Schwinn MY17 470 Elliptical Trainer Review

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Stride	Apps	Warranty
Schwinn 470 MY17 Check Discounted Price	L:70.1" W:28.2" H:63.2"	300 lbs	20"	29 workouts, Bluetooth connectivity	Frame: 10 years Parts: 2 years Electronics: 1 year Labor: 90 days

The Schwinn MY17 470 is one of the newest elliptical trainer models for 2017. It’s a lot similar to the older Schwinn 470 model (2013) but does come with several improvements. For example, its control unit features a more user-friendly interface and also has Bluetooth connectivity.

Although this Schwinn elliptical machine is not labeled as a commercial one, it does have a lot in common with the gym grade similar machines. Its construction definitely stands up to this standard. And when it comes to price, it is considerably more affordable than a gym class elliptical.

Technical Details and Specifications

Assembled dimensions: 70.1L x 28.2W x 63.2H inches (178.1L x 71.5W x 160.5H cm)
Assembled weight: 168.7 lbs (76.5 kg)
Max. user weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
Stride: 20 inches (51 cm)
Incline: 0° – 10°, motorized
Footplates: Articulating, with cushioning
Handlebars: Both mobile and fixed (with pulse sensors)
Resistance system: Eddy current, 25 levels
Console: 29 workout programs, SchwinnConnect and MyFitnessPal compatible, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port
Amenities: Sound system, cooling fan, media tray, bottle holder
Warranty: Frame 10 years, Mechanical 2 years, Electronics 1 year, Labor 90 days.

Frame construction

The Schwinn MY17 470 elliptical trainer features an extremely sturdy frame, made of steel tubing. The only non-metallic parts in its construction are the covers of the drive system and several other covers which do not play any role in the machine’s overall sturdiness. The frame is made of two main parts, the front part which includes the drive system and the rear part with the rail assembly. The connection point between the two parts integrates an additional base tube. This middle base tube, along with the rear one, is equipped with adjustable levelers, offering the possibility to perfectly stabilize the machine on any type of flooring.

The machine has a fairly large footprint, especially lengthwise, which evidently plays an important in its overall stability and sturdiness. When fully assembled, it is 70.1″ (178.1 cm) long and 28.2″ (71.5 cm) wide. Also, Schwinn recommends a clearance of at least two feet all around the machine for safe and unhindered operation. These being said, the Schwinn MY17 470 elliptical trainer is not exactly a fitness machine for small rooms or apartments.

Another aspect that furthermore enhances the machine’s stability and sturdiness is its weight. With the frame fully assembled, it weighs 168.7 lbs (76.5 kg). The end caps of the front base can rotate, though, also playing the role of transport wheels. Thus, if you need to relocate the machine once you have finished your training, the task is not that difficult. When lifting it by its rear base and using the transport wheels, you will basically handle less than 50% of its total weight.

The frame parts are coated with corrosion resistant paint, dark gray for most of the parts, this being the only color available at the moment.

Incline, stride, and elevation

As opposed to the Schwinn MY16 430, the MY17 470 model is equipped with a motorized incline system. Evidently, this means that in order to adjust the machine’s ramp, it must be connected to a power source.

The incline system consists of a small motor attached to the lift that raises up the machine’s rail assembly. It features 10 incline levels, from 0° to 10°. The incline can only be adjusted from the controls on the console unit. The unit offers controls for gradual incline adjustment, but also quick adjustment keys for the 0%, 20%, 40%, 70% and 100% incline. Some of the console’s preset workout programs involve incline as well. So, when using one of these programs, the machine will automatically adjust the ramp.

One of the important aspects regarding the Schwinn MY17 470 elliptical trainer, and to just about any other elliptical out there, is elevation. In order to avoid any ceiling height issues, before purchasing the machine, you need to consider the maximum height that the pedals can reach. In this case, the machine’s pedals raise up to 26″ (66.1 cm) above floor level. Therefore, make sure that the ceiling height in the room where you will be using the machine is at least 30″ (76.2 cm) higher than your own height.

As opposed to other in this feature range, such as the NordicTrack C 7.5 for example, this Schwinn elliptical trainer doesn’t offer an adjustable stride. It has a mid-range, fixed stride, with a length of 20″ (51 cm). When adjusting the incline, the shape of the stride will also change, but without any significant increase in stride length. Given the 20″ stride, the elliptical can accommodate users comfortably up to 6’3″ (190 cm). Of course, taller users should also use this machine, but stride may feel a bit too short for them.

Resistance and drive

The Schwinn MY17 470 is equipped with an eddy current (motorized) resistance system. This being said, the machine requires being connected to a power circuit in order to make available the resistance settings. Its required operating voltage is 120V AC, and 2 A operating current. The required 120V AC, 60 Hz, 2 A adapter is included with the elliptical; the connector for the adapter is at the front base of the machine.

The main resistance elements are a small servo motor and a magnetic pad. As you select a specific resistance level from the console, the servo motor will shift the position of the magnetic pad in relation to the flywheel, increasing or decreasing the overall resistance. Also, if you choose to exercise by using one of the onboard programs, the resistance will adjust automatically.

This Schwinn elliptical machine offers 25 distinctive resistance levels. The first levels are great for recovery training or warmups, delivering a light intensity, while the top resistance levels, along with the incline can simulate a more difficult climb. By exercising on the highest resistance settings, you can definitely achieve an intense burn.

When it comes to drive, like most other fitness machines with a magnetic resistance system, the Schwinn MY17 470 features a belt drive system. It uses an industrial quality v-belt, resistant to stretching, a belt that delivers a very smooth and quiet pedaling motion.

