Schwinn 810 Treadmill Review – The Price Is Right

Dimensions/Storability

The Schwinn 810 has unfolded dimensions of 69.1″ L x 35.6″ W x 56.7″ H and folded dimensions of 39.5″ L x 35.6″ W x 60.2″ H. In addition to these measurements, you should also factor in your ceiling height. 6-foot tall runners should be able to use the full incline range with 8-foot ceilings.

The Schwinn 810 does fold up. There are also two transportation wheels for when you need to move it. This treadmill weighs 155 lbs, so it isn’t the most heavy folding treadmill, so I think most people should be able to move it.

It is important to consider your own personal physical capabilities before attempting to move large fitness equipment. I’m using the word “most” as a pretty general term here.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

Preprogrammed Workouts

Most treadmills under $1000, have pretty basic consoles with limited tech. The Schwinn 810 doesn’t have a touchscreen, but it does include 16 workout programs to follow along with while using it. Along with these program modes is the ability to create 2 user profiles, in case someone else in your house wants to use the 810.

These workouts are most likely pretty standard. Some of them include manual mode to do your own thing and adjust the treadmill as you go, goal settings, weight loss, intervals, heart rate, and custom mode. I assume with 16 of these programs to choose from that most of these settings have multiple workouts with preset incline and speed settings to choose from.

The Schwinn 810 Treadmill also connects through Bluetooth to the Explore The World App. This app features outdoor routes of real locations where a camera takes you down a trail, road, or sidewalk in various areas around the world.

We’ve used Explore The World on Bowflex equipment with the JRNY subscription, so this appears to be the same, if not similar. You just need your phone or tablet to use this app. The camera speeds up and slows down, depending on your pace.

It also looks like there are 3 Explore The World courses available without a subscription. You’ll need to subscribe to the app to have access to the full library of content. These aren’t led by an instructor and just serve as a way to make you feel like you’re training outside.

Console

As I mentioned, the console is pretty simple with a blue backlit LCD screen. This is pretty standard for treadmills in this price range. The screen displays your workout metrics and shows the options you have for workout programs.

This console does seem to have a nice amount of functionality, which we like to see. There are numbered buttons on either side of the screen for quick adjusting. They only include some increments for speed and incline, but it is better than nothing.

I hate having to press arrow buttons a zillion times to get to a specific speed and incline level. It looks like when using the quick-adjusting buttons, you have to press one of the enter buttons in order for the treadmill to adjust. I could be wrong, but I hope this isn’t the case.

There are, of course, numbered buttons to get to specific speed and incline levels, too. There are also stop and start buttons to start, stop, and pause your workout. I’m a little confused by the two enter buttons.

The fan looks to be tiny, but in our experience, looks can be deceiving. I’m certainly not expecting a powerful fan, but nonetheless, it’s nice to have. The speakers are also front-facing and hopefully clear and loud. It’s impossible for us to know until we have the 810 in for testing.

For storage, there are 2 cup holders large enough for a standard water bottle. There is also a device rack above the screen that seems to have a front lip to hold your device and a textured back to help keep it in place. The console overall doesn’t appear to be very tall, but it looks to be comparable in size and functionality to other affordable treadmills like the Horizon T101.

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Build Quality

Alright, now let’s get into the bulk of this review, which is the construction. It is not only in the console where I’m drawing comparisons to the Horizon T101, but I see similarities in the construction, too. The Horizon T101 is one of our favorite budget treadmills, and we recommend it for walking.

We like the fact that the Schwinn 810 comes with a 10-year motor warranty. When brands include extensive warranties, it helps to indicate a well-built machine. One thing to keep in mind is that the 810 might not be best for larger users.

It has only a 275 lb weight limit, so if you need a little heavier-duty affordable treadmill, the Sole F63 is a good one to check out. It is a little higher in price than the 810, but you’re paying for a bit more space for walking and running, as well as a sturdier design.

Frame

As far as the frame, the Schwinn 810 has a pretty standard design made of alloy steel. It has a steel frame that extends under the front of the deck and connects to the two steel uprights that hold the console. There isn’t a steel crossbar mounted under the console for added support, however. We typically like to see crossbars on budget treadmills.

There are two side handles that look to be a pretty typical length. The front handles are two pieces with pulse grips built in for heart rate reading when you hold them. These should provide a good amount of support for balance when you need it.

Motor

Amazon lists the motor size for the Schwinn 810 being just 1.9 HP. This is a little small, therefore, the 810 will probably be best for lighter use and primarily walking. I would think somewhere around 1-3 miles per day at the most is around what it could handle.

The 810 does go up to 10 mph, which is a pretty significant pace. Most people will be in a running pace at this speed. I would avoid using the 810 at its higher speeds for long periods of time, though. The 810 also has a 10% incline, which is a nice grade for getting the backs of your legs and glutes working.

Deck

Another reason why we recommend the Schwinn 810 Treadmill for mostly walking and light jogging is its size. It has a deck of 20″ wide and 55″ long. We’ve found this size to be more appropriate for most walking and jogging strides.

Runners with long running strides should look into a 60″ long deck like the Horizon 7.0 AT or Sole F63. We’ve found 60″ to be best for most people to run comfortably on. I’m about 5’1″, and I have a fairly short stride, so I can run at higher speeds on 55″ long decks so I’ll probably be able to jog and run just fine on the Schwinn 810.

It’s hard to assume what the deck cushioning will be like on the 810, but I assume there isn’t much shock absorption because this is an entry-level model. As I said, we’ve been surprised before, but if you have joint issues, you might want to consider this before buying.

Warranty

Schwinn Fitness includes a nice warranty for the 810. It includes a 10-year motor warranty and a 1-year warranty for mechanical and electrical components, as well as labor.

Should You Buy the Schwinn 810

If you’re searching for a budget-friendly treadmill, you’re in luck! There are many different options to choose from, including not only inexpensive but also quality treadmills. Although we don’t have the Schwinn 810 Treadmill in our studio for testing just yet, this model has a really enticing price and is available on Amazon.

We like the look of the construction, the foldable deck, and the simple console that comes with included workout modes. We recommend the 810 for mostly walking and some jogging. Users with shorter running strides should be able to run as well.

The 810 is probably best for lighter use due to the 1.9 HP motor and entry-level price, but the motor goes up to 10 mph and offers a 10% incline for varied training. Check out the Schwinn 810 if you’re looking for a great treadmill under $1000.

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Schwinn 810 Q&A / FAQ

How much horsepower does the Schwinn 810 treadmill have?

Schwinn is not clear in listing the horsepower of the 810’s motor. We have seen listings for 1.5 to 2.6 HP. Amazon lists the Schwinn 810’s motor as 1.9 HP. We were unable to clarify these numbers with Schwinn, but we will update our review if we receive an answer. Regardless, the Schwinn 810 falls below our preferred rating for running treadmills (3.0 HP).

What is the weight capacity of the Schwinn treadmill?

The Schwinn 810 has a weight capacity of 275 lbs.

Does the Schwinn 810 treadmill have Bluetooth?

The Schwinn 810 connects only to the Explore the World app via Bluetooth. It does not connect to the JRNY app.

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