Life Fitness PowerMills vs Stair Steppers vs Summit Trainers
Life Fitness PowerMills vs Stair Steppers vs Summit Trainers
Climbing machines come in different forms. There are those that emulate climbing up actual stairs and those that operate in a rotating walkway.
Among the biggest
fitness equipment brands manufacturing climbing machines, Life
Fitness is one of those that offer a complete range. In this
comparison review, we’ll dive into their PowerMills, Stair
Steppers, and Summit Trainers.
What are
Life Fitness PowerMills, Stair Steppers, and Summit Trainers?
PowerMills, Stair
Steppers, and Summit Trainers are cardio workout equipment
manufactured by renowned brand, Life Fitness. These three machine
types come in a variety of models ideal for every use. Whether you’re
setting up a home gym or a commercial fitness center, you’ll
find a PowerMill, Stair Stepper, or Summit Trainer that will suit
your needs.
The Life Fitness
PowerMill replicates the motion of climbing steps. The Stair Stepper
also performs the same motion but in a steeper, vertical angle.
Finally, the Summit Trainer combines the motion of a stepper with an
elliptical stride.
Intensity
Level of Workout
The Summit
Trainer offers the least intense workout among the three. Coming in
second is the PowerMill, which provides a medium-impact workout.
Stair Steppers offer the most intense exercise primarily because it’s
a lot more difficult to climb vertically than to jog horizontally.
Muscle Engagement
The Life Fitness
PowerMills, Stair Steppers, and Summit Trainers engage the same lower
body muscles which include the quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, and
calves. The handles of the Summit Trainers engage the muscles of the
arms too. However, while the Stair Stepper and Summit Trainer offer
great leg muscle workouts, they don't quite match the quad and glute
workout that you can get from a revolving PowerMill that mimics a
staircase. In addition, among the three, the PowerMill provides a
more intense engagement of core muscles.
Stress on Joints
The repetitive
motion of stepping with a PowerMill puts a medium to low impact on
the knees and ankles, especially if you are using the machine for
longer times or at higher speeds. The Stair Stepper has a weaker
impact on the joints, which means that you will only experience
discomfort if you are working out with the wrong form or exercising
excessively. As for the Summit Trainer, its smooth elliptical motion
has a low impact on the joints for a comfortable workout.
Range of Motion
Life Fitness
Stair Steppers have a pretty limited range of motion. All you can do
is move up and down fixed steps. This may feel more repetitive than
the PowerMill, which has a wider range of motions as you can freely
move your whole body and perform drills on the steps. The Summit
Trainer is more versatile because it allows you to choose your stride
length and direction for a diverse workout.
Calorie Burn
If your workout
goal is to burn calories, you can consider the Stair Stepper. Since
the Stair Stepper offers the most intense workout, using the
equipment will help in burning calories. The PowerMill is the second
most intense and can help with burning calories but it feels a bit
boring when you go through the motions. Finally, the Summit Trainer
might not be great for your calorie burn goals since it’s the
least intense.
Factors to Consider in Choosing Among Life Fitness PowerMills, Stair Steppers, and Summit Trainers
Aside from your
fitness goals, it’s important to consider other factors such as
price, space requirements, and maintenance, to name a few. Let’s
examine each of these elements in detail.
Power Supply
It’s
important to check how the exercise equipment will be powered to make
preparations before you purchase it. With a PowerMill, you will need
an electrical source for it to operate. The Stair Stepper, on the
other hand, is self-powered, making it suitable for any location.
Meanwhile, the Summit Trainer is primarily self-powered, although
some models come with a plug-in option.
Noise Level
The Life Fitness
Stair Stepper and Summit Trainer, like many elliptical exercise
machines, are smooth and quiet. In contrast, the PowerMill produces
more noise especially when running at a high speed.
Ceiling Height
All three
machines require a certain headroom for you to be able to workout in
proper form. The PowerMill adds another 33 to 36 inches to your
height, which basically means that a room with the standard 8 feet
ceiling height may not be enough for most people. As for the Stair
Stepper, the ceiling height requirement is your height plus an extra
18 to 20 inches. Among the three, the Life Fitness Summit Trainer is
shorter than the Powermill Climber, but higher than the Stair
Stepper.
Space Consumption
PowerMills are
much bigger than Stair Steppers, and their larger footprint means
that you need more space in your home gym or fitness facility. The
Summit Trainer is bulkier and takes up more square feet than the
PowerMill but the latter is taller, requiring higher headroom.
Maintenance
All exercise
machines require some level of maintenance, but the Life Fitness
PowerMill requires more due to the number of its electronic
components. This may need more repairs and maintenance than the Stair
Steppers and Summit Trainers over time. The Summit Trainer requires
occasional lubrication of the moving parts. However, with proper
maintenance, you can prevent the need for frequent repairs.
