Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer Review

I have the Schwinn 430 elliptical, which in my opinion, was the best elliptical in its class for under $1000.It has an 18" stride that works for most people.

Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer

There is now a new successor in home fitness equipment.This is it!

Whenever someone thinks outside of the box and creates a new machine to appeal to more people, they create a winning product that will set the standard.Schwinn/Nautilus and their engineers/experts have done it with the Schwinn 460 Variable Strike Elliptical Trainer.

How is this different?Without making any adjustments in the machine itself, you can vary your stride from 2 inches to 26 inches.This translates to anyone in your family (of adolescent to adult age) to exercise on this piece of fitness equipment without cumbersome settings or having to get off of the machine to make adjustments.

When it comes to elliptical trainers, you really need to try the various strides to see what is comfortable to you.Some are circular and some are truly elliptical in feel.With Variable Stride Technology, this is less of an issue and I feel this is going to be comfortable for everyone who enjoys using this method of cardiac activity.Variable stride technology involves changing the length of stride based upon the pressure that you exert on the pedals - the more pressure you exert, the longer your stride, the less pressure, the shorter your stride.This is something that will take some time to get accustomed to but it doesn't take that long once you get the hang of it.

This machine can accommodate people up to 300 lbs.I weigh about 200 lbs and it's very comfortable and stable.

Basics:

The dimensions are 54"L x 34"W x 73"H where as the 430's dimensions were 59" L x 26" W x 68" H.

The machine is 5 inches taller in total height than my Schwinn 430 (and the pedals are about 3 inches higher from the floor) which may be a little difficult for people under 5 feet tall, but it is manageable.There are 3 hand settings, the moving swing arms, the stationary handles with heart rate capability and the stationary handles more forward in position without heart rate capability.However, there is an integrated wireless heart rate monitor capability utilizing a strap across the chest.The strap is more responsive to your heart rate over the stationary handles.

Set up:

My model came with prepackaged hardware with all of the tools necessary to assemble except for a 17 mm wrench.I opted to check the sizes of the various hardware and used a ratchet and my own screwdriver.Although it took about 20 minutes to get it out of the box, when you get into the assembly time, it only took a little over an hour.Luckily extra parts were included since some were missing in the prepacked 'bubble wrap'.I didn't get operating instructions so I had to refer to the website to get the manual.The assembly guide is outlined well and easy to follow step by step.It recommends using 2 people, at times (placing the base and the pedals, for example), but I was alone when I put it together.If you do the assembly by yourself, just watch your fingers when you are putting the pedals together.

My suggestion is to bypass the included tools and use your own toolbox.However, I do not recommend electric screwdrivers or other devices with high torque which would strip the screws and probably damage the unit.

Construction:

The machine is solid steel in construction.It is higher grade steel than the 430 with a gray matte finish.It is not textured like the super expensive gym equipment.The length is about the same as the 430, albeit slightly wider.The pedals are solid in construction, rubber coated/slip resistant and the action of the stride is smooth and quiet - you can watch television at a normal volume unlike other elliptical trainers and treadmills.

The handles are comfortable, rubber coated and have an ergonomic design in any of the 3 standard hand positions.It is markedly taller in height than the 430, also.

Electronics:

The unit comes with a back-lit, touch screen that is intuitive, easy to read, and shows your progress in calories, distance, time (interval and total time), pulse, speed, calories, and level.The LED text is clear and easy to read.You have manual mode and 16 programs but in your profile, you can create 2 customizable workouts one interval at a time. I miss the Calorie Goal feature (i.e. pre-set workout to burn 500 calories).

The customizable feature keeps track of your progress over time: total distance, change in weight, total calories, time spent, etc.

Depending upon what measurement system you are familiar with, you can toggle between Metric and American Standard.Contrast of the touch screen can also be adjusted with a toggle of the button (see instructions).

When it switches from one interval to the next, it does beep to alert you.

One practical note:You cannot extend the length of the workout in a programmed mode (i.e. add minutes) - all you can adjust is the resistance.

Usage:

The default level is level 3 which is a good start when trying a new variation of elliptical trainers.You can go in forward and reverse rather easily.Even at a faster rate and longer strides the machine is stable/quiet.The stair stepping function is comfortable, as is the walk and running function.With the different strides which can be done on the fly, including reverse, you can concentrate on different muscles in the same workout.

I don't know if this is a matter of the design but I cannot seem to go beyond a cadence of 60 RPM, no matter how low the resistance is set.On the 430, I found myself going as high as 76 to 80.As long as your workout is intense enough, I suppose that is OK since my heart rate is rising with increased cadence.

There are 16 different resistance levels but beyond 14 is more resistance training than cardiovascular work.

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is one of the most effective and efficient methods of burning calories during and after your workout.You can easily do it on this machine.I personally think that this machine was designed for that purpose (my opinion).

On my profile, I created a customized workout simulating climbing a mountain and going down a mountain whereas the other customized workout is an interval of high resistance alternating with lower resistance for recovery.

With the heart rate monitoring strap, you don't have to worry about losing track of your heart rate by switching from the stationary to moving handlebars.It works well and I only infrequently lose signal.It is instantaneous and this feature really only appears on the premium exercise equipment.

Practical issues:

A large water bottle cage is sturdy/stable.It can accommodate a 1 liter water bottle, my remote controls or anything reasonably small that you may need to have nearby (i.e. cordless phone, pager, cellular phone).

A fan works in 3 speeds and actually works well and it is a nice feature.Definitely allows me to go 'the extra mile' when I am getting overheated.I would have preferred the fan to be at the top of the instrument panel, as opposed to the bottom of it - it is fixed in angle so it cannot be adjusted.

