Getting the right elliptical for your body and budget!

Search Results for: horizon ex-59



A Company That Sells A Little Of Everything

MaxKare Elliptical Machine for Home Use Magnetic Elliptical Trainer Front  Flywheel Driven 264 Lbs. Max Weight 13.5 In. Stride Length - Walmart.comWhen trying to balance a healthy lifestyle, sometimes it’s best to bring the gym to your home. At home fitness equipment comes in all shapes and sizes, but it is very important to opt for a fitness machine that is designed scientifically and ergonomically. Otherwise, it is possible to end up with injuries and no effective fitness results. But our time constraints in daily life hinder us from physically going to stores and doing extensive research about fitness machine products before purchasing them. 

So, we search online, and different websites have plenty of different items available for sale on their websites. We heard about MaxKare, a company that sells ellipticals, also called MaxKare ellipticals ,on Amazon. When it is a matter of reviewing fitness machines, our team is always ready to explore! So, we did not waste time and started researching the MaxKare ellipticals.

Why Did MaxKare Catch Our Special Attention?

One of the reasons that definitely drew our attention to MaxKare is that it sells MaxKare ellipticals; however, MaxKare also sells other products along with fitness machines, and its website suggests that fitness machine manufacturing is something that they are least bothered about. 

What is Our Take on MaxKare After Researching About the Company?

When we try to deliver a review about a company and its products, we always start by examining their websites closely. The websites hold so much information to clear many doubts. When it comes to a fitness machine manufacturer company and their products, learning and understanding things becomes easier since we have a basic knowledge of which technologies and latest upgrades are in the market and how they are working. So, by analyzing the specifications of a fitness machine, we can almost get sure about its credibility.

After we are done with our research and analysis about MaxKare and its ellipticals, here are some facts that we feel you need to be aware of before you make a decision to purchase them:

  • MaxKare has no elliptical selling option available on their website. The fitness machines are only available for sale on Amazon.
  • Their product lines include rest and spa products, heat pads, household and cooking supplies, baby care products, and sports and outdoor products. MaxKare’s elliptical machine may be featured in their Sports and Outdoors section.
  • If a user visits the website along with the Amazon store, it might appear a bit unclear for the user to understand the product and its benefits.
  • The MaxKare elliptical has received favorable customer reviews on Amazon. When we were writing this piece, this elliptical had 70 reviews, which we can say is a moderate count. The 70 reviews of the product have ensured 3.5 stars out of 5 stars. The cost of the product is around less than $300, so it appears to be a steal of a deal. However, we have serious reservations about this piece of equipment and its manufacturer.

Our final take is that we recommend the Horizon EX-59 over the MaxKare elliptical. It costs $599, but in order to achieve sustainable durability and reliability, we believe it is a much safer and better investment. Let’s look at some reasons why this is our suggestion. 

What Are The Major Factors Suggesting The Horizon Ex-59 Over The Maxkare Elliptical?

EX-59 Elliptical - Affordable Elliptical | Horizon FitnessThere are different ergonomic, functional, and safety-related reasons that make us suggest to customers the Horizon EX-59 over the MaxKare elliptical.

Whenever we are researching an exercise machine, our primary research approach is to find out whether the machine ensures safety or how much sturdiness its weight provides. While researching the MaxKare elliptical, this has also been no exception.  The product description shows that a MaxKare elliptical is a fitness machine that weighs 72.7 pounds. It made us doubt the product’s sturdiness right away. We went on thinking and discussing among ourselves that if a user is more than 140 pounds and chooses to go for this machine, it can bring a fatal result. 

As soon as we found out that the MaxKare elliptical machine failed to match our primary criteria, we started looking for an alternative, and we discovered that the Horizon EX-59 is a way better replacement for the MaxKare elliptical machine; here are some reasons why:

  • The Machine’s Weight and Sturdiness:

As we have discussed before, the weight of the MaxKare machine made us skeptical about its sturdiness. So, we tried to find an alternative and learned that the Horizon EX-59 is the best replacement. The Horizon EX-59 elliptical weighs 145 pounds, more than twice as much as the MaxKare elliptical. MaxKare says that its elliptical can support up to 286.6 pounds of user weight. We believe that this suggestion is incorrect and that someone of this weight using an elliptical in comparison to the actual weight of the elliptical could pose a safety issue.

Length of Stride:

In their opinion, the MaxKare elliptical has a stride length of 14.17 inches, which is comfortable enough for all clients. Their product description provides us with this information. However, this is not a practical case. In contrast, the Horizon EX-59 elliptical possesses an 18-inch stride length, which is something that we would only suggest for people with an average height. The Horizon EX-59 stride length is suitable for most people who are 5’6–5’7′′ or shorter. We believe that most users would consider the MaxKare elliptical’s 14.17 stride length to be excessively restricting.

Flywheel weight:

A flywheel is an important aspect of an elliptical machine since it determines the motion of the exercise machine. The more it gains motion, the more effective it will be in calorie burning. So, it is very crucial to look for heavy flywheels that ensure optimal motion to help you pursue a fruitful fitness goal.

Through research, we came to know that the MaxKare elliptical has an 11-pound flywheel, which is not at all promising to scale up your exercise regimen. If your motion is not perfect, your exercise will not be effective at burning calories. So, we went to look for the Horizon EX-59 machine’s flywheel information and it states that EX-59 has a 14.3-pound flywheel. This implies the fact that the Horizon EX-59 has tougher flywheels and ensures better motion when it comes to exercising.

