Horizon Fitness EX 59 Elliptical Buying Guide
Horizon Fitness EX 59 Elliptical, also known as EX59 Part II, is the lowest priced elliptical machine of Horizon Fitness. It has six critical design elements to support its natural gait comfortably, just like any other Horizon elliptical trainer. It is available for only $649 with 0% financing from Horizon, making it even easier to bring a new elliptical to your home gym collection. Its vital selling points include ten resistance levels, a 14.3-pound flywheel, and an ergonomic 18-inch stride.
Horizon Fitness EX 59 Elliptical is a budget elliptical trainer for novice users. This fitness machine offers a comprehensive lifetime warranty on frame, one year on parts and labor, which seems to be the best consumer protection offer by an elliptical at the current price point. Besides flywheel and 18″ stride, you get ten preset workout programs, iPod compatibility, a water bottle holder, and a tablet holder.
If you compare it with other Horizon elliptical trainers, it is a stripped-down variant at a budget-friendly price. For instance, the Elite and the Evolve series offer interactive videos, many more preset workouts, cooling fans, and 10% inclines; for a higher price, of course. But Horizon Fitness EX 59 Elliptical is a discount fitness machine with better quality. Horizon Fitness got Fitprof Best Buy award for the “Best elliptical under $1000” for Horizon Fitness EX 59 Elliptical model in 2021.
Unlike several other sub-standard elliptical trainers, it has an overall comfortable design with an 18-inch stride long enough for most adults. You can check your workout progress through ten in-built workout programs on its 4.5-inch yellow-green LCD data display screen. You may choose from ten different resistance levels, with the max level at about 14 pounds. Horizon Fitness EX 59 Elliptical has enough power for beginners with an optimum size for most users except those too tall or heavy.
Horizon Fitness EX 59 Elliptical is part of the EX series of front-drive Horizon Fitness elliptical trainers; the second in this series featuring a quiet and reliable motor and a Six Star certified frame, just like any other Horizon machine. It is a perfect piece of equipment for home gym use with an easy-to-use interface and low-impact workouts.
This fitness machine has basic entertainment features such as MP3 compatibility and in-built speakers. You get contact grips to monitor your heart rate, but no wireless HR monitoring is available in this model. You can perform excellent workouts on a machine that is quiet to use in an apartment or home. Thanks to its self-propelled motor with no humming noise, the device is easy on your joints with low impact exercises with ten resistance levels.
This elliptical has a slight disadvantage; it is harder for heavier users to ride on this machine. A super-light flywheel and a compact design make it much smaller than a commercial-grade elliptical often seen in gyms. That is why it has a user weight capacity of only 300 pounds. But overall, it is a pretty sturdy piece of equipment due to its durable steel frame build.
You can perform an easy and quick setup in just about 30 minutes. The interface is intuitive and user-friendly for no-nonsense workouts. It offers comfortable and more efficient training with an ergonomic Six Star frame that maintains ideal body position and movements. A secure device holder and Bluetooth integrated speakers help you perform workouts with music, entertainment, and fitness classes.
The Horizon Fitness EX 59 Elliptical is a perfect choice if you are looking for an affordable device with entertainment options and preset workouts. It offers low-impact cardio workouts through an affordable and popular elliptical trainer. It puts lower strain on your joints than running or walking because it uses a single fluid motion. Hence it is perfect for users with arthritis, excess weight, or joint problems.
Unlike treadmills, you don’t have speed buttons, and you can control how fast you go by adjusting the speed of your movements. Your elliptical has moving and stationary handlebars with ten resistance levels to increase the workout difficulty. Unlike similarly priced competing models, EX59 has fewer workout presets and resistance levels. Still, it is a better option for streaming your devices because it has a charging port and Bluetooth connectivity with integrated speakers.
If you are looking for an elliptical in a budget-friendly price range below $1000, the Horizon Fitness EX 59 Elliptical is a solid choice, mainly if you can stream workouts from your tablet or smartphone. It is amongst the few models that feature Bluetooth-enabled speakers and a USB charging port. Although it has a few drawbacks like limited training options and a shorter stride length, it is a moderately priced elliptical with plenty of useful features to keep you entertained while working out. It is a great mid-range machine to keep you motivated with training and media options.
The Horizon Fitness EX 59 Elliptical trainer does not seek to draw your attention through its vast array of features but rather through its ease of use and simplicity. The quality of this fitness machine is identical to commercial grade ellipticals that you see at local gyms. It has a smooth motion with handlebars placed at the right length.
The stride length of your elliptical is 18 inches and is not adjustable. You have to ensure beforehand that it is comfortable for you. Barring a few very tall users, it is suitable for most fitness enthusiasts. If you think that you are too short or tall, it is better to try the machine in-store before buying. Getting on the elliptical is also not difficult as the machine is pretty low down with a smaller step-on height of only 10 inches.
Essentially, the Horizon Fitness EX 59 Elliptical trainer is an elementary machine that does not seek to delight users with plenty of bells and whistles, complex consoles, and sparkle. The console is genuinely primary with the outstanding feature of integrated speakers, adding liveliness to your workouts through music. It attracts many users due to its overall simplicity, ease of use, and durable design.
This fitness machine focuses on ensuring that it achieves the basic mechanics of a good workout. It successfully meets those expectations because it is sturdy and well-built, the resistances work well, run smoothly, and are comfortable to use. If your only concern is to buy a quality elliptical that can provide a good workout and is easy to use, the Horizon Fitness EX 59 elliptical does precisely that.
Salient Features of Horizon Fitness EX 59 Elliptical
10 Preset Workout Programs
Horizon Fitness EX 59 Elliptical offers excellent training sessions with ten in-built workout programs. These preset programs can automatically adjust the resistance levels on your elliptical machine and set the duration of your workout routine.
