Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Is It Right For You?

Elliptical Machines Will Have You Burning Fat & Losing Weight Up To 200% Faster!

... Than Traditional Exercise

Click To Buy The Schwinn 460 Elliptical Trainer

Note: As of 1/27/09 the Schwinn 460 was on sale for $999 with free shipping at amazon.com. You can also view a video demonstrating the variable stride.




Dear Friend,

Are you currently having trouble losing weight? Do you keep trying to find the extra time to go to a gym, or find the perfect diet program, but still no hope in finding either. Maybe you wish to just workout in the comfort of your home, burn fat, lose weight, and tone up.

Well you can easily do it all with an in home elliptical trainer. These revolutionary exercise machines have been proven to burn calories and fat up to 200% faster then any traditional exercise machine or diet plan.

Ellipticals are great in terms of giving you low-impact workouts that can help you lose weight and tone up your entire body.

Elliptical trainers are designed to be low impact and easy on your joints and bones to provide a smooth and comfortable workout. If you have ever stepped foot at your local gym club, then you probably already know that the elliptical machines are the most popular machines they have. Sometimes you have to wait hours just to get on one of these...

No More Waiting In Line At The GYM!



"I have the Schwinn 430 elliptical, which in my opinion, was the best elliptical in its class for under $1000."
- Elsie K. Richardson

I bought this from Amazon on 2008 Christmas time and it took just 2 '/2 hours to install it without any issues.

The Schwinn 460 is really an amazing machine better than my previous one (even that one was good as well) surely Schwinn designers and engineered to it's capacity and have proved it to be good in many aspects from mechanical to electronics.

I like the touch screen panel and all the materials was worth every penny. So if you think it's cost too much, no not at all because it's a good machine with many intelligence in changing it's strides automatically and as well as telling you at what point in time you need to give more power on your arms and when to slow down and when to drink water. :)

Thanks Schwinn engineers! Good product.
- Sylvester R



Click To Buy The Schwinn 460 Elliptical Trainer



The Schwinn 460 combines dynamic workout programs, an intuitive touch screen console, and Schwinn V-Stride technology to let you change stride lengths without manual adjustments or machine modifications.


16 Workout Programs - You get 1 manual program, 11 profile, 2 custom for 2 users. The 11 workout profiles include instructional messages on how to maximize your workout benefits. A nice feature to help motivate you to work harder. There is also a system that tracks results and programming for up to 2 users. Keeping track of your results can further motivate you to reach new goals.

221 lbs. Unit Weight - The problem with many budget ellipticals is that they are light-weight machines that are not built for heavier users. However, the manufacturers will suggest unrealistic user weight limits. At 221 lbs. the Schwinn 460 is solid enough for overweight individuals. They set the limit at 300 lbs. I believe that is a bit high, but I might go up to 240 lbs. One further note, the heavier weight makes it less mobile than lighter weight machines. This may not be the best elliptical if you plan to move it constantly.

25 lbs. Flywheel - The heavier weight of the flywheel provides a smooth elliptical stride. It is not the smoothest or the quietest, but for the price it is not bad.

Articulating Foot Pedals - This means the pedals angle with the motion. The advantage is your foot does not have to lift that much during the elliptical stride. You will have less problems with numbness.

Compact Design - The Schwinn 460 is about the length of the Schwinn 430, but it is slightly wider. The 54" length is less than many ellipticals, however the shorter length does not tend to compromise the stability.

Backlit LCD - This is not a big deal, but having the display backlit is preferable and more brilliant.

Wireless Heart Rate Monitor - Heart rate monitors are a standard feature, but usually only include handgrip monitors. The 460 also includes a chest strap with telemetry so you can use the moveable handlebars and still monitor your heart rate.

Warranty - This is an area where Schwinn usually falls short. The warranty is as follows:

  • 10 years - Frame
  • 2 years - Parts
  • 1 year - Electronics
  • 90 days - Wear Parts

Monday, January 26, 2009

Compare The Schwinn Elliptical Trainers

Compare these Schwinn Elliptical Trainers


Style Front Drive Dual Action Front Drive Dual Action Variable Stride Dual Action
Stride Length 18 inches 18 inches 2 to 26 inches
Drive Train Poly V-belt Poly V-belt Poly V-belt
Motion Forward/
Reverse
Forward/
Reverse
Forward/
Reverse
Resistance Magnetic ECB Magnetic ECB Magnetic ECB
Resistance Levels 16 16 16
Dimensions (L x W x H) 59" x 26" x 68" 59" x 26" x 68" 54" x 34" x 73"
Product Weight 152 pounds 172 pounds 221 pounds
Maximum User Weight 275 pounds 300 pounds 300 pounds
Display LCD Backlit LCD Touch screen, backlit LCD
Display Features Speed, time, distance, RPM, watts, pulse, calories, interval time, resistance Speed, time, distance, RPM, watts, pulse, calories, interval, time, resistance Time, interval time, RPM, watts, distance, pulse, speed, calories, resistance, course profile
Heart Rate Grip Grip Chest strap with telemetry; grip on handlebars
Programs 1 manual, 6 profile, 1 calorie goal, results mode, BMI test 1 manual, 10 profile, 2 heart rate control, 2 custom, time trial, calorie goal, fitness test, BMI test, recovery mode, results, mode 1 manual, 11 profile, 2 custom for two users
Warranty Frame--15 years, parts--2 years, electronics--1 year, labor--90 days Frame--15 years, parts--2 years, electronics--1 year, labor--6 months Frame--10 years, parts--2 years, electronics--1 year, wear parts--90 days
Other Features Transport wheels, bottle holder Transport wheels, bottle holder, 3-speed fan, MP3/iPod holder Fixed and moving handlebars, articulating foot

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Schwinn 460 Elliptical Trainer


Maximize your home workouts with the schwinn 460 Elliptical Trainer

Click To Buy The Schwinn 460 Elliptical Trainer

Maximize the health benefits with a revolutionary new kind of fitness equipment. The Schwinn 460 Elliptical combines dynamic workout programs, an intuitive touch screen console, and Schwinn V-Stride™ technology to let you change stride lengths without manual adjustments or machine modifications.