  • Warranty

Warranty is a very crucial factor when it comes to machines. Since ellipticals are fitness machines, the importance of the warranty period is also vital here. Having a warranty makes sure that you get your coverage free of cost and if any part goes wrong, the company takes the responsibility to replace it. Since this aspect is very important, we wanted to research this factor too.

We learned that the MaxKare elliptical comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee and if there is any fault or shipment damage, there is a 24-month manufacturing warranty. This is a poor warranty, and we believe that a poor warranty reflects the fact that the product is not up to the mark. The Horizon EX-59 comes with a way better warranty plan, with a lifetime structural warranty and a one-year parts and labor warranty. 

MaxKare Elliptical Reviews By Customers On Amazon

As discussed before, many buyers look for fitness machines on sites like Amazon. MaxKare ellipticals are one of those fitness machines that are available on Amazon and many people buy them online from Amazon.

After purchasing and using the product for some time, they leave their reviews in the product review section. We took a look into that because it is one of the most important things to get clients’ feedback about a product because they use the product extensively before writing a review. Here are some glimpses from that section discussed below:

  • “Requires two persons to carry and install the fitness machine”
  • “The box is surprisingly heavy to handle. It requires too much force to handle the box in an effective way.”
  • “EVERYTHING is taped up in a confusing and jumbled manner. After totally ruining the box, chip away at all of the tapes for hours in an attempt to salvage something.”
  • “Another difficulty is that you’ll need support to enable hook up the wiring.”

Update: “I attempted it again, and it can be achieved by yourself, but it’s difficult.”

Recommendations:

  1. “Attach the foot pedals to the stuff BEFORE attaching the stuff to the other thing. (See the final instructions.) It’s simpler to straighten without resting on your stomach.”
  2. “For a similar purpose, place the laptop before the armrests. The grips are obstructive.”
  3. “Pay close attention to step #2. More information can be found at the bottom of the instructions.”
  4. “Some sections are poorly worded, so you will have to repeat reading them several times.”
  • “This is a fantastic value once correctly assembled. It provides excellent exercise. The screws around the center post must be tightly tightened or the center post will creak.”
  • “I decided to write a review on the elliptical after using it for a bit. I’ve used it for two weeks and I am really pleased with the quality and functionality of the product. It was simple enough to put together, but it took a while and it was a complicated task to do for one small person. For the first week, the flywheel created a scraping metallic and irritating sound, but then it went silent. Excluding a few creaks here and there, it has stayed silent. I’m not clear if the resistance support levels function properly, but it’s adequate for the job and the budget. I use it five times a week for 30 minutes. Overall, I think this was a good purchase for fulfilling my purpose.”
  • “This has been the worst experience I’ve ever had. The fitness machine arrived scuffed and with the imprint smudged, but I didn’t mind because it worked. Then I found the device was packed without any bolts or fasteners and is currently sitting in my room. I am totally unable to understand the mechanism to assemble the machine. You have not heard the worst part yet. The worst thing is that the seller has been rejecting my emails and requests for the necessary equipment and bolts. I request you to keep yourself away from buying this worthless product from a trashy seller. At the very least, pay more for a superior product that belongs to a trustworthy company and is available on the market with proper assembly requisites.”

Our Final Thoughts On MaxKare Elliptical Trainers

MaxKare appears to be selling and receiving love from customers everywhere in general. However, both their official company website and Amazon store are difficult to use for a buyer to purchase a fitness item. Despite some positive Amazon reviews, a significant criticism appears to be the machine’s faulty construction and poor engineering design, along with bad customer support. When it comes to purchasing exercise equipment online, these factors are very crucial and major concerns for buyers.

Another issue with this fitness machine that we are concerned about is its safety and reliability. We are apprehensive about their suggestion of a 286 lb. client maximum weight limit. We have tested the equipment and also noticed that the machine’s flywheel weight is also not up to the mark. So, a calculation of the ratio between user weight and machine weight suggests that a user weighing nearly 286 lb. would be roughly four times the machine’s weight.

Our final thoughts would suggest that if your budget is that of the MaxKare elliptical, you should opt for the Horizon EX-59. Our research and review team has examined both of the products very closely, and we can assure you that Horizon EX-59 is a far more secure and prudent option. It boasts a bigger stride length, a stronger and heftier unit weight, and a better insurance plan. Horizon also has a considerably better reputation in the industry. If you want to know more about the Horizon EX-59 product, you can head on over here to read our full review of this product.


Sunny Health & Fitness is known for being an affordable fitness equipment brand. Its headquarters are in Los Angeles, CA, and Xiamen, China. It’s quite a small company compared to most other fitness equipment brands. Sunny Health & Fitness is also relatively new to the fitness equipment industry. They have a friendly work culture that makes for a warm, family atmosphere in their workplace environment. This translates to excellent customer service because they are approachable, understanding, and willing to help. They take pride in their customer service and call it their “Sunny Difference”. It does set them apart from many of the larger companies in the industry, where the communication is not great and the customer service is not as approachable. 

Most Sunny Health & Fitness ellipticals are budget-friendly. Their most popular ellipticals are all priced fairly low. While Sunny Health has some positive features like personable customer service, they also have some drawbacks which you should be aware of when purchasing equipment from them.

Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical Models 

Sunny Health & Fitness offers three different kinds of elliptical machines: traditional ellipticals, cardio climbers, and under-desk ellipticals. We checked out some of their popular elliptical models to see what they’re about. 

