These are two of the most popular, quality and commercially standardized elliptical trainers. We picked on the Schwinn 470 and NordicTrack c7.5 to determine which of the two is more powerful.
My sister bought a NordicTrack elliptical a few years back and it caused some serious excitement at home. Of course, I had a go on it almost 4 times a week at least and I really appreciated the effectiveness of the workout in a few months.
So, now that I am living alone, I needed to find an elliptical machine that would suit my needs. I had experienced and loved the NordicTrack but when I came across the Schwinn, my mind was torn. This is a big purchase and I needed to be certain of my decision so I did a little digging.
Here is a summary of the features and benefits of both and their differences that helped me decide on one.
The differences between Schwinn and NordicTrack Ellipticals
 |
Schwinn 470 |
NordicTrack c7.5 |
Resistance |
Magnetic – 25 levels |
Magnetic – 22 levels |
Incline Range |
0-10 degrees |
0-20 degrees |
Stride Length |
20 inches |
20 inches |
Display |
Backlit LCD |
Backlit LCD |
Workout programs |
29 |
26 |
Max. Weight |
300 lbs |
325 lbs |
Price |
Schwinn vs NordicTrack Ellipticals – How they compare
Functionality
These two machines have more similarities than differences but these odds make for significant comparisons in their performance overall.
Though they both have an incline function, the Schwinn is limited to 10 degrees while the NordicTrack stretches to and healthy 20 degrees. This incline functions to add resistance and vary your training by including an uphill stride.
Adjustments on this incline function can be done by using the in-built console to type in the settings or by turning a knob to adjust it manually. Mid workout, it does help to have a console with control tabs.
22 levels of resistance in NordicTrack are slightly lower than the 25 levels offered in Schwinn 470 but in terms of the settings and their adjustments go, the two bikes have varied adjustment options.
Stride length for both 470 and c7.5 is set at 20 inches which is adequate for any kind of training whether heavy or light. their handlebars are very flexible and anti-slip and while you pull and push on the elliptical, you benefit from a full body workout.
The incline ramp of the Schwinn 470 is flexible and adjustable compared to the fixed ramp of the NordicTrack c7.5.
Features
Heart rate monitoring is possible for both elliptical machines and the sensors are built in to the machine’s handlebars. So, as you work out with your hands on the grips, the ellipticals register your information and display it on the screen provided.
NordicTrack c7.5 has a better screen because it is a 5†backlit LCD which is bigger and more advanced that the Schwinn 470. However, since both screens work quite well and they display the vitals as needed, this isn’t so much of a deal breaker.
Schwinn 470 has 29 built-in workout programs to choose from and the c7.5 features 26 combined workouts. The two ellipticals both have Bluetooth connectivity and using this, you can connect your phone and other external devices.
This connection gives you access to more training apps with diverse workouts just in case you want a different experience. For even more comfort and an enriched striding experience, you have an in-built fan in both ellipticals that helps to cool you down as you sweat it out.
Speakers are also embedded on the machines’ frames to help you crank up your energy levels and keep cheering yourself on. More accessories like bottle holders have been also thoughtfully incorporated in both elliptical designs.
The phone holder is a common feature of the two but only the Schwinn 470 provides a charging port to conveniently keep your phone on if it is threatening to run out of battery charge mid workout.
When it comes to the maximum weight capacity, there is a slight 25-pound difference between the two with NordicTrack c7.5 supporting 325 pounds.
Features on both bikes are similar but Schwinn slightly outdoes the NordicTrack by offering data exportation and device charging options which are missing on the c7.5.
Schwinn vs NordicTrack Elliptical – A Comparison Overview
Schwinn 470 – Overview
[amazon box=”B00D4LEG3Y” template=”horizontal” ]Runs on magnetic resistance with 25 levels to choose from and these may be manually adjusted by use of a knob or automatically on the console. Adding to your experience is a 0 to 10-degree incline range you are able to really work out your glutes and hamstrings.
This elliptical provides 20 inches of stride length and depending on your resistance or incline settings, this could be an easy or hard trainer.
By using the 29 exercise programs that have been pre-programmed, you won’t have to care about adjustments as they are automatically set for you based on whichever program you select to work on. There are both paid and free access workouts and they vary from virtual reality exercising on RunSocial.
This is a fun and interactive workout in which you can see avatars of other cyclists on the same workout as you. This could be a fun activity to coordinate workouts with your friends at a distance.
Tracking your heart rate is possible using the Bluetooth wireless connection which also enable data exportation to external devices.
Pros
- Movable handlebars
- 25 resistance levels
- 20 inch stride
- 10 degrees of incline
- 29 customizable workouts
- Heart rate monitor
- Data exportation and device charging
Cons
- Regular maintenance required
- Not ideal for heavy trainers
NordicTrack c7.5 – Overview
[amazon box=”B018R9VGLW” template=”horizontal” ]Features a 20-pound flywheel providing a smooth experience and with 22 levels of resistance to choose from, you have enough challenges to keep your workouts fun and exciting. These levels are adjustable by using the screen or by turning a knob to manually do it.
It provides a 20-inch stride length and up to 20 degrees in incline angles with an adjustable ramp. The more you optimize your workout, the more calories you burn leading to a toned body. A 5-inch backlit console displays your vitals as you train and gives you a wide-angle view.
The console is fitted with a cooling fan to keep your temperatures balanced as you train hard. There is an Autobreeze workout that you can select and it will automatically adjust your speed based on your training effort.
For audio, the c7.5 offers in built speakers and phone compatibility. 26 workout programs ranging from weight loss training to interval training are at your disposal. Grip handlebars are fitted with the heart rate sensors to track your progress.
Pros
- 22 levels of magnetic resistance
- 26 pre-loaded workout programs
- Bluetooth connection to iFit through phone
- 20 degrees of incline
- Transport wheels and a compact design
Cons
- 5†display is small
- Pedals not adjustable
- Not compatible with wireless heart rate monitoring
Verdict: So, which is better, Schwinn or NordicTrack?
This was a tough decision seeing as both these ellipticals bear more similarities than differences in their design and functionality. Eventually we settled for the Schwinn 470 because the training ramp was adjustable as compared to the NordicTrack c7.5.
Other benefits that led us to pick the Schwinn brand was like their Bluetooth connectivity which connects phones and allows for data exportation, their wireless heart rate monitor compatibility and finally their flexible and adjustable incline range.