| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Horizon EX59-02 Check Discounted Price | L:68" W:25" H:64" | 275 lbs | Eddy current | 10 apps | Frame: lifetime Parts: 2 years Labor: 1 year |
In terms of specs and capabilities, the Horizon Fitness EX-59-02 is pretty similar to the Schwinn A40. However, the overall machine has a more polished design, with a more appealing, and professional look. Even though it’s not an elliptical with all the belts and whistles, and its price should include at least a few other features, for example, at least a manual incline, this Horizon Fitness model still is a pretty well-built elliptical.
Needless to say, like any other elliptical trainer within this price range, it will provide you with the optimal, low-impact aerobic training setting required for a consistent workout. It’s not exactly a machine intended for professional athletes, but still, for a beginner or medium level user it’s a fine choice. Therefore, in case you want to put this fitness machine on your shopping list, here’s just about everything that you must know about it.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 68L x 25W x 64H inches (173L x 63.5W x 162.5H cm)
- Assembled weight: 145 lbs (65.7 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg)
- Supported weight: 275 lbs (125 kg)
- Stride: 18 inches (46 cm)
- Incline: No
- Handlebars: Mobile (with incline and resistance digits) and fixed (with pulse sensors)
- Resistance system: Eddy current, 10 levels
- Console: 10 workout programs
- Bottle/Accessory holder: Yes
- Reading rack: Yes
- Speakers: Incorporated in the console
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 2 years / Labor 1 year
Resistance and drive system
The Horizon EX59-02 features an eddy current brake system. This means it requires to be connected to a power circuit in order to power the console and make available the resistance settings. To be more specific, this machine comes with a regular power cord (not adapter), US design, and requires to be plugged into a 110V circuit. It doesn’t feature any ON/OFF buttons on the frame, so in order to completely turn it off, you must remove the plug from the outlet.
Since it features an eddy current brake (ECB) system, the resistance is made available through a magnetic brake pad which does not come in contact with the flywheel, resulting in no wear and tear whatsoever, no friction and not annoying sounds. Also, resistance is automatic, adjustments
being done only from the elliptical’s console. This elliptical has 10 levels of resistance, and the lowest level is pretty tough actually.
The drive system of the elliptical involves a medium-sized flywheel, with a weight of 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg), providing a smooth and consistent motion. The flywheel is connected to a slightly larger pulley, via a stretch-resistant transmission belt. The pulley is made of hard plastic material like in most belt-drive ellipticals and upright bike, while the crank arms attached to it are steel-made, coverded by plastic guards. In case you’re wondering the machine allows backpedaling, and you can benefit from resistance when pedaling backwards as well. There is actually a program on the console which requires you to alternate regular with reverse pedaling.
Frame
The Horizon Fitness EX-59-02 features the SixStar frame, which is actually a well-researched and developed frame, in order to provide a smooth, natural motion. It’s a two-piece frame, made of steel tubing mostly. All steel parts are double powder coated with anti-corrosive paint. The front part of the main frame holds the drive and brake systems, which are covered by hard plastic material guards. The plastic guardbox of the “insides” of tha machine also incorporates a water bottle compartment, situated at the top, behind the console post. The rear part of the frame is completely made of steel, featuring the gliding rails of the machine. The frame has three bases. The rear and middle base are finished with stabilizers, with rubber caps. The front base has rotating wheel caps, which facilitate the relocation of the assembled unit.
The pedal arms attached to the crank arms are made of steel tubing, finished with heavy-duty gliding rollers. The footplates, although not articulating, are pretty close together to minimize stress on the hips and back while exercising. Their ribbed design ensure maximum adherence of the feet, while their size can accommodate just about any feet or sportswear.
The mobile arms of the machine have a curved design, promoting a healthy, upright posture. 
They’re finished with rubber foam grips, and feature a slightly wider diameter, providing a comfortable, abrasion free, grip.
The footprint of this Horizon Fitness elliptical trainer isn’t exactly low profile. Like most fitness machines of this sort, the EX-59-02 model take a 68″L x 25″W (173 x 63.5 cm) surface from your floor. Therefore, prior to deciding upon this unit, make sure you have the available place for it. Also, to be clear, the frame is not foldable.
