Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Machine Review
Did you know that 27% of Americans don’t walk as much as they should?
- Low-impact cardio workouts at a fraction of the size of other ellipticals
- Travel through 200 plus stunning virtual courses at your own speed (Explore the World subscription required)
- Space saving design with 18 stride length
- Streamlined console displays time, distance, calories, speed and heart rate
- Integrated Bluetooth connectivity compatible with iOS and Android devices
Well, that doesn’t have to be the case anymore! You can easily incorporate a workout routine into your life by starting with the Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Machine.
The Schwinn 411 is a mid-range elliptical trainer for indoor residential use. Built by the well-known Schwinn, it is one of the best elliptical machines in a price range as good as $500.
The Schwinn 411 is the newest addition to the company’s elliptical series, joining the mid-level 430 and top-of-the-line 470.
This elliptical machine has many great features that provide a full-body workout. Both males and females can use it when looking for an effective exercise routine to lose weight, reduce stress, improve overall health, and increase their endurance.
In this review article, I will tell you about the Schwinn 411 elliptical machine and help you decide whether it is worth purchasing.
Product Dimensions and Specifications
- Length 53.8 inches
- Width 24 inches
- Height 62.5 inches
- Item weight: 120 lbs
- Maximum user weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Frame: Steel
- Drive: Belt
- Flywheel: Inertia-enhanced
- Resistance: ECB, 16 adjustable levels
- Power: Electricity/Batteries
- Pedals: Large, anti-skid
- Handlebar: 2 sets; fixed and moveable
- Heart rate monitoring
- Stride length: 18 inches
- Levels of resistance: 16 Levels
- Preset Workouts: 13 Programs
- Console: 5.5inches, unlit
- Bluetooth: Available.
- Foldable: No
- Transport wheels: Available
Frame and Construction
The Schwinn 411 elliptical machine handle weights up to 300 pounds, ideal for users of all shapes and sizes.
The frame is built with heavy-duty steel, making it stable and supporting your weight as you burn fat and improve your cardiovascular system.
It also provides a smooth workout experience without causing too much vibration throughout the frame.
Assembly
The Schwinn 411 Compact Ellipticalarrives with some of its parts already assembled. You just need to attach the stabilizers to the base frame.
Then, attach them to the main body once you have connected the levellers, and proceed to fix the mast, stem, brakes, console, and pedals.
This machine will probably take more than an hour to assemble. However, the product has an instruction manual and all the tools you need for assembly.
Once you have followed the specified guidance, then you will be easily able to assemble the machine.
Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Features
The Pedals
Schwinn has designed this elliptical machine with oversized pedals that lasts long. They are non-slip, lightweight pieces of high-density foam, which help make your workout comfortable and smooth.
They are mounted on a couple of steel bars and heavy-duty crank-arms. They operate in conjunction with the movable handlebars.
The bike has a step-up height that’s about 9 inches, so mounting and dismounting the cycle won’t be an issue for most riders. Also, in its highest position, the pedal is about 17 inches.
Therefore, You need to make sure there's a foot clearance between the height of your head and the ceiling to prevent your head from hitting the roof.
They are ergonomic, meaning that they are accommodating of your feet. They are effortless to push whether you are beginning or have been practising the elliptical for a couple of years.
Drive
The Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical has a front-mounted, belt-driven mechanism. It signifies that it possesses an intense-duty anti-stretch belt which makes its operation smooth.
The Family or neighbours won't complain when working out with the elliptical trainer at any time of the day. Additionally, you can watch TV at any volume without disturbing other people.
The belt drive system doesn’t require any periodic lubrication, which means you don’t have to worry about it over time for its maintenance.
The drive is fixed; consequently, you can pedal backwards to broaden your exercise and work for more muscle gatherings.
The Resistance
The Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical uses an eddy current resistance system. It is an adjustable resistance system that can be changed at the touch of a button.
The console operates when the machine is connected to a power source included in the battery pack. Yet, some customers have complained that they didn't get it with the package and had to buy it separately.
It is also possible to be powered by using 3 D batteries. However, it’s better to buy the adaptor separately than to pay for batteries now and then.
There are 16 adjustable resistance levels. These offer various workout challenges to help with weight loss, leg muscle toning, cardiovascular health, and strength. They are also suitable for people recovering from injury.
Handlebars
The Schwinn 411 Elliptical has two handlebars- one is static, and the other is movable.
They are also ergonomic, so you can easily grip them with your hands while using the elliptical. In addition, each set has its own set of handgrips, meaning that you can work for different muscle groups with each one.
The handlebars are mounted on the mainframe with adjustable 4-inch to 6.5-inch distances between them for comfortable riding.
Workout Programs
The Schwinn 411 includes 13 different workout programs with three buttons that represent them. In addition, the monitor has buttons for manual and interval workouts and a challenge button on the preset programs.
The manual button allows you to adjust the resistance of the machine without it automatically dictating to you.
The interval button offers a preset for 30/90, which means 30 seconds for the run span and 90 seconds for the rest of the stretch.
The default duration of this is 12 minutes but can be increased in increments of 12 minutes.
