Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine
Editor Rating
- Excellent
- Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine
- Reviewed by:
Review Summary:
For a budget range machine in the under $500 bracket, the Schwinn A40 can be a great way to own a proper elliptical, not a hybrid or half way machine, but something like the real elliptical experience. Of course at this price there will be some compromise on features but the end result is a good quality, beginner machine - at a great price. Definitely worth a closer look if money is tight and you want a real elliptical.
Next up is my Schwinn A40 elliptical review – an economy model, but one with some interesting features. Schwinn Fitness have a decent range of trainers priced at the lower end of the market. What I really like about their machines is that they are proper ellipticals and give decent workouts – good resistance.
They are aimed at new people to the home elliptical market and occasional to medium users. For the price, they offer excellent value for money.
- Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine
- Rating:
- Price: Under $$
- Reviewed by:
Review Summary:
For a budget range machine in the under $500 bracket, the Schwinn A40 can be a great way to own a proper elliptical, not a hybrid or half way machine, but something like the real elliptical experience. Of course at this price there will be some compromise on features but the end result is a good quality, beginner machine - at a great price. Definitely worth a closer look if money is tight and you want a real elliptical.
Full Review
What Schwinn gets right with the A40, as well as other models across their range, is the fact that a trainer has to provide an enjoyable, but physically strenuous experience. This is important, because it will keep you coming back for more.
Most of their trainers use their own design of Eddy Current Magnetic Resistance – the better machines having up to 25 resistance levels. This system provides a comfortable workout with decent resistance levels. With the A40 you have only 8 resistance levels but this is more than enough for most beginners and even intermediate users.
The Schwinn A40 Elliptical has more features than you would expect at this price range, such as 6 pre-programmed workout programs you can choose from, a backlit LCD panel which informs you about all the vital workout data, and handlebar grips with integrated heart rate monitors.
The stride length of this model is a little on the short side at 17.5 inches – top of the line gym quality ellipticals usually have an 18 to 22 inch stride length – but on the plus side this makes it perfect for smaller people and people who are not so fit (ahem!) 
If you are over 6 feet tall, you’ll need to keep looking.
This model allows you to choose between 6 pre-set workout routines and one which you can set up manually, according to your needs and specifications. You also get a total of 8 resistance levels, and that gives a lot of combinations and flexibility in your exercise. You can also alternate between a backward or forward stride during the workout.
With this trainer, you get a total body workout, as you can exercise both your upper and your lower body. The resistance is maintained by the presence of a forward perimeter weighted flywheel, which uses electromagnetic technology to simulate the resistance. You can begin your workout on the A40 Elliptical without the need to enter any information, which is possible in Manual/Quickstart mode.
All workout data gathered by the sensors and the electronics will be displayed for you on an LCD panel mounted to the central console. The LCD will provide you with all the vital information, such as time, RPM, distance, pulse, speed, the number of calories burned, resistance level and the your workout profile of choice.
The menus are easy to navigate, so will have no trouble setting the machine just the way you like it. It will not overwhelm you with crazy features and setting – unlike some of the more advanced machines. It is designed well – to be used easily and quickly.
The A40 comes with a fair enough warranty – 2 years for the frame, 6 months for mechanical parts, 6 months for electrical and 30 days for wear parts. What you would expect really for the price.
Features and Specifications of the Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine:
- Dimensions: 56″ x 23.7″ x 64.5″(LxWxH)
- Maximum user weight: 275lbs
- 17.5″ stride length
- Perimeter weighted flywheel
- 8 Levels of Eddy Current Magnetic Resistance
- Articulating footplates
- LCD window (5.0″ X 3.0″)
- Quick keys for resistance selection
- A total of 6 workout profiles
- Ergonomically placed static handlebars with grip heart rate for comfortable use with heart rate programs
- Sound system with integrated stereo speakers
- Media tray
- Water bottle holder
- Transport wheels / levelers
- Warranty: 2 years for the frame, 6 months for mechanical, 6 months for electrical, 30 days for wear parts
What Do Others Say?
In making our reviews, we look at many online user reviews posted by the people who bought the machine – a good way to get the views of a broad range of people who have used the particular machine. The Schwinn A40 fairs quite well – with overall favorable reviews among the customers.
The unit was praised by users for its stability, which was made possible due to a large, oversized stabilizer which provides you with a sturdy workout platform. Also, the machine managed to be very quiet during the operation, which is something that is not often seen among the elliptical trainers in this price range, so well done to Schwinn for that.
They coupled a perimeter weighted flywheel along with an electromagnetic system to minimize the noise and it has worked perfectly, which means this machine is suitable for apartments as well. Thanks to its transportation wheels, you can easily relocate the Schwinn A40 anywhere you like inside your home.
Since this a lower-priced elliptical trainer, it does come with certain limitations. Some A40 buyers have complained about its LCD, which is somewhat on the small side, and it can be difficult to make out the reading on it – personally I thought this was OK.
It does provide you with a lot of information, such as speed, time, distance travelled, calories burned, heart rate, RPM, current workout profile and resistance levels. Also, we have to point out that the LCD isn’t backlit, so make sure you have a light source located nearby if you want to be able to read it.
As usual, complaints about the cooling fan being underpowered, and you will hardly be able to tell if it’s on or not – nothing to worry about, even Top End machines have this problem (fans are usually a waste of time!). You will need to buy AC adapter for the unit separately, which is kind of a letdown.
- Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine
- Rating:
- Price: Under $$
- Reviewed by:
Pros:
- Smooth, quiet operation suitable for use in apartments
- Workout programs are easy to understand and use
- Very high level of comfort and user friendliness
- Very sturdy and stable thanks to its oversized base
- Small enough to relocate and fit into most rooms
Cons:
- LCD panel is small and isn’t backlit
- AC adapter needed is not included and has to be purchased separately
- Underpowered cooling fan
The Summary:
The Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine, while not exactly perfect, is a good solution if you want to experience a genuine elliptical workout on a budget. Don’t be expecting a high intensity gym quality workout but it does impress when compared to others at this price range.
The next model up in the Schwinn range – the 430 – costs a bit more and for many people will be the better buy so check it out before buying.
Thanks for reading!