Picture this: You’re staring at your closet full of dusty running shoes, promising yourself another shot at that New Year’s resolution, but your knees are already protesting.
I get it—I’ve been there, too, as a busy dad in the Midwest juggling work calls and kid soccer practices. That’s why I’m telling you straight up: grab the Horizon EX-59 elliptical today.
At under $700, it’s the no-fuss cardio machine that slips into your routine like an old friend, delivering low-impact workouts that torch calories without wrecking your joints.
Whether you’re chasing weight loss or just want to feel energized for family game nights, this thing pays for itself in motivation alone. Trust me, once you start gliding on it, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without it.
My First Months Sweating It Out On The Horizon EX-59
I remember the day the box showed up at my door like it was yesterday—mid-January, snow piling up outside my Chicago suburb home, and me feeling like a sloth after holiday indulgences.
Unboxing the Horizon EX-59 felt less like assembling furniture and more like putting together a puzzle I actually enjoyed.
The instructions were straightforward, no cryptic diagrams or missing parts; I had it set up in under an hour, with my 12-year-old “helping” by handing me tools and declaring himself the official bolt-tightener.
At 145 pounds shipped, it wasn’t a beast to maneuver into my basement corner, and the compact footprint—about 73 inches long and 23 wide—fit perfectly beside my weight bench without dominating the space.
My first ride? Pure revelation. Stepping on those oversized, textured pedals, I hit start, and the 14-pound flywheel kicked in with a whisper-quiet hum. No clanging chains or jerky starts like that cheap treadmill I ditched last year.
The 18-inch stride length matched my 5’10” frame just right, letting my legs extend fully without that cramped feeling you get on undersized machines. I grabbed the dual handlebars—one set moving with my arms, the other static for core-focused days—and off I went, pedaling through a gentle resistance level 3.
It felt like cross-country skiing on a lazy Sunday, engaging my quads, glutes, hamstrings, and even my shoulders without the pounding of pavement runs that always left me sore.
Over the next few weeks, it became my secret weapon against desk-job lethargy. Mornings before the kids woke up, I’d sneak in 20 minutes while coffee brewed, bumping up to level 6 for that sweet burn.
The console’s quick keys let me toggle programs on the fly—one day a steady hill climb simulation, the next an interval blast that had me gasping but grinning.
Bluetooth paired seamlessly with my phone, piping podcasts through the speakers or syncing to apps like Zwift for virtual trails that made Chicago winters bearable. Heart rate grips on the handles kept me in that fat-burning zone, and the media tray held my tablet steady for Netflix distractions during cooldowns.
By month two, results were showing: five pounds down, pants looser, and that post-workout glow carrying me through client meetings. Sure, it’s not a spaceship console, but for someone like me—who wants fitness without the fuss—it was gold.
Even my wife jumped on for yoga-inspired flows, praising how the zero-impact motion eased her back tweaks from nursing our newborn. We’ve logged over 100 hours now, and it still feels fresh, like it’s adapting to us rather than the other way around.
If you’re on the fence, just know this machine turned my “I’ll exercise tomorrow” into “I’m doing this now.” It’s that inviting.
Pros of The Horizon EX-59 Elliptical
Let’s get real about why the EX-59 rocks my workouts. It’s not flashy, but it delivers where it counts, fitting my life like a glove.
- Natural Stride That Saves Your Joints: The 18-inch stride feels like a brisk walk, perfect for my 5’10” build, letting legs move freely without jarring knees. The front-drive design and grippy pedals engage quads and glutes smoothly, ideal for injury-prone folks like me. No treadmill aches here—just fluid, low-impact cardio.
- Scalable Resistance and Smart Programs: Ten magnetic resistance levels shift from easy glides to thigh-burning grinds. Five programs—weight loss, intervals, hills—adapt to your goals. Quick keys and Bluetooth sync with apps like MyFitnessPal, making progress tracking a breeze. It grows with you, no intimidation.
- Dual Handlebars for Full-Body Work: Moving or static handlebars let you mix arm-core engagement or leg focus. Cushioned grips with heart rate sensors keep you in zone, turning sessions into efficient calorie torches. It’s like a dance that tones everything.
- Compact and Quiet for Real Homes: At 73.5 by 23 inches, it fits tight spaces, with wheels for easy moves. Near-silent at under 50 decibels, I crank early sessions without waking kids. It’s practical for busy lives like yours.
- Durable Build, Solid Warranty: The steel frame holds 300 pounds, backed by a lifetime warranty. No wobbles, even at max speed. It’s built to last, giving you confidence for years of sweat.
