If there was something that could help you or some one you love to increase their happiness, increase their lifespan, add quality to their lives, protect them against being overweight, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing diabetes and cancer, you’d be interested right? Well I am pleased to say that their is something you can give that can achieve these things and more. There is of course an investment of time and money involved but over a life time the time investment is worth it and the monetary investment is next to nothing spread over time.

So what am I talking about? I am of course talking about giving an elliptical exercise machine. These machines are probably the best gift you could possibly give and definitely the best gift you could receive. Because it is something that will add so much more to your life, things that money can not buy but are the result of putting in some time and effort on a regular basis. The gift of an elliptical machine is really about making your love for a friend, a family member, or yourself of course, known in a really tangible way. Forget about gifting gym memberships because while they are good having to gear up, go out, lineup, sweat with a bunch of strangers soon gets to be less than fun. Having an exercise machine in the home means there is no excuse and is a constant reminder to get on and do something.

Elliptical exercisers come in a range of models and you will find there is always one to suit your budget. Some of the more modest models start at around $500 (and maybe less if they are on special) and move on upwards into the thousands. The important thing is to get one and use it. Using an elliptical is not difficult once you learn the basics and because it is a low impact form of exercise the chance of getting some kind of injury, especially some kind of repetitive strain injury is absolutely minimal.

To find out more about elliptical exercise machines you can explore this website: http://ellipticaltrainers-reviews.com There you will find a range of ellipticals that have been reviewed, articles that explain how to use them and more relevant information to help you make an informed choice between different models. Importantly this will save you valuable time in your search for an elliptical machine to give to some special in your life.

Elliptical machines, also known as elliptical trainers or elliptical training machines, are fairly new pieces of exercise equipment that fall into the aerobic or cardiovascular workout category of fitness equipment, but that doesn’t really tell you what it is or what is an elliptical machine.

Fig. 1: A typical elliptical machine.

To explain what an elliptical machine is we should explore a little of it’s history first. The elliptical machine was first developed by a company called Precor sometime in the 1980′s. At that time the most used fitness machines that targeted cardiovascular exercise were the stair stepper and the good old work out machine – the treadmill. Now these other pieces of equipment are good they tend to impact parts of your body in ways that are detrimental to your joints, especially those in your legs and hips. The elliptical machine was developed to overcome this kind of problem.

With an elliptical machine your feet do not leave the pedals and therefore are free from experiencing any impact what so ever. The stair-stepper, while good at giving the exerciser a good heart rate increase and burning calories, the repetitive stepping up and down did have a detrimental affect on the joints in the legs and hips. The elliptical machine was developed to over come this. It was designed to over come these problems by virtually eliminating stress on the joints. The pedals on an elliptical machine move in an elliptical motion, hence the name, providing a fluid natural motion close to the way the body moves when not restricted to exercise on a machine. It proved to be very aerobic, low impact, and less stressful than exercise on stair-steppers or on treadmill machines.

What is an elliptical machine? Is it something you can have in your home gym?

The simple answer to that is, it is an home gym in and of itself. Because of the fact that an elliptical machine gives you a whole body work out there really is no need for any other fitness equipment. Amazing but true. It exercises both the upper and lower parts of your body and gives your cardiovascular system and workout at the same time. And the big benefit, as we have already discussed, is that it is all low impact exercise as well.

What is an elliptical machine when it comes to size and design? Does one size fit all? The simple answer, no. There are varying sizes of elliptical machines, smaller ones, bigger ones, cheaper ones, more expensive ones. Many that are targeted for commercial exercise studios but many that are designed specifically for home use. The ones for commercial gyms tend to be larger and more expensive than those for design for the home gym but that being said the old adage stands true – you get what you pay for. While you may be tempted to buy a cheaper model to use at home remember that they are cheaper for a reason. And that reason is usually they are built using materials that cost less, meaning either not as durable or strong as that used on more expensive or commercial models. Do your due diligence and get something that is going to last, you will not regret it in the long run – you will be able to answer for yourself the question – what is an elliptical machine.

Finally, remember that there are many different manufacturers of elliptical machines and it is wise to compare before you buy. Remember to check out things like the way in which a particular model creates resistance, there are different technologies, and if and how a machine can be adjusted for individual users. They do come in many different shapes and sizes after all.

Hopefully this article has helped you understand what is an elliptical machine and remember to more fully explore this site if you want to learn more.

Before the elliptical trainer was created the most highly ranked training or workout machines used to be the cross country machines made most famous by the Nordic Track.

The elliptical trainer was designed to most naturally emulate the movement the leg went through, including it’s range of motion, and most importantly providing exercise for the upper body at the same time. Because of the thought given to it’s design in these areas the elliptical trainer will give it’s user a much more intense, a more complete, and a more satisfying workout.

The elliptical trainer will give a complete body workout. It does this by exercising more parts of the body at one time than almost any other workout machine and it does this all without placing stress on joints, especially those in your legs and hips. The exercise if very aerobic as mentioned already much like the exercise you would get doing cross country skiing up a continuous incline. Think stair climber and you’ll get the idea.

Tread mill running was and is still fairly popular but can contribute to impact injuries you maybe be trying to get over or avoid in the first place. Because the elliptical trainer is very low impact it is popular as a replacement for the treadmill. You maybe interested to read how it compares to other pieces of popular exercise equipment.

So what makes the elliptical trainer so popular

The elliptical trainer is very popular with women who are trying to loose weight or get more toned. They provide a full body workout, burns calories and is low impact – that’s why women choose them over other pieces of exercise equipment. The wide range of motion, varying levels of resistance (which can be varied while using the machine in motion) make it an excellent choice for women with these goals. Other machines like the cross country training machines and the treadmills can’t even come close in providing the benefits of ease of use and adaptability to the users direct and in-motion input.

For those wanting to achieve specific calorie burn goals the elliptical machine is the way to go. It is generally accepted by most experts that the more you weigh the more calories you will burn when using an elliptical trainer. Because of this there is no set amount of calories a group of users will use on the same machine. It comes down to a number of different factors. The users weight, the difficulty settings chosen, proper use, and the intensity of the users workout. Resistance levels can be changed while in motion.

The sales of the elliptical trainer has increased as people who would normally jog or walk to loose calories switch to these machines. Most explain the reason for switching is that they get better results for the same time input and that exercise is easier and safer to perform on the elliptical trainer.

This is an important step-by step guide for exercising on an elliptical trainer – especially if it is something you are doing for the first time. It is important to understand how an elliptical trainer works as they can often feel quite awkward when you first start using one. Firstly though lets look at what you should do by way of preparation.

It’s a good option to confirm what your physical condition actually is before starting any new exercise program and it’s no different when starting out on an elliptical machine. Take some time to consult with your medical professional in addition to a physical fitness specialist to learn about your current condition in case you have any sort of physical problems, restrictions or to see if you need to take any extra precautions while doing exercise – especially in the beginning stages as your fitness level may not be as good as you think.

The elliptical trainer exercises the lower limbs, gluteal muscle, stomach oblique muscles, and much of your upper body, including arms, chest as well as shoulders. So you are going to definitely going to get a full body workout using one. Now, it is critical to warm up all of these major muscle groups prior to your exercise.  Something we don’t often think about when exercising in a gym environment, but it is an important habit to develop especially if you are learning how to use and elliptical trainer for the first time.

Another important step to take is to observe another person make use of an elliptical exerciser so that you can see how to maintain the right style and technique. It’s also crucial that you feel confident about yourself physically before you intend to get on an elliptical trainer. Why? Well simply because as quickly as you step on the pedal, it’s going to shift, the machine is going to start moving and you have got to be ready for that.

When you’re on the left of your machine, grasp a part of the left handle that doesn’t move then move onto the left-hand pedal with your left foot. Then simply hold the steady area of the right-side handle and set your right-foot on to the right-hand pedal. You can then get the foot-rests to remain still if one foot is as far forward as it can be. Start out moving really slowly, the trainer will guide you regarding how to get moving. Just move with the flow of the machine. You can often simply hit, “quick start” and initiate your workout if your elliptical trainer is fitted with that option. You are also able to control different conditions with settings and make the incline go up or down as well as increase the amount of resistance. The slope adjustment can make it truly feel similar to x-country skiing versus climbing up a high slope. The level of resistance simply can make it harder or easier to press on the pedals.

