There are a whole lot of good things to say about this machine so here goes:
The machine took about two hours for my husband and son-in-law to assemble. This arrives in a large, heavy shipping cardboard box so plan ahead for how you will get it into your home and where you want to do the assembly. It comes with an assembly manual which consists mostly of pictures, but still it is very well thought out. If you follow along in the proper sequence, the machine will go together easily. The tools are provided, all the small parts such as screws and washers are attached to heavy cardboard and locked in place with heavy plastic with labels identifying each part by name. Cutting that plastic away will take almost as long as assembling the machine. You will also need to provide 2AA batteries for the console and a box cutter to open the shipping carton. There is a warning that this machine contains magnets and that may be a problem for anyone with a medical device such as a pacemaker. There is also a warning for consumers in the state of California regarding packaging and components judged (by the state) to be cancer causing. There is no electrical connection necessary for this machine. The instructions do recommend having two people put it together because some of the pieces are very heavy and unwieldy if trying to handle them alone. A word of caution here; the console attaches to one side of the machine and because it stands out away from the machine it might make it difficult (or in our case impossible) to go through a narrow doorway. We had to remove the console and reattach it when the machine was in the room we wanted it in. Simple enough to do. Once you have placed the machine where you want it make sure you use the mechanisms on the bottom to level it. The maximum weight for use on this machine is 300 pounds and the manufacturer does not recommend it be used by anyone under 14 years of age. Don''t ask me why 14 because I have absolutely no idea!
This machine has a fixed 14" non-adjustable stride length. The machine takes up approximately 55" x 38" of floor space. These are not exact measurements, consult the information on the product page for the exact dimensions. The foot-plates are very large (8.5" wide x 14" long) in order to accommodate all different sizes of feet. The contoured seat back is ventilated for user comfort and it also enables you to maintain good posture. The seat portion looked a little unusual, almost like half a seat, but once I began to use the machine I realized that you don''t need any more "seat" because your upper thighs are moving the whole time you are using the machine. The pedaling action produces a cooling fan breeze which helps with keeping me cool while I''m pedaling. The Airdyne system used is very quiet, but it is not silent. I can very easily hear the video playing on my Kindle Fire while I pedal and people in the next room cannot tell I''m doing my exercise. Also, and this is just for dog owners, this machine (unlike another exercise device I own) does not hurt my dogs ears when it is in operation.
Now some information about the console:
Why, why, why, did Schwinn not supply a better console with this machine? It requires two batteries to use, but the functions are really overly simple. First, it is almost impossible to read the printing on the front of the console because the print is so faint and small that I had to get out a flashlight and magnifying glass to read what the four buttons were to be used for. If there is a way to increase the LCD lighting, then I can''t find it. There are NO instructions regarding the console in the assembly manual except how to put it together and then mount it on the machine. There is NO owners manual provided with this machine and when I went to www.schwinnfitnessdotcom/manual as suggested in the assembly manual it was to find that this product is so new that there is no owners manual yet available (as of the date of this review). The console has a constantly scrolling display while the machine is in use which moves through all the information. On my console they are time, calories, distance, speed, heart rate, and RPM in that order. (Just for information, on the website the information shows distance and speed in reverse order to what is on my console.) There are four buttons. The first is to begin/pause, the second to resume/lock-on all or individual functions, the third moves backward through the functions, the fourth moves forward through the functions. According to the website there are three programmable workout programs. Evidently they mean you can pause it, you can wait until one function shows on the screen and then "lock" it in place (if you specifically want to keep track of one function), and you can advance backward or forward through the functions. The way to increase the intensity of your workout is to pedal faster -not to program in any resistance. There is no on/off switch, the machine goes into sleep mode if there is no movement of the pedals for five minutes. It immediately wakes up with any movement of the pedals. I have not been able to find any way to store previous workout information.