The Schwinn® 460 elliptical helps you burn up to 2 times as many calories as a treadmill, and up to 15% more calories than on a fixed-stride elliptical. Schwinn® V-Stride™ technology allows you to change stride lengths without manual adjustments or machine modifications. 11 workout profiles built by the Nautilus Institute include instructional messages on utilizing stride lengths and foot/leg motions for maximized results.

Get the details read the schwinn 460 product specs

See what others have to say. Read the schwinn 460 customer testimonials

There are many elliptical machines to choose from. If you want to learn more about all the best elliptical trainers then check out elliptical fitness. You will find many more products and reviews on all the latest and greatest machines.

Schwinn 460 Reviews

Great piece of Equipment!!!
Setup myself, was easy, may need 1 other person to help. Machine works great, resistance good, I like the variable training (stair master vs eliptical) style of training. Well worth the price.

High Quality Home Machine
This is the first elliptical I have owned. I purchased it to reduce the beating my "old" joints have been getting when running outdoors or on a treadmill. I'm primarily interested in cardio exercise from this machine, which it provides exceptionally well for me. I agree that the variable stride design probably does not provide the fore-aft resistance of traditional ellipticals, but that's not an issue for me and overall, I find the workout to be excellent. As an aircraft maintenance technician for many years, I can attest to the quality construction of this machine. I was pleasantly surprised at the engineering, materials and workmanship applied to it--far above what I expected for a home unit in this price range. Here's a critical piece of information for anyone wanting to use this where there is a low ceiling: when the foot pads are even in the elliptic path, it will add 18-inches to your height. I'm 5'-9", so this places the top of my head at 7'-3". I placed the unit in my basement where the ceiling is only 7'-6". You get the picture. Bottom line--I couldn't be happier with this machine, and highly recommend it!

Very Pleased!
The hunt for the ideal home elliptical is tough, unless you want to spend a fortune. There's so many choices, even in the under $1000 range. I spent a long time researching various ellipticals and decided to purchase the Schwinn 460.

My girlfriend and I are both over 6' tall, and though the standard 18" stride length of most sub-$1000 range machines works just fine, it's not ideal, and it's nicer to have a longer stride, if you can find one. I liked the idea of the Schwinn 460 because it offers variable stride lengths from 2" to 26" depending on how fast you're moving. But it's worth noting, you don't adjust it manually, it depends on the amount of work you put in!

This is also good if you just want to step a little, or want to go all-out and run like crazy with a 26" stride. I might have been happy with a Schwinn 430 or 431 (or various other 18" stride machines) if both myself and girlfriend were not so tall.

Delivery/Packaging: Yes, this is heavy. I was happy the delivery man was kind enough to bring it into my apartment for me. Schwinn did a great job packing this thing up and it seemed well protected while shipping. It took me a while to take all the parts out, and some are fairly heavy, but none showed any sign of damage except a few scratches on the mast (conveniently covered by the cupholder).

Assembly: I must admit, I was dreading this stage, but to be honest, it was seamless and much more straightforward than I expected. The instruction manual has decent sized pictures, all the parts are well labelled, and I found nothing confusing. They recommend someone to help at various stages, but I did it all myself. Admittedly, I probably could have done with some help in places, because there's a few spots when an extra hand would be useful, but it's not essential. Some of the parts are heavy though, especially the main body. With a bit of concentration and effort, it's straightforward. If anything, it's more 'fiddly' than strenuous. The tools provided are perfectly passable. You might want to use your own 17mm socket wrench, but I found the supplied one just fine, because on the whole you just use that for leverage and twist bolts tighter using the hex key.

Appearance: Steel tubing on this machine is thick and well constructed. All the parts are smooth and well-engineered and everything feels very stable. No squeaks, no rattles, smooth operation. I was aware of Tiffany's review below stating some issues with the machine feeling like it can topple over... I really can't see that, I have to give the machine a damn good shake to even get it to wobble. On a purely aesthetic note, the 460 does look a little different to other ellipticals, it's certainly more angular than most other machines, but I like it. The LCD display is clear and the touchscreen functions well. Being tall, there's a little bit of 'fade' from up high looking down on the display, but it's still very legible. The machine does stand quite tall though, at their highest point, the pedals are over 20" off the ground, so those with low roofs might need to be careful.

Operation: So this is the key thing, and so far I'm delighted with the Schwinn 460, and greatly relieved I made a good choice. The variable stride pattern does take some time to get used to and the strides are independent, so to begin with it can feel a little disorienting and I sometimes got myself 'out of sync'. But even when this happens, it's not like you fall off the machine or feel unsafe, and within a short time you get used to it. I love varying my work out from longer strides to shorter strides. I know some others have commented that there's no arm resistance, but I disagree: longer strides require longer arm pulls, shorter strides require less. Pull harder and you go faster and work out more. Up the resistance, and you WILL work your arms if you're striding long! This is common on all cheaper ellipticals, and I've only seen very expensive gym machine offering separate upper-body arm resistance independent of your legs. The 460 offers a nice range of resistance, some good workout courses, the ability to construct your own workout patterns, and of course, the 'inspiring' messages telling you you're doing great or not working hard enough!

Anyway, I hope this review is helpful for anybody looking into this machine. There's some good reviews here on Amazon so far, but fewer out on the web, and some of the seem suspiciously 'spammy' or are those generic fitness equipment blogs where you're not quite sure who's really offering the review.

I think there's some discussion as to whether the variable stride thing is a gimmick, or perhaps that it doesn't work you as hard as a regular elliptical or exercise the 'right' muscles because of the independent strides, but even at the very simplest level (let's say you never varied your stride at all) it appears to be working me out as well as any other elliptical machine, and that's the key thing, but offers a few features to make it more varied and fun.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Schwinn 460 Product Details


Maximize your home workouts with the Schwinn 460 Elliptical Trainer, which features Schwinn's exclusive V-Stride Technology that allows you to change stride lengths without manual adjustments or machine modifications. The 460 provides a complete lower-body workout: step to target calves and quads; walk to work your thighs and glutes, and run to lengthen your strides and engage all muscle groups.

Featuring a high-tech design, the Schwinn 460 includes 11 workout profiles built by the Nautilus Institute with instructional messages on utilizing stride lengths and foot/leg motions for maximized results. And the Schwinn Advantage workout system tracks results and programming for up to two users. You'll get heart rate feedback via the HR grips on the static handlebars, and heart rate telemetry using the included chest strap.

