Schwinn 470 Elliptical Review ([y] Updated) Is It Worth It? (2023)

Schwinn 470 Elliptical Review ([y] Updated) Is It Worth It? (1)

Published by Tyler Sellers

Last updated: December 10, 2022

Schwinn is synonymous with high quality in the fitness world.

Now you may wonder how top quality and groundbreaking technology can go hand in hand with an affordable price.

Let’s see.

In this detailed, unbiased review, we’re going to discover whether the Schwinn 470 Elliptical justifies its brand name and what you can expect if it becomes a part of your home fitness arsenal.

Schwinn 470 Specs

  • Maximum user weight: 300lbs
  • Assembled footprint: 70.1in (L) x 28.2in (W) x 63.2in (H)
  • Weight: 186lbs
  • Manufacturer: Nautilus, Inc.

7 Schwinn 470 Elliptical Key Features

Schwinn 470 Elliptical Review ([y] Updated) Is It Worth It? (2)

This Schwinn piece has a solid construction and a computer with fantastic features to progress and enjoy your training.

Including automated incline and resistance, various pre-programmed workouts, detailed performance tracking for multiple users, a quick start option, and much more.

It integrates calorie burning and muscle building with entertainment, enabling you to train smarter instead of longer, and achieve effective results even if you’re super busy. [1]

“Ellipticals provide the same cardiovascular benefits as walking or running but impart far lower impact to the joints.” - ACE Fitness

Let’s see what value this reputable pioneer in home exercise equipment has packed into one of their best-selling ellipticals.

1. Sturdy Construction

Schwinn 470 Elliptical Review ([y] Updated) Is It Worth It? (3)

The strong frame made of premium steel tubing resistant to rust and scratching ensures the machine durability and provides stability even to bigger guys so that you don’t lose balance and risk injury during workouts.

2. Heavyweight Flywheel

It’s front-positioned to bring about stability and enable a smooth and whisper-quiet operation.

You can use it even early in the morning without bothering other people around you, and read, listen to music, watch TV, or talk to someone while exercising.

3. Resistance Level Variety

Schwinn 470 Elliptical Review ([y] Updated) Is It Worth It? (4)

The digitally controlled tension system with a range of options ensures everyone can find the right exercise intensity regardless of the fitness level.

4. Whole Body Engagement

Ergonomically designed static and moving handlebars paired with 20 inches long stride.

It's made to mimic a natural running motion, power incline, and large footplates with cushioning allow maximum pedaling comfort, convenience, and well-synchronized movements of the whole body.

Foam padding for a non-slip grip offers extra safety, and the integrated sensors for heart rate monitoring help you learn how your body reacts to the current exercise intensity.

5. Versatile Built-In Fitness Programs

Schwinn 470 Elliptical Review ([y] Updated) Is It Worth It? (5)

It has 29 preset and custom user-defined workout programs.

Including fitness tests like a recovery test program, heart rate programs, etc. everyone can easily find a suitable option to stay fit, satisfied, and motivated without hitting a plateau or getting bored.

6. Two HD LCDs

Two blue backlit LCD screens help measure your performance and keep track of achievements, allowing you to see a range of workout metrics like distance, speed, heart rate, calories burnt, etc. easily even in the dark.

While keeping an eye on your stats, a conveniently placed media shelf and built-in acoustic chamber speakers enable you to simultaneously read, watch videos, or listen to music on your tablet or phone.

7. Bluetooth Connectivity

With incorporated Bluetooth connectivity, Schwinn 470 makes monitoring your progress easier as it allows workout data export due to the connection with Schwinn Trainer and other different apps.

Schwinn 470 Elliptical Review ([y] Updated) Is It Worth It? (6)

Pros

  • Sturdy, smooth, comfy, and quiet machine from a trusted brand
  • Packed with features for a reasonable price
  • Allows performance tracking and heart rate monitoring
  • Four user profiles and moving handlebars to provide a whole family with a full-body workout
  • Extended user weight capacity
  • 29 customizable workout programs, including 9 heart rate control programs
  • 25 levels of resistance (eddy current magnetic)
  • 10-degree power incline to sculpt lean muscle
  • Large, user-friendly LCDs allow monitoring up to 13 different metrics
  • Syncs with various Android and iOS apps via Bluetooth, enabling data export
  • Comes with wheels for easier movement and floor stabilizers to avoid wobbling and injuries
  • Handy water bottle holder, three-speed fan, built-in speakers, media tray, and charging port for your smart devices to keep you hydrated, cool, and motivated while exercising

Cons

  • Not ideal for short people
  • Fixed 20-inch stride length
  • Labor warranty below average
  • Assembly may be challenging
  • Imprecise calorie counter
  • Chest strap for heart rate control not included

Where Can You Buy It?

