Do you want to enhance your home workout experience without buying a bunch of bulky fitness products that only take up space? Are you short on time but still looking to get fit, strong, and healthy? In that case, you can definitely take advantage of the full-body workout that elliptical trainers have to offer.
More specifically, the Horizon EX-59 hits the sweet spot between quality and affordability. All Horizon EX-59 Elliptical reviews will tell you that it’s great for those looking to pick up a reliable elliptical machine for their home gym, and it’s even better for those who are new to the workout scene, with its user-friendly console and intuitive design.
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In A Hurry? Here’s The Main Specs
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| Product's name | Great Product For Every Fitness Level Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer Exercise Machine... |
| Final Thought | Best for people who want a machine with adjustable stride length, multiple resistance levels, and various workout programs to cater to different fitness levels and goals. |
| Machine Size | 74″ L x 25″ W x 64.5″ H |
| Stride Length | 18'' |
| Preset Workout Programs | 10 |
| Levels of Resistance | 10 |
| Maximum User Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Price | $ |
| Learn more | See at Amazon |
Why You Should Trust Us
Boxlife’s team has a long-standing history of providing conventional workout feedback by expert product testers of varying fitness levels. Not only do we have a diverse range of experience in the training industry, but we also bring a unique perspective to each product review by taking into account personal preferences and lifestyle considerations.
We’re well aware of the struggles that home gym owners face when navigating the vast pool of fitness equipment. That’s why we strive to bring readers detailed and unfiltered reviews that take into account users’ budgets and needs, as well as their overall safety and satisfaction. After all, these products aren’t exactly the most affordable, so the last thing you want is to purchase a device that doesn’t meet your expectations.
Who Is This Guide For?
Our buyer’s guide is targeted toward anyone striving to find a quality elliptical for a comfortable workout in their own home. The general consensus is that this kind of fitness equipment is compatible with both newcomers and long-time trainers alike. Whether you’re looking to tone your body, burn fat, or simply stay in shape, the drive elliptical can offer a fantastic way to reach your goals.
We understand that getting fit is an individual process, with plenty of similar yet distinct products on the market. Sometimes even the most basic of models can offer a great workout, but overspending on features you don’t need is also not recommended. But knowing exactly which additional features to splurge on and which ones to pass over is what we’re here to help with.
How We Graded the Product
When testing and reviewing products, we take into account all aspects that make up a quality elliptical, but not just from a subjective standpoint. We make it a point to analyze user experiences across social threads and discussions, as well as user feedback, to get a better understanding of the product and how it fits into different lifestyles. As such, we delved deep into the following criteria:
- Build quality – There’s a lot of emphasis on the way a specific elliptical is put together, especially when it comes to the console and handlebars. Oftentimes, a poorly built machine has wonky handlebars that require frequent readjustments and a console with buttons that are hard to press.
- Resistance options – This is the backbone of a personalized home gym experience, as it allows users to tailor their workouts according to their own needs and intensity levels. Even basic models should come with adjustable resistance settings, while more advanced ones usually have preset programs that allow users to set up multiple routines.
- Stride Lengths – The distance between your feet when you use the elliptical is a key indicator of how comfortable and enjoyable your workouts will be. Generally, longer stride lengths are better as they offer a more natural range of motion and allow your feet to move freely throughout the exercise. Budget machines tend to come with shorter strides, while more expensive ones have longer ones.
- Price range – Of course, you can’t overlook the price tag when shopping for virtually anything. While there’s no definite answer as to what the perfect price range for an elliptical should be, not going overboard when buying is always recommended. We’d like to help you make the most reasonable decision, even if your budget is a bit tight.
The Product – Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical
With a price tag slightly above the average affordable machine, the Horizon Fitness EX-59 is more than a decent entry-level choice, with plenty of features to fit the needs of both beginners and experienced athletes alike. In terms of design, it comes with a static frame made from steel components and it’s geared towards a light to moderately challenging workouts for those of all fitness levels.