Pros and Cons of Life Fitness PowerMills
Pros
-
Targets Your Entire Lower Body:
The Power
Mill works like a revolving
staircase so when you exercise, your body goes through a full range
of motion. It targets your lower half, including glutes, calves,
hamstrings, and quads. After your session, you don’t need
squats or other lower-body exercises.
-
Improves Balance at the Core: With
each step on the Power
Mill, you are
working on your balance. Your core will benefit a lot from the
balance it provides you.
-
Suitable for Cardio Workouts: This
exercise equipment is ideal for your
cardio
workout. It can burn about 360 calories for a 150-pound person in
about 45 minutes.
-
Easy to Customize: It
does not have a single setting that you are stuck with. You can add
resistance or increase the speed and instantly change the workout
based on your goals or instructions from your trainer.
Cons
-
Stresses the Joints: It
has a medium impact on your joints, especially your knees and
ankles, and the process is more boring.
-
Has a Large Footprint: The
exercise equipment is larger and requires more space in your home
gym or fitness center.
Pros and Cons of Life Fitness Stair Steppers
Pros
-
Low-Impact Lower Body Workout: Stair
Steppers provide a low-impact form of exercise, so they are easier
on your body than
treadmills.
As you climb, it improves bone strength and strengthens your leg
muscles. It also improves your balance and coordination.
-
Cardiovascular and Endurance Benefits:
Using this exercise equipment
enhances your cardiovascular health and helps you burn calories. It
increases your heart rate and also keeps you moving at a steady
pace, increasing your endurance.
-
Less Impact on the Joints: You
don’t have to worry about putting a lot of stress on your
joints when exercising with this equipment.
-
More Affordable: The
Stair Steppers are more affordable exercise equipment than the
Powermill, making it suitable for exercise buffs with a budget.
Cons
Pros and Cons of Life Fitness Summit Trainers
Pros
-
Full Body Workout: Apart
from targeting your lower body and core muscles, the Summit Trainer
offers a full body workout and cardiovascular training. It combines
body climbing and cross-training, building up your arm muscles.
-
Low Impact:
Individuals with joint issues or who want to reduce stress on the
joints can benefit from the Summit Trainer because of its elliptical
motion.
-
Smooth Motion:
One highlight of the Summit Trainer is the smooth, fluid motion that
makes the workout more enjoyable. It is the least intense option
among the three.
-
Extensive Customization:
The Summit Trainer models come with adjustable resistance levels and
workout programs, making it easy for you to customize your workout
based on your fitness level.
Cons
-
Large, Bulky Machine: Summit
trainers need more floor space than most cardio machines because of
their large footprint. They are slightly smaller than Powermills.
-
Complexity: The
exercise machine is slightly more complex than simpler cardio
machines, making it difficult for those who are new to this
equipment.
Price Differences Among Life Fitness
PowerMills, Stair Steppers, and Summit Trainers
There is an
extensive difference among the prices of these three Life Fitness
machines, so take note of your budget in selecting the best option
for you.
The PowerMills
range from $6,000 to $7,300; the Stair Stepper has an average price
of $3,000 and the Summit Trainer costs between $3400 and $3800.
Comparison
Table of Life Fitness Powermills Models
|
Life
Fitness PowerMill Integrity Series Climber
|
Life
Fitness Powermill w/ Integrity C Console
|
Life
Fitness Discover SE 95PS Elevation Powermill
|
Life
Fitness Discover SI Powermill
|
Life
Fitness Discover 95P SE3 HD Powermill
|
Life
Fitness Discover SE3 95PS Powermill
|
Life
Fitness Discover ST Powermill
|
Price
|
$5,999
|
$6,099
|
$6,599
|
$6,299
|
$6,999
|
$6,699
|
$7,299
|
Resistance Levels
|
25
|
0-25
|
0-25
|
25
|
0-25
|
26
|
26
|
Heart Monitoring
|
Lifepulse, DSP, Polar, Telemetry
|
Contact heart rate
|
|
Lifepulse Digital Heart Rate, Polar Compatible
|
Polar, Telemetry and Bluetooth, Heartrate, Lifepulse, DSP
|
Lifepulse, digital contact heart rate, polar, telemetry-compatible
heart-rate monitoring system
|
|
Max User Weight
|
400 lbs
|
4000lbs
|
400 lbs
|
400 lbs
|
400 lbs
|
400 lbs
|
400 lbs
|
Weight
|
473 lbs
|
473 lbs
|
473 lbs
|
473 lbs
|
473 lbs
|
473 lbs
|
473 lbs
|
Tech Features
|
|
Dual remote stop and speed controls, SureStep technology, dual
braking system, bullhorn handlebar design, LED display, 4
available workouts, optional attachable TV,
|
Connect Bluetooth to compatible headphones and heart rate devices.
