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Last Updated: January 5, 2023
If you like to work hard and not waste time, Horizon’s EX-59 may be the elliptical machine for you. Their best-selling, frequently awarded front-drive elliptical sets up quickly, has controls that are a breeze to use, and is a durable machine to get you moving on your fitness journey.
Guaranteed to have you set up and working out in less than 30 minutes, the EX-59 and its effortless controls are designed to help you fulfill your goals starting today. Outfitted with technology that we’ve all come to appreciate, like Bluetooth speakers and a secure place to put your smartphone or tablet so you can get in the flow with your favorite entertainment.
An ergonomic “Six-Star” frame guides your body into the best position so you can move freely and safely, giving you a comfortable and efficient workout. With this spec review, we hope to provide you with the information you need to see if this elliptical is the right fit for you.
Horizon EX-59 Elliptical
Who It’s For: People who want a no-nonsense low-impact fitness experience on a quality, reasonably priced elliptical.
The EX-59 Elliptical is designed for users who are:
- People looking to begin a fitness routine
- Those who like to bring their own technology to the workout experience
- Larger users looking for a low-impact workout and an easy-to-use machine.
- 18” stride works well for those with short strides.
- Affordable elliptical for your home
- Lifetime warranty
- Bluetooth connectivity options
- Smooth stride
- Compact footprint
- Quiet magnetic resistance on the flywheel
- Built-in speakers
- Light-weight and easy to move
- Lighter flywheel than comparable machines
- Clunky/Outdated console
- Limited hand placement options
- No fan
- Not foldable
Construction
- Frame- A non-folding ergonomic “SixStar” made of steel.
- Flywheel- The 14.3 Lb flywheel combined with the advanced pulley system gives the user a gentle, reliable motion.
- The distance between the pedals is closer to help reduce stress on ankles, knees, hips, and back.
- Stride length- The 18 inches stride length is more conducive for medium to smaller height users.
- Electrical requirements- A standard 110/220-volt outlet.
- Shipping dimensions- With some assembly required, the shipping dimensions are 52″ x 19″ x 30″
- Shipping weight- Boxed and shipped at 187lbs.
- Assembled dimensions- After a quick assembly, the EX-59 has a 74″x 25″ x 64.5″ footprint.
- Assembled weight- Total weight when set up for use is 145lbs.
- Maximum user weight- A 300lb maximum user weight accommodates most users.
- Pedals- Oversized for comfort and easy to mount at just over 10” from the ground.
Functionality
- Resistance- No maintenance magnetic resistance with ten levels to choose from.
- Mounting height- A user-friendly 10 ¾ inches step-up height makes getting on the EX-59 a breeze.
- Use the onboard Bluetooth speakers to connect your device so you can stream your entertainment’s audio through the console.
- Tablet/phone holder with the rapid-charge USB port nearby makes onboard entertainment seamless.
- One quick set-up, 30 minutes or less from delivery to use.
- Ten one-touch keys make changing resistance quick and easy.
- Water bottle and double accessory holder make stowing a beverage and other small items convenient.
- Guarantee- Horizon brings some peace of mind with their 100% satisfaction guarantee. If not satisfied, you can return the elliptical within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.
Warranty
- Frame- lifetime
- Brake- 1- year
- Parts- 1-year
- Labor- 1-year
Horizon EX-59 Elliptical Review
Console
The console is the control center for the EX-59 elliptical. The tablet rack at the top of the console, combined with the adjacent rapid-charge USB port, allows you to keep your devices charged while you use them during your workout.
With the Bluetooth-enabled speakers, you can simply pair your device and stream your music or other entertainment right through the console.
The console features 3 LED display windows, making selected information easy to see. The display windows allow you to monitor time, distance, pedal rotations per minute (RPM), calories burned, heart rate, and resistance level.
Along the left and right sides of the console are numbered Quick Keys to reach desired resistance levels rapidly. In the center, you’ll see the program select buttons and the important start, stop and enter buttons.
Frame
This elliptical frame has what Horizon Fitness calls a“SixStar” design. It’s engineered with six features that make for comfortable motion:
- It helps you stay upright–instead of leaning forward
- Has narrow pedal spacing
- Has optimal handlebar spacing
- It has a low 10” step-on height
- Supports a natural stride
- Has smooth momentum
The EX-59 works best for people who weigh under 175 pounds or have a shorter stride–though it does have a weight limit up to 300 pounds.
Drive System
A heavy-duty 14.3 lb flywheel along with an advanced pulley system gives you an effortless and steady motion. This will help you with comfort and endurance as you train.
Resistance
Magnetic resistance is the industry’s new standard when it comes to resistance levels—the EX-59 harnesses this no-maintenance technology with ten quiet resistance levels to choose from. So whatever your fitness level may be, you can still find a challenge with this elliptical.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Monitoring your heart rate is a snap with the onboard heart rate monitoring system. The Contact Heart Rate Sensors are located just below the console on the stationary handlebars. Gripping the sensors will initiate the monitor, and your beats per minute will show on the middle display window.
Foot Pedals
Pedals are low to the ground (10 ¾ inches), so it’s easier to get on and off. The distance between the pedals is closer together, helping reduce stress on your ankles, knees, hips, and back. By mimicking your body’s natural movements, you will experience a more fluid, enjoyable workout.
Multi-grip handlebars
The heart rate grips and handlebars are within a comfortable reach, so you never have to overextend or stretch to hold them during your workout.
Medium Capacity
With a maximum user weight of 300 lbs, the EX-59 can generally accommodate most users.
Programs
There are ten preset onboard programs to help you meet your fitness goals. Choose from calorie, distance, interval, manual, weight loss presets, and away you go! Just choose a workout option that suits you best.
Bluetooth Speakers
Having Bluetooth-enabled speakers onboard makes streaming your music or other entertainment easy. Once you pair your device with the speakers, you can take out those earbuds and enjoy easy listening through the integrated console speakers.
Extra perks
This is a basic exercise machine and doesn’t have many bells and whistles. But expect the following:
Integrated tablet holder: Convenient for holding your entertainment device without blocking the console. The rapid charging USB port is close by to keep your device charged while you burn those calories.
Water bottle holder: Water bottle holder for you to stay hydrated while you train.
Easy Assembly: It takes under an hour for most people to assemble and is easy to do.
Bottom Line Review: Horizon EX-59
We feel the Horizon EX-59 elliptical trainer is a sturdy, well-made, and affordable piece of exercise equipment for those new and intermediate exercisers. With such a quick set-up, great warranty, and a 30-day guarantee, Horizon takes away all the excuses and sets up the EX-59 Elliptical to be your go-to home gym cardio centerpiece.
This is a high-quality piece of home exercise equipment that is especially good for those who don’t need–or want to pay for–all the bells and whistles of a more expensive elliptical. See how the EX-59 compares to other machines on our best ellipticals list. It has everything you need for an effective and enjoyable workout–though we think the console is a little clunky and outdated. It’s compact and easy to move if you have a small space, though we wish it were foldable.
The 300-pound weight limit means most people in your household can enjoy the EX-59. The 18” stride is adequate for most, but if you’re a taller individual or have a long stride, you may want to look elsewhere. It’s smooth and quiet, and the pedals are designed to keep you comfortable.
We love the 0% financing for up to two years and the money-back guarantee Horizon offers. If you’re not satisfied, you can return it for a full refund within 30 days. It’s an affordable, risk-free investment.
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