Horizon Fitness EX-59
Editor’s Conclusion
If you are on the lookout for an elliptical machine that packs the advanced features of one of the higher-end brands without the expensive price tag, the Horizon Fitness EX-59 is worth checking out.
Not only does this machine provide a high level of resistance and comfort features to keep your workouts strong and steady, but it also offers advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity and pre-programmed workouts to get you started.
When it comes to budget-friendly cardio machines, users are faced with two choices: either opt for a well-built machine that has limited advanced features, or a more flimsy machine with tons of modern features.
The Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical falls into the latter category. The machine isn’t built as tough as some of the other machines out there, but the modern features built into this machine may be worth it to some users.
Below, I wanted to take a deep dive into the specs of this elliptical to determine if it’s the right choice for your home gym.
Not only does this machine provide a high level of resistance and comfort features to keep your workouts strong and steady, but it also offers advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity and pre-programmed workouts to get you started.
When it comes to budget-friendly cardio machines, users are faced with two choices: either opt for a well-built machine that has limited advanced features, or a more flimsy machine with tons of modern features.
The Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical falls into the latter category. The machine isn’t built as tough as some of the other machines out there, but the modern features built into this machine may be worth it to some users.
Below, I wanted to take a deep dive into the specs of this elliptical to determine if it’s the right choice for your home gym.
Horizon Fitness EX-59 Review Facts
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
18-inch stride length
Built-in heart rate monitor
Lifetime warranty on frame
Affordable price point
Bluetooth compatible
Large media shelf
Includes a USB charging port
Cons
Difficult to move
A little wobbly under high intensities
The digital display is sparse
Weak resistance
Time-consuming to assemble
Key Features
PERFORMANCE
There are some serious pros and cons to consider before making the investment in this elliptical. When you are shopping around for budget-friendly models, some brands keep the price tag low by omitting advanced features, while others skimp on the quality of materials used.
The Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical opts for more modern features while cutting corners on the overall build of their elliptical. It’s strong enough to hold up to some pretty intense workouts, but users may notice that this aluminum-frame machine just feels a little wobbly especially when used at a high intensity.
While the frame feels a little wobbly while in use, it’s still strong enough to tackle intense workout sessions. What I love most about this machine, however, is that it provides users with advanced features often found in high-end models.
Bluetooth connectivity and app tracking allow you to keep a keen eye on your progress, and allow you to sync your device with this machine to engage in live virtual workouts.
At the end of the day, the Horizon Fitness EX-59 is a powerful machine that provides all of the advanced features that users want out of modern machines with a price tag that will fit most budgets.
SIZE
There are certainly smaller elliptical models out there on the market geared for smaller spaces, but this machine is still smaller than your average treadmill.
If you don’t quite have enough room in your home gym for a treadmill or stationary bike, this is a great choice. Once assembled, it measures to be 68-inches long, 25-inches wide and stands to be 64-inches tall.
It’s also important to note that this machine is surprisingly heavy. Weighing in at just over 140 pounds, moving it around your home workout space is a bit of a hassle. While similar machines provide a pair of transport wheels on the base, there are no wheels found on the base of the EX-59.
I suggest finding a forever home for your elliptical and leaving it there to avoid pulling a muscle in your back if you need to move it!
DISPLAY
Overall, the display on this device is a little sparse. It provides users with a very small lit-up display that shows details such as your time, heart rate, distance, speed, and calories burned.
You can adjust the resistance by pressing a button on the central screen, and it even allows you to adjust the incline (which is something not often seen on budget-friendly models).
The good news is that it also provides users with a media rack to place their smartphone or tablet. It includes a USB charging station that charges up your devices quickly as your train and even provides a pair of built-in speakers for your heart-pounding workout playlists.
If this machine didn’t provide Bluetooth connectivity and a media rack, I feel that the very simple display screen isn’t worth the price tag.
To get the most out of your machine, it’s best to bring your own media device to your workout instead of relying on this very simple and a little outdated display screen.
RESISTANCE
While this design provides users with up to 10 levels of resistance, it’s a little on the weak side, Even at the highest level, many users feel that it just isn’t intense enough for HIIT or strength-building workouts.
The weak resistance is due to the less-than-ideal flywheel that only weighs in at 14 pounds. Overall, the resistance offered is good enough for recovery workouts and your basic fat-burning training sessions but isn’t ideal for advanced users, or those that want to build strength.
