Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

I have used this elliptical every other day since it's purchase. It has been my best fitness purchase ever. The only thing that kept my rating from being a five star is it's lack of a book rack.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

Thus far we are very pleased with this elliptical exerciser. It is the first that we have used.
I have had to retighten bolts frequently thus far to stop recurrent noises.
We purchased this mode vs the other Schwinn models in this price range because of the longer warranty.
I am pleased overall!

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

I bought this elliptical for my wife who is pregnant. We went to the stores so she could try several brands/models/styles and she really liked the Schwinn. I was somewhat leary of buying online and assembly but it couldn't have gone smoother. Instructions were very straightforward and everything you need is included. My wife is accustomed to the commercial grade models at the gym and she is very happy with the 438 model.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

Very solid machine

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

Good Product. Adding capability to adjust the location of the foot rests (forward/back) would be helpful.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

I have had the trainer for over a year now and formed quite a solid opinion about it. If you use it as a primary exercise machine for a hard daily workout, it is not for you. Why? Because it is underpowered (in comparison with the industrial units) and flimsy (the main metal stem of my trainer broke out just after a month of exercising, plus, the bolts loosening up all the time). But, if you are not going to follow example of your obedient servant by beating you know what out of that machine, I cannot suggest a better deal.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

I bought this machine in October of 2006. It broke about two months later and took two months to gets parts and service. One more breakdown that I was able to repair. Then a part breakage within the frame, supposedly due to my perspiration. Please. This one required a repair service and the unit remains very noisy. Can't stand to ride it - I go to the club. So much for the convenience of having a machine at home. [...]

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

It looked intimidating to put together, but it wasn't bad. The parts are clearly identified and the instructions are clear. I picked this product because I knew I wouldn't use something that felt flimsy or didn't provide a good workout; it did not disappoint.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

We bought the eliptical and put it together with some effort (not bad), but since we are constantly fighting a squeek that come from the left side of the machine. When we try to tighten or lube some of the joints it doesn't help. The other side does not make noise like the left side. It is very distracting and hard to listen to anything else but the squeek.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

This ellipital has some issues. I bought it because I love the elliptical at the gym and there was hope that this one could be close based on the reviews I read. Nope...not close. The fan didn't work, neither did the heart rate monitor. The step length isn't far enough if you are taller than 5'5". It is huge (which I might forgive if it was a good workout). After 3 months of not seeing much difference in my fitness, I really don't use it anymore. I find Wii Finess more fun and more likely to get me where I want to be. I am on the verge of selling it. So much for my [$].

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

I love my Swinn 438 Elliptical! There are so many levels and resistance levels to choose from. I like how you can gradually work yourself into an extensive workout at your own pace. I also like the read out when you are done with your workout. It tells you how far you went, how many calories you burned and also your heart rate. It's great! I have actually recommended this to 2 of my friends and have bought their own. About the only thing I don't like about it is that it squeaks and makes a lot of noise. The peddles do glide real nice and smooth (forward and backards).
This product was very easy to put together.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

I replaced my Nordic Track Ski with the elipical trainer after developing pain in my knees. Itg has proven to be a great way to get my workout without hurting my knees. The operation is simple and quiet, however, it has devloped a squeaky noise along the left side.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

The Schwinn Elliptical 438 is a perfect middle of the road piece of equipment. I tested several ellipticals and felt this was far sturdier & quieter than most and still very affordable. It is very easy to assemble, in fact, I did it alone. I love the different levels of workout and the fact that it keeps a workout record for each user. Love it!

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

Console didn't work and had to be replaced. Pretty complicated to assemble. Some joints have worn out in the first 12-14 months of 2-3 times a week use. Heart monitor din't work well from the start. Pretty easy to use, and pretty comfortable.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

I do water aerobics every day and hoped to add this device for use on days with bad weather. I did a lot of research but still am disappointed. I had hoped for the gliding action but found this machine has much action like a stair stepper and it just too difficult for me to use. After just a few minutes I am ready to faint. I wish there were less pumping action and a longer gliding stride. [...]

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

I needed a machine that would work my heart, but not break my ankles or knees. I can go 6 mph and faster without any fear. One thing I really like about it, is a wear a Polar heart rate monitor and the machine picks up the singals also.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

Love it!!!!!!!! I use this piece of equipment 5 to 7 days a week (40 min. each day). I have lost 25 pounds and went from a size 10 to a size 6!! I'm 45 years old, married with three teenagers, and teach middle school. It's easy and convinent.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

This broke after less than six months!!! I am 120 pounds and used the machine 2-3 times a week. It broke while I was ON IT!