The machine is equipped with oversized, articulating pedals, made of heavy-duty PVC material. They incorporate a layer of cushioning on their surface, and slightly adjust their position as you pedal, in order to provide a natural stride. They’re attached to durable steel bars and can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). The “legs” of the pedals are equipped with high-grade rollers, which integrate stainless steel, sealed ball bearings for a long lifespan and smooth gliding over the rails.

This elliptical trainer is equipped with two sets of handlebars, mobile and fixed. The mobile handlebars feature a multi-grip design, while the fixed ones integrate pulse sensors. Both handlebar sets have rubberized grips for maximum comfort.

Another important element of the machine’s drive is the flywheel. Although it’s weight is not specified, it’s a medium-weight flywheel, perimeter weighted, designed to supply a consistent and steady momentum.

Pedaling in reverse is possible, and the resistance is maintained as well when you pedal in reverse. This feature diversifies the workout array by a lot, giving you the possibility to focus various groups of muscles in a different way. Also, when pedaling in reverse, the console will continue to track your workout metrics.

Console

As we’ve mentioned above, the console unit of the Schwinn MY17 470 features a more user-friendly interface than the one of the previous model. It also has Bluetooth connectivity which allows you to sync it with your smartphone or tablet, in order to track your workout data via the “Schwinn Trainer” Fitness App or to directly transfer your workout data to Schwinn Connect, MyFitnessPal, and Under Armour Connected Fitness. For this purpose, the unit also has a USB port, so in case you don’t use the Bluetooth connection, you can still import/export your data to online. The USB port acts as a charging port for your tablet or phone as well.

You can, however, exercise without using any of the online applications. The control unit has 29 built-in workout programs. First of all, you can choose from 12 preset workouts including Rolling Hills, Ride in the Park, Easy Tour, Stream Crossing, Pike’s Peak, Mount Hood, Pyramids, Summit Pass, Uphill Finish, Cross-Training, Intervals, and Stairs. Fitness goals for distance, time and calories can be set. There’s an HR control program with 4 levels of difficulty, and finally, there’s also a Recovery program and a Fitness Test Program.

The control unit makes available 4 User Profiles. Each user profile allows you to input personal data, such a height, weight, gender, age, name and preferred workout values. Due to this fact, the unit can calculate your calories consumption much better. Also, this is quite a useful function if several people use the machine, as they can save and quickly select their preferred settings.

The console features two LCD displays with LED backlight and large digits for easy reading. The top larger display shows the workout program profiles, the selected goal and your progress towards it, the name of the current workout program, the levels of incline and resistance, and the heart rate interval.

The lower display indicates distance, time, speed, RPM, resistance level, calories burned and heart rate. Distance can be tracked in both miles and km, while speed can be calculated in MPH and km/h. Heart rate can be monitored via the sensors in the fixed handlebars of the machine, but the console is also telemetry enabled; this means it’s compatible with wireless chest strap HR transmitters, and one HR chest strap is included with the elliptical.

Last but not least, the console includes several amenities. First of all, it has a tablet holder, situated under the larger display. This tablet holder (or media tray) can accommodate just about any tablet or smartphone. The lower section of the console integrates two speakers and a cooling fan. You can connect just about any MP3 player, smartphone or tablet to the console and play music through the incorporated speakers. They provide a superior sound quality than the average phone or tablet speakers. The fan isn’t extremely powerful but does offer some cooling if needed.

Assembly and Maintenance

The machine’s assembly isn’t too complicated. The elements of the drive and resistance systems are already assembled and attached to the front part of the frame. Therefore, the assembly requires you to connect the two frame pieces together, mount the frame on its two bases, add the console mast, the pedal bars, the mobile arms and handlebars, and the console. This may take up to two hours. The tools required for it are included. Also, it is recommended to lubricate the machine’s joints before assembly.

One of the most important aspects in terms of maintenance is keeping the rails clear of any debris or textile fibers, as they can induce damage either to the rails or to the rollers. You should also lubricate the rails from time to time, and maybe the joints of the arms and pedals, in case it may begin to squeak. Other than this, just make sure you don’t spill any liquids on the console and the flywheel casing.

The Pros

Sturdy construction, similar to commercial machines;
300 lbs weight limit;
Adjustable levelers;
Precision Path articulating, cushioned pedals;
Perimeter weighted flywheel for a consistent momentum and smooth pedaling;
Multi-grip handlebars;
EKG pulse sensors;
Motorized incline, with a range between 0° and 10°;
Quiet operation, ideal for apartment use;
25 levels of eddy current resistance;
29 workout programs;
Bluetooth connectivity;
Compatible with the “Schwinn Fitness” app, Schwinn Connect and MyFitnessPal;
Goal tracking functions for time, distance and calories;
4 user profiles;
DualTrack monitor system that allows you to see your workout data even if you have a tablet on top of the console;
LED backlight for each monitor, for better readability
Cooling fan, sound system, and media tray included;
USB port for workout data transfer to Schwinn Connect and MyFitness Pal, which also doubles as a charging port for your device;
Bottle/accessory holders included;
Little maintenance required;
Excellent warranty plan.

The Cons

The cooling fan isn’t too powerful;
A tablet placed on the tablet holder will cover the unit’s larger display.

Bottom Line

The Schwinn MY17 470 is an elliptical trainer featuring a sturdy construction, motorized resistance and incline, and a multi-function console. It offers an impressive array of fitness features, including 29 workout applications and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to sync it with the Schwinn Fitness app, or directly transfer your workout data into your MyFitnessPal or Schwinn Connect account. It has 25 levels of resistance, from light to intense, being an excellent machine for workouts of all sorts. It’s perfect for interval training, recovery training, light to intense cardio, weight loss etc. And finally, although it has a construction similar to the gym grade models, it costs considerably less that a commercial machine.