Pros
- Formidable lifetime warranty
- An affordable price range with minimal maintenance costs
- Easy to assemble with no complex tools needed
- Offers a natural range of motion and 10 levels of adjustable resistance
Cons
- No dedicated incline features or additional customization options
- The slightly lighter flywheel may not provide enough momentum for more intense workouts
Key Specs
| Machine Size | 74″ L x 25″ W x 64.5″ H |
| Stride Length | 18” |
| Number of Preset Workout Programs | 10 |
| Levels of Resistance | 10 |
| Maximum User Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
Why It’s Great
Horizon Fitness is one of those brands that have been around for a while and have perfected the art of producing reliable, budget-friendly exercise equipment. The EX-59 is no exception, offering an excellent entry point for novice users looking to get into home workouts while also providing an impact cardio workout for those looking to take their fitness journey up a notch.
Moreover, the impressive 18-inch stride length has enough room for taller users to navigate the machine comfortably, with textured handlebars and cushioned pedals that minimize fatigue and reduce your risk of injury. And sure, the arms aren’t motorized and the flywheel could be a tad bit heavier, but given its price tag, it’s still an impressive product with plenty of features to keep you fit and healthy.
In addition, the 4.5-inch LCD display is quite intuitive and provides plenty of information and workout stats about your exercise session. You can easily keep track of your calorie goal progress, and distance covered and even has built-in wireless heart rate monitoring for real-time feedback. The 10 built-in workout programs have a solid range of options, each one focusing on either weight loss, interval training, or performance-based goals.
And while the Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical doesn’t have a touchscreen, it has integrated Bluetooth capabilities and built-in speakers that can be connected to your smartphone or tablet. This effectively allows you to enjoy your favorite playlists while you work out and even follow online fitness programs if needed. Plus, there’s a nifty device holder located just above the display console where you can securely mount your device and leave it there during your workouts.
The Buying Guide
Even if you’ve read up on all the Horizon EX-59 Elliptical reviews and have no remarks on the device’s overall functionality and general features, there’s no guarantee that this sturdy machine is exactly on par with your needs. Sometimes, you need to consider additional factors that can influence the efficiency and intensity of your cardiovascular workout, including:
Step-On Height
This refers to the distance you have off the ground in the lowest position. By default, most of the Horizon Fitness machines have a step-on height of about 10 inches, which is certainly comfortable enough for most average-height users.
However, if you have low ceilings of less than 8 feet, you may experience some issues with the step-on height and should consider a different machine that can fit your space easily. Similarly, taller people may struggle with the 10-inch step-on height, which could be too low for them. If that’s the case, look for something with a higher step-on height that can accommodate your size better.
Flywheel Weight
Generally speaking, the heavier the flywheel, the more momentum it’s able to create and transmit to the pedals. Not only does this translate into a smoother, more comfortable workout session but it also helps with challenging and intense intervals on the machine.
With that in mind, the Horizon EX-59 Elliptical comes with what is regarded as a light flywheel model of about 14 lbs. This is fine for light to moderate workouts, but if you’re looking for something that can truly challenge your body and take your workout sessions up a notch, you may want to look for an elliptical with a heavier flywheel of over 20 lbs.
How do you use the Horizon EX-59 elliptical?
Using the Horizon EX-59 elliptical is quite simple. All you need to do is step onto the machine and hold on to the stationary handlebars as you start your workout session. You can choose any of the 10 built-in program-level options on the LCD display and get started. And in case you need to take a break during your session, the machine has a quick stop feature that allows you to stop the movement at any time.
How heavy is a Horizon elliptical?
Overall, the machine weighs about 160 lbs, which is comparatively lighter than other models in the market. This makes it easier to move around and transport when necessary, which is quite a plus if you are looking for an elliptical to use in different settings.
Are ellipticals worth the money?
In most cases, yes. Ellipticals are a great way to increase your cardiovascular fitness while also toning your body and strengthening its muscles. For the price you pay, you get a workout experience that can be tailored to your needs and goals. Plus, they’re extremely low-impact machines that won’t put too much strain on your joints and muscles.
