Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical: Pros, Cons, Cost, and More

The Horizon EX-59 Elliptical is a popular and affordable elliptical that offers a low impact cardio workout.

Because it uses a single fluid motion, the Horizon elliptical places less strain on your joints than walking or running, so it’s ideal for those with joint problems, excess weight, or arthritis (1, 2, 3).

Unlike treadmills, ellipticals don’t have speed options. Instead, you control how fast you go by increasing or decreasing the speed of your movements.

The Horizon Fitness EX-59 is equipped with stationary and moving handlebars, as well as several resistance options to increase the difficulty of your workout.

Additional specs and features of this elliptical include:

• Dimensions: 74 inches × 25 inches × 64.5 inches (188 cm × 64 cm × 164 cm)
• Weight: 145 pounds (66 kg)
• Stride length: 18 inches (46 cm)
• Flywheel weight: 14.3 pounds (6.5 kg)
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds (136 kg)
• Resistance options: 10
• Workout presets: 10
• Other features: Bluetooth-enabled speakers, USB charging port, tablet holder, drink holder

Summary

The Horizon EX-59 is an affordable elliptical that provides a low impact cardio workout.

The Horizon Fitness EX-59 elliptical offers several features to keep you challenged and entertained during your workout.

For intensity and variety, the elliptical comes equipped with 10 resistance levels and 10 built-in exercise programs, including:

• Calorie Goal
• Constant Watts
• Intervals
• Intervals Plus
• Manual
• Random
• Reverse Train
• Rolling Hills
• Weight Loss
• Weight Loss Plus

The 4.5-inch (11-cm) LCD screen also shows your distance, heart rate, program level, speed, time, number of calories burned, and watts (a measure of how much power you’re producing).

To help you stay motivated during your workout, the elliptical is equipped with a tablet holder above the display so you can stream music, workout videos, or your favorite TV shows on your devices.

Plus, it comes with Bluetooth-enabled speakers and a USB charging port for your smartphone or tablet. There’s also a water bottle holder so you can stay hydrated while you sweat.

Summary

The Horizon EX-59 Elliptical offers 10 levels of resistance and 10 workout presets, along with a 4.5-inch (11-cm) LCD screen, a tablet holder, Bluetooth-enabled speakers, a USB charging port, and a water bottle holder.

The Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $999, but it’s usually on sale for $699 if you buy directly through the Horizon Fitness website.

To make the elliptical even more affordable, Horizon Fitness offers a financing program, which allows qualified buyers to pay as little as $20 per month with 0% interest.

The elliptical also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and extensive warranties, including:

• Frame: Lifetime
• Brake: 1 year
• Flywheel: None
• Parts: 1 year
• Labor: 1 year

While standard shipping is free, you can opt for room-of-choice delivery for an additional fee.

Summary

The MSRP for the Horizon EX-59 elliptical is $999. However, the machine is usually on sale for $699. Horizon Fitness offers financing options, free shipping, and extensive warranties.

When assembled, the Horizon EX-59 measures 74 inches (188 cm) long, 25 inches (64 cm) wide, and 64.5 inches (164 cm) tall.

It has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds (136 kg) and a stride length of 18 inches (46 cm), which may be too short for people taller than 6 feet (183 cm).

Another important spec to note is the weight of the flywheel, which is the rotating disc that the handlebars and pedals are attached to. The EX-59’s flywheel weighs 14.3 pounds (6.5 kg), which is lighter than those of many other models.

Because heavier flywheels generally result in smoother movements, you may experience slightly jerkier peddling with the Horizon EX-59.

Also keep in mind that this elliptical isn’t compatible with ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets, which feature “test” and “reset” buttons. Instead, you’ll need to plug it into a 110- or 220-volt outlet.

Summary

The elliptical has a weight limit of 300 pounds (136 kg) and an 18-inch (46-cm) stride length, which may not be ideal for taller people.

This table offers a comparison of the Horizon EX-59 and two similar products: the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E320001 and the Schwinn 430 elliptical.

The three ellipticals have similar features and cost less than $1,000 each.

While the Horizon EX-59 has the lightest flywheel and fewest resistance and workout preset options, it comes equipped with Bluetooth-enabled speakers and a USB charging port.

For taller people, only the Schwinn 430 offers a stride length of 20 inches (51 cm).

Comparison with other Horizon ellipticals

Horizon’s product line includes three additional ellipticals: the Evolve 3, Evolve 5, and 7.0 AE, all of which are more expensive than the EX-59, with prices ranging from $1,599–$1,999.

For the extra cost, these models offer heavier flywheels, 10 additional resistance levels, and 20-inch (51-cm) stride lengths.

Additionally, the Evolve 3 and Evolve 5 are foldable and offer ViaFit connectivity, which allows you to sync your workout data with your favorite fitness app or tracking device.

However, unlike the EX-59 and the 7.0 AE, the Evolve 3 and 5 don’t offer Bluetooth speakers or USB charging ports.

Summary

Compared with similarly priced products, the EX-59 has fewer resistance options and workout presets. However, it’s better for streaming with your own devices because it comes with Bluetooth speakers and a charging port.

If you’re looking for an elliptical that costs less than $1,000, the Horizon EX-59 is a solid choice — especially if you plan on streaming workouts from your smartphone or tablet.

Compared with similarly priced models, it’s one of the few to include Bluetooth-enabled speakers and a USB charging port.

However, it has some drawbacks, including a shorter stride length and more limited training options than other ellipticals such as the Schwinn 430 and the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E320001.

Still, for a moderately priced elliptical with plenty of features to keep you entertained during your workout, the Horizon EX-59 is a clear winner.

Summary

The EX-59 is a great affordable option, as it comes with built-in workouts, Bluetooth speakers, and a device holder. However, it has a shorter stride length and fewer resistance levels than other similarly priced models.

The Horizon EX-59 elliptical is a great midrange machine that offers training and media options to keep you motivated during your workouts.

However, compared with similarly priced ellipticals, it has fewer resistance levels and preset workout programs. It’s also not ideal for taller users.

Overall, the Horizon EX-59 is a budget-friendly option worth considering if you’re looking for a low impact cardio workout.