HANDLES
One of the things that I like most about this elliptical is that there are two sets of handles that allow you to switch up your workouts.
If you simply want to fit in a lower body workout, this design boasts a pair of stationary handles to only work your lower body. While this may not seem that big of a feature, I found that many of the budget-friendly designs out there don’t provide this feature.
For a compound total-body workout, this machine also offers moving handles that work the muscles in your entire body. These handles are coated with a slip-resistant grip that feels nice in your hands and reduces the chances of causing blisters on those long workout sessions.
BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY
One of the best features of this machine is the addition of Bluetooth connectivity. I assumed that most modern exercise equipment utilized Bluetooth connectivity, but I discovered that this simply isn’t the case.
With the Bluetooth functionality of this machine, users can pair their smartphone or tablet to their machine to use workout apps such as iFit, Nike, MyFitnessPal, FitBit, Daily Burn, and even the Peloton app.
While this device is fairly affordable, with a simple subscription app you can transform it into something a little more high-end.
Subscription apps such as iFit or Peloton require a monthly fee (often more affordable than your average gym membership) and are designed to bring the gym experience right into your home.
These apps provide live workout programs that work with your machine and offer beginner or advanced programs that build muscle as they burn fat.
If you find it hard to get inspired to lace up your workout shoes when training at home, these apps are worth every penny and work perfectly with your Horizon Fitness EX-59 elliptical machine.
ASSEMBLY
The assembly of this machine isn’t super difficult, but it’s a little time-consuming. All of the pieces and parts are clearly labeled and organized, but there is a lot of components that users will need to assemble. The instruction manual states that assembly can take anywhere from 4-6 hours!
I found that many users were able to put together their device around the 3-hour mark, and weren’t brimming with rage once it was completed. It’s simple enough, but it takes time.
Hopefully, you didn’t stop reading when I mentioned how long this machine takes to assemble. If you did, I would understand. If you are still here, good! While the assembly may take a long time, there are alternatives to putting it together yourself.
While the assembly process isn’t too difficult, many users simply don’t have the time (or patience) to put their devices together. In those instances, you can always hire the pros to put it together for you. This service comes at an added fee, but it is worth it for those that value their precious time!
PRICE
The Horizon Fitness EX-59 isn’t the most sturdy or advanced elliptical out there on the market, but it is certainly more affordable than many of the higher-end models. This design is a little bit wobbly when used under high intensities, but overall it holds up well over time. While it may feel a little flimsy, it won’t break down while in use.
Overall, it’s a perfect design for users that want to reap the benefits of modern features such as Bluetooth connectivity without the steep price points found on designs from brands such as NordicTrack or BowFlex.
There are some serious pros and cons to consider before making the investment in this elliptical. When you are shopping around for budget-friendly models, some brands keep the price tag low by omitting advanced features, while others skimp on the quality of materials used.
The Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical opts for more modern features while cutting corners on the overall build of their elliptical. It’s strong enough to hold up to some pretty intense workouts, but users may notice that this aluminum-frame machine just feels a little wobbly especially when used at a high intensity.
While the frame feels a little wobbly while in use, it’s still strong enough to tackle intense workout sessions. What I love most about this machine, however, is that it provides users with advanced features often found in high-end models.
Bluetooth connectivity and app tracking allow you to keep a keen eye on your progress, and allow you to sync your device with this machine to engage in live virtual workouts.
At the end of the day, the Horizon Fitness EX-59 is a powerful machine that provides all of the advanced features that users want out of modern machines with a price tag that will fit most budgets.
SIZE
There are certainly smaller elliptical models out there on the market geared for smaller spaces, but this machine is still smaller than your average treadmill.
If you don’t quite have enough room in your home gym for a treadmill or stationary bike, this is a great choice. Once assembled, it measures to be 68-inches long, 25-inches wide and stands to be 64-inches tall.
It’s also important to note that this machine is surprisingly heavy. Weighing in at just over 140 pounds, moving it around your home workout space is a bit of a hassle. While similar machines provide a pair of transport wheels on the base, there are no wheels found on the base of the EX-59.
I suggest finding a forever home for your elliptical and leaving it there to avoid pulling a muscle in your back if you need to move it!
DISPLAY
Overall, the display on this device is a little sparse. It provides users with a very small lit-up display that shows details such as your time, heart rate, distance, speed, and calories burned.
