An elliptical machine, right there in your own home can do wonders to your body, health, and soul.
That is, in case you'll actually use it, and not as a coat rack.
So, in this Schwinn 470 elliptical review, we'll check if one of the most popular models by Schwinn, is worth its price tag.
Let's start.
Schwinn 470 Elliptical Quick Overivew
Overall Rating:
Quality
features
Cost
easy to use
Pros
Cons
Quick Summary
There’s no doubt that the Schwinn 470 elliptical is the high-end top tier machine by the brand.
It is a sturdy, well built, and designed elliptical that will help you get a full-body workout at your own home.
Schwinn loaded this one with features to help you improve the quality and outcome of your workouts.
And they did that quite well actually.
The Schwinn 470 elliptical provides a smooth and quiet ride, even at high intensities, If that’s what you’re into.
Changing resistance level is easy and fast, and the 10-degree incline option can sure add to your exercise.
And Its 29 workout programs will help you avoid thinking about how you should exercise for best results.
Keeping track of your progress is also easy, with the help of various fitness apps and the built-in Bluetooth connectivity.
All these features make the Schwinn 470 to what it is, but they also bump up Its price.
But, If you got the budget, and you’re really looking for an elliptical machine, I recommend you check out Schwinn 470 elliptical.
Our Schwinn
470 Elliptical Review
Elliptical machines are known for the intense cardio workout they can provide Its user.
But did you know that at the same time they also provide a low-impact workout?
In short, that means that working out on one is easy on your joints, muscles, and legs in particular.
It’s also one of the few cardio types of equipment that works both your upper and lower body parts at the same time.
And the Schwinn 470 elliptical is one of the most popular around.
So, without any further a duo, let’s break it down and see what this elliptical trainer is all about.
Flywheel
Under the hood of the Schwinn 470 elliptical, you’ll find a perimeter weighted flywheel.
It differs from other flywheels because its weight is distributed on its edges.
And It's good for a couple of reasons, but the main one is:
It helps the flywheel generate more inertia, despite being somewhat light-weighted.
The more inertia, the more weight goes around full-circle, the more force you have to put in.
Secondly, having the weight distributed on the edge of the flywheel, helps the flywheel keep a constant momentum, and contributes to a smoother ride.
And finally, it also helps cut off some unnecessary pounds from the unit's overall weight.
And although we're not talking about a portable bike, it's helpful if you know you'll be moving this thing around in your house.
Stride Length
20" stride should be enough for most users
The stride length on the Schwinn 470 is 20" long.
You can't adjust the stride, however, 20" stride should be enough for most users, including you.
20" is right there in the middle, not short, but, not too long either.
Since longer stride for users under 5'7 will often mean pulled, or just sore muscles.
And if the stride is too short for you, It will feel as if you’re exercising on a step climber, not an elliptical.
Having a 20" stride length basically means that Schwinn is aiming for a large number of potential users.
If you were counting on having an adjustable stride length, well, don’t, especially at this price range.
But unless you’re not exceptionally tall, or short, you should be fine with the 470's stride.
Footprint, Built & Sturdiness
Not the most compact elliptical, but certainly not the largest
The new Schwinn 470 elliptical weighs around 165 lbs and overall feels very sturdy.
It can support a maximum user weight of 300 lbs, which is not the highest limit out there, but hopefully is enough for you.
This isn’t a gym grade equipment, but the build quality is, as expected from a brand like Schwinn more than good.
Overall you’ll feel very confident and safe when you’re on it, even at high-intensity levels.
And if you’re worrying how you would move it if you would need to, that’s what the small transport wheels are for on the front.
As for the footprint, well It’s the same as the old Schwinn 470.
Though the new version is a bit shorter. Which is great if you’re going to put it in a low ceiling room.
The Schwinn 470 is 70.1" long, 28.2” wide and 63.2” tall.
However, make sure you have at least an extra 10” to 15” of free space on all sides of the unit for a safer workout environment.
Resistance Type & Levels
Besides the flywheel, the resistance type and number of levels are other important factors for the exercise experience.
The 470 elliptical uses a magnetic-based resistance which is good for a couple of reasons.
One, less to none maintaining chores to keep the bike intact and two, It promotes a quiet and smooth pedaling experience.
The 470 elliptical has 25 resistance levels (The 430 has 20 levels), which pretty much gives you a free and wide hand on the intensity of your exercise.
So no need to worry you won’t find a proper difficulty level for you on this elliptical.
