The Schwinn 460 Elliptical Trainer – Unique V-Stride Technology

Nautilus launched the Schwinn 460 elliptical trainer as an entry into the mid-priced elliptical market, hoping to capture some of those people who usually by-pass what are commonly thought of as budget elliptical machines. The result is an innovative machine that defies easy categorization. Although Schwinn ellipticals usually cost several hundred dollars, the 460 pushes the price to right around $1000; still very reasonable, but no longer truly budget.

But for the money, you're getting their V-stride technology, which allows you to modify the stride of the Schwinn 460 elliptical trainer simply by varying the resistance and effort you're expending. You can easily change the stride to anywhere from two to twenty-six inches without having to manually reset anything. The beauty of this is the targeted workout you get as a result. Smaller, step like strides target your quads and calves, a walking stride focuses on your thighs and glutes, and if you do a full-out run, you'll give all your muscle groups a serious burn.

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V-stride technology is also great if several different people will be using the Schwinn 460. With such a generous variation in stride length, someone who's 4'10” will be just as comfortable exercising on this machine as someone who's over six foot tall.

Stride Length:
2" to 26"
V-Stride™

Upper Body Workout: Yes

Resistance: 16 Levels

Programs: 16

Display: LCD

User Weight: 300 lbs

Warranty: 10 Yrs Frame
2 Year Parts
1 Year Electronics
90 Days Labor

The downside to the V-stride technology is the potential for mechanical problems. Nautilus doesn't back the Schwinn 460 elliptical with a stellar warranty. With only ninety days on wear parts and labor, you run the risk of expensive repairs on a piece of equipment that's more complex than your standard elliptical trainer. If you love the V-stride technology, you can overcome this problem by investing in an extended warranty. Sure, it will increase the price, but it's better to play it safe when you're investing in a complex bit of machinery.

Variety Keeps Things Interesting with the Schwinn 460

While the nearly infinite variety in stride lengths is the big draw with the Schwinn 460 Schwinn 460 Console elliptical trainer, we also want to mention some other nice features that will keep you interested in your workout. 16 different levels of resistance and 16 different programs give you lots of workout variety. Eleven of the program profiles by the Nautilus Institute even include instructional messages to help you maximize the effectiveness of your workout, something you usually only find in top of the line elliptical trainers. A chest strap and a pulse grip heart rate monitor give you the freedom to track your heart rate while working your upper body.

The 25 lbs flywheel gives you a smooth, effortless feel even when you're really pounding out your workout. You' don't have to worry about stability with this machine, which comes in at over two hundred pounds.

Overall, if you love using an elliptical trainer that gives you versatility and plenty of options for targeting specific areas, the Schwinn 460 elliptical trainer is an excellent choice. It's also a good fit for a family with multiple users. Do keep in mind, however, that since this is a more complex machine, it will tend to have more complex repair issues. Do yourself a favor and protect yourself with an extended warranty so you don't end up with a pricey repair.