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

The Schwinn Eliptical is everything that was advertised and we would recommend this brand to friends. [...][@]

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

My brother in law set it up for me. Took him a couple hours. I have owned machine for a couple years now (just got an e-mail to write a review) and it has worked great.

It is hot upstairs (heat rises) so when I workout I am sucking air. It helps greatly that the fan on machine is level with my head so I blast it on 3rd level for air.

I have never had any mechanical problems. It is very sturdy and I weigh a little more than 230 pounds. I am 6 foot 3 and even on this machine I am a good distance from ceiling. There are many different workouts. It is currently set for "Rolling Hills." It saves each of my 30 minute workouts but admittedly I have never even once checked cumulative data or whatever stats they do keep. I think you get a very good sweat for 30 minutes. Your arms help to get the body working out because they constantly move along with your feet.

I buy everything Consumer Reports as I did this machine and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

I like the sleekness of the trainer, and its ease of use. The workout/training programs are quite sufficient. The fan could be a little bigger / more powerful, but it isn't necessary for working out. Its a tad bit louder than I had hoped; however, it is not overly noisy. If I keep my bedroom door closed, you can't hear it in the next room.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

This is a great machine! It's sturdy without weighing a ton. Feels like a professional elliptical trainer. Relatively easy to set up. I have used it almost every day since I got it and that was in October of 2006. Shows no wear whatsoever and still works like the day I got it.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

The heart rate monitor placement renders them unusable.....

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

I love the low impact workout. My joints don't hurt like they do when I do other activities like running. I can work out longer and harder with a lot less pain.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

For the price a great value. A little hard to put together with the instructions given but really overall no problem. I do not look forward to having to move it though. Great programs. Sturdy and low impact.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

I've had this elliptical for two years and I still love it. I use it 3-5 times a week and haven't had a single problem with it yet. It's quiet, sturdy, and smooth. After working out in a gym for years, I worried that any home model would feel cheap and flimsy, but this elliptical is the opposite. Even my friend who is 300lbs thought it felt sturdy. The swinging handles are the right length and create a comfortable motion. The only con to this particular model is that it is heavy and once it is put together, it is hard to move. It does not fit through doorways without taking some of it apart and even though it has small wheels on the front, it is hard to roll even a few feet. Some other pros: cup holder, accurate heart rate monitor on stationary handles (though it takes about 2 min to accurately read), numerous pre-set programs, saves user profiles, very easy-to-read display, long foot pedals, looks sleek, and has plenty of resistance levels.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

Good home elliptical - good smooth movement, sturdy, good features. One major neg - placement of heart rate monitor pads. They are at an angle and place where they are almost unusable.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

the heart rate monitor on this machiene hasn't ever worked as well as the ellipticals at the gym, the telemetry strap isn't as comfortable as my other polar brand strap(which actually works too). It just takes a bit for it to work, and I can't figure out why it sometimes doesn't because its not like I'm not standing in the same spot everytime.
I don't use the machiene as much as I would like to, so I don't know how well it does with more extended use. I do however feel that for vigorous workouts it starts to shake a little more than I'd like. Sometimes if I misstep the pedal slips out of its grove, but resumes.
I had two 'extra parts' that were nowhere in the booklet at all, so hopefully thats exactly what they are.
It is Compact, and I like that because my space is small.
I like to use it and it keeps track of my progress or how many hours or miles etc. I've done, but it can keep track of multiple users too.
The fan is a lovely touch for added airflow. I like to keep it next to the window incase I get hot I can get some air.
It makes me happy to use this and I think it was a good value for my money overall. I have it at the end of the day even if I choose not to use it as often as I should, whereas a gym membership is wasted when I don't go; SO it suits me.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

I found the instruction manual to be very difficult and frustrating to follow. Could not figure out how to input my personal settings to use as a basis for my progress. Finally gave up trying to use the instruction manual and just use it in the "manual" mode. I know that I'm not using all of the features that I paid for, but maybe I'll tackle the book again when I have more time. Also, book was not even clear on where to plug in the electrical cord (to the machine). I finally called cust serv and she said that the book was not clear on that. She was very helpful, though. Bottom line: I love the machine; poor technical writing in the instruction manual which presents a problem when you're trying to get the most out of a piece of exercise equipment.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

I love this machine for the price...I have been using it almost everyday for a month now and it is well designed and easy to use. The only thing I don't like are the 2 piece arms. They need to have a more secure way to attach together than the setscrews they use now.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

I didn't see much difference in my body after using it for two months. I would say Ellipticals should be rear wheel and minimum 20 inches stride lingth. Sold it already on [...].

