The elliptical machine is one of the easiest machines you see when you walk into a gym, It’s very easy to work out in this machine, and it works on your quads, glutes and hamstrings and also your calves to a degree. It also helps in your cardio workout, also Elliptical machine helps you burn your calories away, It is one of best way to work out your without stressing too much, But going to gym all the time is not appealing so if you spend a few dollars than you can easily get an Elliptical Machine at your budget price such as Schwinn A40 Elliptical machine.
It comes with a variety of features like very good console with heart rate monitor and seven pre-installed program and many others and most of all it is very affordable so you don’t have to spend as much money on it and you will get this machine under $500.
Features
Frame and Build
The Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine is made from steel, and it’s quite sturdy and durable. It has six levelers that help to make it more steady. The Schwinn uses magnetic Eddy Current Brake resistance, and a parameter weighed flywheel to provide you with eight different resistance level, so you can choose whichever level you are comfortable with. Some people think that using higher level will give you a maximum output of your workout, but that’s not true you have to find how much resistance you can handle and then steadily work your way up.
There are ergonomic handles which are very comfortable to use, and it is moving handlebars which comes with almost all the Elliptical Machine, but there is no option for stationary handlebars if you want to workout solely on the lower body. The weight limit it provides is 275 pounds that is more than enough for casual users but not built for a heavy workout. Though the ECB and the flywheel provide you with smooth experience on this Elliptical machine for a long time. And the bio mechanically designed linkages provide a comfortable and natural foot motion.
Console
The LCD Display of this trainer is fairly large with 5.0” x 3.0”. The LCD console tracks speed, time, RPM, distance, calories, results, and heart rate. Speed and distance are shown in the same area for 6 seconds respectively, while calorie and RPM are shown on the same section for 6 seconds respectively too along with heart rate and whatever program you choose to workout pre-installed program.
The console is easy to use as it has three buttons for you choose whatever program you want to workout on, there are three types of workout you can do in this Elliptical machine, Mountain, fun rides and challenges.
There is also a 3mm port for you to plug in your audio, but as expected from budget equipment, the speaker quality is not great. Though the console doesn’t provide with a backlit display so you can’t see the console in a bad light, The console doesn’t provide any kind of entertainment, but that is not exactly an issue as you can easily use your smartphone or tablet for your entertainment purpose.
Programs
There is 7 pre-installed workout to provide you with an option. The programs types are fun rides, Mountains and challenges, selecting any program is very easy you just select a type, then chose one option on the type, then adjust the time and press enter then you can work out with your chosen program, its easy and very convenient.
Heart Rate Monitor
The Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine provides you with Contact Heart Rate sensors, that sends your heart signals to the console, that would not tell you the accurate heart rate like, but you will get the rough insight of the progress you are making with your workout. It is not accurate as polar chest stripe HRM, but it will still come in handy when you wanna know your progress rate. Stainless steel parts on the handles are the sensors.
Stride Length
The Schwinn A40 Elliptical provides you with 17.5” stride length, that is quite a short length as most Elliptical Machine offers 18-20” adjustable stride for better workout experience, It may not be as comfortable for the people on the taller side of the spectrum. The Schwinn A40 doesn’t provide you with an adjustable stride
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity it provides is 275 pounds, it is quite less for those who are looking for heavy workout, It may not be for those who want to do rigorous workout in this, with 17.5” stride and 275 ponds it is definitely not for tall and weighted people but it’s perfect for average or smaller built people who don’t require much weight or even want long stride.
Warranty
The Schwinn A40 provides you with a 2-year warranty on frame and six months warranty on mechanical and electronics. And Only 30 days for wear parts. Quite a small amount of warranty for gym equipment.
Technical Specifications
- Capacity :- 275 pounds
- Price Range :- Under $500
- Resistance :- 8
- Stride Length :- 17.5″
- Dimension :- 59 x 23 x 64 Inch
- Programs :- 7
- Display :- LCD window 5.0″ x 3.0″ Display readout: Speed, rpm, time, distance, calories, pulse, resistance level
- Cushioned footpad :- No
- Front drive:- yes
- Resistance level:- 8
- Resistance type:- Quiet Magnetic ECB (Eddy current brake) resistance system
- Adjustable pedals:- No
- Handgrip:- yes
- Heart rate control:- contact heart rate sensors
- Water bottle/accessory holders:- Yes
Watch the Video till End
Assemblage and Maintenance
Assembling the Schwinn A40 is very easy, Just follow the manual then it will not take more than 40 minutes to an hour to assemble the machine, It is recommended to assemble it with two people, but it can be assembled with one person too. The tools are not included in the package, so you need to find all the tools like cutter, hammer, etc.
Like any other budget machine, it might need some maintenance. It makes a bit of noise, so if you want a noiseless workout, you need to lubricate the joints time to time for a smooth and steady exercise. There will still be some noise, but it’s bearable and all the essential maintenance like tightening the nuts and bolts from time to time for better longevity of the machine. For more information, you can download the manual from here.
Pros and cons
Pros
Compact and lightweight.
Come with a very affordable price tag of under $500.
Smooth workout experience.
Quiet operation with ECB resistance system.
Seven pre-installed programs that give you versatile workout options.
It is battery operated so you can use it whenever and wherever you want.
Cons
Lacks of tools in the box makes it difficult to assemble.
There are no stationary handlebars for especially working out on the lower part of the body.
Heart rate monitor is not accurate.
Flywheel weight is not mentioned, but with the weight capacity, it offers, we can gauge its light.
No backlit display.
Poor warranty with limited offers.
Affordable Alternatives (Recommended)
Stamina in-motion Under desk Trainer
Summary
This Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine is perfect and easy to operate for the beginners, and for the people who have average height and weight then it’s one of the best one for them in the affordable price range. It’s reasonably well-built with quiet magnetic resistance along with eight resistance level.
Frequently asked questions (Must Read)
Does the fly wheel go backwards with resistance as well as forward?
Yes, the fly wheel go forward as well as backwards with resistance, the machine works really well and with its sturdy frame it is very good for home use
Are the Power AC adapter and 3M Extension Cable necessary for purchase?
They are not really necessary. You can easily use this elliptical machine with just batteries, but frequent use and multiple users might need to purchase the power adapter.
Can a smart phone or a kindle fire be plugged into this while working out?
You can easily plug in any device that has a headphone jack. the wire come with the Schwinn Elliptical machine.
Does this machine have an incline adjustment?
No, it does not provide incline adjustment.
Is it possible to use this machine without moving my arms?
While it doesn’t provide with stationary handlebars, you can still hold onto the narrow bar in the middle between the moving levers to workout your lower part of the body.
Does this Schwinn A40 elliptical have a fan?
No it does not.
Did the machine need a gym mat to make it steady?
No, it doesn’t need a gym mat you can use it on a normal carpet or even floor, the machine is sturdy and steady enough.
What is the best cardio equipment under $50?
This is one of the best cardio machine under $50 in 2021.
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