Schwinn 470 Elliptical Review ([y] Updated) Is It Worth It? (7)

You can buy the Schwinn elliptical and other products from Amazon or other retailers.

With every purchase, you get assembly tools, an illustrated manual [2], and this warranty:

  • Frame: 10 years
  • Mechanical parts: 2 years
  • Electronics: 1 year
  • Labor: 90 days

Many users claim it’s a pretty good bargain for the price as you get a top-tier elliptical machine with lots of features for a mid-level price.

(This brings us to what customers have said about the machine.)

Customer Reviews

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This elliptical trainer has a very high, mostly four/five-star rating among customers. Here are some genuine comments:

“The machine itself is solidly built and easy to use. It's a bit different from a club elliptical in that the pedals are harder to move (the lowest resistance still feels resistant) [...] I love that you can change the resistance or incline with a push of a button and I love that it remembers your profile info. It is a bit larger than I realized, but again, feels super sturdy and I had room for it so that isn't an issue for me.

All in all, I'd say it's a great buy! I'm super pumped about it! :)” - Amy Walters

“I've been using this machine daily for about two months. This is a solid elliptical machine. It was easy to assemble and only took ~60 minutes by myself. [...] The backlit display and motorized incline are nice bonuses to have. The only con that I can come up with is that the data tracking feature doesn't work properly. [...] I'd still recommend this elliptical trainer to anyone wanting to include this type of exercise in their regimen.” - K. Bouchard

“I enjoy using the push-button incline, the built-in fan, the display, and the built-in speakers. [...] The stride length, resistance settings, and quiet nature of the machine are all positive aspects that I enjoy while using this elliptical. The only thing I find strange and off-putting is the calorie count and distance.” - James

Many customers have experienced difficulties putting the machine together and found the setup process complicated and time-consuming.

Some ellipticals also required maintenance within the first six months, so the 90 days warranty on labor turned out to be short.

The bottom line:

Despite the mixed reviews, after weighing out all the pros and cons, most users are quite satisfied with the machine and would recommend it.

Related Articles:

  • Best Compact Ellipticals
  • Best Budget Ellipticals
  • Best Under Desk Ellipticals
  • Best Stair Climbers

FAQs

Who Is Schwinn 470 Elliptical Best Suited For?

Schwinn 470 Elliptical is best suited for a beginner, multitasker, and any other fitness enthusiast who wants a sturdy, comfortable, affordable elliptical loaded with features for their regular at-home total-body workouts. [3] [4]

However, it may not be ideal for individuals shorter than 5ft 3in because of its fixed 20-inch stride length. The good news is that there are a lot of elliptical machines out there with adjustable stride lengths, so look for them instead.

Is the Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine Quiet?

Yes, the Schwinn 470 Elliptical machine is very quiet. Just ensure that you apply the lubricant that comes with the machine as instructed.

Does This Machine Calculate Calories, Distance, and Time?

Yes, this machine calculates calories, distance, and time while exercising, but users say the metrics may not be 100% accurate.

Does This Machine Let You Enter Your Weight for a More Accurate Calorie Count?

Yes, this machine lets you enter your weight for a more accurate calorie count. It also stores the workout data for each user separately.

Can Its Flywheel Go Both Forward and Backward With Resistance?

Yes, its flywheel can go both forward and backward with resistance (unlike many competitors’ ellipticals), and it’s very comfortable in both directions.

What Is the Difference Between Schwinn 430 and 470?

The main difference between Schwinn 430 and 470 is that the latter offers better performance and smoother motion because it has more resistance levels, workout profiles, and programs.

Plus, it's telemetry enabled with a blue backlit LCD screen, automatically adjustable incline, and other additional features, so it comes with a higher price tag.

Is Schwinn 470 Elliptical Worth Buying?

Yes, Schwinn 470 elliptical is worth buying.

For a reasonable price, it offers great ergonomics, an impressive variety of workouts, sturdiness, comfort, and many other qualities you may expect from a more expensive home elliptical.

It supports four user profiles and 29 preset workout programs, providing the whole family with regular low-impact at-home exercise, while the automated incline and resistance enable more efficient training.

Plus, its ability to sync with many fitness apps via Bluetooth lets you enjoy virtual outdoor workouts and other benefits.

