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Elliptical trainers, such as the Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical, provide a low impact form of exercise and the opportunity to work out indoors.
This equipment can be particularly useful for people looking to improve their fitness without putting too much pressure on their joints.
This article discusses the Horizon Fitness brand and the specifications and performance of the EX-59 Elliptical. It also covers the health benefits and risks of using an elliptical trainer and suggests some alternative products to consider.
Horizon Fitness sells a range of exercise equipment and machines for commercial and domestic use. The company’s products include:
- elliptical trainers
- treadmills
- stationary bikes
- rowers
- massage accessories
Horizon Fitness has been in business since 1998, and it sells its products through fitness retailers. The company is based in the United States, in Cottage Grove, WI. Its parent company, Johnson Health Tech. Co., Ltd., has its headquarters in Taichung, Taiwan.
Online customer reviews about the Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical are generally positive.
Positive reviews mention that it provides a smooth, quiet workout and offers various program settings. Purchasers also like the moderate price, warranty, and 0% financing.
Negative comments concern the machine’s relatively small size and lighter weight, which make it more difficult for people with a higher body weight to use it effectively. It also does not offer as many entertainment options as some elliptical trainers do, and there is no built-in fan.
On Trustpilot, Horizon Fitness has a rating of 3 out of 5 stars. Customer reviews write that the elliptical is well-made and affordable. Buyers of other products, such as the company’s treadmill, are also complimentary.
However, critical reviews mention issues with delivery, faulty products, and problems with customer service.
On the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the company has a rating of 1 out of 5 stars. The business is not accredited with the BBB, and it has a C- rating.
Although there are limited reviews, the majority of them are negative. Customers comment on poor service from customer support teams and faulty products.
This elliptical is suitable for people who want an exercise machine that provides an overview of their performance overall. It tracks a range of health data while a person exercises, which can give them insight into how hard they are working, and how many calories they have burned.
It is also suitable for people who are newer to using ellipticals as it is quick and easy to set up, and the company claims its controls are easy to understand.
Although it is more affordable than some ellipticals, it may not be suitable for people with small budgets.
A person can consider the following pros and cons of the EX-59 Elliptical.
Pros
- more affordable than competitors
- tracks a range of workout data
- offers a range of workout modes
- financing available
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Horizon Fitness describes the EX-59 Elliptical, which has a lower price point than many similar pieces of equipment, as its most-awarded and best-selling elliptical.
The company claims that setting up the product is quick and should take less than half an hour. It also states that the machine has easy-to-understand controls.
When assembled, the Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical is 74 inches (in) long, 25 in wide, and 64.5 in high. It can accommodate a body weight of up to 300 pounds (lb).
The yellow-green LCD gives users the following information on their workouts:
- time
- calories burned
- distance traveled
- speed
- heart rate
- watts
- program level
Bluetooth connectivity allows users to sync their devices with the unit’s speakers. The built-in device holder and USB port keep phones and tablets secure and charged throughout workouts. The machine also has a water bottle holder.
People using the Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical can try the following workout programs:
- manual control
- intervals
- weight loss
- rolling hills
- calorie goal
- reverse train
- constant watts
- random
Buyers note that the elliptical is easy to set up and enjoyable to use. Reviewers also mention that it is quiet and provides smooth movement.
However, some note that the speakers are quiet and a number of customers experienced faults after a few months.
The company offers free shipping for the Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical, and financing is available. The product comes with a lifetime warranty for the frame and a 1-year warranty for the brake, parts, and labor.
It costs $999.
People interested in elliptical trainers can choose from other similar options, including:
- Nautilus E616 Elliptical: More expensive than the Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical, this unit still has a relatively modest price for an elliptical trainer. It comes with 29 programs and can sync with the free Explore the World app, which takes people on courses through 19 different countries. It tracks time, distance, and calories and has 25 levels of resistance. The console has a media shelf, speakers, an MP3 input port, and USB charging.
- Sunny Magnetic Standing Elliptical with Handlebars: This entry-level elliptical is compact and weighs slightly more than 32 lb. It has a carry handle and attached wheels for easy storage. It includes eight levels of resistance and a digital monitor that tracks time, calories, speed, and distance. This product comes with floor stabilizers and two-way adjustable handlebars. The maximum user weight is 220 lb.
- Sole E35 Elliptical: This model has a higher price point than the EX-59 but includes more features. It comes with 10 integrated workout programs, 20 resistance levels, and a changeable incline. The foot pedals move forward and backward, which expands the workout options. The machine comes with an integrated tablet holder, and its in-console speakers connect to Bluetooth devices. There is a USB port to charge devices.
The table below shows how the EX-59 Elliptical compares with its competitors.
| EX-59 Elliptical | Nautilus E616 Elliptical | Sunny Magnetic Standing Elliptical with Handlebars | Sole E35 Elliptical | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | around $999 | around $1,500 | around $160 | around $2,800 |
| Workout programs | 8 | 29 | 0 | 8 |
| Size | 74 x 25 x 64.5 in | 51.20 x 22 x 34.30 in | 33.50 x 18.50 x 51.75 in | 71 x 82 x 31 in |
| Warranty | lifetime frame 1 year parts 1 year labor | 10 years frame 3 years parts 1 year labor | 1 year frame 180 days parts | 5 years |
Elliptical trainers are generally safe and effective pieces of home exercise equipment. Studies have shown that using an elliptical:
- generates a higher physiological response than its rate of perceived exertion, so it feels easier than other forms of exercise, potentially encouraging more use
- provides the same cardiovascular training as a treadmill
- reduces weight-bearing compared with walking and running, making it a good choice for people who want to minimize the impact on their joints
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However, one important factor to bear in mind with elliptical trainers is that the calorie counters may significantly overestimate the number of calories burned per session.
When researchers compared calorie burns shown on the machine and a separate metabolic monitor, they found a discrepancy of roughly 130 calories for a steady, moderate intensity, 30-minute workout.
As calorie expenditure measurements on exercise machines may not be accurate, people looking to monitor this may want to use personal fitness trackers or apps.
Below, we answer some of the top frequently asked questions about ellipticals.
Are ellipticals worth it?
Ellipticals can be a valuable addition to a person’s home gym. They offer cardio workouts that can strengthen the upper and lower body. A person should consider their budget, the type of exercise they enjoy, and the workout space available to them before buying an elliptical.
Are ellipticals good for seniors?
Ellipticals may be suitable for seniors as they provide a low impact form of exercise that works out the upper and lower body. They also provide stability with handles and armrests.
Is an elliptical better than walking?
Ellipticals offer a lower impact form of exercise than walking, so they may be better for older people or those with joint problems. Ellipticals may also be more convenient than going out for a walk, as a person can use them in any weather indoors. This may be helpful for people who find it difficult to exercise outside or have limited time.
Additionally, ellipticals offer an upper- and lower-body workout.
However, ellipticals can be expensive, while walking is typically free — unless a person uses a treadmill.
The Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical is a moderately priced piece of equipment that can be useful for people who want a good workout but do not necessarily need a unit with lots of features.
Online reviews about the EX-59 are generally positive. However, people should compare different products to determine which one best suits their fitness needs and budget. Other considerations include the choice of programs and the size of the machine relative to the space available.