The distance between the lowest to the ground pedal of this machine is 10″ (25.4 cm) which supplies an easy step-up. However, each pedal, at their highest position will give you an elevation of 18″ (cca 46 cm). Therefore, add this to your height to make sure the room in which the machine will be placed for training, has the right ceiling height for you.
Console and accessories
Although the console on the EX-59-02 isn’t as inclusive as the one on the Schwinn 430 for example, it does come with several amenities. To begin with, it has a reading rack, which can also serve as a tablet or phone holder. It has a small compartment which can hold your MP3 player or any other small accessory. It features a built-in sound system, compatible with most 
smartphones, tablets or MP3 players. Therefore, if earplugs get too uncomfortable, you can play your music through the console’s sound system. The sound provided isn’t top quality, but it’s quite better than most speakers incorporated by smart devices. The sound system provides an earphone/earplug port as well.
The fixed handlebars just under the console feature grip pulse sensors. Therefore, the console can also track your pulse. This is actually a great function to have in case you must keep an eye on your heart rate during your workouts, or maintain within a certain HR interval.
When it comes to the fitness oriented functions of the console, the display tracks time, speed, distance, calories burned, RPM, heart rate and watts. In order to provide more accurate tracking on calories burned, the console requires you to insert your current weight. The console also provides 10 workout applications, including Manual, Weight Loss, Weight Loss Plus, Intervals, Intervals Plus, Constant Watts, Rolling Hills, Reverse Train, Random and Calorie Goal. Evidently, each one of these apps, except Manual, will adjust resistance automatically.
There are quick keys on the console for each resistance setting, from 1 to 10. However, if you’re working out using the Manual mode, you can gradually adjust resistance from the UP/DOWN arrows. The console also features Pause and Stop buttons, in case you need to interrupt workout all reset all the current values.
Assembly and Maintenance
First of all, since this Horizon elliptical is pretty bulky and not exactly a feather, two people might be required. The assembly isn’t particularly difficult and the tools are supplied with the box (except screwdriver). However, since there are quite many parts and bolts to attach, it can take up to an hour or more. The manual supplied with the box is pretty comprehensive and will guide you step-by-step through the process. The whole assembly basically requires you to add the front base, attach the two frame pieces together, add the pedal arms, console post, pedals, mobile handlebars, and finally connect the console.
Some of the parts are pre-lubricated and don’t require any lubrication. And since it’s a belt-drive system and magnetic brake, you don’t need to lubricate brake pads or any motor parts. The only parts that may require lubrication from time to time, are the rollers and the joints between the arms of the machine.
The Pros
Just like any other exercising machine out there, the Horizon EX59-02 has its pros and cons. The pros include:
- Premium, SixStar frame, with a solid build, focusing on a healthy posture, minimizing workout impact and fatigue;
- Pedals pretty close together to eliminate any hips or backpain, with a ribbed design to provide maximum adherence;
- Mobile arms with an ergonomic design;
- Fixed arms incorporating pulse sensors;
- Highly durable rollers;
- Smooth and quiet belt-drive system;
- Medium-weight flywheel, for a consitent momentum;
- 10 levels of resistance;
- 10 workout apps;
- Sound system;
- Media tray;
- Accessory holder;
- Bottle holder;
- Easy to maintain;
- Consistent warranty plan.
The Cons
Although this Horizon Fitness elliptical is quite a top quality machine, it does come with several downsides, which wouldn’t be fair to leave out. So, here they are:
Tablet or book overlaps the LCD performance monitor, if placed on the media holder;
- No incline;
- No online connectivity;
- Not compatible with any HR chest strap.
Final Word
Even though for this price, the EX59-02 from Horizon Fitness lacks several features, the machine does supply superior quality, sturdiness and comfort. It’s definitely not one of the “cheapies”. You actually get what you pay for. It’s an excellent machine for aerobic training, muscle toning, and weight loss. You can actually burn up to 5-600 calories per hour on this machine. It has quite an appealing design, it’s fairly easy to put together and requires basically no maintenance.