The Active 40 or A40 is Schwinn’s most affordable elliptical cross trainer. With its 17.5” stride, this model is best suited for shorter individuals. It includes a heart rate monitor, a workout fan, a drink holder, and a reading rack. The Schwinn A40 sells for just $399 online.
Elliptical Hits of the Schwinn Active 40 Cross Trainer
- Full stride – The Active 40 has a 17.5” stride. Taller people can get an effective low-impact cardiovascular workout on this machine, but the elliptical movement might feel choppy.
- Fixed and moving handlebars – Trainees can choose between a full-body workout and a lower-body workout.
- Articulating footplates – The pedals rotate to support the user’s natural ankle motion.
- Heart rate sensor – A pulse grip heart rate sensor helps users train in their ideal heart rate zones for cardiovascular health.
- Extras: Extras including a reading rack, a bottle holder, and a two-speed fan are normally only found on more expensive elliptical trainers.
Elliptical Misses: Why the A40 Is So Inexpensive
- Lower capacity – With its 275-pound user weight capacity, this unit is marked with a relatively high weight capacity for a budget cross trainer. However, it only weighs 90 pounds, which makes the capacity claim seem a bit exaggerated. Personal trainers recommend this machine to people weighing 170 pounds and less.
- Short warranty – Customers get a 30-day warranty on wear parts, a six-month warranty on other mechanical parts and electronics, and a two-year warranty on the frame.
- Simple programs – The console include six training programs. That’s pretty good for a budget elliptical trainer, but Schwinns costing a bit more have better preset options.
- Few resistance levels – There are 8 tension levels on the Schwinn Active 40. That’s relatively few, but it’s typical for a budget elliptical. The tension can be adjusted digitally instead of manually, which makes it more convenient to use than other cheap others.
- Console window hard to see – Console readouts, which some customers wish were larger, show time, RPM, distance, pulse, speed, calories, and resistance level in addition to a simple course profile.
Overall Rating for the Schwinn A40 Elliptical
The Schwinn Active 40 or A40 cross trainer is a reasonable option for smaller people who really need to save money. With articulating pedals, a fair amount of workouts, and a not-too-short stride, it beats other elliptical trainers in its price range — but customers would probably be better off with a more expensive Schwinn in the long run. Customers who are determined to spend about $399 might consider the A40 a good value starter machine if they buy it with an extended warranty.
