Exercise Equipment Recalled Because of Defect

About 10,000 units of a piece of exercise equipment, the Schwinn 340 Elliptical Exercise Trainer, are being recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with its maker, Nautilus Inc. of Vancouver, Wash.

Investigators determined that the foot plates can detach from the machine during use, posing a fall hazard.

Nautilus has received nine reports of foot plates detaching or breaking during use. One incident resulted in a consumer striking his knee.

Elliptical exercise trainer equipment is sold under the model name Schwinn 460. The machine is 73 inches tall and 54 inches long. It is made of gray anodized aluminum with two moving and two fixed handlebars all with black rubberized padding. The fixed handlebars have heart rate sensors on both sides. The machine has a touch-screen console, an adjustable fan and an orange-colored, oversized water bottle holder. A medallion with the Schwinn logo is on the bottom right side of the base of the machine.

The machines were sold by Nautilus.com, Amazon.com, Dick's Sporting Goods and specialty fitness retailers and specialty sporting goods stores nationwide between July 2008 and May 2011 for about $1,000. They were manufactured in China.

Consumers should stop using the recalled models immediately and contact Nautilus for a free repair kit that includes an extended warranty, according to the CPSC.

For additional information, contact Nautilus at 800-259-9019 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit the company's website at schwinnfitness.com