The challenge programs include ten preset:
- Rolling Hills
- Ride in the park
- Easy Tour
- Pike’s Peak
- Pyramids
- Summit Pass
- Stream Crossing
- Mount Hood
- Sharp Hills
- Cross Country
- Heart rate control
There is a preset resistance level when any of the preset programs are selected. You can also set a goal for the distance, time and calorie count for whatever preset, interval or manual program you wish to use.
Heart Rate Monitor
The Schwinn 411 Elliptical has a wireless heart rate monitor for reading your heart rate during exercising.
It also has an EKG contact grip for determining your pulse during exercise that gives you a complete picture of your heart rate.
Apart from showing your heart rate on the console, it generates a wireless signal that a compatible Bluetooth device can read. So you can track your health in real-time when you use this feature.
The Console
The Schwinn 411 elliptical trainer comes with a console that shows you your workout progress and calories burned. It also displays how far forward or backwards you have pedalled during a specific period.
As a result, you can easily adjust the intensity of the resistance for better workout sessions.
The console also comes with a scan function that enables you to feel the pulse of your heart. In addition, it shows your time spent on different programs and allows you to set up goals for future workouts.
It also features two speakers that allow you to play music while working out. The built-in speakers are mounted on the console, but they are not very loud because they are not amplifiers.
To get a more audible sound, you need an external audiovisual device.
The console offers connectivity to an app called RunSocial that's also known as the mixed-reality app. You can investigate up to 19 diverse virtual areas with 27 courses all alone or close by companions.
These spices up your workouts and motivates you to attain your fitness goals while enjoying yourself.
The RunSocial app also offers free maps, but you will unlock more content if you pay for a subscription to the app itself.
Therefore, you can abstain if you’re okay with the free offer.
Media tray & Water bottle holder
The Schwinn 413 elliptical comes with a media tray for holding your books, magazines, water bottle, or even cellphone. It enables you to do some reading without straining your head looking at the ceiling.
This feature also helps the machine meet the ANSI/BIFMA standard requirement for media trays. The standard is essential in providing consumers with elliptical machines that are safe and secure for gyms and homes.
Weight Capacity
The Schwinn 411 elliptical trainer can support up to 300 pounds of weight. It means that people of different shapes and sizes can use it. You can plug it into an electrical outlet or a battery pack for on-the-go use.
Storage
The elliptical machine doesn’t fold, but it is also not too large. However, It has a small footprint so that it won’t take up too much space. In addition, there are wheels on the front of the trainer that assist in transporting it.
Pros:
- 13 workout programs
- Bluetooth connectivity
- ECB resistance system with 16 adjustable levels
- It has a compact design that saves space
- Offers 18″ stride length
- Two sets of handlebars are there: static and moveable
- The LCD monitor tracks workout progress
- Goal setting for Time, Distance, and Calories
- Solidly built and stable
- Provides a low-sway exercise that is delicate on the joints
- Compatible with blended reality RunSocial application
- EKG contact hold and remote pulse observing
- Its operation is quiet and smooth
- The oversized pedals are comfortable, accommodative, and secure
- Transport wheels included
- Low maintenance
- Impressive warranty
- Water bottle holder included
- Tablet holder included
- Not very difficult to assemble
Cons
Few customers complain that the power adapter is not included in their package.
The screen view may be obstructed when a tablet gadget is put on the holder.
The monitor is not backlit.
HR chest lashes excluded from the bundle.
Warranty
- 10 Years for Frame
- 2 Years for Mechanical
- 1 Year for Electrical
- 90 Days for Labor
Customer Reviews
The Schwinn 411 elliptical trainer has received positive reviews from customers. Most of them are satisfied with the workout it can offer. Some users complain about the challenge programs because they claim that they don’t provide much benefit.
However, the majority of the customers are highly impressed with the features of this machine.
Customers also praise the console and its features. For example, it comes with a tablet holder that is compatible with most tablet devices. The holders can be removed so that you can keep your phone or music player inside.
It also comes with a book holder, an MP3/4 player holder, and a tablet holder on the right-hand side of the console.
The Schwinn 411 elliptical trainer is also praised for its ease of use. It’s easy to assemble, and the instruction manual is prominent. In addition, it comes with a 10-year warranty, so you can expect it to last for quite some time.
Many customers complain about the lack the absence of a power adaptor. They say this is a huge inconvenience, especially when they want to use it as soon as they receive the package.
Conclusion
- Low-impact cardio workouts at a fraction of the size of other ellipticals
- Travel through 200 plus stunning virtual courses at your own speed (Explore the World subscription required)
- Space saving design with 18 stride length
- Streamlined console displays time, distance, calories, speed and heart rate
- Integrated Bluetooth connectivity compatible with iOS and Android devices
The Schwinn 411 elliptical trainer is a great machine designed for all-around use by beginners to advanced level exercisers.
You can use the device for cardio and strength training, and it even comes with a speaker system to listen to your favourite songs while working out.
I went through all the specs and features of this elliptical machine. It’s easy to see that it’s one of the best in its price range.
The stride length for this elliptical is 18 inches. It makes it a unique machine among the rest in the price range. The resistance system and console features are all pretty standard.
However, it’s nice that the console is compatible with chest straps- that’s certainly not a give at this price point.
If you have a limited budget, the 411 is a brilliant buy.
And to answer my original question- yes, the Schwinn 411 is the best elliptical $500 will get.
