13.3”. Each model tracks all key metrics—like time, distance, and heart rate—so you can easily monitor your progress. SOLE ellipticals also have 10 pre-programmed workouts and 12 user-defined programs. Plus, you get access to the free SOLE+ fitness app.

Life Fitness ellipticals also have modern displays, with their Aspire and Integrity+ models fixed with 16” or 24” touchscreens. While Life Fitness offers access to Life Fitness On Demand+, which includes over 500 fitness experiences, customization is limited compared to SOLE.

General Considerations

Model	Price	Size	Warranty
SOLE E35	$1,599.99	70” L x 31” W x 70” H	Lifetime frame, 2 years parts
SOLE E95	$2,099.99	83” L x 34” W x 70” H	Lifetime frame, 3 years parts
SOLE E98	$2,899.99	83” L x 34” W x 70” H	Lifetime frame, 3 years parts
Life Fitness Activate	Approx. $6,399.00	83.5” L x 28” W x 60.2” H	Lifetime on frame, 3 years on parts
Life Fitness Aspire	Approx. $6,999.00	85.5” L x 29.5” W x 64” H	Lifetime on frame, 3 years on parts
Life Fitness Integrity+	Approx. $10,000	86” L x 29” W x 64” H	Lifetime on frame, 3 years on parts

SOLE ellipticals offer exceptional value with a lower price point. They’re a great choice if you want advanced features for a reasonable price.

Life Fitness ellipticals are built with high-end tech and features, but the price difference may not be justifiable for most users.

Which Elliptical Is Right for You?

For excellent value and customization: SOLE ellipticals are built for performance and comfort—with adjustable incline, heavy flywheels, and programs, all at a price that won’t break the bank.

For advanced tech at a premium price: Life Fitness ellipticals have larger touchscreens and a wide variety of preset programs. But, you’ll be paying significantly more for these extras, and they may not offer as much customization as SOLE’s models.

Upgrade Your Workouts with SOLE

The SOLE E35 is a great choice—it offers a smooth ride, has adjustable pedals, and all the features you need for a full-body workout at a competitive price.

Want something with even more power? Try the SOLE E98—designed for both home and light commercial use. It is built to handle intense workouts with a 32 lb flywheel and advanced resistance options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which brand is more affordable, SOLE or Life Fitness?
SOLE ellipticals are more affordable, with prices starting from $1,199.99. Life Fitness ellipticals start at around $6,399.00.

What are the key differences in stride length between SOLE and Life Fitness ellipticals?
SOLE ellipticals have a consistent 20” stride length across all models for a natural feel during workouts. Life Fitness models, such as the Activate and Aspire, have an 18” stride length, which may be limiting for taller users. The Integrity+ model matches SOLE's 20” stride.

Which elliptical offers more customization, SOLE or Life Fitness?
SOLE ellipticals offer more customization, with user-defined programs and adjustable incline options. Life Fitness ellipticals focus more on preset programs.

Which elliptical is better for joint comfort?
SOLE ellipticals are designed for better joint comfort, featuring oversized, cushioned pedals with a 2° inward tilt to reduce stress on knees and ankles. Most Life Fitness models lack pedal adjustability or cushioning—which may affect comfort during longer workouts.

Do both brands offer interactive displays?
Yes, both brands offer interactive displays. SOLE ellipticals have touchscreen displays up to 13.3”. Life Fitness models, like the Aspire and Integrity+, have larger 16” or 24” touchscreens.