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Trainer Machine SF-E3607

Magnetic Elliptical Trainer sf-e3607 Fitness MachineThis machine is a great budget-friendly machine for a workout at home. It comes with magnetic resistance and pulse sensors on the workout arms that allow you to keep track of your heart rate. Its features are as follows:

    • It has 8 levels of magnetic resistance 
    • It has anti-slip foot pedals to improve safety 
    • It has storage wheels for when you’re not using it
    • It comes with an LCD tracking screen
    • It has a 3-year warranty for its frame and a 180-day warranty for its parts and components 
    • It has a stride length of 12 inches
    • It has a maximum user weight of 220 pounds 

It’s a compact machine and is a decent option as an entry-level machine in the fitness equipment market. However, this machine would not be a good buy if you were looking for a solid, durable machine that you can use for more than a few years. It’s a very lightweight machine and does not provide steady support during a workout; it felt quite unstable while exercising. It doesn’t support a weight above 220 pounds. We were also not very convinced about its ability to withstand 220 pounds weight as it seemed to lack that kind of stable capacity. 

The machine is not foldable, so you cannot fold it and move it around easily. This is surprising because most lightweight machines are usually foldable. The main advantage of a lightweight machine is its mobility with easy folding and transportation. The machine does come with wheels which will help you move it around. However, given that it is a light machine, one would expect it to have more convenient options for moving around, like foldability. 

It’s also not comfortable for taller people because the stride is very limited – 12 inches. Many people will find it difficult to take a full stride on this machine as the stride length makes for a restricted feeling while working out. Typically, popular residential ellipticals have a comfortable and natural 18”-22” stride length. If you want a machine that gives you a more natural, comfortable stride, you could go for a Horizon Fitness elliptical machine. 

Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical Peddler E3872

Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical Peddler ExerciserThis under-desk elliptical by Sunny Health & Fitness is space-saving and easy to move. It has large foot pedals to prevent your feet from slipping while using it. It offers a form of cardio exercise to get your blood circulation going and work out your low body muscles. It has 8 levels of magnetic resistance, which can be adjusted by using a tension knob. It also has a digital monitor to track speed, time, calories, and distance. It has a 7-inch stride length and floor stabilizers to ensure better grounding on floor surfaces.

While this under-desk elliptical does help you get your legs moving, we found that its benefits in terms of working out were limited as it does not quite match up to a full-body workout and the range of muscle exercise that a regular elliptical offers. Under-desk ellipticals are not common in the fitness equipment market for a reason. There are some benefits to having leg movement but it’s limited. When regular ellipticals offer full-body cardio exercise including legs and arms, it might make more sense to get those instead of one that is just for the legs. If you are looking for something to get your legs moving a bit on the job, this may work well for you. If you are looking to burn calories and get your heart pumping, this is not the best option for you. You could check out the Horizon EX-59 instead. 

Performance Cardio Climber Elliptical Trainer 

Performance Cardio Climber Elliptical TrainerThe Performance Cardio Climber Elliptical Trainer (SF-E3911) with climbing motion comes with a unique striding motion that helps you focus on working out your lower body muscles or do a full-body workout using the swinging handlebars for your arms. 

It has a digital monitor that helps you measure time, speed, distance, calories, odometer, and scan. It has a climbing stride that makes it feel like you are climbing when working out. 

It also has a device holder, bottle holder, floor stabilizers, and a flywheel in the front. 

While it did have some useful features like the climbing stride, we found this machine to be lacking in stability as a whole. 

Premium Elliptical Exercise Machine Smart Trainer

Sunny Health & Fitness Premium Elliptical Exercise Machine Smart TrainerThe Premium Elliptical Exercise Machine Smart Trainer has wide footplates and a stride that is 15.5 inches. Again, we found this stride to be very limited and not very comfortable. It also has pulse sensors that will help you keep tabs on your heart rate as you work out. You can connect to a wireless heart rate belt to measure your heart rate. This will help you maintain stability on any surface. It has different levels of resistance which allows you to increase or decrease the resistance between 16 different levels of magnetic resistance. However, to access this magnetic resistance, you will need to connect the elliptical to a power source. 

It comes with the SunnyFit App, which has trainer offerings and allows you to view your performance metrics. The Performance Monitor has a display that shows your speed, time, distance, calories burned, rotations, and magnetic resistance level. 

We found that this machine is pricier than the other machines without adding much value. The additional features it has are basically a Bluetooth connection and the SunnyFit App. Otherwise, the features are more or less the same as the others – different levels of magnetic resistance, a water bottle holder, a device holder, and pulse sensors. 

Our Take on Sunny Health & Fitness Ellipticals

These budget-friendly machines are useful in the sense that you get what you pay for. However, don’t expect them to last more than a few years. They also do not feel very stable during exercise and this poses a safety concern. 

The warranties they offer are also limited and this we found to be an issue, given that the machines are cheaply made. 

There are some benefits to purchasing Sunny Health & Fitness ellipticals. However, due to safety and durability concerns, we feel more comfortable suggesting other machines as better alternatives. The main concern that we have with their ellipticals is how light they are, which causes a lack of stability during your workout and could lead to injury. In comparison, other budget ellipticals (such as the Horizon EX-59) weigh more and this heavier unit weight results in not just more stability during your workout, but also more safety. 

A Reliable and Affordable Alternative: Horizon Fitness 

If you are looking for better features along with quality and durability, you could check out Horizon Fitness; it’s a brand that comes with a great reputation. Horizon Fitness manufactures its own components for its ellipticals. This vertical integration of Horizon’s production process is an advantage when you have to think about the maintenance of your machine, troubleshooting, and customer support in case there is a problem with its functioning or any of its parts. 

Horizon ellipticals are professionally engineered and designed for the most appropriate body positioning to ensure that you do not strain your muscles in the wrong way. The pedals are spaced optimally so that they minimize stress on the hips and back. Horizon provides a Digital Pass which allows you to save a lot of money on fitness applications like Peleton, Daily Burn, and Studio. All these applications are integrated with Horizon machines.

