The Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical is one of our frontrunners for best mid-range elliptical machine. With a lot of great features and good reliability, this machine will ensure you get a good workout without having to break the bank.
Horizon Fitness EX-59 Features
- Work your way up through 10 levels of fitness
- 10 levels of resistance to max out your workout
- Built-in Sonic Surround speakers and audio-in jacks for mp3 players
- Uniquely designed ‘SixStar Frame’
- Smooth operation provided by 14.3 pound flywheel
- ECB resistance brake system
- 5″ LCD display (time, distance, speed, heart rate, calorie goal, weight loss and more…)
- Natural stride replicated with ZERO gap overlapping pedal motion
The Horizon EZ-59-02 scores very positively where verified customer reviews could be found, but the Horizon line is only available through chosen outlets, so a large ratings round-up could not be attained for this product. Thankfully, we have the extensive Amazon reviews to look at, and most people are happy with their purchase of this elliptical. 81% of customers give the training machine a 4 or 5 star review. We have read through all the info and reviews, and given all the key points you need to know about below.
All you Need for a Challenging Workout
Without some of the unnecessary frills of the more expensive options, this elliptical still has everything you need for an exhausting and demanding workout. With 10 different levels of resistance and 10 different fitness levels you have every opportunity to fine tune to your individual workout needs. It may take some time, grit and determination, but do you think you will be able to work out and the top fitness and resistance levels? Good luck to you!
Smooth and Sturdy Motion
This elliptical is smooth and sturdy, largely thanks to its heavy-duty flywheel. It has an excellent glide. Also the zero gap overlapping design of the pedal movement lead to a natural, as well as smooth motion. This is a real plus if you have ever felt yourself getting sore knees or hips after a while on the elliptical. Modern designs, such as this one, make sure to recreate a natural arc for the legs so you are not straining any joints or muscles – just exercising the muscles you are meant to be targeting!
LCD Screen and Built in Sound System
The 5” LCD screen works perfectly well and is a very useful tool for programming your workouts and keeping track of your progress. You can time how long you want to run, and at what level of resistance. You can also measure distance and heart rate. For those of you using the elliptical to lose weight, you can program in calorie goals and track weight loss. It’s all within reach as you do the workouts – which you can do while listening to all your favourite tunes, thanks to the built in speakers! Simply plug in your iPhone or mp3 player and you can get your workout playlist keeping you motivated.
Easy Assembly
It is really a godsend to be able to have exercise equipment such as this delivered straight to your door, but remember you will have to put it together yourself. You’ll be happy to hear that this is not a difficult task. The instructions are easy to follow, providing you take your time and read them carefully. All the tools you need are included in the delivery, and all the necessary parts are lubricated at the factory. Although it is recommended that you have your own grease to make sure all the nuts and bolts are lubricated enough before you fully tighten them.
Some people have complained of a ‘knocking sound’ once they have this up and running. If this is happening, it is because you have not tightened the ‘elbow joints’ that connect the handlebars to the foot pedals. These joints are plastic, so many people forget to tighten them while tightening the other nuts and bolts. Also double check all your other bolts are tight!
What About the Cons?
Out of all the reviews on Amazon, a small number (11%) of customers only gave a 1 star review. The common problem that was mentioned more than once was a knocking sound when the elliptical is in use. There is also mixed reports of how that has been dealt with if it has occured. Some have reported technicians able to fix it quickly, or fix it after a few visits. Some people have given up before the problem has been fixed, and decided they wish to return the unit instead.
Warranty Information
- Warranty: Lifetime on frame.
- One-year on parts and labor.
Our Final Verdict?
We think this is a good quality elliptical machine although not perfect. There is a good variety of resistance and fitness levels and you will certainly be able to get a good workout from it. The LCD screen works well and, perhaps most importantly of all, the elliptical motion is very smooth and seems well fitted to natural human movement (which makes for a much more satisfying workout with decreased risk of injury). Whilst we have slight concerns about the number of reports of a ‘knocking’ sound, overall the Horizon Fitness EX-59-02 is a great elliptical machine, we find it falls slightly short of the Schwinn 430, for this price range.