A different technique of starting your machine is to key in your weight along with age. This will help your machine more accurately assess the number of kilo-calories you have used up. Then you’re able to create a particular exercise routine and the machine is going to automatically alter the slope in line with the work out chosen.

The elliptical machine is a great method to lose weight and train muscle simultaneously. Study suggests that you are able to maximise the amount of energy you use by differing the actual perceived intensity during the training session. On an elliptical exercise machine, you’ll be able to enhance the required physical effort by simply raising the slant and/or your amount of resistance. No need to be outside running up and down hills and putting strain on your joints through the impact that kind of running does to your body.

So once you have learned to use your elliptical trainer, you need to give thought to physical effort levels and those vary from machine to machine but for this example we’ll use a scale of 1-10. For a 30-minute exercise session on the elliptical exercise machine, you would complete 5 min’s at the defined degree of effort of 2. Then 5 minutes at a level 3, 2 min’s at level 6, 2 min’s back again at 3, another 2 at level 6, 2 at level 3, 2 min’s at level 7, back to 2 minutes at level 3, 2 minutes at level 6, and then 6 min’s at level 2 for cooling down. Obviously that is going to change was your fitness level changes just remember that is it important to start out slow, warm-up, workout at differing intensity levels and then cool down at the end.

Ideal for fitness enthusiasts of any skill level, the Nautilus E514 provides an effective cardiovascular workout by combining upper and lower body flexibility and coordination into one impact-free motion. It offers smooth, biomechanically-correct design and comfort features, enhanced programming, and integrated Polar® heart rate systems for superior workouts. Other features include 16 computer-controlled resistance levels, 17 total programs for workout variety, and a natural-feeling 18-inch stride.

Elliptical trainers emulate the natural motion of your foot while supporting your heel throughout the stride, making them much easier on your knees and joints. In addition to feeling more natural while working out, regular use of elliptical trainers can help to increase heart and lung capacity while improving your health (and burning calories at the same time). The Nautilus E514 is an elliptical machine that will adequately allow you to exercise in this way.

FULL REVIEW of the Nautilus E514 COMING SOON.

Enjoy a low-impact workout without leaving the home with the Schwinn A40 elliptical trainer (Currently 42% of the normal price and there is a reason which I’ll cover below). Boasting a perimeter-weighted, high-inertia flywheel, the A40 runs smoothly and quietly, with eight resistance levels to keep you on your toes. The battery-operated trainer also supports several different workout programs (seven in all), so you can customize your workout and keep things fresh. And thanks to the informative LCD console, you can easily monitor your workout progress, with readouts for time, rpm, distance, pulse, speed, calories, resistance level, and course profile. The oversized console also includes a reading rack, water bottle holder, and integrated two-speed fan to keep you engaged and comfortable.

Other details include contact heart rate sensors, a 17-inch stride length, leveling feet for uneven surfaces, and a compact footprint. The Schwinn A40, which supports up to 275 pounds, carries a two-year warranty on the frame, a six-month warranty on electrical parts, and a 30-day warranty on wear parts.

Product Features

• Get a total body workout with synchronized upper and lower body movement along with 7 Programs and 8 levels of resistance
• Oversized console features a reading rack and integrated 2 speed fan
• Contact heart rate sensors built into console
• 17-1/2″ stride length and perimeter weighted, high inertia flywheel provide a smooth and natural feel
• Compact footprint will fit in any room of your house

Specifications:

• Resistance levels: 8
• Number of programs: 7
• Program types: 1 quick start, 2 course, 2 circuit, 2 pursuit
• Heart rate monitor: Yes, grip
• Display type: LCD
• Display readout: Speed, rpm, time, distance, calories, pulse, resistance level, and course profile
• Reading rack: Yes
• Water bottle holder: Yes
• Fan: Yes
• Power requirement: 4 D-cell batteries (not included)
• Maximum weight capacity: 275 pounds
• Warranty: 2 years on the frame, 6 months on mechanical and electric parts, 30 days on wear parts

User Reviews

Now one of the reasons we wanted to include this review of an elliptical trainer is that this one does not get very good user or consumer reviews. Having done our research we have found that many users have been happy with the price but not happy with the build quality of this machine.