Horizon Fitness EX59 EllipticalThe machines are also a good option for taller people – they have long and natural strides that allow for a comfortable experience. Working out on these machines feels like you are actually running or walking because the strides are more natural and less constraining. 

What’s more, Horizon also offers budget-friendly models that don’t compromise on quality and good features. They are built from quality components and are made to last. Horizon’s best-selling model is the Ex-59 Elliptical. It’s budget-friendly without making you give up on useful features. The best thing about this model is that it is simple to use because of its intuitive controls. It’s also easy to start up so it takes less time to start your workout. Yet, it’s also got quality components and a durable build. Horizon Fitness offers some solid warranties and good deals that will keep you covered and safeguard your money. 

Final Outlook 

Using fitness equipment to exercise is a great way to improve your workouts and push yourself to do your best. Whether you’re just starting or you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast, supportive fitness equipment is incredibly important and it makes a big difference to your workout experience. It also supports you and provides a steady grounding so you can do your best without worrying about safety and stability. 

The pandemic helped us realize the importance of physical fitness in our lifestyles. These days so many people are trying to make it a habit. It’s an effort to get yourself to do the workout regularly. You don’t want to make things even harder by using fitness equipment that does not support you well. Using quality machines encourages you to work out more. It gives you an experience that rewards you for the effort that you are putting in. 

To keep up your fitness, you need to find ways to make yourself exercise more regularly. A great way to do this is to get the right fitness equipment. It needs to be the kind of equipment that makes you want to work out. The more difficult it seems, the less likely you are to go ahead and do that workout. Horizon ellipticals are easy to get started and are accessible and comfortable, encouraging you to get down to exercising. 

If you are looking for low-price fitness equipment, Sunny Health & Fitness ellipticals are something you can consider. However, there are budget-friendly alternatives that offer quality components, great warranties, and stable machines. Horizon Fitness offers a comfortable and intuitive fitness experience, irrespective of where you are on your fitness journey. Its Ex-59 elliptical is affordable but doesn’t make you give up on the good stuff. We would suggest that this offers better value for your money compared to Sunny Health & Fitness Ellipticals.


A Machine with Consistently High Customer Reviews

I’ve been a Schwinn elliptical trainer fan for years.  They have consistently built some of the best budget ellipticals in the market.  The Schwinn 470 and Schwinn 430 are perfect examples.  For an elliptical costing only $600 you get a stable machine with a reasonable smooth elliptical stride that is reasonably durable. With both of these models the customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

Recently Schwinn ventured into the low end of the budget crosstrainer market with the Schwinn A40 elliptical.  The one feature that makes it stand out over the competition is the 17.5″ elliptical stride.  Most low-end ellipticals come with a 16″ or less stride lengths.  You end up with a very choppy motion that tends to me more oval than elliptical.  However, even with the 17.5″ stride length taller users may find it too short.

Although the Schwinn A40 may be one of the best values at the bargain price at under $600, it has some limitations that as a potential customer you should be aware of.

Schwinn A40 Sale!
The Schwinn A40 Elliptical Trainer is selling for $590 at Amazon, where you can also read favorable customer reviews. While this is a great machine, we suggest considering the Horizon EX-59 instead.
Shop Now at HorizonFitness.com

Shop Schwinn Now at www.Amazon.com

Light Unit Weight – The shipping weight is listed as 106 lbs., so you can imagine the unit weight is somewhere around 95 lbs.  That is very light for a machine that has to stabilize both an upper and lower body motion.  In fact, if you watch the video demonstration you can actually see the Schwinn A40 rocking as it is being used.  They rate the user limit at 275 lbs.  The person in the video is not anywhere near that heavy, and is exercising moderately.  Be aware that the light weight will impact the stability.

8 Levels of Resistance – Most ellipticals will have a minimum of 16 levels of resistance.  With 8 you’ll notice a substantial change in the resistance from one level to the next.

Front Drive Design – I’m concerned about the overall design of the Schwinn A40.  Typically with a front drive design elliptical trainer you have wheels running over rails.  In the case of the A40 you have a single wheel running on a single rail.  With the Sole front drive ellipticals you have dual wheels running on dual rails to guarantee stability.  The design of the Schwinn A40 is similar to the more expensive Schwinn 420 and 430, and they have managed to maintain a solid feel for the long-term.  However, I have been on cheap front drive machines with the same design as the Schwinn A40, and after regular use both the footpedals and the upper body handles tend to loosen up.   I’m projecting into the future, and I could be wrong.

WarrantyUsually at this price you get 90-days parts and labor coverage.  The Schwinn A40 comes with 6 months parts and 30 day wear parts warranty.  They do not mention anything about labor.  Not sure what the wear parts refers to, since any part of the elliptical can wear.  If you plan to purchase the Schwinn A40, I would consider an extended warranty with labor coverage.

Other issues are the LCD display.  It is hard to read, and in fact it was one of the major complaints by customers.  Also the fan hardly kicks out any breeze.

Our Review – Schwin A40 Elliptical Trainer

My recommendation is if you can afford it go with the Schwinn 430.  It has a proven track record as one of the most stable and durable elliptical trainers for under $800.  If you can’t afford the Schwinn 430 the A40 is a decent alternative with limitations.  The 17.5″ elliptical stride is a plus, but the stability and potential durability are drawbacks.  Regardless, the majority of customers gave the Schwinn A40 positive reviews, suggesting this is one of the best values under $600.


Injuries Can Really Throw Off an Athlete’s Training Schedule

injury

Ellipticals can help you recover from an injury.

You’ve worked so hard to maintain your fitness and work toward a goal. Suddenly your body can’t do what you want it to do. This can be extremely frustrating and discouraging.

But making sure that you are doing everything you can during your recovery is a huge step towards getting back to normal. Ellipticals are a useful tool for runners suffering from a wide variety of injuries. They help you maintain your cardio health, work your muscles and keep you motivated without risk of further injury.

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Find Out Which Elliptical Trainers Offer You the Most Value!

2017_topellipticalsThere are many different options when it comes to home ellipticals.  Your most immediate concern may be, “Which one can I afford?!”  We’ve decided to help you out a bit with our top recommendations for elliptical trainers that are under $1,000.  We ranked these machines based on their stability, durability, warranty, features, programming, and company reputation.

Many ellipticals that can be purchased at ‘big box’ stores (a.k.a. those huge fitness superstores) are made of very cheap components that don’t stand up to actual use.  Plus, these machines are often backed by almost non-existent warranties that do you no good when your machine breaks down.

Instead, we’d encourage you to spend at least $599 on one of the machines below.  All of these ellipticals come from reputable companies that use quality components, provide reasonable warranties, and deliver effective workouts.  We know this because (unlike most other elliptical review sites) we’ve actually visited the factories and tested these machines.

So… here you go… our 2017 list of top 10 elliptical trainers for under $1,000!

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ACT NOW – GREAT DEAL! For a limited time, Sole is offering a FREE 90 day trial membership to their interactive fitness technology Studio with the purchase of any Sole elliptical. 

Sole E98 – $2,499 (“Best Buy“)

Sole E25 – $999 (“Best Value Buy“)

Sole E35 – $1,599 (“Solid Value Buy“)

 Click here to shop Sole Treadmills

*For a limited time, get $25 off your order of $399 or more when you sign up for NordicTrack email alerts.

Click to Shop NordicTrack Elliptical Page

proform ellipticals

*For a limited time, get $50 off your order of $499 or higher when you sign up for ProForm text alerts.

Click to Shop ProForm Sales

BEST SALE TO DATE! The Horizon EX-59 is on sale for just $699. Act now.

Shop Now at Horizon.com

Bowflex.com

**GREAT DEAL – Limited Time Offer: Bowflex is offering a free mat + free shipping with select elliptical Max trainers, and a 1-year membership to Bowflex JRNY fitness technology ($149 value).

Shop Now at Bowflex.com


An Exceptional Value for Less than $500

The Schwinn 411 Elliptical Trainer is the perfect elliptical for anyone who is limited on workout space. It is a smaller elliptical, with a footprint of 53.8″ x 24″ x 62.5″. 

Schwinn is a very popular brand, particularly on Amazon. Their company features many machines under $1,000. Realize that there are some pieces of @#%& in this price range.  So to get a relatively durable elliptical for under $500 is exceptional.  Schwinn has typically managed to build some very reliable machines at an inexpensive price.

Although this machine does come at a very attractive price point, it does have some limiting features that you should be made aware of.

Schwinn 411 Sale!
The Schwinn 411 Elliptical Trainer is selling for $499 at Amazon. While this is a great machine, we suggest considering the Horizon EX-59 instead. We feel it is a better deal for your buy.
Shop Now at HorizonFitness.com

Shop Schwinn Now at www.Amazon.com

Schwinn 411 Elliptical Trainer Features

18″ Elliptical Stride — This stride length is best suited for average height individuals that are no taller than 6′.  There are ellipticals with longer and smoother strides, but for the money the Schwinn 411 has decent elliptical motion on their machines.

Streamlined Console  — The console on the 411 displays time, speed, distance, calories, and heart rate.

Moving and Fixed Handlebars — The handlebars feature contact grips.

16 resistance levels  — This is actually pretty impressive for the $499 price point.  You can really get your heart pumping during your workout.

100 lb. Assembled Weight — This is not a heavy machine weight. While the light-weight is great for moving or storage, it’s not as great when considering stability during your workout. There is a 300 lb. user weight limit on the Schwinn 411.

Warranty — 90-Day Labor, 1-Year Electronics, 2-Year Parts, 10-Year Frame. This is not the best warranty.

Our Review — Schwinn 411 Elliptical Trainer

The Schwinn 411 Elliptical Trainer has features that we would expect at the budget price point it is offered at. Although it is certainly an average elliptical with no extras included, it is a decent machine if you are on a budget, and searching for an elliptical in your home. We do like the fact that is very space-conscious.

Amazon Customer Reviews

Overall, the customer reviews on Amazon were outstanding for a budget elliptical trainer. There were a couple of complaints. It has 4/5 stars with almost 3,000 user reviews.

Here are some comments:

Was easy to assemble. Was more difficult to get the pieces out of the box than assemble, but the packaging definitely kept all the parts safe and secure. Directions were clear. Doesn’t take up much space. Seems sturdy, durable, and well constructed. The lowest resistance level is fairly strenuous. This is probably not well suited for someone just beginning an exercise program. I had a heart attack at 51 three months ago and begun walking immediately after discharge. I’m up to 5+ miles per day at 4-4.5 mph. I’ve had to do 5 minutes on and rest as my heart rate gets high at the lowest resistance. But I love that I’m getting a better full body workout. A lot of that is just being introduced to some new muscles.


I assembled the product myself, took about 2 1/2 2hours. Love the programs and kudos for the custom program. Very QUIET machine even when you full incline. The Fan leaves a little to be desired it highly ineffective to me, I don’t use the the speakers simply because I’m at home and don’t need to at all. The machine is facing my TV/HOME Entertainment system and it allows for me to do my favorite thing watch a sporting event and do some cardio at the same time. I, love the BlueTooth connectivy great for tracking my workouts and seeing my goals achieved and milestones recorded for progress.


This is not gym quality but you know that! I am no athlete. I’m just a 55 year old male whose company provides a free gym membership and the gym is in my building…so I usually hit the weights one day at lunch, then the elyptical 3 times a week and a couple of spin classes. It’s better than nothing and it does make a difference…I am less tired when out and about than before. I’m 200 pounds.


One of the biggest challenges in searching for ellipticals is to choose the right elliptical based on your budget and exercise needs. Schwinn is a brand that is gaining hype for offering ergonomic ellipticals.  There are also many alternatives to Schwinn ellipticals in the market that are equally good. Read on to know more about Schwinn ellipticals and their alternatives. 

Notable Features of Schwinn Ellipticals

People purchasing an elliptical have to make sure their money is invested in the right product. Well, you don’t need to be an expert in cardio-physics to choose the right elliptical. We will break down the standout features of different ellipticals offered by Schwinn so you can know the deatils of the product before you invest in it.

Schwinn started its journey in 1895 as a bicycle manufacturer, and by 1965, it entered the exercise equipment market. Today, Schwinn is a pioneer in exercise supplies like treadmills, recumbent bikes, and ellipticals. It is also known to offer world-class ellipticals at an affordable price. Since Schwinn has focused more on affordability, there can be some limited attributes. However, you can always choose a new-age elliptical from any other brand. Currently, Schwinn offers three elliptical models with prices ranging from $599 to $1,099. Some of the specs on Schwinn ellipticals are:

  • Adjustable resistance for smooth flow during a workout

You should be familiar with the resistance technology used in the ellipticals. They are equipped with a braking system that enforces resistance. Take any low-end cardio equipment, and you will find manual brakes. Additionally, people are now frustrated by the continuous sound made by motorized brakes in low-end exercise machines. New-age ellipticals are equipped with an electromagnetic braking system that implements resistance without any sound.

The higher the resistance of an elliptical, the more difficult it is to ride it. The resistance of an elliptical always works opposite to the direction of running or the movement of the pedals. Schwinn ellipticals offer multiple levels of resistance to satisfy everyone’s needs. It offers ellipticals with 16, 20, and 25 levels of magnetic resistance. Want to test your toughness and feel like you are going uphill? Well, you can augment the resistance of your elliptical for rigorous training without the squealing noise of the brakes.

  • Experience less strain with a perimeter weighted flywheel

Don’t panic if you have never heard of a perimeter-weighted flywheel. The flywheel of an elliptical is a metal disk that moves according to the pedal movement. A perimeter-weighted flywheel has more weight around the outer edge. It helps in maintaining the foot’s movement without any stress. As per the law of inertia, any object will remain in motion until an external force is implemented. Based on this law, the perimeter weighted flywheel maintains the pedal movement until resistance/brake is applied.

Why do people want to ride a bicycle rather than run on a flat track? Well, they want to reduce the stress on their joints and ankles. The perimeter weighted flywheel replicates bicycle riding and offers a smooth flow. With Schwinn ellipticals, you can focus on building stamina and fitness without placing additional strain on ankles, hips, and knees,

  • Enhance your fitness regime with workout programs

Want to access curated workout programs to burn fat or train abdominal muscles? Well, you can access several workout programs with Schwinn ellipticals. From fitness tests to recovery tests, they offer it all. Want to take a little break after a quick burst? You can opt for a workout program with breaks at frequent intervals. Schwinn ellipticals offer workout programs for heart rate, quick start, recovery, etc.

Have an interest in designing your workout regime according to your preferences? Well, Schwinn ellipticals also offer custom workout programs for enhanced personalization. You don’t have to pay anything extra to access these programs. The cost of any Schwinn elliptical includes the charge of built-in workout programs.

  • Heart rate monitor for a safe workout experience

Not that anyone wishes for it, but mishaps can still occur during a workout. It is essential to monitor the heart rate at all times while exercising. Monitoring heart rate becomes even more important during a high-intensity workout. If the heart rates aren’t normal, stop exercising and meet a doctor right away.

Schwinn ellipticals come with pulse grips and a telemetry-enabled console. You will have abundant data related to the heart function right in front of you on the console. Schwinn also offers a Bluetooth heart rate strap for effective wireless monitoring during a workout. By knowing your heart rate at all times, you can have a safe workout on an elliptical.

  • A unified view of workout data with Schwinn ellipticals

Tired of using different types of fitness bands for getting complete fitness data? New-age ellipticals can help you know the internal state of your body organs in real-time. All Schwinn ellipticals come with an LCD screen that displays your complete workout data. You can keep your fitness journey on the right track with abundant data. With Schwinn ellipticals, you can learn about RPM, miles, resistance, course profile, pulse, calories, and other metrics. Display readouts not only modernize the elliptical but also help achieve fitness goals.

Reviews for Individual Schwinn Elliptical Models

As mentioned above, Schwinn is currently offering three models of new-age ellipticals. The key specs of each Schwinn elliptical are as follows:

Schwinn 470 Elliptical | SchwinnSchwinn 470 Elliptical 

  • Priced at $1,099, this model comes with 25 levels of electromagnetic resistance.
  • Perimeter weighted flywheel and a motorized ramp range (10-degree) will enhance the ergonomic convenience.
  • This elliptical model offers around 29 workout programs for each type of workout.
  • The 20’’ precision path stride makes you feel like you are bicycling on a road/track.
  • Oversized footplates with cushions make it impossible to tumble during a workout.
  • Schwinn 470 Elliptical allows up to four different user profiles.

Schwinn 430 Elliptical

  • Schwinn 430 Elliptical Black 100516 - Best BuyPriced at $899, this elliptical model comes with 20 levels of resistance.
  • This elliptical model has around 22 built-in workout programs, including fitness tests and quick start programs.
  • The grip contact of the elliptical helps monitor the heart rate during a workout.
  • The 10-degree incline with six positions offers a smooth and realistic flow.
  • The LCD screen will showcase the intensity meter, heart rate zone indicator, resistance level, calories, and more during a workout.
  • Up to two users can create different profiles on a Schwinn 430 elliptical.

Schwinn 411 Elliptical 

  • Schwinn 411 Elliptical | SchwinnPriced at $599, this elliptical model comes with 16 levels of resistance.
  • The perimeter weighted flywheel will reduce the strain on your ankles and hips.
  • This model has a Bluetooth heart rate strap for effective wireless monitoring during a workout.
  • 18” stride length of the elliptical offers full stretch and a realistic flow during a workout.
  • This model consists of footplates that offer a non-slippery surface to the user.
  • This elliptical model comes with a water bottle holder and a media shelf for using any device during a workout.
  • This elliptical model comes with four integrated frame levelers for a better experience.

Schwinn ellipticals can bear a maximum user weight of up to 300 lbs. The ellipticals also come with transport wheels for enhanced portability. Using a Schwinn elliptical, you can switch between miles and km whenever needed. Overall, Schwinn ellipticals are a good buy for fitness buffs.

However, you can get an even better deal at a lower price with Horizon Fitness. Ellipticals aren’t bought only for a short duration. You need an elliptical to complete your fitness journey over a longer duration. Horizon ellipticals are the best alternatives to Schwinn ellipticals and are less expensive. Apart from the attributes of Schwinn ellipticals, Horizon ellipticals have some added features. Let us see how Horizon ellipticals offer value for money. 

Start Your Fitness Journey with Horizon Ellipticals

Starting from $499, Horizon Fitness ellipticals are a steal. From vibrant built-in stereos to a rapid-charging facility, Horizon ellipticals offer it all. They are a perfect blend of cardio-physics and technology. The brand hasn’t diminished the functionality of ellipticals to make them affordable. Even at a lower price, you will be getting all facilities of a new-age elliptical. Apart from proffering a natural stride, Horizon ellipticals are more resilient than other machines in the market.

Horizon ellipticals have several biomechanical components that are more natural than other ellipticals. Many previous users of Horizon Fitness have specifically emphasized the smooth flow of the machines. Currently, Horizon Fitness offers four models of ellipticals with prices ranging between $499 and $1,599. If needed, you can also choose a financing model with Horizon Fitness to afford an elliptical. It offers 6, 12, 18, and 24-month financing plans for elliptical users. Let us explore some standout features of Horizon ellipticals.

  • Contact Horizon customer support for any hassles

Are you facing issues in understanding the features of a Horizon elliptical? Well, you can get in touch with the customer support team of Horizon Fitness to clear your confusion. Most fitness brands do not have a dedicated customer support department. You may never hear again from a local fitness brand after purchasing any equipment. Horizon Fitness has deployed many staff members specifically for handling customer queries. When you have service assurance, you do not feel swindled.

  • Multiple choices with Horizon ellipticals

Are you comfortable with a fold-up or a non-folding elliptical? Well, Horizon Fitness offers both types of ellipticals to fulfill individual needs. Want to put away your elliptical in another room after a workout? Well, you can opt for fold-up ellipticals that possess a compact design. They can be folded and easily transported from one location to another when not in use. Non-folding ellipticals also have their own benefits. In the end, you get several choices for purchasing an elliptical with Horizon Fitness.

  • Leverage the power of smart technology during a workout

Horizon ellipticals use Johnson exclusive technologies for their new-age ellipticals. Technologies like SixStar Frame, Passport, and ViaFit offer an enhanced workout experience. Most people that use Horizon ellipticals prefer having a Passport box. A Passport box can help you stroll through iconic locations around the globe. While working out from home, you can get a feel of the outdoors via Passport technology.

  • Train effectively with workout programs

Why consult a cardio expert to decide the right workout program for yourself? With Horizon ellipticals, you will have access to curated workout programs. Whether you want to burn calories or do cardio exercise, Horizon ellipticals have workout programs for it. Apart from these programs, Horizon ellipticals also come with a custom program option. Depending on your fitness needs, you can design your workout program.

Individual Horizon Elliptical Feedback

Standout specs of some elliptical models offered by Horizon are as follows:

Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical Review - EllipticalReviews.comHorizon 7.0 AE Elliptical 

  • A flywheel of 23 lbs and a stride of 20 will offer a natural flow.
  • 20 levels of magnetic resistance will help you adjust the difficulty of the workout.
  • Built-in speakers and a tablet rack will allow you to listen to music or watch videos/movies while working out.
  • A 7’’ LCD screen will display readouts to help you exercise.

Horizon EX-59 Elliptical

  • Horizon Fitness EX59 EllipticalAt $499, EX-59 Elliptical is a steal
  • A flywheel of 14 lbs and a stride of 18 will reduce the strain on your ankles and knees.
  • Ten levels of magnetic resistance will help you adjust the difficulty of the exercise.
  • Built-in speakers and a water bottle holder increase the functionality of the EX-59 Elliptical.
  • Horizon EX-59 Elliptical can handle a maximum user weight of 300 lbs.
  • A 4.5’’ yellow-green LCD screen will offer all the information related to workouts in one place.