The dynamic backlit touchscreen console displays workout and interval time, distance, pulse, speed, calories, resistance level, and course profile. Other features include an oversized water bottle holder (accommodates 4-inch bottle), adjustable cooling fan, and transport handle and non-skid wheels for easy storage.

Features and Specifications

  • V-Stride technology, integrated in the cam/footplate, enables strides from 2 to 26 inches
  • Independent footplates let users target core muscles while engaging both sides of the body
  • 16 total programs: 1 Manual, 11 Profile, 2 Custom for two users
  • Quiet, magnetic ECB (Eddy current brake) resistance with 16 levels
  • Fly wheel: 25 pounds, steel
  • Drive system: Computer controlled
  • Fixed and moving handlebars
  • Chest strap with telemetric and grip heart rate monitoring
  • Heart rate grip on padded static handlebars
  • Transport handle and non-skid wheels
  • Articulating foot plates minimize heel impact
  • Schwinn Advantage workout system tracks results and programming for two users
  • Dynamic backlit LCD touchscreen console
  • Display Readout: Time, Interval Time, RPM, Watts, Distance, Pulse, Speed, Calories, Resistance Level, Course Profile
  • 11 workout profiles contain embedded fitness prompts to maximize results
  • Oversized water bottle holder and angle-adjustable fan
  • Maximum user weight: 300 pounds
  • Dimensions: 54 x 34 x 73 inches (L x W x H)
  • Unit weight: 221 pounds
  • Power requirements: AC adapter

Price Watch

I have been scouring the internet looking for the best deals for you guys on the schwinn 460 elliptical trainer. Your only real choice when buying this machine is to get it locally at a store or mass retail location or to buy it online. I personally like buying things online because most internet retailers are competitive, offer good customer service and free delivery. From what I have discovered in the research this past few days when pricing this unit out at different online locations is that just about every website is selling this product for $999 and they are all offering free delivery.

If all the online retailers are selling for the same price, what should I look for next? I prefer customer service, return policy and online reputation. There are dozens of retailers out there but to be honest, the one with the biggest reputation and least hassle return and replacement policy is amazon.com.

Many of the other online retailers also claim to have no hassle returns, but when it comes down to it, I have seen many complaints from consumers saying that their customer service and return policy did not hold up. Many people got the run around, delays and even partial refunds due to restocking and shipping fee's.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Getting the best discount on the schwinn 460

Looking for the biggest discount on the schwinn 460 elliptical trainer? Welcome to the club because everyone wants to get the best deal on one of these awesome workout machines. Its a proven fact that this product offers one of the best workouts when compared to many other regimens and burns more calories than any other traditional exercise.

This list price for is $1,599 and from I have seen many local retail stores are selling this product for full price, but of course we all want the best discount and we spend endless hours looking for great deals. I will be honest and tell you the best deal you are going to get is to buy this elliptical trainer online. All the online retailers are selling for $999 at the time this was posted. That is a 38% discount compared to full regular retail, plus you can get it with free delivery.

I keep this blog updated with what I believe is the best deal. Now the best deal is always the lowest price. I try to take into account the reputation of the business as well as return policy and customer service.

If you are ready to buy then check out my home page which I keep updated with the lowest price on this product.

Schwinn 460 Customer Reviews

I bought this from Amazon on 2008 Christmas time and it took just 2 '/2 hours to install it without any issues. The Schwinn 460 is really an amazing machine better than my previous one (even that one was good as well) surely Schwinn designers and engineered to it's capacity and have proved it to be good in many aspects from mechanical to electronics. I like the touch screen panel and all the materials was worth every penny. So if you think it's cost too much, no not at all because it's a good machine with many intelligence in changing it's strides automatically and as well as telling you at what point in time you need to give more power on your arms and when to slow down and when to drink water. :)

Thanks Schwinn engineers! Good product.
- Sylvester R




I love my recent purchase of the Schwinn variable stride elliptical. It was fairly simple to assemble and has allowed a short legged person ease in transferring my exercise regime from a treadmill to an elliptical. I work up a great sweat and heartrate in 25 minutes without any back or knee pain. I highly recommend it. I am also a physical therapist by trade so it is nice to see what I can recommend to my clients
~ Susan Pierson



Ok let me first say I'm pathetic in the fitness department at this point. I reciently had a baby and am way more out of shape than I thought. I was so excited to get this machine home and a little nervous too since I couldn't try it out. It was package really well and arrived 5 days sooner than expected! My husband opened and assembled with his own tools from start to finish in 1.5 hrs. He definitely wasn't dainty with the package removal process armed with his pocket knife he went to town. He also used his own tools to assemble which makes a HUGE difference. He is a heavy equipment mechanic so that could explain the record time assembly, compared to a CATERPILLAR this was no biggy. FYI the tools in the box were pretty silly.

Ok on to the machine! I've been using the Schwinn 460 almost two weeks. This is such a quiet and smooth workout. The touch screen is really easy to use and the machine itself is comfortable, it doesn't feel awkward to me at all. I don't have experience with elliptical machines so unfortuneatly I can't compare. Once I got the hang of it and had a good rhythm switching strides forward then backwards is a breeze. Since I'm such a wuss it will take me awhile to use this machine to its full potential but as of right now I'm sweating my butt off more than I ever did on my treadmill!! I don't feel sore the next day either from joint pain. I feel like I've gotten my body moving but not like I've been hit by a bus which has made working out easier to look forward to.

Overall I would recommend this machine highly! I've been using it everyday adding more and more time to my workout and have gotten up to 30 minutes everyday and feel great. If you are having any doubts about purchasing this machine DON'T!! I'll write more when I've had more experience with the other features. I felt I needed to write something since the few reviews before me were the reason I purchased this machine on blind faith and I'm so happy I did!
~ charmed life

Friday, January 16, 2009

Making Exercise Possible

Exercise and running are probably the hardest things I have time to set aside for each day in my life. It seems almost impossible to keep consistent workout routines and push myself to keep fit and healthy. It just so easy to wake up and get to work and then come home, rest and relax before going to sleep to do it all over again. How many of you find yourself in the same predicament. If you are like me you probably even have a gym membership which you probably only use 1 or 2 times a year when your buddies, friends or family members are all hyped up about joining a gym. This gets you motivated and you perhaps go a few times with them to the gym.

