Ever reached a point when going to the gym sounds like the last thing you want to do with your life? It happens to many of us. During such times, you will wish you had a decent fitness machine at home like the Horizon Fitness EX 59-02.
In order to fit perfectly in your home, the Horizon Fitness EX-59-02 was designed to be user-friendly, effective and comfortable enough for any level of training. It promises to deliver a smooth and natural workout without inflicting any harm on your knees and joints.
When you combine all its features, it won’t be hard to see why this machine is the greatest thing you can have inside your house. Here’s a closer look at what exactly this machine brings to the table.
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Product Description
Horizon Fitness EX-59-02 is actually a newer and improved version of the EX-59. If you already know about the EX-59’s good features then expect so much more in EX-59-02 that is way beyond what you would call good.
Resistance and incline
Resistance on this machine is generated through its eddy current brake system. So as to ensure no friction, wear and tear and the annoying sounds the often emerge out of this resistance system, the magnetic brake pad was designed not to come in contact with the machine’s flywheel. You can switch between its 10 levels of resistance by tapping the controls on the machine’s console. Everything is actually automatic. Whether you are paddling forward or backward, you will still experience the resistance.
At 6.5 kg (14.3 lbs), EX-59-02’s flywheel is of medium weight and great for delivering consistent and smooth workouts.
Whereas you will be enjoying the numerous resistance levels, what you will miss most about this machine is the incline. Sadly, the machine lacks an incline feature. What this means is that if you are an advanced level trainer, you may not really be satisfied using really enjoy using this machine.
Console Unit
Even though this machine’s console isn’t as advanced as that of other ellipticals in its category, much of what it comes with is still enough to deliver a great performance. On top of the 10 workout programs and the 5″ LCD display, you will also be able to keep track of:
- Speed
- Time
- Revolutions per minute
- Pulse rate
- Calories burned
- Distance
- Power output display
Other amenities included on this console unit include:
- Reading rack/tablet tray
- Sound system
- Heart rate monitor
Something you will perhaps enjoy most about the console has to do with its programs. Three of its programs are focused on weight loss and so if you need a type of workout that will lead to you shaving off the extra pounds, then this is the best elliptical machine for you.
Build quality/ Design
As for the build quality, you will be impressed by the fact that the machine has a Six Star Certification which is one the highest quality standard a fitness machine can get. Its two-piece frame is a product of biomechanics research and it’s largely made of steel tubing so as to make it tough and enable it to give a smooth and natural elliptical motion.
Any part of this machine made of steel is coated with an anti-corrosive paint so as to make them resistant to scratches and corrosion. Solid plastic guards have also been used to cover the ‘insides’ of the machine.
On top of the plastic, just behind the console post, there’s a water bottle space where you can store your water bottle.
To enhance its stability, the machine is equipped with three bases. Both the rear and middle bases are fixed with stabilizers finished with rubber caps. For the front base, wheel caps have been fixed to it so as to ease movement.
Comfort
The machine’s mobile arms have a curved design that helps to enhance a healthy upright posture. To make the grip firm and enhance comfort while using this arms, the mobile arms are fitted with rubber foam grips and a fairly wide diameter.
Keeping a long distance between the footplates is one of the reasons that leads to a trainer’s hips and back suffering from stress and so to minimize it, the machine’s footplates have been kept pretty close. Unlike what you will see on other trainers in Horizon Fitness EX-59-02 category, this machine’s footplates don’t articulate, they are fixed.
Stepping on and off this trainer is also easy, thanks to the short distance between its pedals and the ground. The machine’s stride length is also long enough to accommodate users as tall as 6″.
Assembly and Warranty
Assembling this machine isn’t exactly difficult but one thing you will have to keep in mind is that it’s pretty heavy and thus you may need the help of one or two more people to put together some of its pieces. You also have the help of a comprehensive manual that is easy to follow, and a couple of tools to ensure that your process is easy and fast. On average, it might take you almost an hour or two to have the machine ready.
As for the warranty, here’s the breakdown:
- Frame- Lifetime
- Parts – 1 year
- Labor – 1 year
Alternatives
Horizon Fitness EX-59-02 continues to face stiff competition from the top performing ellipticals in its category. Schwinn 430 and its sister model, Horizon EX-57 are two of its closest rivals.
Schwinn 430 and Horizon EX-59-02 are just a few dollars apart when it comes to price. Schwinn 430 comes with far more resistance levels and workout program, an incline capacity, longer stride length, and higher user weight capacity. It also has some computerized features that are absent in EX-59-02. However, EX-59-02 prides itself in having a more impressive warranty which adds more confidence in its durability.
Horizon EX-57, on the other hand, is a little cheaper though only by a few hundred dollars. However, there isn’t a much significant difference between them except for the workout programs and resistance levels. Many of the remaining features are a bit similar. So it’s up to a user to decide whether they need more workout options or if less is enough for them when it comes to deciding which one to have between the two.
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