Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer

Elliptical trainers are quickly becoming the must have home fitness workout machines, and as more people look to save on gym fees by working out at home, the quality of home use elliptical trainers continues to improve. The Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer is the perfect example of this progression.

The EX-59 is Horizon’s upgrade to the EX-58, and unlike many model upgrades, the EX-59 really stands head and shoulders above its predecessor. The EX-59 boasts 10 program options, Sonic Surround speakers compatible with MP3 players, a COOLfit fan and SixStar Certification. SixStar Certification is only granted to elliptical trainers that meet the six key requirements of the scheme, and there are very few elliptical trainers granted SixStar Certification that can compete with the EX-59.

This is not the cheapest home use elliptical trainer available; far from it. Despite this, the Ex-59 is extremely popular with users, and is still firmly in the affordable range. So what makes it so popular?

Key Specs for Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer

RRP: $799

Dimensions: 73 x 22 x 65 inches

Weight: 154 lbs

Weight Capacity: 250 lbs

Stride Length: 18-inch

Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer: The Pros

SixStar Certified: Elliptical trainers that are both SixStar Certified and affordable are hard to come by, but that is exactly what the Horizon EX-59 offers users. SixStar Certification is not just a stamp of recommendation but an ergonomic accreditation.

There are six aspects to a SixStar certified elliptical trainer. ZEROgap pedal placement ensures that the pedals are touching distance apart to reduce possible stress on the hips and back. The StraightUP posture ensures users are kept upright for comfort and to ensure maximum training benefits. SUREstep access, in this case 10 inches, make mounting and dismounting safer and easier for the user. IDEALfit handlebar placement and spacing ensures users of all sizes can use the handlebars at the correct distance. FLATellipse foot pedals more accurately represent natural walking and jogging movements, making usage more comfortable and less tiring. Finally, the SMOOTHpulley drive pulley ratio is designed to provide the most comfortable, smooth and efficient motion.

While many elliptical trainers claim to provide all of these things, the Horizon Fitness EX-59 can genuinely claim to meet these specific standards, and they all add up to an extremely comfortable and efficient training machine.

Noise Output: What noise output? The EX-59 is extremely quiet – almost disconcertingly so. Many, if not most, elliptical trainers are reasonably quiet machines, but the EX-59 whispers them to shame. This is a result of superb design and high quality parts.

There is a slight catch involved here; the EX-59 will only be whisper quiet if you complete the assembly correctly. If you do not properly lubricate any parts before assembling, or do not fully tighten all the necessary nuts and bolts, the EX-59 will make noise. Fortunately, assembly is clearly explained and all the parts are clearly marked.

Assembly: Although the EX-59 can be put together by one person, there are certain pieces that can be tricky, and the job is far easier when two people work together. The reward for correct assembly is an elliptical trainer that you will able to use without needing to turn up the volume on your television.

Warranties: Horizon really are quite proud of the EX-59, and they’ve put their money where their mouth is. Not only do they offer a 1 year parts and labour warranty, but a 20 year brake warranty and a lifetime frame warranty. Regardless of how much you spend on a home use elliptical trainer, those are warranties you can take comfort from.

Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer: The Cons

Limited Control: One of the very few obvious limitations of the Horizon Fitness EX-59 is the control and display options. There are ten levels of resistance, and these are easily accessed via numbered buttons that provide smooth increases or decreases in resistance. That being said, with 10 programming options, 3 target options, 3 workout options and 1 custom program, the EX-59 does not boast huge levels of adaptability.

This does not take away from the effectiveness of the machine, and there are some very welcome additions such as the MP3 compatibility and COOLfit fan, but for many users spending more than $500 on an elliptical trainer, additional functionality would be a huge plus.

Usage Limitations: Although the EX-59 is suitable for users up to 275 lbs, there are some limitations. Users should build up to higher speeds gently, as the EX-59 is not rock solid when used at its extremes. A sudden shift in weight can leave you off balance for a second, and this balance may take a little getting used to.

Furthermore, the reach of the pedals is slightly restricting for very high speeds or tall users with long strides. The EX-59 is perfect from slow to reasonably fast settings, but anything above that can leave users with a shortened, unnatural stride.

Is the Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer Worth Buying?

Anyone who is not planning on using their elliptical trainer very often should probably look elsewhere for cheaper alternatives. The Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer is designed to be used, and buyers are purchasing an extremely effective workout machine. The SixStar Certification is a lot more than a marketing gimmick. This is a badge of honor that the EX-59 wears with pride, and with good reason.

When it comes to usage, this is a supremely comfortable trainer that is well designed and built to last. The Sonic Surround speakers are likely to provide the only noise you or others in the house will hear, and this makes the EX-59 suitable for those in apartments or houses with neighbors.