The problem is that most people, like myself and probably yourself, is that its hard to stay motivated and commit to working out and staying healthy. It almost feels and seems natural to just be lazy. So I was thinking the other day, what can make my workout routine more enjoyable. What will keep me motivated to staying fit and working out? Well I came up with a few things that helps me and may also possible help you.

First thing on my list and probably number one is a workout buddy, partner or friend. Just like your random visits to the gym its usually inspired by someones new motivation to workout at a local gym. So you end up joining them and when their motivation to go is lost, or your schedules collide and don't line up evenly with each others, both peoples motivation to go is lost. Its a proven fact that 80% of month paying gym members don't actually go to the gym more than a dozen times per month. But what does get you in their is a friend or family member who wants to take up the health challenge just as you once did. So find a buddy, and neighbor, wife, husband, daughter, or relative that lives near by and one that can join you in a regular workout routine.

Second thing on my list is to make working out convenient, which means in the comfort of my own home. So many people want to have a gym membership, but getting our self out of our comfort zone and into a gym almost seems daunting and embarrassing. If you ever been to a gym, then you probably feel out of place, alone and many times embarrassed by the muscle building meat heads flexing in the mirror or the skinny, slim and ab ripped runners on the treadmill right next to you, leaving you feeling fat, overweight and out of shape. I hate that feeling, second to number one on my list has to be working out in my living room, back yard or garage. You know the majority of people in gyms who are regular and frequent who can workout alone and happy and those that are fit and in shape and the only reason they are in shape is usually because they need to be for whatever they do in life. Many are athletes, some are police and fireman, and many are young and in high school or college where image and strength are all that matter. So an at home workout routine is vital to those not in those positions and for those who still want to be healthy and fit.

Third on my list has to be equipment. I don't believe you need to invest in $10,000 machines and equipment but some basics will help such as an elliptical machine for low impact cardiovascular workout, some small weights to add some strength training but nothing to elaborate as we are probably not trying to build muscle mass, and a workout bench. If you had a gym membership and paid 39.99 per month then you would spend about $500 per year at your local gym. You should invest in some at home gym equipment that will last you for years, I would recommend something you can and plan on using for at least 5 years at a time so its monetary value exceeds what you would spend at a gym. Buy a workout bench for a few hundred bucks, maybe and few hundred in weights and other misc equipment like floor mats, medicine balls, punching gloves and etc. Your biggest investment however will probably be the cardio machine. This site is about the Schwinn 460 elliptical machine and that is the product I recommend you invest in for your cardio workout. This machine has many program settings and workout routines for you to choose from and the benefits of an elliptical far out weight that of treadmills, stair climbers, bikes and rowing machines. You burn more calories and its less stressful and impactful on your body.

The last thing I will recommend besides a workout partner, working out from home and good equipment is a good healthy and strong diet. There is no point is putting in the commitment and time only to spoil it all with bad eating habits. Many people think that just because they workout an hour a day and burn 500 or more calories means they can eat whatever they want. Make sure to do your research about foods because not every calorie is the same. There are good and bad calories and good and bad fats. Some are easier to burn off, others stick like glue. I enjoy eating chicken and turkey breasts and vegetables such as spinach, corn, peas, broccoli and etc. These are healthy foods and taste great if prepared properly. Also don't forget to eat 3 times a day as that is crucial to keeping your metabolism going and keeping your body out of starvation and survival mode.

Monday, January 12, 2009

How Many Calories Can You Burn With Elliptical Trainers?

If you are interested in buying an elliptical trainer one of the biggest questions I always hear is how many calories can you burn? Most people want to burn as many calories as possible in the shortest amount of time and as easy as possible. Well the answer is not so cut an dry because there are many different factors to consider when figuring out how many your losing per session.

Many elliptical manufacturers claim that you can burn up to 750 calories in one hour. Imagine that, you can burn off an entire meal in one hour and for some people that's almost 2 meals. This is great news because it means you dont even need to exercise for a full hour to burn off a few hundred calories for the very least. With these kinds of estimated you can burn off a total of 375 calories in one episode of friends, and for you lost lovers, you can burn off that entire 750 calories in one show! I don't know about you but that it kind of exciting considering you only burn about 77 calories sitting on a couch for that full episode of lost.

In fact lets see how many calories other things burn off in an hour

Sitting77
Reading77
Talking on phone77
Writing77
Driving154
Washing dishes163
Brush teeth182
Billiards182
Cooking192
Walking 2 mph202
Bowling221
Fishing221
Surfing221
Pilates Beginner269
Bicycling - leisure288
Sex - intercourse307
Mopping326
Basketball - shooting baskets326
Hunting365
Garden394
Swimming - moderate442
Aerobics - low impact442
Aerobics - high impact509
Stationary Bicycle - moderate509
Stair Step Machine509
Running 5 mph614


Out of all these activities the elliptical trainer will burn more calories in an hour than any other one of these activities. Its amazing to see that you would have to run 5 mph consistently for an entire hour to even burn off 614 calories. I think the numbers speak for themselves, that an elliptical trainer is the most effective means of burning calories and you can do it from the comfort of your own home.

Read more about the Schwinn 460 right now!

10 Elliptical Trainer Weight Loss Advantages

1. Complete Body Workout In Your Living Room

Imagine having a punishing stair climber, treadmill and exercise bike rolled into one, and you will form an idea as to the benefits built into an elliptical trainer. Generally speaking, elliptical machines give some of the best cardio workouts. With their upper body handlebars, they combine hiking, cross country skiing and biking, working every muscle group in your legs, chest, arms and shoulders. By having one of these machines in your living room, you can tap into its benefits at any time.

2. Low Impact Means Less Pain & More Gain
The innovative engineering behind elliptical trainers ensures that your feet, legs and joints move in a natural walking motion. The schwinn 460 has been designed to virtually gurantee a total fluid movement during your workout. The idea behind these machines is to alleviate the impact on joints and bones that is normally cause during traditional jogging on streets and dirt. The elliptical trainer is suspends you in air and elliminates any jarring and jolting impacts that is normally caused by running. Once you give an elliptical machine a try you will never want to replace it with anything else. You will get all the weight bearing exericise without any of the joint injuries.