Save workout results via a QR code.
|
SureStepSystem Technology, 10-inch LCD touch screen, 21 available
workouts, 12-185 steps per minute
|
16” LCD touchscreen with readouts like speed, incline, heart
rate, pace, elapsed time, time distance remaining, calories, 22
languages, includes games and apps, virtual courses, compatible
with Apple Watch GymKit and Samsung Galaxy Watch.
|
Multiple workouts and interactive courses, LCD surface capacitive
touch screen, 16-inch screen, Compatible with Android and iOS,
wide on-slip two-tone stair pedals, integrated reading rack.
|
Touchscreen navigation, integrated TV, and display readouts
include: speed, incline, heart rate, pace, elapsed time, calories,
distance climbed and remaining, dual stop-assist, and auto-detect
future
|
Console
|
|
|
16-inch LCD capacitive touch screen, 3.5mm stereo, USB charging,
ethernet, and optional WiFi, Includes a TV, virtual courses,
solitaires app
|
10-inch LCD surface capacitive touch screen, 3.5mm stereo, USB
charging, ethernet and optional WiFi, attachable TV option,
virtual courses, solitaire app
|
16-inch LCD capacitive touch screen, 3.5mm stereo, ethernet, and
included WiFi, includes a TV, virtual courses, Bluetooth
compatible, apps include TV, internet browser, Netflix, Hulu,
Pandora Radio, YouTube, ESPN, BBC, Newsy, Economistt
|
16-inch LCD capacitive touch screen, 3.5mm stereo, ethernet, and
included WiFi, includes a TV, virtual courses, Bluetooth
compatible, apps include TV, internet browser, Netflix, Hulu,
Pandora Radio, YouTube, ESPN, BBC, Newsy, Economistt
|
|
Comparison Table of Life Fitness Stair Stepper
Models
|
Life
Fitness 9500HR
|
Life
Fitness 95Si
|
Life
Fitness 95SE
|
Life
Fitness Integrity CLSS
|
Price
|
$3,199
|
$3,099
|
$3,199
|
$3,199
|
Exercise Programs
|
23 programs with 5 zone-training options
|
26 workouts with 5 zone training + workouts
|
26 workouts, including 5 zone training + workouts
|
27 workouts, including 5 zone training options
|
Heart Rate Monitoring
|
Touch HR Grip & Polar Telemetry Interactive HR Control
|
Contact, Wireless Compatible
|
Contact, Wireless Compatible
|
Contact, Wireless Compatible
|
Power Source
|
Self-Powered
|
Self-Powered, Optional Plug-in Accessory
|
Self-Powered
|
Self-Powered, Optional Plug-in Accessory
|
Display Readouts
|
Elapsed Time, Total Floors Climbed, Floors per minute, Calories
burned per hour, Watts, METS, Heart Rate
|
Heart Rate, Total Floors Climbed, Floors per Minute, Total
Calories Burned, Calories per Hour, Watts, METS, Workout Profile,
Time/Level, Elapsed Time
|
Heart Rate, Floors Climbed, Floors per Minute, Calories, Calories
per Hour, Watts, METs, Level, Target Heart Rate, TV, Total Elapsed
Time, Total Calories Burned, Total Floors Climbed
|
Resistance Level, Heart Rate, Elapsed Time, Distance,
CaloriesBurned. Calories Per Hour, Watts, METS, Language Choices:
7, Floors Per Minute, Total FloorsClimbed, Work Out. Display: LED;
Alphanumeric message center workout profile and lower level
time/level display, with Numeric Keypad
|
Integrated Reading Rack
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Weight
|
165 lbs
|
170 lbs
|
170 lbs
|
165 lbs
|
Comparison Table of Life Fitness Summit
Trainer Models
|
Life
Fitness Integrity Series Summit Trainer
|
Life
Fitness 95li Summit Trainer
|
Life
Fitness 95le Summit Trainer
|
Price
|
$3,599
|
$3,399
|
$3,799
|
Workout Programs
|
Extreme cardio workout, 25 workout programs with 5 zone training.
Includes goal-based and interval workouts
|
27 workout programs with 9 language choices
|
27 workout programs with 25 resistance levels
|
Heart Rate Monitoring
|
Lifepulse hand sensors and polar telemetry
|
Contact, wireless compatible
|
Lifepulse Digital Contact and Polar Compatible
|
Integrations
|
iPod integration, integrated reading rack, and accessory tray
|
Integrated reading rack, accessory tray, dual water bottle holder,
integrated screen with display readouts like speed, resistance
level, heart rate, etc.
|
Integrated reading rack and accessory tray, screen with display
readout of speed, heart rate, distance, calories per hour, etc.
|
Design
|
Plug-in option and self-powered, ergonomic moving arm handles
|
Self-powered with optional plug-in, over-sized, non-slip pedals,
moving arm design
|
Lift technology belt-drive & mono-roller system, user-defined
linear incline fit training technology.
|
Conclusion
While the Life
Fitness Powermill, Stair Stepper, and Summit Trainer are all suitable
for lower body and cardio exercises, they are also different in
intensity, price, and overall benefits. It’s important to
consider your preferences, fitness goals, available space, and budget
before choosing the exercise equipment suitable for you.
|