| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schwinn A40 Check Discounted Price | L:59" W:23" H:64" | 275 lbs | Eddy current | 7 | Frame: 10 years Mechanical: 1 year Electrical: 1 year Wear: 60 days Labor: 60 days |
Ellipticals are exercising machines known for the superior aerobic, full body workout they can supply. They’re simply great for cardio workouts, and they take away most of the impact on the ankles and knees, which makes them a better choice to treadmills, especially for users who require recovery training. They offer you the possibility to challenge your stamina, while also keeping maximum movement fluidity.
Evidently, they come in different shapes and sizes, with more or less capabilities and features. The Scwhinn A40 is one of the most affordable models that you can find at the moment, an elliptical trainer that offers quite a fair amount of fitness and comfort features.
Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 59L x 23W x 64H inches (150L x 58.5W x 162.5H cm)
- Product weight: 90.4 lbs (41 kg)
- Supported weight: 275 lbs (125 kg)
- Stride: 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)
- Incline: No
- Footplates: Standard with articulation
- Handlebars: Moving and static (with pulse sensors)
- Brake system: Eddy current
- Resistance: Adjustable, 8 levels
- Progress Tracking Console: 7 workout programs
- Bottle/Cup holder: Yes
- Speakers: Incorporated in the console
- Warranty: Frame 10 years / Mechanical 1 year / Electrical 1 year / Labor 60 days / Wear items 60 days
The Schwinn A40 elliptical machine features a very sturdy 2-piece frame, steel-made, with its stability enhanced by 6 levelers. Even though the listed user weight for this machine is 275 lbs, it has no problem supporting users up to 310 lbs (141 kg). The whole machine is rather heavy, over 90 lbs (41 kg), which adds to its stability. You can be sure this machine won’t wobble or move when you exercise.
The front base of this elliptical is equipped with transport rollers, for easier relocation. However, since the machine is rather heavy, in case you have to move it in a room upstairs, you might want the help of another person. But if the moving of the machine does not require stairs, one person should be able to move it with not problem, once it’s fully assembled. Overall, the machine is pretty bulky. Therefore, make sure that you have enough room to store it before purchasing it.
The drive mechanism of the Schwinn A40 is belt-driven, including a heavy-duty v-belt which connects the machine’s pulley to the flywheel. The flywheel is perimeter weighted, for high-inertia and a smooth workout. The shrouds that seal the drive mechanism of the elliptical are made of durable plastic, adding a highly appealing touch to the final design of the frame.
This elliptical trainer features an electromagnetic brake system (eddy brake). This means the brake pad is fixed, and the tension of the machine is adjusted via the console, by controlling the pull of the magnet. The brake never comes in contact with the flywheel, which results in basically no wear-and-tear to the brake pad. Since the resistance of the machine involves an eddy brake to operate the resistance levels, it requires to be connected to a power supply. The console unit can be powered by 4 D-type batteries (not included), or a standard power adapter (also not included). The adapter compatible with this machine is a standard 120V 60 Hz input, 9VDC 0.5 A Output, class 2 or LPS. The adapter plugs directly into the console.
The machine offers 8 levels of resistance. For the first levels, resistance is barely noticeable, while the final levels of resistance can offer a medium intensity workout. This elliptical machine is actually a light-medium type.
The Schwinn A40 allows a maximum stride of 17.5″ (44.5 cm). Differently put, this elliptical trainer can accommodate users between 4’10” (147 cm) and 6′ (182 cm). Evidently, taller users can also workout on this machine, but they won’t benefit from a maximum stride. When it comes to footplate height, its maximum is 17″ (43 cm). You should add this to your height, plus a couple of inches more, in order to find out if the ceiling height in the room where the machine will be placed for use, is high enough. The distance in between the footplates is 6″ (15 cm).They feature articulation in order to absorb the impact on your joints.
This elliptical features both mobile and fixed handlebars. The mobile handlebars fashion a steady curve, providing multiple grip angles, for the convenience of any user. The fixed handlebars are equipped with heart rate sensors, to track pulse which isdisplayed on the console’s screen. This feature is ideal especially for users who really must keep an eye on their heart rate during workouts, or keep within a specific heart rate interval.
