
I will try not to make a book out of this.
Delivery / Packaging:
This machine is heavy (200#'s). Make sure you either have help getting it where you are going to unpack it or, unpack it piece by piece and move it that way. You are NOT going to carry this bad boy by yourself. It is packaged unbelievably well. The packing alone speaks volumes in regards to Schwinn's attention to detail and quality.
Set-up:
I am mechanically inclined, but, even if you are not, you will have no problems if you read the directions which are very, very simple. It is as easy as; grab screw / bolt, add washer, line up holes, insert screw, tighten with provided tools. I used my own socket and allen set. The one it comes with will work but you will save much time with better tools. If you can't set this machine up on your own (minus someone to help you hold certain parts) you probably have no business buying a home elliptical machine. It is that simple. Easy as it is it will take you about 2-2.5 hours to unpack and assemble.
The machine:
I can not tell you how well built this machine is and have you comprehend my words. Schwinn used all quality materials. Apparently they did not cut corners anywhere. I set the machine up yesterday and then today, while out with my wife at Wal-Mart (yes I hate that place too but I am a married man so...), I strolled by the fitness area and checked out their ellipticals. One word for WM's machines as compared to this one, junk. I have no doubt this Schwinn will last many, many years. These people are serious about quality.
Performance:
I did my first work out about an hour ago. I used one of the pre-programmed routines. The machine performed wonderfully. I have read many reviews here criticizing the variable stride and how it is on a bicycle crank. This may be how they accomplished the variable stride , but, it works wonderfully. It is a smooth flowing motion that will get your heart rate up if you choose to take advantage of the full length of stride. I have used an elliptical at the gym which I am sure cost much much more than this one, but, I have to tell you, I got about the same work out. I was able to get my heart rate up to 163 with out difficulty. My rate was 125-130 and I wanted more so, I started taking longer strides. Presto! Heavy breathing and copious amounts of sweating started almost immediately.
Some people seem concerned with the lack of resistance when using the handles. True, it works differently than a gym model but, I gotta tell you, it felt pretty close to the same as the one at the gym. Personally I do not want to use the hand holds to speed up the fly wheel. To me that seems like cheating. I like using my legs to go faster. Pulling with my arms takes away from the level and amount of work my legs should be doing. If I want an arm work out, well I will go do an arm workout. I know, I know, some people want to do both. I feel you will get close to the same arm work as a gym model. Again a personal thing, I wish I was coordinated enough to run on this machine with my arms swinging naturally like when running. That, however, is disaster waiting to happen.
Overview:
A great machine. A fantastic machine for under $1000.00. I am sure you could find one that does everything to include the dishes, but, you are going to pay for it.
For me, this is exactly what I was looking for. Superior quality, great workout, and a good looking machine I don't mind placing in my living room, which I did.
On that note, it is a tall machine. I am 6'1". I have high ceilings so not a problem. If you have low ceilings though, I would be careful and take measurements. At my height I think a 7.5 foot ceiling would be to short. I think average ceilings are 8' though.
Another note for all you mechanically inclined guys (and a few gals), do not watch the mechanics when you are trying this machine for the first time. It is confusing to watch the pedals stride forward and the crank turn round. Save yourself some embarrassment, just look at the horizon and don't think. It will be easier that way.
Almost forgot one other thing I wanted to say. I am 6'1 215, my wife is 5'1 120. She loves it as much as I do. If that doesn't tell you how good the variable stride works, well, I guess nothing will.
Great machine for the price. If you don't get it, you will regret it.
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Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer.