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Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer Review

Average Reviews:
4.3 out of 5 stars

(More customer reviews)***Update 12/21/2007***
Well, I've had this machine for about two weeks now and it works great. I am completely satisfied with this purchase. I was a little concerned about shipping, but mine came in perfect condition. Like others, it took me little under 3 hours to put it together. If you can put a screw in and follow directions, you'll be able to put this together. The machine is so smooth and quiet. It's no problem for others in the room to watch TV at the same time. After a week, I started to notice a clicking sound and it turned out I had tightened the screw that connects the handle bar to the foot pedal bar too tight. Loosening it a little fixed the problem.

***Original review***

- I should start by saying I just bought the Schwinn 431 from Amazon, but haven't received it yet so my total usage of it is only the 15 minutes or so I spent trying a demo model at a store. However, I spent a lot of time demoing various brands and some of my research may help you decide what's best for you. My price point was also under $1000. You can definitely find better, but you'll pay for it. First, just some general things I found while demoing ellipticals.

* Machines with the wheel in the front seemed to have a better, more natural feeling movement than those in the rear.
* Stride length of 18" worked best for me (I'm 5'5"). Some low end models had 16" stride, but I found this to be too short. Others had 20" or 21" but these were too big for me.
* I don't think you'd want to buy an elliptical for less than $500. They're just too cheap feeling.

I narrowed my search to three brands, based on the reviews I read on Amazon and also on a website that has lots of reviews of treadmills and ellipticals ("treadmill sensei").

Horizon
Most chain stores carry the Horizon brand. I looked at two models: Horizon Ex56 (Horizon EX55 seems to be the older model) and Horizon EX66. These two are basically the same, with the EX66 just having a few more bells and whistles (i.e. more programs, etc.). I believe the internal mechanisms to be pretty much the same. These were well sized to fit into my smaller house. $600-$800. Overall, these seemed like a nice machine, and I almost bought the ex56, as I didn't think the extra $200 really gave me much more. The EX66 does look a bit more sleek and has 2 extra support legs that could provide better stability.

Sole
I wanted to try the Sole 25, but the store I looked at only had the next model up, the 35. These machines are a bit pricier, actually the 25 was "on sale" for $999 with a MSRP of $1999 (I don't think anyone every pays the MSRP though) and the 35 is more. Both have a 20" stride length, and this was just too big for me. For a taller person, this might be fine. The machine itself is bigger and I would have a harder time fitting it into my house. In general, the motion was very smooth. This seems like a well built machine if you have the space and money. Sole seems to have a pretty good warranty too.

Schwinn
I didn't expect Schwinn to make ellipticals. Actually, they don't. This brand falls under the Nautilus brand, which also makes bowflex, nautilus and stairmaster. I looked at the 430 and 431, (431 seems to be the later model and has more bells and whistles, like more programs, a fan and rubber pads on the foot pedals instead of just hard plastic ones on the 430, a bigger cup holder!). Consumer reports actually recommended the 418. The model numbering is strange, the 418 and 438 go together, and the 430 and 431 are similar. The 431 is smaller in size, about the same as the Horizon EX56. The price for the 430 is $600 and the 431 $800. I ended up going with the 431 (there is a promotion going on for a $100 gift card so that brings the price closer).In general both the 430 and 431 felt the same, except the rubber pads on the pedals did feel nicer with better grip for your shoes. This machine actually feels better than the horizon line due to the 25lb flywheel, vs. only 14lbs for the Horizon. This really makes the stride feel smoother. This machine also felt more solid than Horizon. The only problem with this brand is that it was hard to find a demo machine. Another potential drawback is the warranty, which is 15 year frame, 1 year parts, and 6 months labor.

Your best bet is to actually get on the machine and try them out before you buy! Good Luck!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer

Product Description:
Elliptical trainers provide an effective cardiovascular workout that combines upper and lower body flexibility and coordination into one impact-free motion. By emulating the natural motion of your foot while supporting your heel throughout the stride, elliptical trainers are much easier on your knees and joints. In addition to feeling more natural while working out, regular use on ellipticals will increase heart and lung capacity while improving your health and burning calories.
The Schwinn 431 accommodates a wide variety of users, with a full-sized 18-inch stride length and bi-directional pedaling action that lets the user pedal forward or backward depending on the targeted muscle groups. Users will also appreciate the variety of workout programs, including three heart-rate controlled programs, a calorie goal program, a time trial, a fitness test, 10 profile programs, two custom programs, and a manual option. And thanks to the Eddy Current magnetic brake resistance system, the Schwinn 431 is smooth and quiet. Other details include an backlit LCD display with such feedback programs as Recovery Mode, Results Mode, and BMI; hand-grip heart rate monitors; a water bottle holder; and bottom wheels for easy transport. The Schwinn 431 measures 59 by 26 by 68 inches (L x W x H), weighs 172 pounds, and carries the following warranties: 15 years on the frame, two years on the parts, one year on the electronics, and 3 months on the labor.

A blue backlit LCD display allows you to track your progress with feedback programs such as Recovery Mode, Results Mode, and BMI.

A built-in cup holder helps you stay well hydrated while exercising.

Key Features:

Specifications:

Manufacturer's Warranty
Frame - 15 years, parts - 2 years, electronics - 1 year, labor - 3 months

What's in the Box?
Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer, user's manual, warranty information

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Horizon Fitness T92 Treadmill Review

Average Reviews:
4.0 out of 5 stars

(More customer reviews)I researched treadmills for 3 weeks before deciding on this Horizon model. My husband and I both wanted to be able to do Cardio at home in the mornings before work. Previously, we had owned a Reebok and while it was tolerable, we were looking for better overall quality and durability this time around. I ordered this machine on a Wed. morning, Amazon shipped it that afternoon via ABF Freight and it was delivered to my driveway 48 hrs later. (We subscribe to PRIME and FYI--it is fabulous and well worth it!) No damage whatsoever. They do not bring it in and it is very-very heavy so have a helper or dolly on hand. We had it up and running in about 35-40 mins.

Pros:
1. This machine is durable. Unlike our old Reebok, my 200 pound husband can run flat out without feeling like the treadmill may break. We each use it daily and I believe that it will last us years.

2. I like the longer length and wider width of the track for running.

3. I also like the fan and while I don't use the mp3/Ipod speakers (we have a stereo in our workout room) they would be convenient for someone who does.

4. Bright, easy to read screen

Cons:

1. The only real con that I have come up with is pretty minor in the scheme of things--the main on-off switch is located on the bottom front of the machine. You can turn the machine on and off via the screen, however the screen remains lit and undoubtedly still draws electrical energy. Thus you have to turn it off each time via the main switch on the front bottom which is a problem for us because we keep the treadmill facing a wall. Slight inconvenience, so it loses one point for that.

Overall I would absolutely buy this machine again, it's a good buy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Horizon Fitness T92 Treadmill

Product Description:
Enjoy a vigorous workout in the comfort of your own home with the Horizon Fitness T92 treadmill. The T92 is built around a durable 2.25-horsepower continuous-duty motor, similar to the type found in premium health clubs. The result is a smooth and powerful performance at all speeds, with the ability to run quieter and longer while generating plenty of power for a long workout. The T92 is no slouch from a feature perspective, either, with 13 workout programs to help you focus on your goals, including manual, intervals, weight loss, rolling hills, and a custom program. Add in a speed range of 0.5 to 10 miles per hour, an elevation range of 0 to 10 percent, and ComfortSelect adjustable cushioning and you have a robust, comfortable treadmill that excels in any environment.
The Horizon control console, meanwhile, emphasizes simplicity, with logical control locations and three convenient orange backlit LCD screens that offer key feedback on your workout. The T92 is also easy to store thanks to Horizon's exclusive FeatherLight lift system, which incorporates two hydraulic shocks to assist you when raising and lowering the deck. Other details include contact heart rate grips, a 20-by-55-inch running area, and a 300-pound weight capacity.
Treadmill Features:

About Treadmills
Walking is still considered one of the most beneficial cardiovascular exercises for people of all ages, body types, and fitness levels. As a fundamental form of aerobic training, walking has numerous physical benefits for the heart, lungs, and circulatory system, while also increasing muscle tone and burning fat calories. Treadmills provide a convenient way to regularly exercise in all weather conditions in the comfort and safety of your own home.
From beginners just starting an exercise regimen to advanced athletes looking to maintain their fitness level, anyone interested in getting and staying in shape can benefit greatly from regular use of a treadmill. Treadmills allow you to determine the pace, distance, and complexity of the workout based on your needs, all while watching television, talking on the telephone, or reading a magazine. Much easier on sensitive joints like the knees and hips, treadmill walking and running surfaces are typically long, padded platforms that allow ample room for a long stride and comfortable, low-impact walk or jog without the harsh contact of a concrete surface.
Many treadmills offer unique features like a fold-up design for easy storage, an electronic display monitor showing speed, distance, workout time, incline level, and burned calories, and EKG grip pulses to monitor the heart rate while exercising. Regardless of the features you may choose, treadmills offer an array of aerobic exercise opportunities that will provide long-lasting cardiovascular benefits without requiring a commute to the gym or a jog in the rain.
About Horizon Fitness
Horizon is part of Johnson Health Tech, one of the largest manufacturers of fitness equipment in the world. The company is committed to designing, engineering, and manufacturing superior products for health clubs and homes. Horizon's manufacturing facilities rank among the most sophisticated in the industry, with an intricate mix of robotics and skilled workers that maintain the highest standards of accuracy and quality. Every stage of manufacturing undergoes a testing phase, and 10 percent of Horizon's products go through a rigorous quality inspection that includes completely taking them apart and reassembling them.

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Merit Fitness 725E Elliptical Trainer Review

Average Reviews:
3.2 out of 5 stars

(More customer reviews)I've had this product assembled and in use for about 2 weeks now, and so far I'm quite happy with it. It seems sturdy and it's comfortable to use.The assembly took about an hour and a half with two people--without a second person you'd be doing some juggling but it would be possible. If you have trouble with dexterity or hand strength, I would definitely recommend getting someone to help you put it together because some of the pre-installed bolts are very tight and a couple of the locations are a little tricky to get to. The assembly directions were fairly clear, and it includes the tools you'll need. I got a 7ft long mat for it to sit on, though you could probably get away with a 6ft mat.It runs smoothly and quietly. We'll see how it performs over time, but so far I'd say it was worth the price, and I intend to be using it on a daily basis.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Merit Fitness 725E Elliptical Trainer

Product Description:
Bring the gym into your home and enjoy an efficient, affordable workout with the Merit 725E elliptical trainer. The 725E boasts a 9.9-pound flywheel and 10 levels of computer-programmed resistance, along with an easy-to-operate computer console that shows your workout time, resistance level, calories burned, and distance. The trainer also makes it easy to check your heart rate, with EKG handgrips located comfortably under the console. Finally, the trainer includes eight preset workout programs for getting in shape: manual, intervals, rolling hills, weight loss, fat blast, cardio burn, tempo, and random. Other details include pivoting footpads with a textured surface; a 275-pound weight capacity, and a 16-inch stride length.
Treadmill Features:

About Elliptical Trainers
Elliptical trainers represent the next wave of advancement in low-impact cardiovascular exercise machines and continue to grow in popularity. By simulating motions experienced through walking, stepping, cycling, and skiing, elliptical machines allow for a smooth and fluid motion while building strength in the arms and legs. Similar to the exercise position for treadmills, elliptical trainers are used by standing in an upright position while holding the handrails of the machine. With elliptical trainers, however, your feet remain in the foot pedals throughout the exercise regimen and circulate in a smooth and seamless motion, resulting in little to no impact on the knees, back, and hips.
Elliptical trainers are compatible for all ages and fitness levels and allow you to select the difficulty level through the incline and intensity settings. Additionally, elliptical trainers allow you to determine the complexity of your workout based on your needs, all while listening to music, watching television, or reading a magazine while exercising in the comfort and safety of your own home.
Many elliptical trainers include an array of challenging programs, forward and reverse directional movement, EKG grip pulse handles, a lightweight portable design with easy fold-up capability, and a monitor displaying calories burned, distance, speed, time, and heart rate. Other types of exercise machines, namely treadmills and bikes, offer excellent cardiovascular exercise and muscular training for the legs in a forward-motion exercise. Elliptical trainers take this to the next level by offering an upper and lower body workout with dual motion, challenging and diverse programs, and a low-impact exercise machine that won't strain sensitive joints.
About Merit Fitness
Merit Fitness is part of Johnson Health Tech, one of the largest manufacturers of fitness equipment in the world. The company is committed to designing, engineering, and manufacturing superior products for health clubs and homes. Johnson's manufacturing facilities rank among the most sophisticated in the industry, with an intricate mix of robotics and skilled workers that maintain the highest standards of accuracy and quality. Every stage of manufacturing undergoes a testing phase, and 10 percent of Merit's products go through a rigorous quality inspection that includes completely taking them apart and reassembling them.

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Life Fitness Exercise Equipment

Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer Review

Horizon Fitness T92 Treadmill Review

Merit Fitness 725E Elliptical Trainer Review

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