It’s one of the best elliptical machines in this price range, so I bet you won’t regret giving it a try.

Our #1 Recommendation

Schwinn 470 Elliptical

Pros

  • Sturdy, smooth, comfy, and quiet machine from a trusted brand
  • Packed with features for a reasonable price
  • Allows performance tracking and heart rate monitoring
  • Four user profiles and moving handlebars to provide a whole family with a full-body workout
  • Extended user weight capacity

Cons

  • Cons

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About The Author

Schwinn 470 Elliptical Review ([y] Updated) Is It Worth It? (11)

Tyler Sellers

Senior Coach

[emailprotected]

Education: Santa Clara University

Tyler has had over 20 years of experience in sports and physical exercise. He utilizes scientific methods such as progressive overload and macro calculations, as well as mental techniques like mind muscle connection in his training. He shares his teachings as senior coach at Total Shape.

FAQs

How much space do you need for a Schwinn 470 elliptical? ›

Ellipticals. This Schwinn elliptical trainer has a shipping weight of 187 pounds and requires an unobstructed area (in inches) of 70L x 28W for operation - additional space should be added as a safety buffer.

What happens if I do elliptical everyday? ›

Including the elliptical machine in your fitness routine can help strengthen your heart, lungs, and muscles, all while boosting your stamina, improving your balance, and burning a lot of calories. It's also a great option if you have joint issues or want to build or maintain your fitness after an injury.

How long does it take to see results from elliptical? ›

The answer to how long on elliptical to see results of your workout highly depends on your diet, body fat, workout goals, and exercise intensity. It will also change depending on the time you spend on the elliptical. However, when used correctly, you can expect first visible results in 3-4 weeks.

Is Schwinn a good elliptical machine? ›

The Schwinn 470 Elliptical is a great buy if you're looking for a machine that can give you a tough workout. The flywheel operation means that you'll enjoy a quiet ride—making it ideal for working out at home. Its power incline option and long stride length make it an excellent value for the money.

What is the best stride length for an elliptical? ›

Although there is no “universal” stride length that fits everyone perfectly, there is one stride length that has become the gold standard for home fitness trainers and most commercial ellipticals alike: 20 inches. A 20 inch stride length has been shown to fit most users comfortably.

What will 30 minutes a day on the elliptical do? ›

30 minutes on the elliptical per day will burn an average of 335 calories, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Elliptical workouts are a great form of exercise because they offer weight-bearing movement with less impact on the joints than running. And there are many more reasons, including significant health gains.

Is elliptical better than walking? ›

You burn more calories on an elliptical machine. An average (160 lb. person) someone exercising for an hour on an elliptical machine burns 365 calories compared to 314 calories burned while walking. An elliptical machine puts far less stress on the hips and knees joints.

Is 20 minutes of elliptical enough? ›

Doing high-intensity intervals on the elliptical is a much better alternative. You'll increase endurance, strengthen upper- and lower-body muscles and burn lots of calories while going easy on your joints. And all of that can be accomplished in just 20 minutes.

How long should a senior use an elliptical? ›

How long should a senior use an elliptical? Senior people can use an elliptical for 30 to 40 minutes five or six days a week. Which is better for seniors – treadmill or the elliptical? The elliptical is a better option for seniors.

Is elliptical good for belly fat? ›

As a low-impact exercise option, the elliptical is perfect for those who hope to lose belly weight for the long term. Relative to other cardio options, you're far less likely to get injured – and the wide variety of incline and resistance settings can keep things challenging for years to come.

Is elliptical enough exercise? ›

Yes, 30 minutes on an elliptical machine every day is enough for burning 150-400 calories. Of course, it will depend on your current weight and the intensity of exercise. You may also do bodyweight exercises at home and HIIT exercises to burn more calories and be fit.

Which is better for losing belly fat treadmill or elliptical? ›

As you can see, the treadmill is superior to the elliptical when it comes to losing body mass and burning fat. Having said that, keep in mind that this depends on a number of factors, such as your gender, your overall body mass, your age, level of physical activity, and of course the settings you are training at.

How many times a week should I do elliptical? ›

For that same reason, those who have a completely sedentary lifestyle should start off by using the elliptical machine for 10 minutes a day, three times a week, and slowly work their way up to 30-minute workouts, five times a week, recommends Mason.

Are ellipticals worth the money? ›

In short, yes. Ellipticals have enough going for them that they can be considered a good form of exercise. There are a few reasons for this. The first is that joint pain is such a common experience, and ellipticals are one of the only non-impact forms of cardio exercise.