My only gripe is the size of the plastic support for placing a book over the top of the control panel.It accommodates for a book of only a thin size, not a medical text book (unlike the 430, where I mounted my laptop onto the reading rack with ease). The 430 had a book support made of steel.

Customization:

2 users can be entered to monitor progress and customize workouts.Entering names utilizing the limited toggle switches takes some practice and is slightly cumbersome but not a deal-breaker.Your weight and Body mass index (BMI) are tracked which aid in your progress.

Mobility:

This is a rather heavy machine and where it is assembled, is going to be the place where it stays.The handle in the back and small wheels in the front allow for pushing and pulling.It is mobile but will require a good boost up to get the front wheels onto the ground.However, it really requires a 2 person evolution to prevent back injury.

Conclusion:

If you are looking for a more versatile machine to have variability in the same workout, or even looking for a machine that has a wider range of strides, look no further than this machine.Out of the box, this piece of equipment can accommodate for a wider range of size of users (with regard to height, stride, leg length and fitness levels).It is comparable to machines much higher in price ($2000 and up) but with a significantly smaller footprint which does not compromise stability (or space).

I highly recommend this product.Through Amazon.com you get free shipping; other sellers may charge a hefty shipping charge.So, make that New Year's Resolution early and do yourself a favor, get this machine.

The following link is the User's Manual from the Manufacturer:

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UPDATE:

After 80 miles (so far), I still enjoy using this product.To simulate a 'stair stepper', I find the best way to use this unit is to pedal backwards (with an up/down motion) at a higher intensity level (about 10-14).You can make your quads and calves burn, in the process.

I am typically only going at an intensity of 6 (except when simulating a stair stepper at level 14).

UPDATE 2 (Jan 2009)

Still going strong and I am still using the machine.It has not ended up as a coat rack/clothes dryer, yet.

I can only go about 64 to 66 RPM, by forward strides at the lowest setting.Beyond that, it doesn't feel as stable and the sounds of the cam is unsettling.With that, I would recommend that you try it before getting the machine since it may not meet your expectations - if you want a faster rate.However, it does not take away from the machine, for a majority of users.

UPDATE 1/23/2009

One limitation that you will notice that you will have no upper extremity resistance, unlike other elliptical machines.You cannot adjust upper extremity resistance, and its motion is dependent upon the pedal action.Your work around is to alternate between upper body and lower body emphasis.

UPDATE 3/19/2009

So I tried the stair stepper function in the past week.

I always hate stair stepping, since my thighs light up on fire!However, I was on level 8 on hills doing intervals for 1:15 with the stair stepper stroke (it is a backwards stroke going up and down while I rotate my hips - no, sorry, I will not post a video of this).I was hitting anywhere from 77 to 88 RPM! My heart rate was flashing at 155 beats per minute.So, yes, you can go above 65 RPM, in the stair step mode.You need to concentrate and stay in a rhythm or you easily come out of the up and down motion, and go reverse.

It kicked my tail but I burned 460 calories.

The more I use this, the better it gets, for me.'Running' strides do not work for me, it sounds like I am going too fast for the mechanism in the housing (flop - flop sounds).

Product Description
Maximize your home workouts with the Schwinn 460 Elliptical Trainer, which features Schwinn's exclusive V-Stride Technology that allows you to change stride lengths without manual adjustments or machine modifications. The 460 provides a complete lower-body workout: step to target calves and quads; walk to work your thighs and glutes, and run to lengthen your strides and engage all muscle groups.

Featuring a high-tech design, the Schwinn 460 includes 11 workout profiles built by the Nautilus Institute with instructional messages on utilizing stride lengths and foot/leg motions for maximized results. And the Schwinn Advantage workout system tracks results and programming for up to two users. You'll get heart rate feedback via the HR grips on the static handlebars, and heart rate telemetry using the included chest strap.

The dynamic backlit touchscreen console displays workout and interval time, distance, pulse, speed, calories, resistance level, and course profile. Other features include an oversized water bottle holder (accommodates 4-inch bottle), adjustable cooling fan, and transport handle and non-skid wheels for easy storage.

The Schwinn 460 combines dynamic workout programs, an intuitive touch screen console, and Schwinn V-Stride technology to let you change stride lengths without manual adjustments or machine modifications.

Features and Specifications

• V-Stride technology, integrated in the cam/footplate, enables strides from 2 to 26 inches
• Independent footplates let users target core muscles while engaging both sides of the body
• 16 total programs: 1 Manual, 11 Profile, 2 Custom for two users
• Quiet, magnetic ECB (Eddy current brake) resistance with 16 levels
• Fly wheel: 25 pounds, steel
• Drive system: Computer controlled
• Fixed and moving handlebars
• Chest strap with telemetric and grip heart rate monitoring
• Heart rate grip on padded static handlebars
• Transport handle and non-skid wheels
• Articulating foot plates minimize heel impact
• Schwinn Advantage workout system tracks results and programming for two users
• Dynamic backlit LCD touchscreen console
• Display Readout: Time, Interval Time, RPM, Watts, Distance, Pulse, Speed, Calories, Resistance Level, Course Profile
• 11 workout profiles contain embedded fitness prompts to maximize results
• Oversized water bottle holder and angle-adjustable fan
• Maximum user weight: 300 pounds
• Dimensions: 54 x 34 x 73 inches (L x W x H)
• Unit weight: 221 pounds
• Power requirements: AC adapter

Manufacturer's Warranty
Frame - 10 years, parts - 2 years, electronics - 1 year, wear parts: 90 days

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