It isn’t hard to see why, either: there are 20 levels of resistance to boost the intensity of your workouts, plus 22 preset exercise programs catering to beginners and the more advanced. Yes it lacks the smart features found on super-modern (and more expensive) home cardio machines, but there’s still plenty here for $699, including heart rate and calorie tracking - handy if you don’t own one of the best fitness trackers (opens in new tab).
View the Schwinn 430 Elliptical at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
The Schwinn 430 Elliptical is all about helping you progress at your own pace. How come? By serving up six different incline options from the beginner-friendly to total thigh-busters. That, plus 20 computer controlled resistance levels tailored to your current fitness level, and a decent range of built-in exercises to follow along with. These are handy if you haven’t signed up to any specific online fitness programs (opens in new tab) that support elliptical workouts, yet you prefer an instructor-led class. If you’re anything like us, cross-trainer workouts quickly transform you into a sweaty mess, but the Schwinn 430 has a secret weapon to keep you cool: an integrated three-speed fan. As for other comfort features, both footplates are cushioned to absorb more impact, and the moving handlebars are ergonomically designed for better grip and hand placement. You won’t find a fancy display on the Schwinn 430 Elliptical, but you will find essential workout metrics displayed on the DualTrack 2 LCD screen system. You’ll see your active minutes, distance covered, and your heart rate displayed - heart rate contact grips are fitted into each handlebar. You can’t watch videos on those LCD screens, but there is a media shelf to support your tablet (opens in new tab) if you want to exercise while watching a show or movie. Ultimately, if you have already invested in one of the best home gyms (opens in new tab) for weight training, a quality cross-trainer like this Schwinn is definitely worth considering to add in a more intense cardio element. Looking for more fitness content? We’d recommend our guide to the best bike trainers (opens in new tab) for transforming your MTB or road bike into an indoor cardio machine. To boost recovery post-workout, try one of the best handheld massagers (opens in new tab).