Is it worth buying an elliptical? ›

The motion of an elliptical helps protect your joints from damage, which is important for anyone with knee,1 hip, or lower body injuries. Beyond that, an elliptical can make workouts fun, so it's no wonder that it's a popular choice for home workout equipment.

What to Know Before Buying an elliptical? ›

Here's a checklist:
  • Try Before You Buy. Whether you want to shop online for the best price or purchase a machine from the store, we recommend that you try it out in person if you can. ...
  • Size. ...
  • Ergonomics. ...
  • Exercise Intensity. ...
  • Connectivity. ...
  • Programs. ...
  • Safety Features.
Jan 15, 2021

Is it better to go faster or longer on elliptical? ›

Going too fast on an elliptical could cause injury or cause you to lose your balance, particularly if you're just starting out. Going fast on an elliptical with very low resistance doesn't provide much payoff for your workout anyway because it will take longer to burn calories.

What is more important stride length or stride frequency? ›

Your stride length and the frequency of your foot strike determine your speed. A runner with a longer stride length will have a lower frequency than a runner with a shorter stride length when their overall speed is identical.

How do I determine my perfect stride length? ›

An elite runner counts about 180 steps per minute. To find your cadence, run for 30 seconds and count the times your left foot hits the ground; then, double that number to find the number of foot strikes for a minute's worth of running. Double it again to find the total for both feet, or your average stride rate.

Is one hour on elliptical enough? ›

To maximize weight loss, you should work up to sessions that last 30 to 60 minutes long. In addition, while you may start out exercising just a couple times per week, you should increase your number of sessions per week to at least 5 in order to enjoy the best results and achieve the greatest amount of weight loss.

Can you do the 12 3 30 on an elliptical? ›

The 12-3-30 is difficult to replicate on other machines due to the lack of incline. But upping resistance and stride on ellipticals and Arc Trainers is a good lower-impact alternative way to intensify your workout—and may even be a better option for some.

Will I lose weight on elliptical? ›

Elliptical helps speed up losing body fat since it burns more calories per minute than other cardio equipment, such as the stationary cycle. It is particularly true if you emphasise interval training. Try to concentrate on increasing the duration and intensity of your workouts to increase fat burning.

Is elliptical better for knees than walking? ›

The elliptical is a low-impact machine. If it's hard for you to tolerate the jarring motion of walking or running, an elliptical may be a good option. Low-impact exercise typically puts less stress on your joints than high-impact exercise.

Is it beneficial to walk backwards on an elliptical? ›

Shorts spurts of going backwards on the elliptical are like surprises for your body, and therefore a better workout. Using the elliptical forwards works your gluts and hamstrings, while backward works your calves and quads. There is also a great cardio burst from working backwards.

Is elliptical better than stairs? ›

Elliptical machines and stair climbers are effective ways to increase heart rate and burn calories. Compared to an elliptical, stair climbers focus more on burning calories and the lower body, but ellipticals work out most of the major muscle groups, particularly your core muscles.

How many minutes a day should I use the elliptical to lose weight? ›

If you are new to working out, starting with just three 10-minute sessions per day may be a good starting point. To maximize weight loss, you should work up to sessions that last 30 to 60 minutes long.

How long do I have to be on the elliptical to burn 500 calories? ›

Here are some standard figures: 120-pound woman, 30 minutes = 250-310 calories; 60 minutes = 450-600 calories. 150-pound woman, 30 minutes = 300-400 calories; 60 minutes = 550-800 calories. 180-pound man, 30 minutes = 375-500 calories; 60 minutes = 750-950 calories.

How long is a good workout on an elliptical? ›

Use your time wisely.

If you're warming up for a strength-training workout on the elliptical, you should ride for five to 20 minutes, Thornhill says. But if you want to really maximize the cardio benefits of the machine, it's best to stay on for at least 15 minutes, or at most an hour, he says.

Are ellipticals hard on your knees? ›

“In general, the elliptical machines (or even these best sellers) are easier on the knees and other weight-bearing joints,” notes Eran Kabakov, Physical Therapist. “The elliptical applies low-to-no impact on the knees. We call this type of exercise 'closed chain' movement.

Is elliptical lower impact than walking? ›

Is the Elliptical or Walking Lower Impact? The elliptical puts far less stress on your joints than walking. In fact, according to a 2014 study(2), the stress put on your body with each step while walking is about 110% of your body weight, but only 75% of your body weight when on the elliptical.

Can elliptical cause plantar fasciitis? ›

Activities such as swimming, cycling, yoga, or elliptical cardio won't cause plantar fasciitis, nor will they make it worse if you have it. Make sure to stretch out your calves and feet both before and after you exercise.

Is the elliptical good for a 70 year old man? ›

Elliptical Machines

Not only is the low impact motion of an elliptical machine ideal for the limited strength and mobility of seniors, but the armrests and handles also offer additional stability and the opportunity to simultaneously workout the upper and lower body.

Should seniors use an elliptical? ›

The elliptical machine can provide seniors who are able to stand for a long time the opportunity to improve their balance and stability. The arm handles also can also work as a fantastic security feature to allow users to hold on to, thus making these machines potentially safer in that aspect.

Is 10 minutes on the elliptical enough? ›

Frequency. It is enough to exercise five days a week on the elliptical machine. But, if desired, you can also exercise for more than five days. If you go for daily exercise, 10 minutes of exercise is enough to stay healthy and fit.

Can elliptical machine tone your stomach? ›

Many people don't think of the elliptical for ab and core workouts, but with the proper elliptical workouts you can strengthen your core. Toned abs not only can boost appearance, but also play an important part in stabilizing the core.

Does the elliptical trim your waist? ›

Elliptical trainer workouts and other exercises. One can lose belly fat by adhering to a strict diet plan and exercise regimen and by making a few lifestyle modifications. Elliptical trainers can help burn calories, reduce belly fat and tone the body.

Does elliptical count as steps? ›

2 Looking at METs, elliptical activity is roughly equivalent to brisk walking: Light intensity elliptical training: 4.6 METs, aligns with walking 3.75 mph, or 127 steps per minute. Moderate intensity elliptical training: 4.9 METs, aligns with walking 4.0 mph, or 132 steps per minute.

Is 45 minutes on the elliptical enough? ›

Sample Workout

Operating the elliptical trainer at a moderate pace as you watch TV might burn calories, but a short, vigorous workout is ideal if your time is limited. "Shape" magazine recommends increasing the machine's resistance and incline every few minutes and working out for 30 to 60 minutes.

What is better for weight loss running or elliptical? ›

According to a study done by the Medical College of Wisconsin, an individual burns 705 to 866 calories while jogging on a treadmill, depending on the individual, speed and incline. In comparison, according to Health Status, one hour of work on an elliptical will burn 773 calories.

What burns more fat bike or elliptical? ›

However, Harvard Health Publishing reports that 30 minutes of “general elliptical use” burns 270 calories for a 125-pound person, 324 calories for a 155-pound person, and 378 calories for a 185-pound person, while moderate-intensity stationary biking burns about 210 calories for a 125-pound person, 252 calories for a ...

What exercise machine burns the most belly fat? ›

Which Machines are Best for Reducing Fat Around Your Stomach?
  • Treadmill.
  • Elliptical.
  • Stairmaster.
  • Stationary bike.
  • Rowing machine.
Nov 10, 2020

How do you burn the most fat on an elliptical? ›

9 Easy Ways to Burn More Calories on Your Elliptical
  1. Increase the incline/resistance. ...
  2. Change motion. ...
  3. Change up the pace too. ...
  4. Get your heart rate up. ...
  5. Follow a workout program. ...
  6. Put your legs into it. ...
  7. Utilize the handlebars to work upper body. ...
  8. Listen to upbeat music.
Sep 20, 2019

How much space do you need for an elliptical? ›

You'll also need a minimum of 20 inches of free space on at least one side and either the front or the back for safety. Unlike a treadmill, which allows you to move free-form, an elliptical constrains you to its movement.

What is the footprint of an elliptical? ›

That's 4.5 feet long and 2.5 feet wide, or just a little more floor space than your average indoor cycle takes up. Which is really small, considering a typical home elliptical takes up a floor space between 70-80 inches long and around 30 inches wide.

Which elliptical has the smallest footprint? ›

The Sunny Health E905 has one of the smallest footprints you will see in a full-size elliptical trainer at just 28” long and 17” wide. It is the definition of a no-frills elliptical, with a stopwatch for a console, an 11” stride length, and a quiet magnetic drive that is perfect for shorter users.

How much does the flywheel weigh on a Schwinn 470 elliptical? ›

The 470 has a 20-pound flywheel, which is the minimum weight recommended for a high-quality machine. Its 20-inch stride length is average. It incorporates Schwinn's Precision Path Foot Motion Technology, which is designed to simulate a natural running motion.

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