It also means that you won’t be wasting good energy and pumping your heart rate for nothing because the jump between levels is too steep.
Plus, it also means there's a lot of room for you to progress on this machine.
Incline
The main thing I like about the incline feature in the Schwinn 470, is that it's motorized.
This means you can change the incline level while you’re on the trainer, pedaling.
The 470 can give you a 10-degree incline which further boosts whatever resistance level you’re at.
And, It will also help you target your hamstring and gluteus muscles.
But, as I said, the main kick here is that you can change it during the exercise to fine-tune your exercise difficulty level.
To compare, with the Schwinn 430 you need to stop, get off the bike, adjust the incline, and get on again.
Having to stop every time you want to change the incline can really hurt the flow of your workout.
Workout Programs
The new 470 Elliptical has 29 preset workout programs, just like the old one did.
However, that's still slightly higher than the 22 that comes with the 430.
Having this much presets for you to choose from, basically means you can diversify your routine from time to time.
It also means that you don't have to overthink how you should "attack" the bike in order to get the most out of it.
And you can set 4 of the programs as you please.
The rest, like the 12 profile programs, for example, will have the bike automatically adjust the resistance and overall intensity of your exercise.
Another example is the heart rate program. It basically allows you to set a heart rate goal.
Then the 470 will monitor your heart rate and will auto adjust the resistance accordingly to get your heart rate there, and will help you keep at for a maximum fat burning rate.Heart Rate Sensors
The location for the heart rate sensors could've been better
Unfortunately, you won’t find the heart rate sensors on the moving arms, but on the other set of static handlebars.
I say unfortunately because, in order to get your pulse reading, you have to hold on to the sensors for a minimum of 30 seconds.
That's 30 seconds you're not working your arms.
It might not sound that bad if you just want to get a quick heart rate reading and go back to working your arms.
But, if you want to keep a constant eye on your pulse, you have to keep your hands on the sensors.
And because several factors affect the accuracy of the sensors, like sweaty hands, for example, I suggest you go for a heart rate chest strap.
You can get a non-coded transmitter like the Polar T31 that will work seamlessly with your unit.
That way you'll get constant, accurate pulse reading, and you can keep working your arms.
Bluetooth
In the old Schwinn 430 elliptical, you had to download your workout stats to a USB device and then upload them to the Schwinn Connect website.
Fortunately, you can throw that USB stick because the new 470 elliptical has Bluetooth connectivity.
And, It makes the whole process a lot easier.
For example, If you use the Schwinn trainer app, the Schwinn 470 will automatically sync the calories, time, and distance after each workout.
But you can also pair your 470 with other apps like MyFitnessPal and UA Record.
Having Bluetooth ability is not only great because the process got easier, but also because keeping track of your progress might actually help you keep your motivation level high.
Think about it, you'll always know how much calories you've burned, the distance you've gone, and that might motivate you to keep going.
RunSocial App
But the Bluetooth has another usage you'll might want to try, and that's the RunSocial App.
The RunSocial app is a social exercise app, that enables people from all over the world to compete and share progress with each other, or on various social networks.
The app is actually live and besides you being able to challenge other users, the app also simulates running in different locations in the world.
Obviously, it doesn't beat running in the real world, but it can sure add a competitive aspect to your workout, and helps spice things up a bit.
And, the fact that you can go against other users is also a motivation boost, so yeah, I think it's a nice feature to have.
The Console
Which one do you prefer? The old console on the left, or the new one on the right?
The console of the new Schwinn 470 elliptical, at least in my opinion, is way more beautiful than the old one, that frankly, looked like an alien's face staring at you.
However, I can totally see you having a worried look if you never used a console like this before.
And It's easy to understand why.
At first, the console does look a little bit scary with all its buttons, but, once you get to know it, it's quite easy to operate.
In fact, I might as go as far as saying that you won't need to read the user manual in order to understand how to use it.
Overall Schwinn did a good job redesigning It by giving it a more modern look.
And as stated above, it's rather easy to use once you play with it a couple of times.
One particular feature, that I personally like, is the quick resistance level buttons.
With them, you'll be able to fast skip a few resistance levels.
So if you're at level 5 and you want to go up to 10, you only have to press one button and you're there.
This is quite helpful if you're into high-intensity workouts.
The Display/Media Rack
A place to put your tablet or a kindle on so you won't get bored
Someone has to say it.
Working out on an elliptical can get a little bit boring over time, and during the workout.
That's why having something like that Schwinn calls the media rack, might help you pass the time more easily.