3. Variable Stride Technology

As if an elliptical trainer alone wasnt effective enough Schwinn has added the Variable Stride technology to the schwinn 460 elliptical trainer machine. This gives you the ability to enable strides between 2" and 26". Truth be told, elliptical stride length is but one of several criteria to consider when evaluating an elliptical trainer. In fact, it’s one of the more important features, along with stability, durability, and price that can make or break your decision. No all people are the same heigth and not everyone takes a big as steps as everyone else. If multiple people in your home plan on using this elliptical machine, then having variable strides to accomodate different heights should be very important to you.

4. Powerfull Workout Programs
The Schwinn 460 elliptical trainer comes with scientifically developed training programs to maximize your workout routine plus it comes equiped with its Advantage® workout system that tracks results and programming for up to 2 users. By changing intensity levels and program combinations, you add interest and rev up your metabolism. With 16 different programs, your weight loss target should be within reach in a jiffy.

5. Monitor Your Workout
The advanced electronic computer features, touch screen technology and state of the art programming will let you know exactly how much time your workout has taken, PM, Watts, Distance, Pulse, Speed, Calories, Resistance Level, and Course Profile

6. Distractions From Boredom

Going to the gym for your workout can be boring and lonesome. Why workout out with strangers when you can indulge in a variety of other activities while exercising in the comfort of your own home. You can watch your favorite tv show, chat with a friend on the phone, listen to some music, or even read a book. Plus another added benefit is no more leaving your kids with a babysitter, you can spend time with your kids while still getting a full cardio workout.

7. Pace Maintaining Phenomenon

A really awesome feature of elliptical machines is that the action is so smooth and fluid, that your relative perceived exertion rate is lowered. This means that you will be burning calories while not feeling as if you are working that hard. This factor will enable you to keep going for a longer period.

8. Work Less For More

Elliptical trainers are known for their efficiency. You will get more from a session on an elliptical trainer, than from equal time on a treadmill for example. This means that where you may need a thirty minute treadmill workout to burn a certain amount of calories, twenty minutes on an elliptical machine may give you the same results. Do the math and see what you can save time-wise in a year! Or, alternatively, exercise for the longer period on the Schwinn Elliptical Trainer and reach your goal weight that much sooner! Either way you win big time.

9. Reverse To Move Forward

These elliptical trainers come with the added advantage of a reverse motion. That means that by changing direction you will again employ other muscles for added aerobic and muscle building benefits. This gear change also helps to keep things interesting!

10. Zest From Being In The Zone

The Smart Rate technology and Touch heart rate monitor combine forces to keep you in your targeted cardio zone for efficient fat-burning. Just grab the handgrip sensors and get all the feedback you need for a productive training session. You will soon be filled with vitality and energy.

A quality elliptical machine should be stable and totally smooth during use. Schwinn Elliptical Trainers have a reputation for durability and robustness. Who knows, you may develop a similar reputation with regular use of this home gym equipment machine!

Where Should You Buy Your Schwinn 460

The are basically hour places that you can really buy your schwinn 460 elliptical trainer. Many have their advantages and disadvantages which involve selection, service, pricing and knowledge but either way your probably going to get your machine from a super store, sporting goods retailer, fitness retailer or the internet.

Big super store giants such as walmart, target and costco mainly sell cheap knockoff brands that are low cost and affordable for the average person. The main problem is these machines are unstable, undurable and dont have many features you really want in an elliptical and usually they dont have a demo model that you can test. Lastly, finding a knowledgeable sales person in a super store is almost impossible so if you have questions they probably wont get answered, meaning you end up buying the product then hating it because its not what you expected.

Sporting goods stores like chickes, big 5, dicks and sports authority are probably better places to really get answers and test out the machines. These stores usually have mid range and sometimes high range elliptical machines that you can test out on their showroom floor. The machines they do have that you can test have usually been tested thousands of times by people of all sizes and they usually end up with lots of wear and tear that makes it hard to distinguish if the product is poorly built or just simply over used. Sometimes the sensors are broken or even the guy who put it together made a mistake and had a few extra screws left leaving the unit unusable.

The sales people are sporting goods places are usually more informed but usually only regurgitate what they were taught in training and many times the sales people work on commission so they have biased opinions based on what their commission will be on each unit or which units the company is offering bonuses on. If you live in a high traffic area, getting a sales person can also be time consuming and you can wait up to 30 minutes some times. The attention you get can also be very limited as others are distracting and also asking questions.

The big positive is that you can at least test the unit out and get a good feel for so you can make a final decision. You can then go price shopping both locally and online and find out which one offers the best delivery and if necessary pay extra to have them assemble the unit up as well.

If you end up going to a fitness retailer you will usually find the more expensive high end elliptical trainers such as the schwinn 460. These places are probably the best to go out and test the product because these specialty stores ensure it is assembled properly and usually dont have the massive customer traffic and bigger retail chains. The sales people will be much more informed and can usually give you a lot of personal attention. The biggest draw back is that these guys are solely on commission and specialty stores like to chare a premium for their advice, offering no discount or sales on the unit.

Buying your schwinn 460 online is probably the best way to save money and even get the elliptical delivered absolutly free. The competition is stiff online and everyone wants to win over your business, so they offer you great sales prices and free delivery when you buy online. This take a lot of hassle out price shopping and getting the unit home. The schwinn 460 is very easy to setup and most can do it in a couple short hours.

If you really want to save money on this awesome and popular machine then I would recommend testing it out at a local specialty shop to ensure yourself this is the right unit for you, then buy it online, save money and get it delivered for less.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

How to Use Elliptical Trainers Safely and Effectively

Elliptical trainers, sometimes also known as cross trainers, are very useful and effective exercise machines. Although they are not essentially complicated, as with all new types of equipment, it is a good idea to learn how to use elliptical trainers properly to get the maximum benefit from them. That way you are less likely to incur any injury or discomfort and achieve a fat fighting, body-toning workout at the same time.

