Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer Review

 

Elliptical trainers do not come cheap and you may find yourself spending more than a thousand dollars on a decent machine. If you think this is too much you’ll be happy to know that the Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer is now selling for about $699 at Amazon, with free shipping.

The Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer is actually made by the popular fitness equipment company Nautilus. While it is considered a low-end model, the Schwinn 431 is surprisingly durable and comes with features you often see only on more expensive models.

Elliptical Trainers – Why Are They Popular?

Elliptical trainers or cross-trainers provide an impact-free cardiovascular workout that engages the upper and lower body. It improves body flexibility and coordination. Elliptical machine workouts emulate the natural motion of the foot while climbing stairs, walking or running. They are much easier on the joints and knees and can be safely used by the elderly or those with joint problems. Working out on an elliptical trainer helps increase your cardiovascular capacity and burns more calories.

Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer Product Features

• Comfortable and compact design
• Multiple workout programs
• A total of 19 programs, including 3 heart-rate control programs
• 16 computer-controlled resistance levels
• Improved backlit LCD display
• BioFit design for more comfortable stride
• Console comes with a fan and a holder for an MP3 player
• 300 pounds maximum user capacity
• Measures 59″ long, 26″ wide, and 68″ tall
• 15-year frame warranty; 6 months service warranty
• Versatile

The Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer can accommodate a wide variety of users. It offers a full-sized 18-inch stride length. It also provides bi-directional pedaling action. This means the user can use the pedals forward or backward to target specific muscle groups.

Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer Workout Programs

The Schwinn 431 operates quietly and smoothly, using a variety of workout programs to help achieve your fitness goals. The machine’s built-in workout programs include three heart-rate controlled workouts, a calorie goal program, fitness test, and time trial. It also includes 10 profile programs and 2 custom programs, as well as a manual option.

Eddy Current Brake

 

Like other Schwinn elliptical trainers, the 431 uses magnetic ECB or Eddy Current Brake for a total of 16 levels. ECB technology has the advantage of quiet operation, reliability, no friction, and little or no maintenance costs. This technology is usually found only on higher-end elliptical machines. ECB magnetic resistance is considered to be the best form of resistance in these machines. The Schwinn 431 is equipped with a 25-pound flywheel to provide smoother strides.

BioFit and BioGlide Motion Technology

The elliptical trainer’s exclusive BioGlide motion technology offers a comfortable and natural 18-inch stride. The BioFit design provides a comfortable feel on the footpads and handlebars.

Other Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer Features

The Schwinn 431 operates on alternating current or AC with a maximum user of 300 pounds. It can benefit all members of the family, giving everyone a good aerobic exercise for the whole body.

The 431 elliptical machine is compact and will easily fit anywhere in your home or office. It makes working out more convenient. You no longer have to waste time going to the gym, and you can workout anytime you please.

The console has a built-in 3-speed fan to help keep you cool. A grip heart-rate monitor tracks your cardio progress on the LCD screen.

Transport wheels on the bottom of the Schwinn 431 make it easy to move from one place to another in your home or office.

Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer Pros

• Sleek design
• Easy to assemble
• Comes with 19 fitness programs
• Smooth and quiet operation
• 18-inch stride length
• Solid and durable
• 25-pound flywheel provides smooth ride
• 16 levels of resistance

Beautifully designed, the Schwinn 431 elliptical comes with 19 fitness programs, something you see only on more expensive models. The machine is stable and operates quietly and smoothly, thanks in part to its 25-pound flywheel. It is comfortable to use and offers an 18-inch range of motion, which is generally fine for most people.

Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer Cons

• Considered a low-end elliptical machine
• May not last long with multiple users

The Schwinn 431 is not a high end machine is not designed to be used by multiple users. It is an improvement on the Schwinn 430 but is not without its own limitations. For one thing, the model only comes with a 6-month warranty while many similar models offer a year on labor.

As an economy model, the Schwinn 431 may not last long if several people intend to give the machine heavy usage every day.

What Customers Say about Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer

Positive reviews say a great deal about what customers think of a particular product and the Schwinn 431 certainly gets one of the best endorsements with over 150 reviewers giving it an average 4.5 stars out of 5.

Many customers say the Schwinn 431 is an excellent machine for the price. It takes a couple of hours to assemble but the instructions are very clear and assembly is easy to do. The machine is stable and comfortable to use and provides a very good cardio workout.

A number of customers complained that the machine makes a squeaking sound. This can be corrected with the use of a good lubricant. Also, nuts and bolts should not be over-tightened.

The Schwinn 431 offers good value for the money. It is a budget model with high-end features and most customers are happy with it.

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