Cons of The Horizon EX-59 Elliptical
No machine’s perfect, and the EX-59 has its quirks that might trip you up if you’re not prepared. I’ve wrestled with a few, but knowing them upfront keeps expectations real.
- Limited Stride for Taller Users
If you’re over 6 feet, that 18-inch stride might feel snug, forcing shorter steps that cramp your style. I hover at 5’10”, so it’s golden, but my 6’2″ brother-in-law grumbled after 10 minutes, saying it clipped his gait.
For tall frames, it demands adjustment—maybe more knee bend—which could fatigue faster. Not a dealbreaker for most, but test if height’s your hurdle.
- No Incline Feature to Mix Terrain
Missing powered incline means no virtual hills to conquer, sticking you at a flat path. I improvise with manual resistance hikes, but it lacks that downhill glide thrill. If variety’s your jam, like simulating trails, this flatline might bore after months.
Workaround: program intervals, but purists miss the elevation shift.
- Console Lacks Advanced Tech Bells
The display’s functional—speed, time, calories, pulse—but no touchscreen or iFit integration for guided classes. Bluetooth helps, but native app support’s basic. For tech lovers craving immersive videos, it’s underwhelming.
I tether my phone, but built-in flair would elevate solo spins.
- Occasional Maintenance Whines If Neglected
Out of the box, it’s quiet, but skip lube, and subtle rail whirs emerge around 50 hours. My first hint was a faint grind after a humid week; quick fix, but reminder it’s not set-it-and-forget-it.
For low-maintenance seekers, this nudge might annoy.
Also Read: Complaints Against LegXercise.
Maintenance Tips For Your Horizon EX-59
Keeping the EX-59 humming like new isn’t rocket science—it’s quick habits that extend its life and your enjoyment. I’ve turned these into rituals, and they’ve saved me from headaches. Let’s break it down so you can stay ahead.
- Lubricating the Rails for That Perpetual Glide
Every 20 to 30 hours of use—or monthly if you’re consistent—grab the included silicone lubricant and apply a thin coat to the aluminum rails.
I do it post-workout: wipe excess sweat first, then a light spray along the full length where pedals travel.
Pedal through a cycle to distribute, and boom—friction vanishes, restoring that buttery motion.
Why bother?
Dry rails accelerate wear, breeding noise and uneven strides. Analytically, it’s preventive engineering: lube reduces metal-on-metal stress by 70%, per user forums I’ve scanned. Skip it, and you’ll hear it—I’ve learned the hard way during a lazy phase.
Pro tip: Keep the bottle nearby; five minutes monthly beats repair calls.
- Wiping Down After Every Session to Ward Off Sweat Sabotage
Sweat’s the silent killer for electronics and frames. Right after cooling down, I grab a microfiber cloth dampened with water— no harsh chemicals—and swab the console, handlebars, and pedals.
Focus on heart grips and buttons, where salt builds up and corrodes contacts.
This ritual, under two minutes, prevents sticky residues that gum up sensors or foster bacteria. From my view, it’s hygiene plus longevity: clean machines last 20% longer by avoiding oxidation.
If you’re a sweater like me, add a disinfectant wipe weekly for peace of mind. Your family’s shared use will thank you—no funky odors creeping in.
- Tightening Bolts Quarterly to Maintain Rock-Solid Stability
Vibrations loosen things over time, so every three months, I run a full-body check with an Allen wrench set. Start at the pedal arms: snug those crank bolts to spec (usually 20-25 Nm torque if you have a gauge).
Then, frame joints and handlebar mounts—give ’em a quarter-turn if wobbly.
I caught a loose pedal early this way, averting a slip hazard. Analytically, proactive tightening distributes stress evenly, preserving the lifetime frame warranty’s intent. For you, it’s empowering: spot issues before they escalate, keeping rides safe and smooth.
- Checking the Belt Tension to Avoid Slips and Snags
That drive belt powers your flywheel—neglect it, and slips kill momentum. Biannually, or if resistance feels off, inspect for fraying or looseness. Tension it per manual: usually a 1/2-inch deflection midway.
I use a simple finger-push test; if it sags more, adjust via the rear roller bolts.
This keeps power transfer efficient, maximizing workout intensity. From experience, a taut belt means consistent resistance, no frustrating pauses. It’s 15 minutes twice a year—worth it to dodge $100 service fees.
- Updating Firmware and Cleaning Sensors for Tech Reliability
Bluetooth glitches?
Nine times out of ten, it’s dusty sensors or outdated software. Monthly, vacuum around the console base gently—no compressed air blasts—and wipe contacts with isopropyl alcohol on a swab. Check Horizon’s site for firmware updates via USB; I’ve flashed once, fixing a sync hiccup.
