Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer
by Elliptical Trainer
Filed under Schwinn
Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer
Elliptical trainers provide an effective cardiovascular workout that combines upper and lower body flexibility and coordination into one impact-free motion. By emulating the natural motion of your foot while supporting your heel throughout the stride, elliptical trainers are much easier on your knees and joints. In addition to feeling more natural while working out, regular use on ellipticals will increase heart and lung capacity while improving your health and burning calories.
The Schwinn 431 accommodates a wide variety of users, with a full-sized 18-inch stride length and bi-directional pedaling action that lets the user pedal forward or backward depending on the targeted muscle groups. Users will also appreciate the variety of workout programs, including three heart-rate controlled programs, a calorie goal program, a time trial, a fitness test, 10 profile programs, two custom programs, and a manual option. And thanks to the Eddy Current magnetic brake resistance system, the Schwinn 431 is smooth and quiet. Other details include an backlit LCD display with such feedback programs as Recovery Mode, Results Mode, and BMI; hand-grip heart rate monitors; a water bottle holder; and bottom wheels for easy transport. The Schwinn 431 measures 59 by 26 by 68 inches (L x W x H), weighs 172 pounds, and carries the following warranties: 15 years on the frame, two years on the parts, one year on the electronics, and 6 months on the labor.
A blue backlit LCD display allows you to track your progress with feedback programs such as Recovery Mode, Results Mode, and BMI. |
A built-in cup holder helps you stay well hydrated while exercising. |
Key Features:
- Schwinn BioFit console design includes an integrated MP3/portable media compartment, on-console towel hook, fan and oversized cushioned footplates
- Schwinn BioDyne performance system includes a 25-pound (11.3 kg) steel flywheel and computer controlled drive system that provide high inertia for smooth strides
- Transport wheels for convenience, and oversized stabilizer tubes for rock-solid steadiness; biomechanically designed linkages to provide a comfortable movement of the foot throughout the elliptical motion
- Multi-program and feature-packed Schwinn BioConnect computer allows users to input data, measure a variety of workout results, and track progress
- Oversized bottle holder fits most beverage containers and may be removed and cleaned separately
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 59 inches long by 26 inches wide by 68 inches tall
- Maximum User Weight: 300 pounds
- Power Requirements: AC Adapter
- Performance Features Resistance Levels: 16
- Resistance System: ECB (Eddy Current Brake) Resistance
- Drive system: Computer Controlled
- Workout Programs: Manual, Profile, Calorie Goal, Time Trial, Heart Rate Control, Fitness Test, Custom
- Feedback Programs: BMI (Body Mass Index), Recovery Mode, Results Mode
- Heart Rate Monitor: Grip Heart Rate Monitor
- Computer Features Display Type: Blue Backlit LCD
- Display Readout: Time, Interval Time, RPM, Watts, Distance, Pulse, Speed, Calories, Resistance
Manufacturer’s Warranty
Frame – 15 years, parts – 2 years, electronics – 1 year, labor – 6 months
What’s in the Box?
Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer, user’s manual, warranty information
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About Elliptical Trainers
Elliptical trainers represent the next wave of advancement in low-impact cardiovascular exercise machines and continue to grow in popularity. By simulating motions experienced through walking, stepping, cycling, and skiing, elliptical machines allow for a smooth and fluid motion while building strength in the arms and legs. Similar to the exercise position for treadmills, elliptical trainers are used by standing in an upright position while holding the handrails of the machine. With elliptical trainers, however, your feet remain in the foot pedals throughout the exercise regimen and circulate in a smooth and seamless motion, resulting in little to no impact on the knees, back, and hips.
Elliptical trainers are compatible for all ages and fitness levels and allow you to select the difficulty level through the incline and intensity settings. Additionally, elliptical trainers allow you to determine the complexity of your workout based on your needs, all while listening to music, watching television, or reading a magazine while exercising in the comfort and safety of your own home.
Although different types of elliptical trainers offer an assortment of features, many of them include an array of challenging programs, forward and reverse directional movement, EKG grip pulse handles, a lightweight portable design with easy fold-up capability, and a monitor displaying calories burned, distance, speed, time, and heart rate. Other types of exercise machines, namely treadmills and bikes, offer excellent cardiovascular exercise and muscular training for the legs in a forward-motion exercise. Elliptical trainers take this to the next level by offering an upper and lower body workout with dual motion, challenging and diverse programs, and a low-impact exercise machine that won’t strain sensitive joints.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Bang for the Buck
I purchased the Schwinn 431 about one month ago. I spent about 6 months researching before the purchase. I’m glad I did. Assembly was simple, but took about 4 hours. I was in no hurry. I probably took an hour of breaks during the process. The assembly was simple, but a little time consuming. My daughter, grand-daughter and I have used the machine about 2.5 hours per day since assembly.
It is comparable to the elliptical I used at the YMCA for years. The 25 lb flywheel makes it feel very stable. It is whisper quiet. The noise level is very low. I used lithium grease during assembly.
It’s a great exercise machine for a moderae price. I’d recommend it to my friends and family.
5 Stars Sturdy and Quiet
I have just set up my Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer and I love it already. It is really well made and feels sturdy and substantial. It runs smoothly with no background noise. My old Nordic Track was very noisy and shaky. The Schwinn takes up less space yet feels more solid. I don’t know how I will feel 6 months from now but so far it is well worth the money.
5 Stars Great product!
This elliptical trainer is great. I like how quiet and smooth it is, and it fits both my husband @ 5’8″ and myself at 5’1″ well. I would highly recommend it!
4 Stars Pleased
After owning a poor eliptical that had 3 major breakdowns (the Ignite 1841) I researched the Schwinn 431 and it has performed, to this point, very well. I am 210 lbs. so a sturdy drive wheel is necessary and this provides the smoothness that was desired. It performs very quietly. Unlike other reviews I read, the fan works fine I just choose not to use it. The real test of any fitness equipment is after a year of use, so I can only give it compliments to this point 2 months after use.
3 Stars Disappointed and Satisfied
My unit arrived with chipped paint and broken foot treads. A call to Nautilus and 8 days of waiting for the new parts resolved the treads issue and I decided to live with chipped paint.
A prior reviewer posted images of extra steps (tightening some screws) to help the unit operate quietly. I followed the recommendation and the section around the flywheel is quiet. The unit still makes one squeak on the right side roller track.
Another review commented on the stability of the unit. I agree the unit is stable until you reach 7 to 8 Mph. At around 7 Mph the unit does have some wobble. I have noticed that above 8 Mph the wobble seems to go away. Note my unit is sitting on top of 3/4 inch plywood pad to prevent damage to the carpet and provide stability.
While the construction of the unit is solid and I was impressed with the screws that connect all the moving parts (8mm by 20 and 8mm by 25), the heart rate handles and display are mounted with 4 small (3/4 inch by #6) screws. Clearly the designer did not plan on a legs only workout.
One more sad point. The fan on the unit is worthless. At best it creates a soothing hum. Do not count on the fan to cool you.
On the upside, the unit works. It is smooth and predictable. The motions are not strenuous and the machine works nearly every body part. The display and programs are useful and the heart rate monitor seems accurate (as measured against a separate Polar chest strap device).
Overall I am happy with the machine but I am not sure I would buy another Nautilus / Schwinn product. Poor shipping, bad packaging, and poor quality control are deterrents for me. While the Nautilus customer support was awesome, I should not have needed to call.
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