Schwinn 470 Elliptical Review – A Good Buy For You?
Schwinn 470 Elliptical
$1099Pros
- 10 Degree Motorized Ramp Adds More Challenge
- Backlit, Easy-to-Read Console
- Media Shelf with Charging Station to Watch Your Tablet
- Healthy 20 Inch Stride for More Optimal Workouts
- Transfer and Track your Workout Metrics to Fitness Apps with Bluetooth Connectivity
Cons
- 90 Day Labor Warranty Doesn't Offer A Lot of Protection
- Media Shelf Cuts Off Part of the Console
Schwinn 470 Elliptical Review – Highlights:
The Schwinn 470 Elliptical is an affordable front-drive elliptical from a well-respected name.
It’s actually been around since about 2014 (with updates) and is an upgrade on the popular Schwinn 430 with a brighter console, more resistance levels, more built-in workouts and better ramp.
Having said that however, the Schwinn 470 is still a starter elliptical. It doesn’t have the same construction quality you get with higher-end or mid-range machines. Still, the basics on this model are quite good for the price point.
For example, you get an impressive 20-inch stride. Stride is the furthest distance between the pedals. A longer stride helps you more fully work your leg muscles and get a more optimal workout.
The machine also feels very sturdy and solid when you pick up the pace on it. And many people really like the front drive design since it tends to be more stable feeling than rear-drive elliptical trainers.
Schwinn 470 Elliptical Review – The Console:
The console on the 470 is backlit – something that the Schwinn 430 does not have. This makes it easier to read your workout stats, even if lighting is limited in your workout area.
The console itself is a decent size with two main LCD windows giving you feedback on 13 different workout stats including your calories burned, resistance, program settings and more.
There’s also a handy shelf in the middle of the console that will hold your tablet or iPhone. So you can watch TV shows or movies on your tablet as you workout. The tablet will only cover half of the console – so you will lose out on a few of the feedback windows – but you will see your main stats below the tablet shelf.
Another cool thing about the tablet shelf is that there’s a charging port. So you can charge your phone or tablet as you workout. So you don’t have to worry about running out of battery time on this machine.
The console also stores and shows information for up to 4 different users. This is handy as you don’t have to re-enter all of your workouts information every time you go to workout. This makes it a better option for families with multiple users as well.
There’s also a 3-speed built-in fan to keep you cool and a media port with speakers. So you can also listen to your favorite workout mix as you exercise.
You can also keep track of your heart rate with the hand grip sensors in front of the console on the stationary handle bars.
The Schwinn 470 has more resistance levels than the Schwinn 430 model – 25 vs 20. However it’s also fair to note that the resistance on these ellipticals is unusually tough. This is a good thing – since you won’t easily top out at the highest resistance level and have nowhere to go.
Challenge Yourself with Power Ramp
The Schwinn 470 also upgrades to motorized or power ramp. Ramp is similar to incline in that it changes the slope of your elliptical pathway. This lets you crosstrainer different groups of lower body muscles for a better crosstraining workout.
While the Schwinn 430 ramp is manual (you have to get off the elliptical to change it), the ramp on the Schwinn 470 is power or motorized. That means you can change it from your console during your workouts. This is handy and a great way to build in some high intensity intervals to your exercise time for better calorie burning.
Bluetooth Compatible with Fitness Apps
You can track your time, distance and calories on this trainer – then move the metrics easily to your fitness apps like Apple Health, GoogleFit, MyFitnessPal and more.
You can even connect to the ExploretheWorld app and run trails all over the world for some virtual reality fun (Note: You’ll need your own tablet or phone to do this). This can add a whole new level of fun and entertainment to your workouts.
Oversized Pedals
The pedals on this machine are oversized and grooved for better grip.
However, due to their size, we found them a bit awkward and clunky when using the machine (you have to figure out where you’re going to put your feet on the oversized pedals).
Some users have reported that they have to position their feet further back on the pedals to get a more comfortable stride. So the option to do this (vs being locked in one position) is a benefit.
Schwinn 470 Elliptical Review – Any Downsides?
While the incline on this elliptical is power incline and easier to adjust than on the 430 model, it only ranges10 degrees. This is a bit less than you get with other ellipticals. (However at this price point it’s pretty standard).
Also while you do get a 10 year frame, 2 year mechanical and 1 year electrical warranty, you only get 90 days on labor.
Also, be aware that when you use the media shelf, it cuts off your view of the main console window. You can still see the lower window, but some people like to get a constant reading on all of their workout stats.
Where to Buy and Save:
You can get a great price on the Schwinn 470 elliptical by getting it here with Free Shipping. You can also read the latest user reviews and watch a video on how it works.
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