When you a first learning how to use elliptical trainers, it is best to follow the manual that is supplied with the machinery and also to start slowly until you are sure of what you're doing and what your tolerance levels are. Only then should you safely build up to a higher level and increase your activity. Although elliptical trainers are a very safe and low impact form of exercise, it is always best to check with your doctor before starting on the new exercise system. Elliptical trainers can subject you to a high level of aerobic activity and increased heart rate and although this is generally good for you, it is always worth checking with your doctor as to whether your health is good enough to start on a dynamic exercise program.

One of the best ways to learn how to use elliptical trainers, even if you have just bought your own machine, is to got to your local gym and use their machines. That way, you get used to using the machine into safe environment, where qualified instructors can tell you the best way to safely use the cross trainer and how to monitor your heart rate and extract the maximum benefits from your time on the machine. They can also tell you how long and what level you should start out at, how long you should exercise for, and also the best way to build up when your tolerance levels are higher and you want to progress further.

Another good way to learn how to use elliptical trainers, if you prefer to do it at home, is to buy an instructional video. Although you usually get instructions when you buy the machine, many people are much better at learning visually, and actually seeing somebody do the exercises and showing you how to use the equipment is the best way for some to learn the correct way of doing things. This is usually relevant to the cheaper machines as many of the more expensive ones are already supplied with a video to help you get started with your workouts.

No matter what method you choose to learn from it is a good idea to get some form of instruction so that you can safely get the best possible workout from your new cross trainer exercise equipment.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Elliptical-Trainer-Solutions.com. He provides more elliptical trainer ratings, recommendations and information on how to use elliptical trainers that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

What To Look For In An Elliptical Trainer

To get a decent elliptical trainer you should be prepared to spend at least one thousand dollars. If you spend less than that don't expect the machine to be as well built as the higher end models. It is also very important to try the elliptical trainer out in the store before you buy. The less expensive ellipticals almost always tend to make noise. The more vigorous the workout the more noise it will make. The other problem is they tend also to wobble and move.

With a very fast workout some of these elliptical trainers even move across the floor. Since some machines are not as well built as others, pay special attention to the warranty, and if it's a short one you should purchase an extended warranty.

Also some of the elliptical trainers were found to be uncomfortable for shorter persons because of the flywheels and handlebars. Watch for your feet not to slip off the pedals, and the movement of the handlebars should not be so wild as to cause you to bump into them.

When reading reviews on elliptical trainers remember that no matter how good a company is, it is always possible for a bad unit to escape notice, till you get it home and assemble it. Most companies are happy to stand by their elliptical trainers and will be very helpful should you have problems with the assembly or the use of the unit.

Buy an elliptical trainer that you are comfortable using and it will become fun and easy to use.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Elliptical-Trainer-Solutions.com. He provides more elliptical trainer information and elliptical trainer reviews that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

How Effective are Elliptical Trainers?

Elliptical trainers seem to be all the rage these days with almost every gym having banks of them and many being used at home as well. An elliptical trainer is really a cross between a treadmill and a stair climber allowing you to efficiently get the best of both worlds in one machine. Although, if you were thinking that you could get in twice as much exercise for the same amount of effort then you may be a bit disappointed. The whole idea is to combine the two exercises into a highly effective exercise system that really makes you work hard. But just how effective are elliptical trainers and are they just another fad or are they really as innovative as their makers claim?

When considering the question how effective are elliptical trainers you have to look at them in the context of the equipment that they are replacing. Stair exercisers although good for what they were designed to do are very restricted in their ability to work different areas of the body and can be of limited value to anyone looking for a single machine solution. Of course, you have the same problem with a standard treadmill but there is also the added complication for some people that you also have constant impact when you are running on a treadmill.

But how effective are elliptical trainers in burning those extra calories? For all the talk of getting fit this is the real reason that most people want an exercise machine and in this area of specialization the elliptical trainers excel. The combination of aerobic and weight bearing exercise is great for burning up the calories and for toning up almost every part of your body and most of the major muscle groups. And they also have the added bonus that there is virtually no impact involved so they really do look to have all the benefits with very few drawbacks.

The real answer to the question of how effective are elliptical trainers is contained in their clever use of technology. The central axis moves in an elliptical motion so that all the major lower muscle groups get a thorough workout while the hands and arms get an upper body workout from the movable handlebars. Many of the machines can also be programmed to work at different speeds for varying amounts of time so that there is an element of variety and you don't get too bored. Although this may sound like a small point it is very important to maintain interest so that you are encouraged to keep going. Elliptical trainers are an excellent way to get an all body workout with the added advantage of having minimal impact to your joints and also are an excellent way to stay fit and healthy.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Elliptical-Trainer-Solutions.com. He provides more elliptical trainer ratings, recommendations and information on how effective are elliptical trainers that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

A Complete Guide To Elliptical Exercise Machines

Elliptical exercise machines, also popularly known as elliptical trainers, first made a splash in the world of fitness as a staple on the gym scene in the mid-nineties. Elliptical exercise equipment was available in upscale sport and health clubs. Personal trainers, researchers, and surgeons have long hailed the health benefits associated with ellipticals. Elliptical trainers enjoy a substantial following among athletes. The non-impact feature of Elliptical exercise machines is a top selling point to users with recent injuries, chronic knee problems, and the overweight. Older people are also frequent Elliptical consumers.

Elliptical exercise machines feature adjustable resistance through a friction belt, or magnetic resistance systems, or electro-magnetic devices. Elliptical exercise machines propelled by the legs. Some trainer models handle-levers attached to the pedals to alleviate some of the pressure on the arms. The Elliptical user takes hold of the handles, below the height of the shoulder, and pushes or pulls the bars (depending on the model) while simultaneously shuffling the feet.

Elliptical exercise machines are often found at local sporting goods stores. Trainers can hold up to two hundred to two hundred and fifty pounds. Elliptical exercise machines retail for upwards of one thousand dollars. Specialty Elliptical exercise machines are able to carry up to four hundred pounds-these machines are priced at approximately four thousand dollars.

Elliptical trainers are used to burn off calories and create movement in the heart and muscles. Users are allowed to work up a sweat and burn a similar number of calories similar to the process of jogging. One of the central goals of Elliptical exercise machines is building up the heart rate. Elliptical exercise machine are often used to stimulate walking and running.

