Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Review

Overview: The EX-59 is the next generation entry level elliptical from the brand Horizon Fitness, a company known for their sturdy machines and stellar customer service. Horizon has established its reputation through multiple mentions in popular consumer and fitness magazines for the excellent quality of their machines. This particular model is offered at around $749 (or as low as $699) on sale and its features are some of the best you’ll find at this price range, which is why it is one of our top picks this year.

Here are some of the most appealing features…

Six Star Frame

An exclusive Johnson Health feature, the Horizon EX-59 elliptical is equipped with the Six Star Frame, giving you the most ideal and natural workout possible. This includes perfect pedal placement, straight posture, low step on height, natural foot path, optimal handlebar spacing and smooth momentum.

Variable Resistance

The 10 variable resistance options allow users to take control of how hard they want to push themselves. Beginners can start at the lowest levels and work their way up as they proceed.

18″ Stride Length

This maximum stride length will accommodate shorter and some average height users, up to about 5’10” or so; if you are taller it might not be that comfortable. If that is the case you might want to look at the Evolve 3 or one of the more advanced models, all of which have 20″ stride lengths.

Workout Programs

You get 10 built in workout programs, so there is plenty of variability to help you get the most out of your routine. Choose from calorie goal, intervals, manual, random, hills and weight loss and more.

Additional Features: Water bottle holder, reading rack, accessories tray, speakers

Horizon EX-59 Test Drive

The Horizon EX-59 elliptical is notably different in several aspects from its predecessor in the series, the EX-69. First off, the maximum stride length has decreased from 20″ to 18″. If you are a shorter or average size user, this machine might be perfect for you. However, if you are on the taller side, you might find the stride a little uncomfortable. Most users are OK with it.

The 4.5″ green-yellow LCD display is especially easy to read because the screen is simple. It displays conventional workout feedback like time, distance, calories, speed, heart rate, program level, and watts. The machine comes with 10 preset programs, like its predecessor. My favorite is the interval program. The combination of this and the heart rate contact grips helps me meet my heart-rate goals for the workout. This way, I can still get a great cardiovascular workout in with minimal impact on my joints.

When I used it, this machine was extremely quiet. The 14 pound front flywheel provides a smooth user experience. The inaudibility of this machine makes it ideal for people who like to work out early in the morning or late at night without disturbing others, as well as users who are planning on purchasing this for residential use.

The resistance range provides ample workout levels that are suitable for all fitness types. For the beginner elliptical users, they can use this machine on a lower resistance. For those who are more seasoned elliptical users, the higher resistances prove to be a pretty sweaty challenge, further evidence of this machine’s versatility. If you think you need even more resistance levels, check out the up-level Horizon 7.0 AE, the newest elliptical in Horizon’s lineup.

Extremely sturdy and well-made, the Horizon EX-59 elliptical trainer seems like it will keep on going strong throughout several years of life. This machine stands at 145 pounds when it is assembled, which is lighter than previous models. Like its sister model, this machine does not come with transport wheels. This is a feature that would be relatively inexpensive to add on Horizon’s end that could immensely benefit the user. Keep this in mind when you are trying to figure out where to set this machine up.

The height of elliptical trainers is often overlooked when consumers are looking into machines. Do not forget to add on an extra 10 inches when you are figuring out where to place this machine. The height of the machine is the maximum height of the console from the floor to the bottom of the foot pedals. Then, you should add in your height on top of this. Whatever number you end up calculating, make sure that that much space is available height-wise in your preassigned room, lest you want to bump your head.

The EX-59 machine has a maximum user weight of 275 pounds. The ProForm Endurance 720E elliptical accommodates up to 325 pounds. Normally, the maximum user weight of a machine positively corresponds to the sturdiness of a machine. However, the lighter weight of this console might play a role. This is not to suggest that the EX-59 is not a sturdy or well-made machine. If anything, Horizon’s great warranty policy stands tribute to their commitment to quality.

The EX-59 comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, as well as a two-year warranty on the parts and a one-year warranty on the labor. This is comparable to other ellipticals at this price point, such as the Proform Endurance 720E Elliptical which offers a similar warranty.

One feature that I would have loved to see are padded or gel pedal inserts. The oversized foot pedals comfortably accommodated a wide range of foot sizes. However, having more foot support in the form of gel inserts would have made the workout experience more comfortable, thus allowing me to work out for a longer period of time. Keep in mind, however, that this machine was never advertised as an extremely frills-heavy device.

Final Thoughts

If you want a comfortable, low-impact, no-nonsense workout that also won’t increase the electricity bill, then this Horizon elliptical is a great budget-friendly option to look further into. This machine is mostly suited for people who know exactly what they want from a workout and know that they do not need distractions, such as music speakers, to get them through a workout. However, house-dwellers with low-hanging ceilings and tall users might need to re-evaluate given several properties of this machine.

You can take a look at the popular elliptical trainer from this well regarded brand as well as the other models that are offered by Horizon to see which one is right for you.