The old adage, “you get what you pay for” is definitely true when I comes to purchasing exercise equipment. Below you will find a range of comments from people who have purchased this machine. To read more you can click on the GET MORE INFO button and follow the links.

Review 1:
Good for the price
“We got this elliptical based on price and ratings. We got it as an entry level machine as neither my husband or I have been working out, ever, really and want to get in shape and loose weight. The good: It’s a great workout. You start to burn in your thighs within minutes and can really work up a sweat quickly for those who are out of shape. It’s easy on the joints, SUPER quiet. My husband can be working out on the machine in the same room as I am watching TV and I’m not disturbed and for entertainment while working out you can watch TV without having to turn the volume up much. This I like, as we have small children and like to work out after bedtime. The Bad: The fan is worthless, as stated in other review. I really don’t have a clue why Schwinn would even put that in the console?? It’s THAT worthless. The display is bad.”

Review 2:
you get what you pay for…. nothing more
“I bought this thinking it was a great deal and then i got on it. i wasnt happy with it. the stride is way too short and the handles seem too far away. im 5’7” and to me i have a shorter legs…so if you have long legs, this ISNT for you. the only thing i guess that could be good about it is there is resistance even on the lowest setting. If i didnt already waste 2 hours putting it together, i would send it back.”

Review 3:
not worth the trouble
“I received the item on January 9th. The console did not work so I called the company to get a new one shipped instead of taking the whole machine apart and sending it back. January 26th, I finally received the new console and guess what. It didn’t work either. My husband is packing it up now so it can be shipped out tomorrow. Big disappointment. ”

Conclusion

As you can see the reviews aren’t all bad. Remember that this is a small portion of reviews submitted to customer reviews (there 58 in total at the link below). As overall rating is 3.5 we would recommend taking a further look at the Schwinn a40 Elliptical trainer (by clicking the link below) but take sometime to access whether you would be able to invest a little more in a machine that comes with a higher rating and better consumer reviews.

One of the main competitors to elliptical training machines of course is the treadmill. Treadmills are similar to elliptical machines in that they give you the opportunity to use your natural stride length but can be a little dangerous if you don’t maintain the right rhythm. You might have seen the TV ad where the young guy on the treadmill takes a tumble. Looked painful. Elliptical machines are easy to use much like an old fashioned stair climber.

Of course the elliptical trainer gets it’s biggest kudos from the fact you get a fantastic cardiovascular workout, much like with jogging or using a treadmill, but without your joints and back being subjected to constant jarring. Anyone who has problems in these areas, joint pain, stiffness, vulnerability to stress fractures will find that working out on an elliptical trainer will almost totally eliminate these.

The posture taken on an elliptical trainer is very natural. No crouching or bending over like on a rowing machine. This natural posture means there is much less strain on the back. No reaching for or pulling any handles or oars like when using a rowing machine.

Elliptical trainers are versatile in that you can choose to workout your upper body along with your lower body or just your lower body by itself. Leaving out the upper body can sometimes be a little easier on you if you are starting from scratch and need to build up your fitness before doing prolonged full-body workouts.

Not all elliptical machines are created equal however. Some only allow you to move in a forward motion others give you the option to exercise in a backward motion. This of course enables you to exercise some slightly different muscle groups. Some you might not normally get to exercise or use. And that’s a good thing. What this all means then is that you are able to give your lower body a full and complete workout, shaping and toning those areas that you feel need attention.

Elliptical trainers are a breeze to use but don’t be fooled. Because the workout they give you is more comprehensive, uses more muscle groups than you would from using say a treadmill, you will be burning more calories. What’s the secondary benefit here? You will get results, get them quicker and this will keep you motivated to keep with your exercise program.

The great thing about elliptical trainers is that they are suitable to a broad range of users. From the beginner right through to the highly motivated fitness fanatic. Your machine is going to meet your needs at every level. The elliptical machine is easily set-up so that you can intensify your workouts depending on your needs and fitness level. And lets not forget many women, during pregnancy want to keep in shape but are understandably concerned about exercise routines or equipment that can stress or strain their bodies – elliptical training machines are ideal for them also.

The Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer is a development in elliptical trainer technology that can not be overlooked by anyone in the market for one of these machines. The engineers at Schwinn have created a machine that is “outside of the box” and really needs to be explored in greater depth to understand why it’s a step forward in elliptical training technology.

Why is this machine different? Well, you don’t have to make any manual adjustments to vary your stride from 2-inches to 26-inces. This means that anyone in your family can use this exercise equipment without having to mess around changing any settings.

With elliptical trainers you have to experiment with different stride lengths to find what is right for you. The Schwinn 460 has built in technology that means the length of your stride can be varied by changing the amount of pressure you exert on the pedals. It’s easy enough – the more pressure you exert the longer your stride will be while the less pressure you exert the shorter your stride will be. It does take some getting used to but doesn’t take long and soon becomes fairly natural. Not only does it make accommodation for various stride lengths it can be used by anyone weighing up to 300-pounds and it always feels safe, comfortable and stable.

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

Get More Detail  Buy Now

The machine is a little taller than the Schwinn 430 which may make it a little difficult to get on and off for shorter people (those under 5 foot) but it’s still easy enough. The machine has 3 hand settings and the stationary handlebars come with heart rate monitors and there is also a strap on chest heart rate monitor which tends to be more accurate that those on the handlebars.

The backlit monitor is a great feature that should not be overlooked. If you have read anything about the Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer you will know it’s monitor is not backlit and therefore makes it a little difficult to read at times. The monitor on this model is clear and easy to read. So you can work out at night if you feel so inclined.

Out Of The Box

The Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer will come with all the prepackaged hardware that you are going to need to assemble the machine. It does take some time to unpack, 20-30 minutes, and around 1.5 – 2 hours to assemble. Some extra parts will also be included along with an assembly guide, which is pretty easy to follow, and it is good to have another pair of hands on the job to make it safer and easier to do some of the assembly. I would recommend unpacking everything, making sure to double check through all the packaging material to make sure haven’t missed anything, and then moving the parts, piece by piece to where you want to assemble and eventually use the machine. Even though it does come fitted with small wheels for moving the machine around, at 221-pounds, you are not going to be wanting to do so very often.

Good idea too to have your own tool box handy and please don’t use any powered tools, like screwdrivers or wrenches, to tighten any parts as the high torque may damage or strip threads and bolt heads.

Some Key Features You May Want To Know About

The Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer is solidly built from a high grade steel with a matte grey finish. Overall it is a little larger than the 430 model. It has a smooth, quiet operation and you can watch TV while using it if you wish… at a normal volume level.

Handles are very comfortable, ergonomic – that is they encourage healthy, natural and safe action when in use. They are rubber/foam coated for additional comfort.

When in use the default level is 3 which is a good place to start. Like all the Schwinn Elliptical Trainers it has a forward and reverse mode. All functions such as stair stepping, walking and running feel comfortable and stable. There are 16 different resistance levels.

A High Intensity Interval Training (HITT) is great for efficient burning of calories. This can easily be achieved on this machine and was probably designed with this goal in mind. You can customize your profile settings to simulate almost any terrain or course you can imagine. This helps to mix up your workout for high and low resistance training.

And like most models available now it comes with a fan to help keep you cool and comfortable during your workouts.

Does It Include A Warranty?

Yes, the warranty is extensive. The frame -10 years, parts -2 years, electronics -1 year, wear parts -90 days. So you fully expect years of faithful service from this machine if used and maintained correctly.

What Are Others Saying?