You can adjust the resistance by pressing a button on the central screen, and it even allows you to adjust the incline (which is something not often seen on budget-friendly models).
The good news is that it also provides users with a media rack to place their smartphone or tablet. It includes a USB charging station that charges up your devices quickly as your train and even provides a pair of built-in speakers for your heart-pounding workout playlists.
If this machine didn’t provide Bluetooth connectivity and a media rack, I feel that the very simple display screen isn’t worth the price tag.
To get the most out of your machine, it’s best to bring your own media device to your workout instead of relying on this very simple and a little outdated display screen.
RESISTANCE
While this design provides users with up to 10 levels of resistance, it’s a little on the weak side, Even at the highest level, many users feel that it just isn’t intense enough for HIIT or strength-building workouts.
The weak resistance is due to the less-than-ideal flywheel that only weighs in at 14 pounds. Overall, the resistance offered is good enough for recovery workouts and your basic fat-burning training sessions but isn’t ideal for advanced users, or those that want to build strength.
HANDLES
One of the things that I like most about this elliptical is that there are two sets of handles that allow you to switch up your workouts.
If you simply want to fit in a lower body workout, this design boasts a pair of stationary handles to only work your lower body. While this may not seem that big of a feature, I found that many of the budget-friendly designs out there don’t provide this feature.
For a compound total-body workout, this machine also offers moving handles that work the muscles in your entire body. These handles are coated with a slip-resistant grip that feels nice in your hands and reduces the chances of causing blisters on those long workout sessions.
BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY
One of the best features of this machine is the addition of Bluetooth connectivity. I assumed that most modern exercise equipment utilized Bluetooth connectivity, but I discovered that this simply isn’t the case.
With the Bluetooth functionality of this machine, users can pair their smartphone or tablet to their machine to use workout apps such as iFit, Nike, MyFitnessPal, FitBit, Daily Burn, and even the Peloton app.
While this device is fairly affordable, with a simple subscription app you can transform it into something a little more high-end.
Subscription apps such as iFit or Peloton require a monthly fee (often more affordable than your average gym membership) and are designed to bring the gym experience right into your home.
These apps provide live workout programs that work with your machine and offer beginner or advanced programs that build muscle as they burn fat.
If you find it hard to get inspired to lace up your workout shoes when training at home, these apps are worth every penny and work perfectly with your Horizon Fitness EX-59 elliptical machine.
ASSEMBLY
The assembly of this machine isn’t super difficult, but it’s a little time-consuming. All of the pieces and parts are clearly labeled and organized, but there is a lot of components that users will need to assemble. The instruction manual states that assembly can take anywhere from 4-6 hours!
I found that many users were able to put together their device around the 3-hour mark, and weren’t brimming with rage once it was completed. It’s simple enough, but it takes time.
Hopefully, you didn’t stop reading when I mentioned how long this machine takes to assemble. If you did, I would understand. If you are still here, good! While the assembly may take a long time, there are alternatives to putting it together yourself.
While the assembly process isn’t too difficult, many users simply don’t have the time (or patience) to put their devices together. In those instances, you can always hire the pros to put it together for you. This service comes at an added fee, but it is worth it for those that value their precious time!
PRICE
The Horizon Fitness EX-59 isn’t the most sturdy or advanced elliptical out there on the market, but it is certainly more affordable than many of the higher-end models. This design is a little bit wobbly when used under high intensities, but overall it holds up well over time. While it may feel a little flimsy, it won’t break down while in use.
Overall, it’s a perfect design for users that want to reap the benefits of modern features such as Bluetooth connectivity without the steep price points found on designs from brands such as NordicTrack or BowFlex.
Verdict
If you are on the hunt for an affordable elliptical machine that packs the modern features found on higher-end designs, the Horizon Fitness EX-59 is an excellent choice.
I love that it offers a sleek media shelf that is big enough for most smartphones and tablets, and provides a USB charging port so you never run out of juice in the middle of a workout.
When you pair this machine with apps such as iFit, Daily Burn, or Peloton, it transforms this humble machine into a high-end gym experience without leaving the comforts of home!
I love that it offers a sleek media shelf that is big enough for most smartphones and tablets, and provides a USB charging port so you never run out of juice in the middle of a workout.
When you pair this machine with apps such as iFit, Daily Burn, or Peloton, it transforms this humble machine into a high-end gym experience without leaving the comforts of home!
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