Apart from the aforementioned non-folding ellipticals, Horizon fitness offers two variants of fold-up ellipticals. Horizon Evolve 3 is a compact fold-up elliptical that comes for $1,399. You can also opt for the Horizon Evolve 5 Elliptical, priced at $1,599. With electronically adjustable resistance, fold-up ellipticals offered by Horizon Fitness are a good choice. If you are on a tight budget, we suggest non-folding ellipticals offered by Horizon Fitness.

Be it Schwinn ellipticals or Horizon ellipticals, you should consider your fitness needs first. Invest in a new-age elliptical and start your fitness journey now!


    May Work if You’re a Petite Person

    The Merit 715E Elliptical is an extremely inexpensive machine that may work well for certain users.  Honestly, we were surprised by the number of positive reviews we found from customers.  If you are a petite person who wants to exercise at home without investing a lot of money, then you may be perfectly happy with this machine.  We should add that it is not very high quality.  Users have found that the machine will last for a few years but does not work well for heavier users.

    Currently, this model is unavailable on Amazon, but you may want to check out a slightly more expensive model in the Merit 725E which IS available on Amazon for around $280.  Otherwise,  you may find models of the Merit 715E floating around the fitness world and available for purchase.  The Merit brand is made by the same makers as Horizon Fitness.

    Let’s take a look at what you’re getting on the Merit 715E Elliptical.

    • Front Drive Design – The entire machine weighs only around 100 lbs.  This means it will not be incredibly steady while you workout.  We’d recommend this machine only for petite, lightweight individuals.
    • 10 lb Flywheel – The motion on this machine is not near as smooth as more expensive models.
    • 8 Manual Resistance Levels – Sure, this works fine.
    • 16″ Stride Length – This stride length will work well for people under 5’5″.  That’s why we recommend this machine for petite users.  Anyone over 6’0″ is going to feel very cramped.
    • 2 LCD Windows with time, distance, speed, and calories – Nothing fancy.
    • 275 lb weight capacity – We can’t stress this enough.  This machine is NOT for larger users.  In fact, even this weight limit is too high.  We’d recommend this machine for people under 200 lbs.
    • 5 year Frame Warranty – This is a short warranty to indicate that the manufacturers did not use high quality parts. Machines that we recommend almost always come with a lifetime warranty on the frame.
    • No Water Bottle Holder – The photos for this machine often show a water bottle, but it is not actually on the machine.

    Our Review – The Merit 725 E Elliptical Trainer

    If you are a small person, you may be perfectly happy with this machine.  Also check out the Merit 725E available on Amazon.  We actually recommend that you spend just a few hundred dollars more for a Horizon EX59 or ProForm Endurance 520E.  These machines will be made of higher quality components, include workout tracking technology, better warranties, and last MUCH longer.

    The Merit 725E is available for sale on Merit Fitness 725E Elliptical TrainerAmazon.  The Merit 715E is not currently available for sale on Amazon.


    Okay for Short Term Use

    The Merit 725 E Elliptical trainer comes from the same manufacturers as Horizon Fitness.  Let’s not dice words.  This Merit elliptical is an extremely cheap machine.  It costs around $280 on Amazon.  Remember that you get what you pay for.  We generally do not recommend machines under $599 simply because the level of construction is not of high enough quality that it will last.

    That being said, this machine would work well for certain users.  If you have budget limitations, this machine will do its job for the first few years of its life.  This may be the perfect option for people who are trying to break old habits and get into a daily fitness routine.  Plus, if it ends up becoming an expensive clothes hanger, than you are not out very much money.

    Let’s take a look at what you’re getting on the Merit 725E Elliptical.

    • 10 Levels of Resistance – This is a decent range that will work for many users.
    • 9.9 lb Flywheel – A light flywheel like this is associated with with a more choppy elliptical motion.  This won’t compare to any machines you are used to from your local gym.
    • Console with stats for time, distance, resistance, and calories – The console does not have any memory so you will not be able to program in user profiles or workout tracking stats.  Plus, if you want to turn off the beeping sounds, you’ll need to do this every time you turn it on.
    • 275 lb weight capacity – This weight limit seems like a bit too much for this machine.  We’d put the weight limit at closer to 225 lbs. A heavier user will experience more rocking during your workout.  Overtime, this tends to crack the frame.
    • EKG handgrips – This is a handy feature to check your workout exertion.  The grips are located under the console.
    • 5 year warranty on frame – A short warranty is usually a good indication that the company did not build the parts to last any significant amount of time.  Most users we know of found that the machine worked well at first but developed squeaks, creaks, and even cracks after the first year or two.  Don’t count on this machine for any sort of long-term use.
    • 16-inch stride length – This is a very short elliptical stride that may work fine for shorter individuals.  Tall folks are going to wish they had a 20-22″ stride found on higher quality machines.
    • Pivoting footpads – A good feature to have.

    Our Review – The Merit 725 E Elliptical Trainer

    The company that built this machine is known for making quality pieces of equipment, however this isn’t up to their regular standards.  The Merit 725E will work fine for you for the first few years, but after that, you’re running on borrowed time.  The motion on this machine isn’t terrible and the programs will do an effective job of providing a workout.

    We generally do not recommend purchasing machines under $599.  You really do get what you pay for.  It would be better to spend just a few hundred dollars more and by an entry level machine like the Horizon EX59 or ProForm Endurance 520E.  You’ll get a TON more quality, better warranties, and more console technology.

    The Merit 725E is available for sale on Amazon.