• “Overall I am very happy with this elliptical and consider it to be just as effective as the $4000 elliptical at my health club. I am 6′ 1″ and my girlfriend is 5′ 4″ and we both felt very comfortable with the feel of the machine.”
• “This product is everything they said it would be ! Very satisfied with both the sturdiness and smoothness of movement. The small footprint makes it extremely convenient for our small condo. Delivery was exactly on time. Would highly recommend this product and Amazon to any one.”
• “We bought this machine to replace a treadmill that cost us $1200 a decade ago. While that treadmill certainly was a good investment in terms of health and fitness, this machine seems an even better investment, because it can provide what a treadmill does (and much more), allowing one to move at a walking, stepping, or jogging pace without wear and tear on the joints. My husband has some problems with his feet, and we expect this machine to be less aggravating to those issues than the treadmill was. This is a really good quality machine for the price, sturdy and very well designed.”
• “After much research, I decided to go with the Schwinn 460 and I’ve been really happy with it. It showed up quickly and sooner than expected. It was easy for me to put together myself with a little help from my 1yr old (he liked stacking the screws and nuts).”
• “It is quiet, compact and easy for my husband (6’1″, 240lb) and myself to use (5’4″, 140 lbs) without any manual adjustments. I love that it has the variable stride to accommodate both of us. The fan was a nice touch too.”
• “I fell in love with a Procore eliptical at my local gym. I researched it online and found that it was $8,000! I wanted something more economical for my home with the same design as the Procore. I found the Schwinn and 2 others, but this one had the best reviews. I took the leap and bought it and I am very pleased!!”

Are There Any Complaints?

After doing a considerable amount of research was not really able to find any complaints of substance on the Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer. One user was not totally satisfied with the level of resistance the machine offered and felt as a consequence the workout they got was not as intense as it could have been. Other users responded to this and commented that the purpose of the machine was to have a full body workout, with a focus on achieving and maintaining a specific cardiovascular workout and it does help you hit and maintain the heart rate of 75-80%. Other users found the resistance to their satisfaction.

Where can you buy the Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical training machine?

You can buy this Schwinn training machine from Amazon. At the moment they do include FREE shipping and from what research I have done on prices online Amazon do have the best deal especially with the FREE shipping option. Click here to view on Amazon.

Where can you read more Reviews for the Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer?

The best place to read more reviews from people who have actually bought and use the product is Amazon. Click here to read more.

The Sole E55 elliptical trainer is one impressive piece of fitness equipment. While it is similar to it’s little cousin the Sole E35 elliptical trainer it is one of the most impressive machines available today because of it’s build quality and features that set it apart. It is stronger, heavier, smoother and more heavily featured than the Sole E35. It includes a 30-pound flywheel and a larger 7.5-inch blue LDC display… and that’s just for starters.

The machine includes a whole range of features that one would expect from a machine in this price range. You will not be disappointed because it over delivers in so many ways. It is equal to and more than a match for quality commercial quality gym models. So what’s it packing? It has club quality from top to bottom.

Features

• The E55′s console includes an easy to use LCD blue backlit display with all the features or a full health club model. It also comes with a fully integrated sound system which you can plug your iPod or mp3 player into.
• The display is 7.5-inch, has 6 standard programs, 2 user defined programs and displays time, distance, calories, resistance levels, incline, pulse and pace data.
• A fluid natural motion made possible by a super quiet drive system that operates both in forward and reverse. This combined with the 30-pound flywheel and a high gear ratio generate a very smooth action with plenty of resistance provided by the 16 different levels.
• There are two sets of handlebars. One that is stationary and that have a built-in heart rate sensor. A chest strap is also included that is said to be 99.95 accurate.
• It even includes a water bottle holder… not a huge deal in reality, but just another little attention to detail that makes it such a great machine.

What Is It Like To Work Out On?

It’s important to be comfortable when working out. Not only to make the session enjoyable but to prevent injury. I have been a running for many years and my joints have suffered. The E55 is designed with foot pedals that have a 2 degree inward slope which helps to reduce ankle and knee stress. Something that other elliptical machines have overlooked. We all know too that we all walk differently so the Sole engineers have built in a dial mechanism you can adjust for your unique gait.  This helps reduce numb toe effects and other problems associated with other elliptical trainers.