I really enjoy using this machine. I had never used an elliptical of any type before, but this reclined or recumbent style seemed the best way for me to gentle myself into using this type of machine. It does not "hurt" at all to use the machine, my hip joints, knees, or ankles, although I can assure you that I do get quite a workout. Just a little hint though, if you get "lazy" with the placement of your legs and feet you will begin to have some twinges of discomfort in your knees. The first few times of using the machine I had to concentrate to maintain proper positioning of my legs and not get sloppy or overly relaxed. I have had no problem situating the seat at the proper distance from the pedals for maximum effectiveness even though I am considered on the short side height wise (5''3"). My husband, who is over 6'' tall, also has no problem with adjusting the seat for his much longer legs. Moving the seat is simple and easily done. The heart rate sensors in the handlebars will not register a heart rate unless both hands are on the bars and even then you have to hold them for a long period of time to show elevated heart rate. There is a very small shelf in the middle of the console where I place my Kindle but I''m a little worried that it might slide off. There is a drink bottle holder on the left side of the machine. I plan to use this machine as recommended by my doctor and to set goals for myself which will change as I become more proficient in using it. It is a very well made machine and I expect it to give me many years of quality exercise.
EDIT: December 31, 2012 --my husband has been experimenting with the console and he has found that you can pre-program in goals for a single workout in time, distance, and calories expended. The program is not retained in memory when the workout ends. He has shown me how to set the goals but I prefer to build up my endurance slowly, without any pressure to meet a specific goal. After I''ve gotten more accustomed to the machine and have more stamina I may decide to pre-set a program. I still think some instructions would have been helpful and a Schwinn flashlight would come in very handy when trying to read that console. Eventually you will memorize which setting you are on by the position it is in on the console.
I just got this about 2 hours ago so I will update the review after I have had a chance to use it more. I did want to give my initial thoughts since there were no reviews when I bought it.
It arrived via FedEx, no special delivery company to deal with . That was great. I was shocked when Amazon offered $3.99 overnight (I am a prime member) on an item this size. So of course I took advantage of that. I also figured it would take away my chance of dealing with a special delivery company.
Assembly took about 1 1/2 hours by myself. I am a nerd about these things and love doing it. With that in mind I thought it was easy. However, the manual did state 2 people are needed. I am just an average sized guy (well I''m kinda fat, uhhh huh :-) The only part I could complain about were that the screws on the bottom of the console support arm were a pain to put in. You have to crawl under the bar to see that the holes are lined up. And of course it uses the smallest screws so if you have big hands you get to experience the frustration of getting them in there while under the arm. That probably took the longest to deal with.
I would make sure the machine is where you want it. You probably could twist the machine through a doorway to get the console piece through if you had to. I wouldn''t want to deal with the removing the console support arm if I could avoid it.
As another reviewer stated the assembly parts all come on a piece of cardboard labeled and everything. That was nice. As I said I am a nerd and super organized so I also labeled the machine parts with sticky notes containing their letters. I think it makes assembly go faster because you don''t have to flip back to the front of the instructions trying to figure out what part is what.
The seat back is all plastic. In fact the machine is very plastic and that I am not impressed with. I wouldn''t pay more then the deal I got ($550) and I honestly feel that is to high. It all seems like it could break. I think it would still be functional but it would look junky. Because of the seat back being plastic I had a broken cross piece but it was on the bottom so it is still usable. I got tired of holding on the phone after 5 minutes and sent an email for a replacement. Will also update on that if I ever get it.
One final assembly tip, the seat cushion is under the inside box inside a piece of styrofoam. I missed it the first time... but that''s why you label and check parts. :-) Yes, nerd.
I thought the console was easy to program. No real instructions but I didn''t feel they were needed. Yes, I am technically inclined but it tells you on the face of the console what the buttons do.
I was ambitious in wanting to try it so I set it to burn 200 calories. I did 6:12 minutes, 2.07 miles, 20.2 MPH and burned 49 calories. And that was enough for now. I question the stated heart rate of 77, I was huffing! I do have a stand alone chest strap with a wristband I will test it against.
The machine is smooth, it did seem a little wobbly but I am pushing the weight limit so that is my fat behinds fault, I think. Note there are no moving arms, I was thinking there was, so I was disappointed. It is kind of weird doing an elliptical without using your arms to push yourself harder. I think you could add dumbbells fairly easy though and do some upper body. I would recommend XMark 50 lb. Adjustable Dumbbell I''ve had them for a year or two. Sad they are now collecting dust but they are nice to use. The machine is comfortable and I felt that I did get a good workout in that short time even though I wasn''t moving my arms. I wear a size 14 shoe and my feet fit fine on the pedals.