The console itself is limited, and there is no doubt that some added functionality would be very welcome, but that in itself does not take away from the overall package. If you are looking for a professional model elliptical trainer, you should be prepared to pay in excess of $1000. If you are looking for the next best thing, you need look no further than the Horizon EX-59.

Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer

Horizon Fitness T101-3 Treadmill (2012 Model)

The Horizon Fitness T101-04 Treadmill has no shortage of fans. Horizon is well known for its experience in this field, being owned by one of the biggest manufacturers of fitness equipment in the world; Johnson Health Tech. What sets the Horizon Fitness T101-3 apart from its competitors is a combination of superb build quality with a machine that is comfortable, quiet, and simple to store. With these accolades, it seems a no-brainer. Can the Horizon Fitness T101-3 treadmill really be as good as it claims to be?

Key Specs for Horizon Fitness T101-3 Treadmill

• RRP: $599.99 
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs 
• Top Speed: 10 mph 
• Incline: 10% 
• Foldable? Yes 
• Number of Programs: 9

Horizon Fitness T101-3 Treadmill: The Pros

Assembly: With many high spec treadmills in this price range, self-assembly can prove problematic. With the Horizon T101-3, this is not a problem. While made easier by approaching it as a two man job, assembly is surprisingly manageable with one person. The instructions are clear and concise, and if you are efficient can be completed within an hour. There are 4 simple steps to be followed, and these are laid out with clear directions and comprehensible diagrams which are practically foolproof.

Most of the Horizon T101-3’s direct competitors require two hour plus assemblies, with many needing professional assistance to complete correctly, but with the T101-3 you can feel confident in your DIY abilities, regardless of experience.

Motor: One of the biggest selling points of the Horizon Fitness T101-3 treadmill is the powerful 2.25 HP motor. While other similarly priced treadmills offer 2.25 HP motors as well, very few can offer performance and reliability quite like the Horizon T101-3. As you would hope, the motor is completely comfortable all the way through the extremes of its range. 10 mph is no problem for the T101-3, nor is it a problem when extended to the full incline of 10 degrees.

This level of performance is not unique to the T101-3; what is unique is the whisper quiet performance that you get even at these extremes. The only thing you are likely to hear when exercising is the sound of your own breath, or your favorite MP3 songs through the sonic surround speakers. Using Horizon’s PerfectFLEX deck cushioning, the running belt not only reduces the impact on your feet and joints, but it also absorbs the sound of your feet bouncing off the belt.

If you have any remaining doubt about the ability of the T101-3’s motor, Horizon’s lifetime motor guarantee should give you some peace of mind.

Ease of Use: The Horizon Fitness T101-3 is a large piece of machinery, and as such it is not light. However, it comes with Horizon’s FeatherLIGHT lift – a pair of hydraulic lifts that assist you when you need to fold up the treadmill and store it away.

When in use, the T101-3 is just as simple to operate. The 9 program choices are simple to navigate, and even first time users will be able to choose their perfect workout with wasting any time. The display console is easy to read, and the MP3 settings are intuitive. Simply attach your MP3 player, choose your playlist and away you go. The Horizon Fitness T101-3 aims to provide advanced technology with simple operation, and it succeeds.

Horizon Fitness T101-3 Treadmill: The Cons

Fan: The fan on the Horizon Fitness T101-3 treadmill is nothing to get too excited about. Most treadmills in this price range don’t include any sort of fan, so while it is a welcome addition, it simple isn’t powerful enough. You may feel a gentle breeze at lower walking speeds, but once you start increasing your pace you may as well not have a fan at all. Horizon may believe that any fan is better than no fan, but they may have been better off putting their resources into providing an extra few training programs, or a slightly more powerful sound system.

Program Variety: The Horizon T101-3 does provide 9 different training programs which are more than enough for most people looking to incorporate a treadmill into their exercise training, but for those looking to customize their own training programs the T101-3 is found lacking.

However, this should not cause too much concern for most buyers as the only people who will really find this inconvenient are athletes training at the highest level. For the majority of exercise cycles, the pre-programmed training programs will be more than sufficient.

Is the Horizon Fitness T101-3 Treadmill Worth Buying?

If you’re looking for a reliable, well-built treadmill from an established sports equipment manufacturer with a strong history in the market, you will not find many superior treadmills in this price range. While a lack of customizable training programs and a lackluster fan may not be to some people’s liking, these are at most minor inconveniences. This is a treadmill that can withstand an awful lot of punishment, and performs with minimal fuss and negligible noise. At this price, the Horizon Fitness T101-04 is one of the best affordable treadmills you are likely to find.