Specifications:

• Flywheel: 27 pounds
• Front drive: Yes
• Stride length: 20 inches
• Resistance type: Eddy Current Braking
• Resistance levels: 20
• Adjustable pedals: Yes, 10 positions
• Upper body: Yes
• Handgrip: Standard
• HGP: Yes
• Telemetry belt: Yes
• Heart rate control: Yes
• Power incline: Yes
• Display: 7.5-inch blue backlit LCD
• Data: Time, distance, calories, resistance levels, incline, pulse, pace
• Profile matrix: Yes
• Standard programs: 6
• User-defined programs: 2
• Heart rate programs: 2, with chest strap
• Built-in cooling fans: Yes
• Water bottle/accessory holders: Yes
• Maximum Capacity: 375 pounds
• Product Weight: 200 pounds

What Others Are Saying

• “I bought the e55 as a gift for my wife. The e55 is very durable, extremely quiet, easy to construct (2 hours while watching a movie) and the electronics are user friendly, isn’t jerky, etc. She really enjoys the e55. “
• “The unit was delivered promptly and placed in our garage. Fortunately the main unit, upper shaft and rail assembly are individual units which allowed me to carry these pieces (and the rest of the parts) down to my basement. Once assembled (which took about an hour by myself), I tried doing one of the cardio profile workouts. I can’t get over how quite and smooth this is.”
• “Purchased this machine on January 15th, 2011 it arrived Wednesday, January 19th, via ABF. ….. but its hell putting together by yourself. I suggest you have someone assist you I spent 3 hours putting it together resting and cooking in between. But its a worth it buy I worked out at NY Sports Club and NYC Racquet Club (Precore and Lifefitness for years, this is the same gym quality for a at home price. Invest in yourself and invest in your personal health no gym rats staring you down or limited cardio work outs. Again its a five star purchase but please have someone help you. ”
• “One of the most impressive things is the rock solid stability of this elliptical trainer. It is far beyond what you’re probably expecting from a piece of equipment in this price range! The whole machine has a quality feel and I suspect it will last for years of heavy use.”

Any Complaints?

With the product receiving an overall rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon you would not expect there to be many, if any, issues with the product. Overall that is true. The only one issue came up a couple of times was the time it took to assemble the trainer. Most people however could assemble to trainer with minimal problems though one person did have a problem they could not fix themselves but that was dealt with by Sole, and I quote… “but Sole customer service was definitely up to the task of taking care of the problem.”

Where can I buy the Sole E55 Elliptical Trainer?

You can buy this Sole training machine from Amazon. At the moment they do include FREE shipping and from what research I have done on prices online Amazon do have the best deal especially with the FREE shipping option. Click here to view on Amazon.

Where can you read more Reviews for the Sole E55 elliptical training machine?

The best place to read more reviews from people who have actually bought and use the product is Amazon. Click here to read more.

(NOTE: This model has been discontinued but if you follow the link for more information it can often be purchased used but in as new condition.)

The Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer is one of the trainers you should definitely consider if you are in the market for one under the $1,000 mark. For those that are truly price conscious but still interested in great value for money then this model is definitely one to consider.

It is the smaller brother to the Schwinn 460 Elliptical Trainer. While not something you would consider a commercial model it is one that is at the top end of in home training models. A number of people who bought this model did considerable in store testing before choosing the Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer and here’s why.

It was picked over 20 other makes and models because of the price – especially that on Amazon including a mat and free shipping (conditions do apply). It’s space saving – has a smaller foot print than most so for those wanting to put it somewhere where space is at a premium, like in an office or family room, it’s a great choice. The ECB magnetic resistance is good. The machine also has forward and reverse motion – something not always a feature on other models. A decent 25-pound flywheel – while lighter than the one on it’s big brother – the Schwinn 460 – it is great for a model in this price range. The 18-inch stride is also adequate for most users but if you are extra tall it may not be the best fit.

Some Of The Features On The Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer

• BioGlide motion technology allows for a natural-feeling stride
• BioFit comfort footpads and handlebars
• Grip heart rate on handlebars
• 18-inch stride length
• Eight computer-controlled resistance levels
• Eight workout programs: manual, six profile programs, and calorie goal
• Quick Start function
• Eddy current brake resistance
• Dimensions: 59 inches long by 26 inches wide by 68 inches tall
• Three feedback programs: recovery mode, results mode, BMI
• Transport wheels for easy movement
• Water bottle holder

What’s Comes In The Box?

Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer, user’s manual, warranty information. Just remember that when the box does arrive it’s pretty heavy. The lightest of all the Schwinn models it is still heavy at 152-pounds and will require at least 2 people to get it moved. Shipping weight is said to be 170-pounds. One alternative to this is unpacking the box on arrival and moving the parts, piece by piece, to the room where it is going to be used. Many people suggest this course of action to avoid frustration and injury. It is also a good idea to have another set of hands when assembling the trainer and remember that 2 minds on a job are also better than one. The assembly instructions are adequate and should take 1.5 to 2 hours to put together.

They Have Kept It Simple

The Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles like some of the more expensive Schwinn models, hence the lower price, but not having things like a strap on heart monitor and built in sound system are not really disadvantages when you think about. I would simply use my iPod (or smart phone) or mp3 player for my music and plug in my earphones just like I do when exercising normally or when out pounding the pavement on a road run. It does not miss out on a heart rate monitor all together though as there are sensors built into the handlebars.

Another consideration for you maybe the fact that it has a 275-pound weight limit for users while the bigger models go to 300-pound and above. As with any exercise program or equipment it is best from and safety and health point of view to consult a physician before you begin.

Does The Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer Come With A Warranty?

Yes, and it’s a good one too. Frame -15 years, parts -2 years, electronics -1 year, and labor -90 days. Can’t argue with that. Don’t know why but the frame warranty is 5 years better than that given on the Schwinn 460. Bottom line is though, you are well covered and will have peace of mind for years to come.

What Are Others Saying?

You are probably wondering then what have other people got to say about this elliptical trainer. Well, it has received great reviews over at Amazon with the average buyer/users giving it 4.5 out of 5 stars and has been review by a whopping 513 people. So we are definitely getting a got insight into what to expect from this machine.

Here are some of the comments people have made to date:

• “Overall I tried almost 2 dozen different machines and finally found the Schwinn 430 at a fitness store. I tried the 418 and 438 also, but the 430 seemed to be the most comfortable to me. The 438 and some of the other brands seem to have a high arch on the upstroke. The 430 was very smooth and ultra quiet. It is very well made and should last for many years.”
• “Due to the price, I would buy the Schwinn 430 again in a heartbeat. Same award winning mechanics as the 418, 438 but a much cheaper price point.”
• “Amazon offered the best price at $600.00 (actually it’s cheaper than this now) and free shipping. With the lowest price and the confidence of buying from a recognized and established business rather than some online fly-by-night, Amazon was the obvious choice.”
• “My wife researched elliptical machines for several months. We looked at a wide range of machines, from entry level to gym quality. We ultimately decided on the Schwinn 430 due to the small footprint, the stride, and the solid feeling of the machine given its price point.”
• “We wanted a low impact piece of exercise equipment to fit in our small office, so the footprint of the Schwinn was the first important criteria. It also had to have smooth action, provide a good workout with varying levels of difficulty, and look solidly built (not cheap”), with a history of reliability. All these attributes were needed at our budget of under $700. We are very happy with our Schwinn 430 and it has met or exceeded our expectations in each of the above criteria. In addition, if you follow the assembly instructions and illustrations it is not difficult to assemble in a few hours (and I’m not that mechanically inclined)!”

Any Complaints?

There are some. Which is always the case with exercise machines, especially those that have a degree of self assembly. The main one that I have been able to uncover is that the Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer may develop some minor squeaks over time. It is not totally clear why but one owner says “the bushings are lightly coated with grease, they attracted black plastic “sawdust” and other small fragments during manufacture and shipping. This debris may have also contributed to my squeaking issues.” The solution that worked best was to clean and reapply a coat of synthetic white lithium grease to all contact points. This solved the problem.

Where Can You Buy The Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer?

You can buy the Schwinn Elliptical Trainer from Amazon. At the moment that have FREE shipping and from what I can gather from my research in putting together this review, when comparing prices, Amazon do currently have the best deal especially when you add in the shipping and mat bonuses. Click here to view on Amazon.

Where Can You Read More Reviews For The Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer?

The best place for reviews from people who have actually bought and used the product is Amazon. Click here to read more.