Fitness researchers conduct studies on different brands of elliptical fitness equipment. Researchers conclude that trainers, most of which are characteristically quiet, do not apply a lot of pressure on the joints. Elliptical fitness equipment is low impact-the foot never leaves the pedal. A fact attributed with lowering the risk of impact injuries. Most elliptical fitness equipment strengthens the upper and lower body, although some trainers offer just lower body exercise.

Similar to Elliptical exercise machines, treadmills vary in uses. Treadmill were created for walking, jogging, and running, while Ellipticals foster a particular interest in the heart. Both Ellipticals and treadmills influence burning calories.

Interested in losing weight with an elliptical exercise machine? Then head over to http://www.elliptical-trainer-solutions.com, a popular elliptical trainer website that provides tips, advice and resources to include reviews of popular elliptical trainers, such as Horizon, Life Fitness and ProForm elliptical trainers.

Elliptical Or Treadmill? You Might Be Making the Wrong Choice

Elliptical Or Treadmill? You Might Be Making the Wrong Choice
By Martha Stew

Ten years ago, when I was in my beginnings with fitness and all there was to it, I asked myself this question: what should I choose? An elliptical machine or a treadmill? It took me a long year to answer my question, and I'm not going to tell you my choice - because to you, the other just might be better.

But for a better understanding, let's compare the two:

Recent studies have proved that the difference in calories burned is rather insignificant, as it is more related to the intensity of the workout rather than the equipment; if this doesn't make any real difference, then you should look for other features that might differentiate the two for making a choice.

An elliptical has a good advantage over the treadmill because it has a system that helps you protect your knees and ankles; although treadmills have less impact on your joints than an usual running session in the street, the elliptical's impact reduction system is clearly more effective; therefore, if you experience pain in your joints, you should consider it as a first choice.

But which one of these machines would motivate you more to workout? Is it the jogging or is it the flipping that you like the most? You are the only one who holds this answer, and you should use it in your favor, since a more pleasant experience will certainly increase the number of workout sessions that you are going to have.

Another thing to consider is the space: it's very important that you choose an easy storage model if you have space issues. Both of these equipments offer this possibility (more treadmill fold-up models though).

Considering the facts presented, we can only state that both are excellent fitness equipments that will definitely improve the way you do your workout; having at least one of them in your home for those days when you can't jog or go to the gym is an absolute must. In the end, the decision is yours, since you are the only one who knows what suits your needs.

What you read here is just the tip of the iceberg. Read on my treadmill fitness equipment blog if you want to see the whole picture. Whatever your choice is, I am offering great reviews on quality fitness equipment

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Elliptical Workouts

Elliptical workouts basically involve aerobic or cardiovascular exercise. Elliptical cross trainers can be intimidating at first glance but once you get familiar with them you will find them easy to use and a fun part of your routine.

To begin your elliptical workout, stand with your feet firmly planted in the movable footpads. The advantage of your feet being stationary makes this a smooth and non-jarring motion that is unique to the elliptical cross trainers. Grab the handles to add the upper body movement for a total body workout.

Elliptical motion feels very natural and compliments normal body movements only making it feel like the workout is easier. Elliptical workouts are equal or greater than similar equipment such as the treadmill creating a safer workout. It reduces the harmful stress and impact on your muscles and joints.

With time a major concern in our daily lives, an elliptical workout can be very desirable. It provides a total body workout utilizing one machine therefore saving time in having to go from machine to machine to achieve the same effect for all the different areas of the body.

An elliptical trainer benefit is they are safe for beginners and will even challenge the pro athletes. And because most people like to use these machines, they are more likely to workout on a regular basis. Consistent elliptical workouts will help in attaining good overall cardiovascular health.

It generally takes twenty minutes of elliptical exercise to start burning calories and improve your cardio health. If you are just starting out, exercise for twenty minutes and work up from there as your fitness level improves. Try to set 3 days a week as your goal to workout and work up to 5 days when you become more fit.

Another elliptical trainer benefit is they are perfect for burning fat. To burn fat effectively, you need to exercise at a moderate pace for a long period of time. Elliptical cross trainers give you the slow, aerobic, long duration type of exercise that works best to burn fat.

If you are looking for a good overall workout in the shortest amount of time, the elliptical workout is an ideal choice.

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This article is supplied by http://www.treadmill-info.com where you will find valuable information, ratings, reviews, articles and buying tips before you make the investment in quality fitness equipment. For more fitness related articles go to:

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Do Elliptical Machines Work?

Considering an elliptical trainer? One of the number one questions people ask me is " Do Elliptical Machines work? " Well first of all, if they were just some funky fly-by-night gizmo like those cheap gadgets you see on TV infomercials, they wouldn't still be around.

Ellipticals first surfaced on the fitness equipment scene back in 1995 and have been going strong ever since. And actually they are just behind treadmills in terms popularity these days.

So if they didn't work, they wouldn't last.

However the answer to the question - Do elliptical machines work - really depends on the person asking.

The real question is - what do you want it to do for you? Ellipticals are great in terms of giving you low-impact workouts that can help you lose weight and tone up your entire body.

Another advantage to elliptical machines is that, because of the upper body arm bars, they give you a more full body workout. This results in what experts call a 'Lower Perceived Rate of Exertion' which means you actually worked harder than you feel like you worked - and burned more calories.

So working out on an elliptical can actually maximize your workout time and minimize your fatigue.

Elliptical machines can also help you crosstrain and avoid an exercise plateau. This is because several ellipticals now come with adjustable stride lengths and incline or ramp. This means you vary the stride or angle of the elliptical motion, work different sets of muscles and avoid overtraining.

So, for most people elliptical machines work. They help them get fit, lose weight and tone up. However there are cases where elliptical trainers do NOT work.

Again, it goes back to the question - what do you want your elliptical to do for you? If you're looking to build muscle, an elliptical is not the best machine for you (get a weight stack home gym, free weights or even a Bowflex Crossbow Gym).

Also, there are some ellipticals that won't give you the best results - and will probably waste your workout time. These are usually the cheap department store models with small elliptical strides (14-15") and improper design.

For example, many budget models are designed so you're leaning forward on the handrails. This results in a lot less calories burned and won't give you an effective workout. The cheaper models also break more easily (usually just after the 90 day warranty runs out) which again, means you can't use them and they don't work.

