Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine Review

The Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine is a great entry level exercise machine that has some of the best features. Schwinn A40 is an improved version of the A40 and was introduced in 2013. Its color has been changed from the silver of the earlier 2011 version to black.

The display also has been changed and stride length has been slightly increased i.e. from 17” to 17.5”. Barring these changes, rest everything is the same. 4 D batteries (LR20) will be needed to run the machine but they are not included in the package. Alternatively users can purchase an AC power adapter.

Updated: July 27, 2019.

Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine Features and Specifications

Shipping Dimensions of Schwinn A40 Elliptical

- Length: 56 inches

- Width: 23.7 inches

- Height: 64.5 inches

- Weight: 111.3 lbs.

Dimensions of Schwinn A40 Elliptical when Assembled

- Length: 59 inches

- Width: 22.5 inches

- Height: 64 inches

- Weight: 90.4 lbs.

Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine Shipping and Assembly

Schwinn don’t directly sell or ship. Local retailers do this for them. Thus, shipping can differ.

A well-illustrated step-by-step manual and tools for assembly are provided with the machine. However, users may need certain basic tools for the assembly like soft hammer, cutter, batteries, scissors and additional lubricant. Although, as per the company, two people are needed to assemble the machine, actually user alone can do it. It takes around 45 to 60 minutes for the assembly.

Quality and Durability

Schwinn is a reputed name in fitness equipment because they always produce quality products. Thus, when you buy Schwinn A40 Elliptical, quality is guaranteed. Users can be sure that the machine is strong and will not shake even during their most intense exercise. As such, Schwinn A40 Elliptical is quite lightweight i.e. only 90 lbs. but it’s extremely strong having oversized levelers and stabilizers.

A very smooth motion is provided by the perimeter weighted flywheel pushed by a strong V-belt which keeps the machine in place. Especially under this price range, this machine is absolutely well-built and sturdy. But it should also be remembered that a few users have got the plastic parts of their machine broken, although many other users are happy with the machine.

Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine Design

Schwinn A40 Elliptical is compact-sized to fit almost anywhere. Due to its ergonomic design, it takes the stress off joints and thus reduces the risk of joint pain. This is helpful for elderly users and also arthritic patients. It also has ergonomically designed handles that provide multiple exercise positions.

It also has a fast and dependable 8 level ECB (Eddy Current Brake) electromagnetic resistance system which help users increase metabolism as well as stamina which in turn is useful for burning a lot of calories.

It features a weighted perimeter flywheel which has the ability to involve every major muscle group and most common problem areas such as arms, thighs, abdomen and glutes. The movements of the user are made smooth by the flywheel.

The machine also has several comfort features like a fan, well-sized and convenient water bottle holder, transport wheels, speakers and a reading rack in which users can also rest their phone or tablet, along with books. The fan is powered by only two 4D cell batteries but doesn’t give a very strong output, but provides sufficient cooling air movement during workout.

Also, the position of the reading rack aka media tray is problematic because users’ mobile device comes in the way of console; thus they cannot see the stats when they are watching their phone or tablet.

Users should note that the step height of A40 at its maximum is 16 inches. Thus if they have low ceilings, they should add this to their height to make sure there is enough head room.

Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine Console

Normally, entry-level ellipticals feature a very basic computer with some basic readings and an ordinary scan feature. However, Schwinn A40 Elliptical has a 5” x 3” multifunction LCD display that has 6 profile programs through 3 settings, viz. mountains, fun rides and challenges, 2 programs in each. In addition, the machine also offers the user an ability to program their own workout manually through a Quick Start button. Thus there are total 7 preset programs in A40.

- Mountains: Pyramids and Pikes Peak

- Fun Rides: Ride in the Park and Rolling Hills

- Challenges: Uphill Finish and Cross-Training

It shows workout data that includes chosen program, time, distance, speed, calories, heart rate, resistance level, revolutions per minute and results. The Quick Start capability allows users to jump directly into the exercise without entering age/height/weight etc. Although this will allow users to move faster, the heart rate monitoring won’t be useful because it cannot target the appropriate tempo suited to users’ age, height, weight etc.

When the user will select a program, A40 will model a course with its built in 8 resistance levels that are delivered through the front perimeter flywheel. Electromagnets provide resistance. Each course is built to offer a different challenge like a pursuit options or a circuit course.

There is a 3mm port for audio input, but the speaker quality is relatively poor - this should not be of an issue because it’s expected on a budget elliptical.

Users can use a prominent start/stop button to safely end the workout session. A quick tap can be used to pause the exercise while a three-second hold can be used to stop it completely. The stats will be displayed when users will end the workout. If the machine is not used for around 5 minutes, it will enter Sleep Mode.

There are two drawbacks, however, with the console of A40. Firstly it’s not backlit and therefore users have to use the machine in a well-lit room or use a clip-on flashlight. The other issue is that the machine needs power from a couple of AA batteries which are not included or from a separate power supply.

Contact Heart Rate System

Schwinn A40 features contact heart rate (CHR) sensors fitted on the handlebars that are placed at a comfortable natural height. The sensors are high-quality and pick up users’ electromagnetic output quickly from their heart beats. Provided that there must be a little moisture on the users’ hands, the reading will be displayed quickly.