You can monitor your session data, including the essential metrics such as Calories, distance, speed, time, heart rate, Watts, and program level on the LCD on your elliptical console on a green-yellow backlit screen of 4.5 inch LCD. You get a good workout variety with preset programs such as Weight loss. Weight Loss Plus. Rolling Hills. Reverse Train, Manual, Random, Intervals, Intervals Plus, Constant Watts, and Calorie Goal.
10 Resistance levels
There are ten resistance levels to challenge you, and you can quickly change ECB magnetic resistance with single-touch quick control keys.
14.3 Pound Flywheel
You get a smooth and consistent motion with a 14.3 lbs flywheel with an advanced pulley system. The handlebars and pedals are attached to this rotating disc, i.e., flywheel. However, the flywheel at 14.3 pounds is lighter than most competing models. Since heavier wheels facilitate a smooth movement, you may notice a few jerky motions with this model.
4.5 Inch LCD Screen
The LCD screen shows the essential fitness metrics such as watts, time, speed, program level, number of calories burnt, distance, and heart rate. For the uninitiated, Watts measure the amount of power you produce.
Unique Six Star Design
Horizon Fitness EX 59 Elliptical trainer suitably fits a so-called “Six Star” design of Horizon Fitness that has engineered parts to include six critical features promoting a comfortable motion.
1. Its design makes you stay upright instead of leaning forward.
2. The pedal spacing of the fitness machine is narrow.
3. Even the handlebar spacing is optimal for most users.
4. Horizon Fitness EX 59 Elliptical has a lower step-in height of only 10 inches.
5. It provides smooth momentum to riders.
6. Finally, it supports a natural stride for a comfortable motion for riders.
Overall, Ex59 or EX59-02 provides the best momentum to users weighing about 150 pounds. Other users would perhaps prefer a heavier drive in their elliptical trainers.
Ergonomic Pedals
Oversized pedals with a tighter Q factor imply that you will experience much-reduced stress on your hips and back. By the way, the Q factor determines the optimal distance between the pedals.
Tablet Rack and Integrated Speakers
Horizon Fitness EX 59 Elliptical can keep you entertained and motivated as it features a tablet rack to store your devices while riding the bike. It helps you keep your files and favorite apps handy while working out. You can stream workout videos, music, or TV shows on your devices.
Moreover, it is compatible with iPods, so you can manage without your earbuds and enjoy your favorite tracks on its integrated speaker system. You can connect your devices through Bluetooth to stream your media content through its integrated speakers. Moreover, a rapid charge USB port can ensure an uninterrupted riding experience during those long rides.
Heart Rate Monitoring
It has grip sensors built into the handlebars for heart rate monitoring. Please note that although heart rate data provided by these sensors may be helpful for you, it is not medically accurate. You can get the best pulse monitoring only with wireless sensors if you prefer higher degrees of accuracy.
Hydration Point
Horizon Fitness EX 59 Elliptical has placed a water bottle holder within easy reach of riders, making hydration convenient for users, especially when they are into intense riding.
Comprehensive Warranty & Guarantee
Horizon Fitness has surprised you with an excellent warranty at a budget-friendly price point. The frame is Six Star certified and comes with a lifetime warranty. Moreover, it offers one year warranty on parts and labor. Finally, Horizon customers also benefit from a money-back guarantee of 30 days, again unexpected at this price point.
PROS OF HORIZON FITNESS EX 59 ELLIPTICAL
- The current price point is budget-friendly, making it perfect for entry-level and intermediate users.
- It gets exceptional reliability and durability due to its Six Star Certified frame.
- It has a no-hum self-propelled motor, perfect for home gyms.
- You get a smoother shorter stride of 18 inches with an ECB magnetic braking system of 10 resistance levels.
- The console is large with a tablet rack, water bottle holders, and iPod-compatible integrated speakers.
- It offers an excellent workout variety with preset programs.
- Zero financings add value to affordable pricing with options ranging from 6-24 months. Qualified buyers can pay as low as $20 per month at zero interest.
- It has moving handlebars with optimal spacing.
- The overall Six Star design is durable to offer users up to 275 pounds capacity.
- Pedal spacing is ergonomic, conforming to Six Star design standards.
CONS OF HORIZON FITNESS EX 59 ELLIPTICAL
- Front-drive design can put undue stress on your lower back because it is often uncomfortable.
- The flywheel at 14.3 pounds is relatively light, and there is no incline for extra burn.
- You cannot fold it for quick storage.
- There is no in-built cooling fan on the console; you need to ensure that your work out in a well-ventilated space.
- Grip sensors often give inaccurate HR readings and are not as accurate as wireless sensors.
Machine Specs of Horizon Fitness EX 59 Elliptical
Dimensions (Inches): 74 x 25 x 64.5 (L x W x H); Item Weight: 145 pounds; Stride Length: 18 Inches; Flywheel: 14.3 lbs; Preset Programs: 10; Resistance: 10 Levels; Resistance Type: Electronically Adjustable; Pedals: Oversized; Display: 4.5″ Yellow-Green LCD; Max. User Weight Capacity: 300 lbs; Heart Rate: Contact Grips Only; Accessory Tray; Integrated Speakers; Folding: No; USB charging;
Warranty: Frame: Lifetime, Parts: 1 Year, Labor: 1 Year.
Final Words
Horizon Fitness EX 59 Elliptical is an excellent value if you are looking for an entry-level or intermediate trainer that is relatively reliable, easy to use, and affordable. It is a basic model offering the best value to riders who have shorter strides and lesser weight.
