A Smarter Cardio Strategy

In today’s dynamic fitness landscape, facility managers are under pressure to meet diverse user needs while managing costs, maintenance, and floor space. That’s why Life Fitness developed a scalable cardio equipment strategy — helping operators match the right products to the right zones and member expectations. 

We spoke with Tracy Barrett, Senior Product Manager, and Matthew Brennand, Vice President, Cardio to explore how this approach empowers facility managers to make informed, future-ready decisions. 

One Cardio Strategy, Three Levels of Performance 

Our strategy centers around three distinct product lines: Aspire, Integrity+, and Symbio™. All incorporate years of biomechanics and ergonomics studies from our in-house biomedical engineers along with meeting the same rigid commercial testing requirements. 

• Aspire: Purposefully designed for value-conscious facilities or secondary cardio zones, Aspire delivers essential features with the same trusted quality, reliability, and testing standards as our premium lines. 

• Integrity+: A step up in performance and design, with a premium aesthetic and durability for high-traffic areas — while still offering console options that align with Aspire and Symbio™ for a consistent user experience across your facility. 

• Symbio™: Symbio™ brings new energy to the cardio space with patented features, award-winning design, and intuitive technologies that deliver a uniquely personalized and immersive experience. 

“Our goal is to help facilities think more intentionally about their cardio floor - matching equipment to how people train, who they are and what they’re there to accomplish.” says Tracy Barrett. 

Why Cardio Equipment Shouldn’t Be One-Size-Fits-All 

For years, cardio zones were often designed around variety, filled with a sea of different brands and modalities. But that approach didn’t always meet the needs of the exerciser and could be intimidating to some. 

“Today’s exerciser expects variety, personalization, and digital engagement,” explains Brennand. “At the same time, operators need to maximize floor performance and long-term durability. That’s where this strategy delivers — it allows facilities to tailor the level of technology to different zones, all while maintaining the same trusted durability across the portfolio. At Life Fitness, we’ve built a cardio lineup with a balanced mix of modalities and intuitive, engaging designs. The goal is to equip our customers with the tools they need to meet exerciser expectations and stand out in a competitive market.” 

Support That Extends Beyond the Sale 

Facility managers also benefit from a robust support system across all three tiers. 

“We’ve updated our warranty to be best-in-class — three years parts and labor on any cardio purchase,” says Brennand. “Plus, we offer extended warranties and preventative maintenance plans for those who want long-term peace of mind.” 

Designing for serviceability is another core differentiator. “We build cardio with three audiences in mind — the exerciser, the operator, and the technician,” adds Barrett. “That approach ensures our equipment is easy to use, straightforward to maintain and designed to perform day after day.” 

Let Data Shape Your Floorplan 

Another powerful way facilities can optimize performance? Data. 

With Facility Connect, Life Fitness’ connected asset management system, operators can see machine usage patterns in real time — and make smarter decisions about layout, rotation, and replacement. 

“There are always a few treads that get 10 times more use than others,” says Brennand. “Facility Connect helps you spot that and rotate them proactively — which extends the life of your fleet.” 

Facility Connect also flags maintenance needs and provides guidance on when to update or retire equipment — helping you stay ahead of problems and budget smarter. 

Innovation for the Future: Symbio™ Sets a New Benchmark 

At the top of the pyramid is the Symbio Runner™ — and it’s more than just a premium treadmill. It represents Life Fitness’ innovation roadmap. 

“With our Symbio Runner™, we focused on things that elevate the member experience — from a flexible deck that adapts to your stride to a DC motor that’s more energy efficient and allows for a sleeker profile,” says Barrett.  

Symbio seamlessly integrates with the Life Fitness digital ecosystem, setting a new bar for connected cardio. With advanced onscreen metrics and a design that anticipates the next era of fitness, it’s built to elevate every workout. 

A Scalable Solution for Every Facility 

The Life Fitness strategy is more than a product lineup - it’s a way to tailor your cardio floor to meet the unique needs of your facility. 

“It’s about flexibility,” says Barrett. “You can align your equipment choices with your operational goals — whether that’s member retention, differentiating your facility, or elevating your brand.” 

For facility managers juggling multiple priorities, this kind of flexibility could be the most valuable feature of all. 

From product design to performance insights, the strategic approach from Life Fitness offers something for every space, every budget, and every exerciser. For more on building a smart, scalable cardio strategy, connect with your Life Fitness rep today. 

Explore the Lineup 

Want to dive deeper into the Life Fitness cardio portfolio? Explore the unique benefits of each product line to see which one fits your facility's needs: 

• Aspire Series: Smart essentials for value-focused spaces 
• Integrity+ Series: Premium performance for high-traffic zones 
• Symbio(TM) Series– Next-generation cardio for standout experiences  

Prefer to talk it through? Contact your Life Fitness rep to build a custom strategy for your facility.