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

Excellent product in this price category. It's sturdy and quiet, while providing a full set of workout programs. You can have up to 4 different users programmed. We have had it for a year now and we are very happy with it.

My only issue is with the wireless heart monitor. The original one that came with it failed after a couple of weeks and now the replacement has also failed. On the plus side, Schwinn customer service is terrific. They replaced the unit and the entire console the first time around without any hassle. I now need to call again.

As for my comment about setup, the instructions are very detailed and straightforward. But there are a lot of parts and steps to go through. It took me 1 1/2 hours solid and I am very handy. I had no trouble, but if you are the type that struggles with assembly of some items then I would definitely get some help. Also, it seems like it's 200 lbs. when delivered so don't try to move it on your own.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

We loved our eliptical until it literally broke. We had to have one of the major components rewelded. [...] the original welds were of very poor quality and had been done on an assembly line as opposed to getting detailed attention as it should have. We will never purchase another Schwinn eliptical again.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

A great piece of equipment that provides a good low-impact workout - I alternate it with my running routine

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

This machine is very noisy and just doesn't seem very well put together. While the price was a lot cheaper and it was recommended as a best buy by Consumer Reports, the elliptical trainers at my gym (Precor) are far better than this machine. We rarely use the machine, yet it sounds like it has been used non-stop since we purchased it 11 months ago.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

The price was a little daunting, but I'm glad I made the investment. It's the best machine I've used outside of a gym. I find most of them feel awkward in the stride and inclination. This one is very comfortable and is easy on muscles and tendons.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

I have no disapointment with this purchase. It is my favorite form of exercise. I have great flexibility as to the amount of stress, my heart rate, etc. It is quiet, communicative and efficient. I did not expect anything that it doesn't deliver.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

Machine is very noisy.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

Great low impact workout

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

I live in the country and do not have a chance to go to the gym. I workout on the elliptical 6 days a week. the schwinn gives me many different workouts to use, so I am not bored. this was a great purchase for me.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

I have used this elliptical trainer for a year now and find it easy to use and very sturdy. The stride is just right. Definitely worth the price.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

I use my 438 almost every morning. I also have a membership to a rec facility and frequently use high-end ellipticals in hotels (Precor, etc)
I can honestly say that this machine is as good or better. I have noticed that it seems to have a longer stride which is great for me.
Not as many bells and whistles as the Precors/etc...but also 1/3 the cost.
Very sturdy, and quiet too

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

I read all the reviews and picked this unit. I expected it to have the gliding back and forth movement but it also has a stair-stepper motion which I would not have selected because it is too hard on my knees.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

I have MVP and I use the trainer for cardiovascular strengthening. After about 3 months the heartrate monitor stopped working and then the rate of speed would only show in kilometers and not MPH. Just didn't expect to have problems that soon with the electrical components.

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

Since exercise is cumulative and I'm very busy, I do 10-minute sessions 3 or 4 times each day. I do a different course every day to keep things interesting. I used to visit a gym daily and realized I was basically only using their eliptical machine which cost about $5000. I bought the 438 Schwinn for [$], quit the gym and workout at home, much more convenient, no dirty locker rooms to deal with, no steroid heads hogging the weight benches, so good to get out of the stupid gym environment. Thank you Schwinn!

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

Great machine for strenghening legs

Comments about Schwinn Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer:

OVERALL IS A GOOD MACHINE BUT AFTER 14-15 MONTHS (ACTUALLY 3-4 MONTHS OF DAILY USE AFTER BEING SIDELINED FOR MOST OF A YEAR) WELDS ON THE PEDAL ARM FAILED.. ALSO BOLT ON THE MAIN PEDAL ARM TO PIVOT TUBE(FASTENING TO MAIN FLYWHEEL)ASSEMBLY SHEARED AFTER 3 MONTHS.. NAUTILUS REPLACED BOTH L/R PIVOT TUBES AT NO COST.. SO FAR SO GOOD WITH BACKING UP THEIR PRODUCT EXCEPT FOR THE WELDS I HAD REPAIRED TO SAVE MAILING COSTS..