The A40 elliptical from Schwinn features a pretty decent console. It tracks just about anything an elliptical trainer’s computer should track. It displays speed, time, calories, distance, results, resistance level, RPM and heart rate. It features one user profile, so that you can save your favorite workout settings. There are 7 workout programs built-in the console: 6 profile programs, 1 quick start.
The console of the elliptical includes a sound system, consisting in two speakers which occupy the lower corners of the unit. This feature is actually great to have, as the use of earplugs may become annoying during workouts. The console unit is compatible with most MP3 players, iPods, smartphones or tablets. The input for the media device is just in the middle of the console, under the display.
The console also features a media tray, a feature rather important if you want to use a tablet or smartphone to surf the web, or watch videos online as you workout. Not many other exercising machines have this pretty useful feature, which can render your workout much more enjoyable.
Finally, the front main post of the machine is furnished with a bottle or cup holder, to make sure you keep your hydration at hand.
Assembly and Maintenance
Overall, the assembly of the elliptical is not very difficult. The box includes the tools required for this part, and the user’s manual which will guide you throughout the whole process. The drive and brake mechanisms come already assembled, sealed within the main body of the machine, and attached to the frontal part of the frame. Basically all you have to do is connect the two frame pieces, add the bases, handlebar main post, handlebars (fixed and mobile), legs and footplates, and finally the console. The whole operation should not take more than one hour.
If you also order an adapter for the console unit of the machine, it’s important that the cable is secured to the frame of the machine. Make sure it does not come in contact with the handlebars or legs, to avoid being sectioned.
Maintenance of this Schwinn elliptical trainer does not require much. The most important aspect to take care of in terms of maintenance, is to ensure a smooth roller operation, by keeping the rails free of dirt or grime. Always check for loose parts before workout, and tighten them in if it’s the case. The “insides” of the machine come already lubricated and they don’t require any additional lubrication (at least not for a long time). In case the joints become squeaky, lubrication using a silicone-based product is indicated. Also, make sure you keep the console free of moisture.
Pluses
One of the best aspects about this elliptical trainer is its multifunctional console. Even though it’s not one of the best, it’s still a decent training machine computer, and along with the fitness oriented functions, it also includes speakers and a tablet tray. These last features alone can render your workouts much more enjoyable.
The EGK pulse sensors are also a plus, as not all ellipticals have this feature. It can be very important if you need to always keep an eye on your heart rate.
Another plus is given by the articulating footplates. Again, not all ellipticals offer this feature, which is vital for users who require a training with minimal impact on the joints.
The price and quality ratio is pretty much on the spot for this exercising machine. It comes for quite an affordable price, while most ellipticals that offer a similar amount of features and training possibilities, are at least $100 more costly.
The Schwinn A40 is a pretty quiet machine. The soft, whirring sound it emits shouldn’t interfere with the sound of your TV or media player, while you’re working out. And by no means should it disturb your neighbors, in case you’re working out in an apartment building.
Minuses
Maybe the main drawback of this Schwinn elliptical trainer is that it does not include an adapter. However, it doesn’t cost more than $15, and you can use a pretty much standard one. The best recommendation when it comes to an adapter, is the Pwr AC Adapter for Schwinn A10, A20, A40.
Another drawback regarding this machine is the lack of incline. This diminishes its training capabilities. However, this is a rather expensive feature, and it’s absence also cuts an important chunk from the price.
Final Word
The Schwinn A40 is not exactly an elliptical trainer with all the bells and whistles. However, it has a lot more to offer than your average, basic elliptical. Overall it’s a great light to medium exercising machine, which can help a lot with your cardiovascular shape, athletic shape and muscle toning. It’s a machine that can help you burn up to 500 calories per exercising session, depending on the program and resistance setting you use. And finally, it’s a solidly and impeccably built trainer, that comes for more than a fair price.