The higher end, better-rated elliptical brands usually give you more upright design, better construction quality and proper ratios between your legs and arms for maximum calorie burning.

So in answer to the question ' Do elliptical machines work ', it really depends on you. What do you want it to do for you and what kind of machine are you planning to buy?

For most people they are very happy with the kind of results an elliptical gives them. Just remember to research before you buy, find a high quality brand with a decent stride length (18" or more) and solid design.

Vienna Miller writes for Elliptical Machine Reviews offering elliptical reviews, Top Buys and discount buying tips.

For an easy way to compare ellipticals by size, price, brand, features and more visit the Elliptical Comparison tool.

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Lose Weight Using Elliptical Trainers

As the New Year approaches the memory of the old year hangs heavy on many of us. The holidays mean over eating and in many case over drinking as well. All of which will place a significant spare tire on millions of people. The winter months with its shorter day light periods and nasty weather make it that much harder to get outside and exercise. However you can lose weight and get in shape for the New Year through the use of an elliptical trainer.

Elliptical trainers are frequently described as the best piece of exercise equipment available on the market today. They have the ability to allow the user to burn more calories with less apparent effort. All of which will allow the user to exercise for longer periods of time helping your lose weight. Many new users describe the feeling of using an elliptical as "running on air". In addition due to the fact that there is almost no impact to the body the risk of injury is very low. Many people who cannot use a treadmill due to knee and ankle injuries and pain find that they can exercise with an elliptical trainer.

We suggest that you search the Internet for elliptical trainer information. You will find that there are many different elliptical manufactures. Take the time to read as many product reviews as possible. In addition you should visit your local fitness center or gym and get checked out on the operation of an elliptical trainer. It will take a couple of visits to get comfortable using a trainer. Once this is accomplished you should try as many different models that are available. It will soon become apparent that one elliptical will fit you better thereby making your ride much more comfortable.

No matter what you see on TV or the Internet the best way to lose weight is to diet and exercise. So much of the weight loss information is just bogus. Trying to Lose weight by just breathing correctly, having the correct attitude , swallowing the right pill will only leave you disappointed and frustrated. Your body burns fat through the use of muscle. If you have lots of efficient lean muscle then you will burn enough fat to stay slim while your body stays fit. A great side benefit comes in the form of increased energy you will enjoy each day.

The bottom line is that diet and exercise is the best and most efficient way to lose weight and keep it off. The use of an elliptical trainer will train both your upper and lower body in the most efficient manner. This means that you will burn your unwanted fat calories at a faster rate with less effort. Give an elliptical a try the only thing you can lose is your fat.

James Kesel, MS, is the publisher of the Elliptical Trainer Information website that is located at http://www.elliptical-trainer-information.com. Learn how to lose weight fast using elliptical trainers.

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Schwinn 460 Review


Being 4'10" and having a smaller stride than most, I thought it would be better to spend extra money for the variable stride machine. I was concerned from some of the reviews regarding handling the delivery of the machine into my house & then putting it together alone (That wasn't recommended, I know & I had lined up a friend to come over if I needed). Fortunately, I decided the best location to set it up was within 20 feet of its delivery. The hardest part was getting the equipment into the house (I had to get each piece out of the box on the porch first--The packing was very secure). After that, putting it together went really well, only taking about 3 hours. Using the recommended 17mm socket wrench (less than $5) really helped out. I have been using the elliptical now for a month (30 minutes 3-4 times a week), and I am now seeing the results! This a great machine--it is very smooth and quiet! I highly recommend it!
- By Mary


I purchased my Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical a couple months ago, and it is one nice machine. Explaining to a visiting friend how it works, he couldn't understand how it adjusts to your stride without some sort of adjustment to the machine, so I simply stepped on and showed him. It's truly that simple, you stride longer and the elliptical keeps up, shorten your stride and it adjusts. It's a brilliant little piece of design and engineering.

On the practical side, it's not a small machine, but it is moveable (not really through doorways, but around the room is no problem), I put it together myself though I recommend having another set of hands to do so. The parts and assembly guides are clear and concise, and while the tools they include are adequate, and additional hex wrench and screwdriver is all you could really need.

There are many different pre-made work outs, and you can create and save several custom work outs as well. The screen is big and easy to read and use, it has friendly prompts to "Use Your Arms" or "Reverse Stride", and it even gives you a "Halfway There!" and "Last Big Climb" as you go. The built-in fan feels bigger than it is. It really is nicer than the machines most gyms.
- By Jazzy J

I love my recent purchase of the Schwinn variable stride elliptical. It was fairly simple to assemble and has allowed a short legged person ease in transferring my exercise regime from a treadmill to an elliptical. I work up a great sweat and heartrate in 25 minutes without any back or knee pain. I highly recommend it. I am also a physical therapist by trade so it is nice to see what I can recommend to my clients
- By Susan Pierson

Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer has features of the bigger Schwinn model and variable stride length. This means when you want to go slow you don't have to be one the same stride length as the fast walk-stride length like running motion. The technology is different from previously seen home gym elliptical trainer machines. It allows you to slow down at a short walking pace, like jogging in place to warm up, to long running pace, with long stride of a runner at full speed. Compared to the traditional elliptical trainer, it's hard to begin a stride at beginning with full stride that makes you feel like you are repeating an exercise over and over. Traditionally, you control the speed, time, and resistance. Now, you can vary your stride length to control the motion, thus, increase the number of exercise, almost like aerobic class, jogging, running fast, medium walking pace, and sudden slow down and sudden acceleration of speed and motion. The new Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer allows you to have more fun on the Elliptical Trainer.

Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer is good for even the shortest member of the family, not the four-legged friend, but your younger cousin who starts his wrestling team in his 9th grade level in Freshmen team and your friend who's playing basketball. Previously, it'd been funny watching someone shorter than you struggle on the elliptical machine's fixed stride length, you can forget that from now on, and concentrate on your work out and they can work out, too on the same machine.

It weighs 250 lbs shipping weight. Assembly required. You will spend about 2-3 hours assembling after unpacking. At least 2 or 3 persons required for lifting and need about 3 ft wide clearance from the entrance to where the elliptical trainer will be stationed.
- By H. Oh