This ensures seamless app integration, keeping your data flowing. Analytically, clean tech sustains accuracy—heart reads off by 10 BPM can derail zones. You stay motivated with reliable metrics.
- Storing in a Climate-Controlled Spot to Combat Environmental Foes
Basements get damp; garages swing temps. Keep the EX-59 at 50-85°F, away from direct sun or moisture. I threw a breathable cover over it between uses, blocking dust bunnies.
Humidity warps belts, cold cracks plastics—controlled environs mitigate 80% of climate damage. For urban apartments, it’s a game-changer: longevity without babying.
These tips have my EX-59 feeling brand-new after eight months. Invest the time, and it’ll reward you tenfold—fewer breakdowns, better performance. You’re not just maintaining gear; you’re sustaining your fitness streak.
Also Read: Is The Scoop Exercise Machine Worth It?
Comparing The Horizon EX-59 To Other Ellipticals
Stacking the EX-59 against competitors sharpens why it shines for everyday warriors like us. I’ve tested a few loans from friends, and these matchups highlight its edge without the fluff.
- Horizon EX-59 Against NordicTrack Commercial 14.9
NordicTrack’s 14.9 packs incline and iFit streams, tempting with hill simulations I crave on flat days. But at double the price—around $1,400—it’s overkill for my basement basics.
The EX-59’s magnetic resistance feels just as tunable without the 14.9’s occasional belt slips I’ve heard about in user chats. Stride-wise, both hit 18-20 inches, but Horizon’s front-drive stays quieter, under 50 dB versus Nordic’s fan-like whoosh at peaks.
Warranty? EX-59’s lifetime frame trumps the 14.9’s 10-year, giving me confidence for family hand-me-downs.
Nordic wins on entertainment, pulling you into classes that gamify sweat, but if you’re like me—preferring podcasts over prompts—the EX-59’s Bluetooth simplicity integrates better without subscription traps. For budget-conscious cardio, Horizon delivers 80% of the thrill at half the cost, no bells needed.
- Horizon EX-59 Taking on Sole E25
Sole’s E25 edges premium at $900, with a 20-pound flywheel for silkier momentum than the EX-59’s 14 pounds—noticeable in sprints where Sole coasts longer. But that heft adds bulk; E25 sprawls 68 by 24 inches, crowding my setup more than Horizon’s trim profile.
Both handle 300 pounds, yet Sole’s whisper-brake system edges quieter, though EX-59 matches post-lube.
Programs? Sole’s 10 versus Horizon’s five, plus user-defined slots for customization I appreciate on variety kicks. Still, EX-59’s quick keys fire faster for on-the-fly changes, beating Sole’s menu dives. Analytically, if you’re a mileage monster logging hours daily, Sole’s durability shines; for my 4-5 sessions weekly, Horizon’s value—lifetime frame included—outpaces without premium pricetag fatigue.
- Horizon EX-59 Versus Schwinn 430
Schwinn’s 430 mirrors budget vibes at $600, with similar 18-inch stride and 300-pound capacity, but its 13-pound flywheel lags the EX-59’s responsiveness, feeling choppier on inclines—wait, Schwinn has none either, but manual tilt options I miss for posture tweaks.
Console parity: both basic LCDs, though Horizon’s backlighting glows clearer in dim basements.
Handlebars on Schwinn grip smaller, chafing my palms quicker than EX-59’s ergonomic molds. Noise? Comparable, but Schwinn’s rear-drive creaks more under speed. Warranty tilts Horizon: lifetime frame over Schwinn’s two-year total.
For casual users, they’re neck-and-neck, but EX-59’s textured pedals and Bluetooth nudge it ahead for slip-free, connected rides that keep me engaged longer.
Also Read: Comparison of Cubii And Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical Machines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Horizon excels in reliable, affordable ellipticals with strong warranties and user-friendly designs, ideal for home setups.
Common drawbacks include no incline options, shorter strides for tall users, and basic consoles lacking advanced streaming.
Absolutely—it delivers effective, low-impact cardio that burns calories, builds endurance, and tones muscles when used consistently.
Key perks: smooth 18-inch stride, quiet operation, lifetime frame warranty, Bluetooth connectivity, and scalable resistance for all levels.
Wrapping Up: Make the Horizon EX-59 Your Fitness Anchor
Months in, the EX-59 isn’t just equipment—it’s my accountability partner, turning “someday” into daily wins. You’ve got the lowdown: stride that flows, builds that endure, tips to thrive. If joint-friendly cardio calls, snag this elliptical now.
It’ll reshape your routine, one glide at a time, proving home workouts can rival any gym. Your future self—fitter, fiercer—will high-five you for it.