Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine Review

Last Updated on December 28, 2019 by Jeff

Let’s Get Started:

As you probably know, Schwinn is a strong company and the Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine makes a great showing in its price range (which as you’ll see can bounce around a bit). The 470 Elliptical is a quiet-running, smooth machine with some great features that’ll get you fit and help you track your performance from workout to workout. Throw in high-end computer options like dual backlit displays, heart rate monitoring, pre-programmed workouts, and the ability to download performance data through Schwinn Connect, and you are looking at an excellent elliptical machine. Read on for our full elliptical review on the Schwinn 470.

Click here to check the price of the Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine on Amazon.

Technical Info:

Dimensions:

• Height: 63.2 inches
• Width: 28.2 inches
• Length: 70.1 inches
• Weight: 164 lbs

Features:

• 29 programs including 12 workout profiles, 9 heart rate controls, 4 custom user defined profiles, 2 fitness tests, 1 recovery test and a quick start option
• Features Dual Track LCD displays, in-console speakers with MP3 port, USB charger, adjustable fan and media shelf,
• Bluetooth connected – hook it up with the Schwinn Trainer App
• Sync the 470 with Schwinn’s free Run Social App and workout in 19 virtual locations with 27 routes real time with people around the globe
• Heart rate chest strap option (not included).
• 25 Eddy Current Brake (ECB) resistance settings with 5 quick keys so the user can increase/decrease intensity on the fly.
• Automated incline up to 10° with 5 quick keys.
• 3 speed fan to keep the user cool throughout their workout.
• Water bottle holder to ensure the user stays hydrated while exercising.
• Maximum User Weight: 300 lbs.

Computer Features:

• DualTrack™ two backlit LCD window system
• Main – 3”x5”
• Secondary – 1”x5”
• 12 profile programs including 4 fun rides, 4 mountain rides and 4 challenges.
• 9 heart rate programs for beginner, advanced and custom settings.
• 2 fitness test programs for beginner and advanced levels.
• 1 recovery test program.
• Quick start capability.
• Workout data includes:
  • Time
  • Revolutions per Minute
  • Distance
  • Pulse
  • Speed
  • Calories
  • Resistance Level
  • Course Profile
  • Heart Rate Zone Indicator
  • % Complete Indicator
  • Intensity Meter
  • User indicator
  • Goal Achievement

Warranty:

• 10 year warranty on the frame
• 2 year mechanical warranty
• 1 year electrical warranty
• 90-day labor warranty.

Shipping and Assembly:

 

This Schwinn Elliptical comes is a big machine so it may come in a large box. It comes with a step-by-step, fully-illustrated manual and tools to assembly the machine. Reports are mixed on the ease of putting the elliptical machine together. Some users say that it took around an hour; others say it took twice as long. Overall, you want to pay close attention to the instructions and really take your time. You’ll be happier with the result.

Company Data / About Schwinn:

Schwinn® was founded in 1895 and since then has been an icon in the bicycle, recreation product, and home and commercial fitness worlds. Ignaz Schwinn and his partner Adolph Arnold founded the company in Chicago. In 1965, Schwinn® introduced their first in-home workout machines and today they have whole lines of upright bikes, recumbent bikes, steppers, treadmills, elliptical and home gyms.

What We Love About the Schwinn® 470 Elliptical:

When you buy a Schwinn, regardless if it’s a bicycle or a piece of exercise equipment, you know you’re getting quality. The same goes for the 470 Elliptical. This elliptical machine is strong, durable and solid in construction. On top of that, Schwinn® provides a computer with awesome features on the 470 Elliptical. Features like pre-programmed workouts, multiple user profiles, downloading capability to track performance, and automated resistance and incline enhance the user’s enjoyment of this machine.

Automated Incline & Resistance

By far, the best option on the Schwinn 470 Elliptical is the ability to make resistance and incline adjustments on the fly. This elliptical machine provides 5 quick keys a piece for resistance and for incline. So, while mid exercise, if the user is looking for added intensity, the controls are at their fingertips. There are a total of 25 ECB resistance settings on the 470 Elliptical. You won’t find this on a lot of mid-range ellipticals.

Very Nice Computer

For an entry level elliptical, you are getting a great computer with this machine. The system is backlit and has dual screens that may be a little confusing until you set up your user profile. The computer allows you to set up four separate profiles. It also comes with a total of 29 program including 12 workout programs and 9 heart rate controls. Another great feature of the Schwinn 470 Elliptical is the ability to download and track your workout performance. This elliptical machine’s computer allows you to track a number of criteria like time, distance and calories by transferring the data to the Schwinn Connect™ or to MyFitnessPal.

Quality & Durability

For over 100 years, Schwinn has been a leader in the bicycle and fitness industries. When you buy a Schwinn, you know that you are getting quality. Their innovations throughout the years have redefined fitness world. Even though lightweight, the 470 Elliptical accommodates a user up to 300 lbs. Due to its oversized crossbar tubing, center frame support and front positioned flywheel, this elliptical machine is extremely study and durable.

What Isn’t So Great on the Schwinn 470 Elliptical:

Degree of Incline

Although the 470 Elliptical features an automated incline capability, we don’t like that it can only be adjusted up to 10°. While you can get a good workout with this incline, other machines offer up to 20° of incline. The lack of incline limits the user’s intensity and target muscle groups during workouts.

Heart Rate Monitoring

The Schwinn 470 Elliptical offers heart rate monitoring from handgrips. After holding the sensors for about 10 seconds, the information is transferred to the computer for display. It also offers the capability to use a heart strap monitor, but one is not provided. It’s not a deal breaker, but we wish for its mid-range price that a heart-strap monitor would be included.

Fixed Stride Length

The Schwinn® 470 Elliptical offers up to a 20” stride length which isn’t bad, but the stride length is fixed. Not all ellipticals’ stride lengths are adjustable, but it would be ideal.

Final Word on the Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine:

For its price, the Schwinn 470 Elliptical is a really good buy. For mid level elliptical machine you are getting a quality piece of exercise equipment made by Schwinn, a very strong company. The computer has a number of great options, but the best feature by far is the ability to automatically adjust incline while exercising. The Schwinn 470 Elliptical does lack a few options that could better hone the user’s workout such as steeper incline and more flexibility in stride.  But overall, there’s a lot of value packed into this Schwinn elliptical and we definitely recommend considering it for home use.

Click here to check the price of the Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine on Amazon.