Also, users should make sure their hands touch both the top and bottom of the sensors. However, the reading is inaccurate, according to actual users, just like all other contact heart rate monitors.

Articulating Footpedals

Schwinn A40 has a nice feature in the form of its articulating footplates about which not many people know. These are found on the A40 and also on 430 and 470 models. They have thick ridges and texture and they support and follow the motion of users’ ankles and feet as they go through the elliptical path. This is a great feature because it dramatically reduces the risk of slipping during more vigorous exercises and it makes the workout overall more comfortable. Since the footpedals articulate when users work out, they reduce the impact on users’ joints. They also help users keep the running movement more natural.

Stride Length

Stride length of Schwinn A40 Elliptical is 17.5 inches. This is actually quite short. Even the 18” stride lengths featured by most ellipticals are considered short.

Thus, for tall users who are more than 6 feet, this stride length may not be comfortable. Ideally, an elliptical meant to accommodate most users should have an adjustable stride of up to around 20-22” (430 or 470 have 20”).

The stride of Schwinn A40 Elliptical is not adjustable. It provides only users with average height with a natural and comfortable foot motion with its biomechanically designed linkages.

One notable feature of the machine, however, is that it can be run in two directions i.e. forwards and backwards. This is seemingly a bit strange, but certainly offers an excellent change to the muscle groups.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of Schwinn A40 Elliptical is just 275 lbs. and thus, along with excluding tall users, it also excludes users having weight more than this. Thus unless users are not average, this machine won’t suit them. Some users with their weight more than the weight capacity of A40 have found that the durable machine starts shaking when they start intense exercises and even its parts come out or break.

Portability

Schwinn A40 is a lightweight machine and features transport wheels on its forward stabilizer bar. Thus the stabilizer can be easily picked up and the unit can be transferred to a place of users’ choice easily. Thus users can move it in front of the TV and put it away after finishing the workout.

Noise

The resistance of Schwinn A40 Elliptical is friction-free. With its resistance scale carefully managed in 10 levels, delivered through electromagnetic Quiet Magnetic Eddy Current Brake (ECB) resistance system, the machine is quieter than most users may expect.

Although some noise creeps out at high intensity levels, the balanced flywheel offers a smooth operation. Most of the noise can be removed by using noise-cancelling headphones.

Maintenance

A40 needs a low maintenance. Users just have to lubricate all its joints every few months or whenever they find any discomfort.

Warranty

The frame of Schwinn A40 Elliptical has a 2-year warranty. Its parts and electronics have 6-month warranty and a 30-day wear parts warranty.

Pros of Schwinn A40 Elliptical

- High-quality, strong and durable

- 7 preset programs: 6 profile and 1 quick start

- 8 resistance levels to keep users on their toes

- Ergonomically designed grip heart rate monitors

- High-speed, high-inertia, perimeter-weighted flywheel offers quiet and smooth workout

- Transport wheels for easy portability

- Large LCD console that tracks distance, time, speed, calories, RPM and heart rate

- Quiet and smooth operation

Cons of Schwinn A40 Elliptical

- Short stride length that cannot accommodate tall users

- Short weight capacity that cannot accommodate heavier users

- Console not backlit, so cannot be read in dark

- Batteries are not included, so many users buy AC Adapter for Schwinn A40 Elliptical

- No incline

- Short warranty because a lot of users have complaints that the plastic parts of the machine break after just 1-2 years

Schwinn Ellipticals Comparison Chart

Schwinn manufactures several similar ellipticals, differing in number of programs, display size and type, heart rate monitoring, stride length etc.

Comparison of most popular Schwinn ellipticals is given in the following chart:

Model	Schwinn 470 Elliptical	Schwinn 430 Elliptical	Schwinn 411 Elliptical	Schwinn A40 Elliptical
Photo
Number of Programs	29	22	13	7
Bluetooth Connectivity	Yes	No	Yes	No
Mixed Reality Training	RunSocial App	No	RunSocial App	No
Performance Tracking	Schwinn Trainer App	Goal Track	No	No
Stride Length	20 inches	20 inches	18 inches	17.5 inches
Heart Rate Monitoring	Contact & Telemetry Enabled	Contact	Contact & Telemetry Enabled	Contact
Display	2 DualTrack Blue Backlit LCD Displays	2 DualTrack LCD Displays	5.5" High Contrast LCD	5” x 3” LCD
Resistance Levels	25	20	16	8
Media Rack	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Speakers	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Maximum User Weight	300 pounds	300 pounds	300 pounds	275 pounds
Amazon Link	Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine	Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine	Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Machine	Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine

Note: Amazon links open in the new windows, feel free to check them for most up-to-date offers and prices.

Compare the prices:

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Bottom Line

Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine is a high-quality exercise machine despite being entry-level with excellent strength, durability and stability, especially considering its lower price. However, it may not be useful for users who are more than the average in height and weight.

But for average users, especially for beginners, it’s an excellent machine with its sturdiness and a very nice computer with 7 pre-programmed workouts. If you need larger and stronger units, consider the one that suits your needs and requirements.

For more reviews and recommendations, check Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine Amazon link (link opens in the new window).