Overall, I think I will use it and not hang clothes on it like my 5 or 6 other pieces of fitness equipment. It is quiet, fits in front of the TV and isn''t very difficult. Though my legs are killing me right now so I may take that last part back. I did have a conventional elliptical at one time but I didn''t like it because it raised me to close to the ceiling. So in my opinion the recumbent is a big plus for home use. Also, the Airdyne lets off a nice breeze. I am concerned with the blades getting gunked up (pet hair, dust) like a portable fan does. I am not sure if there is a way to take off the cover to clean them.
Best of luck in getting fit!
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1/20/13... I love this machine! I found it really easy to do a dumbbell workout while I am using it. I do think it is really hard, but I am really out of shape. The recumbent setup is so much better than standing. Also, I received a very nice email from customer service regarding my broken seat back. 2 weeks later (a little slow but it was the 1st of the year so I give them a break) a new seat back arrived on my doorstep. Very impressed with the customer service. I will agree the console is hard to read. I do wish the side bar swiveled in so that I could put it in front of me to read a book.
Buy Schwinn 520 Recumbent Elliptical Trainer (Black) Now
In my opinion the Schwinn 520 can be used by a beginner like myself on up to someone who can really utilize it to max out everything it offers.
UPS brought it into my home and there it sat in the box until it was put together! As stated in the description, it''s heavy! I did not put it together. The instructions suggest two people do it, but one person did it for me in about 2 hours with some exasperating breaks, such as after getting down on the floor underneath the console arm trying to hold it up while putting the screws in oh, and threading the wires through it might take a bit of string to complete that task. That might be where two people could make it much easier. Upon completion, it is a big machine so make sure you have the room for it I just moved furniture around so it could stay in the front room.
The seat was easy to adjust, but I had never sat on anything like it before so that took a bit of getting used to. At first I felt like I was going to fall off! That''s just me, but I didn''t feel as secure as I did on a regular Schwinn exercise bike. And the pedals wow, they are big so that took some getting used to as well. But, I have been using it for several weeks and each time I feel more comfortable on it. I actually like it a lot. I can go slowly which is what I do best considering I am a senior with health issues. It''s easier to get on and off than a regular exercise bike and I don''t feel the strain in my legs that a bike can sometimes cause. I really don''t have to do anything but sit there and push!
I tried using the console, but it just seemed more trouble than I wanted to deal with and it sits in a way that was awkward for me, plus it is hard to read. It''s like looking at a small tablet. Since I am not keeping track of anything or trying to use certain programs, it really doesn''t matter to me if it''s there or not. But, that''s the reason for the 4 stars. This is an expensive, well made machine and is worthy of a larger, easier to read/use console in my opinion.
What matters is that the Schwinn 520 is easy to use and does not require a major effort which is what is important to me. Plus, the fact it is so quiet I can watch tv. I find myself getting on it several times a day if only for a few minutes at a time, but those few minutes mean I am moving my legs which means I am helping my health!
Read Best Reviews of Schwinn 520 Recumbent Elliptical Trainer (Black) Here
I saw this on Gold Box and I read the 2 reviews and decided to try it. I am so glad I did!! This Recumbent Eliptical bike is perfect for me. I also have a treadmill, but Schwinn 520 Recumbent Elliptical works better for me . I have asthma and chronic bronchitis, so exercising regularly is more difficult at times. I can''t use the treadmill if I am not feeling healthy because if I get dizzy I fall. But with the Schwinn 520 Recumbent Elliptical Trainer (Black), I can take breaks sit and then start back up. If I get dizzy sit back for a few minutes and rest. I know I will use this regularly, and it will help me keep exercising which is so important if you have any health problems.
It doesn''t hurt my knees, or back, its quite comfortable to use. I am 100% pleased and so glad I purchased it.
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I''m not big on exercise and wanted something that didn''t seem impossible to keep up with. This works exactly like I thought it would, and it works smoothly and quietly. I thought I would need headphones to watch TV while using this, but I don''t. I''m very happy with the quality and ease of use. No huge, complicated directions. Great purchase.
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Great fabric and comfortable! Accurate sizing too! I''m 5''2 and 120 and the small is perfect. The small also worked great for my 5''6 female teammate!