The media rack is essentially a shelf on which you will be able to place your phone, tablet, kindle, or magazine.
And obviously, It’s even more practical if your 470 is not in front of the TV.
The problem is, that when you have something on the rack, It’s blocking the display.
So, how do you keep track of your workout metrics if you can’t see the display?
Well, that’s where the Dual Track Display comes to action.
And that’s just great because when you’re watching Netflix, you can still keep track of your stats on the lower display.
You’ll be able to see your:
- Speed
- Time
- Distance
- Level of resistance
- RPM
- Pulse
- Calories burned
Schwinn is not the only brand that has a media rack on its models, but, It's one of two that offers dual display.
And both displays have a backlight, so It’s great if you’re working out in dark rooms.
User Profiles
Another noteworthy feature of the Schwinn 470 is the user profile setting.
Even though the number of user profiles, 4, is the same as was in the old 470, it still a helpful feature.
Especially, if you're not the only one that will be using this elliptical machine.
Basically, a user profile won't only store your predefined settings, but also your weight, age, sex, height, etc.
At the same time, it's what also helps the machine customize some of the workout programs to the user.
Bottom line, if you're not the only one who will be using the Schwinn 470, having 4 users profiles is quite helpful.
Aux-Input, Speakers & The Fan
The fan is in the middle between the two speakers.
You know that feeling when you're really exhausted and your favorite tune comes up and you suddenly feel re-energized?
You know, as if you’re the star on your own training montage?
No? It's just me?
But this research clearly states that listening to music with a strong groove activates the motor system.
So finding an Aux-input on the Schwinn 470 elliptical is more than great, again, if your 470 won’t be in front of a TV or a sound system.
And the speakers are actually not that bad, I mean they're not home stereo speakers, but they do sound pretty good.
And besides giving you an extra boost, working out to your favorite tunes might help turn your workout sessions to something fun that you're actually looking forward to.
Between the speakers, you’ll find a 3-speed fan, which might come in handy when you're really giving it to the machine.
But, don't expect to get mind-blowing wind through your hair, while you look sexy and sweaty at the same time.
However, the fan does help a bit, and in my books, when you're sweaty, any wind is better than no wind.
alternatives to the schwinn 470 elliptical Machine
In its price range, there aren't many alternatives to Schwinn 470 elliptical.
If you're willing to give up on some of the features, then you'll find some good ellipticals, like the Schwinn 430, or the Nautilus E614.
But, we wanted to list other ellipticals that can either offer you the same benefits the 470 does or more.
So, here goes.
1. Nautilus E616
The E616 by Nautilus is a direct competitor of the Schwinn 470.
It's got Bluetooth connectivity, 20" stride, 29 workout programs,
a slightly heavier flywheel, motorized incline adjuster, and 25 resistance levels.
It's pretty much the exact copy of the 470 Elliptical, so if you can get it at a lower price, you should consider it.
Check its price here.
2. Nautilus E618
The E618 is one step up compared to the Schwinn 470 elliptical.
In addition to Bluetooth, It's got 22" stride, which is the main reason you'll want to consider it.
It's got the same 4 user profiles, 29 workout programs, 25 resistance level and motorized incline.
But, with a heavier 30 lbs perimeter weighted flywheel.
And it also comes with wireless chest strap, for a more accurate heart rate reading.
Check price here.
3. Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine
Another step up from the Schwinn 470 elliptical is the E35 from Sole Fitness.
And though it doesn't have Bluetooth connectivity, it does have an adjustable stride length of 20" to 22".
features wise, It's not "sophisticated" as the Schwinn 470 or the two above.
However, It's the closets it get to a commercial grade equipment.
Check the price here.
Wrapping Up The Schwinn 470 Elliptical
The Schwinn 470 elliptical machine is one of the most popular ellipticals out there.
It's packed with features, which is a good thing because let's face it, exercising on an elliptical can get quite boring. Especially, over time.
On the other hand, they also what bumps up the price.
Bottom line is that when we look for cardio equipment we want to make sure it can make us work up a sweat whenever we'll use it.
That's the whole point of owning cardio equipment.
The Schwinn 470 can deliver, and it does so in many ways.
Be it its perimeter weighted flywheel, the 25 resistance levels, the 10-degree incline ability, or the 29 workout programs.
Overall, it's a sturdy, feature packed, well built elliptical that can help you achieve your fitness goal by turning your workout to a fun routine you'll actually be looking forward to do.
If you really want an elliptical at this level, your main concern would be your budget.