There is nothing like aerobic exercises when it comes to improving cardiovascular fitness. An hour long session at the gym is enough to keep the bad cholesterols at bay, tone muscles and release enough endorphins to keep us motivated throughout the day. However, the fact remains finding time to work out, even for a few minutes every day, is almost impossible considering the heavy workload at office and responsibilities at home.
Considering all this, wouldn’t it be great if we could bring the gym home instead of having to commute everyday to burn off excess fat. Well, the good news is that commuting worries are passé. The Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer provides non impact training that is designed to build your cardiovascular fitness and develop muscles of your legs, back, upper arm without putting too much stress on your joints, back and spine.
All of us know that running, jogging is a great activity for our cardiovascular health, but how many of us know that running and jogging activity could lead to serious back and joint problems if the shoes are inadequate or the running surface is too hard. The impact of running on hard tarmac for a prolonged period of time could damage the cartilage of your knees and joints damaging them permanently. Do you really want to be hobbling around with doughty knees for the rest of your life? If your answer is no it is time you took a relook of your fitness regimen.
What is Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer?
The Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer is a low impact cross trainer that exercises your lower and upper body without putting too much stress on your joints. It may be a little tough getting accustomed to its movement first, but once you get in the groove, you can get a more comprehensive workout compared to what you get on a treadmill. The elliptical trainer combines the movement of the arm and legs to help you reach your targeted heart rate quicker and more efficiently.
Who Can Use It?
The Horizon EX-59 can be used by anyone without any restriction as to age or level of fitness. The only restriction is to weight as it is limited to 275lbs. People recuperating from an injury can use it because it is comparatively low impact compared to exercising on a treadmill or walking on a hard tarmac made of cement.
Doctors recommend exercising on an elliptical trainer to athletes coming out of a serious knee injury or simply rehabilitating after an illness or surgery. The fluid like motion of an elliptical trainer protects your joints and knees from impact, quickening the healing process and strengthening the muscles of your back, legs and arms. This Horizon Fitness Elliptical is designed in a manner that does not damage your spine and joints.
The maximum user weight is limited to 275lbs. It is definitely not safe to use the elliptical trainer if your weight is more than the recommended limit.
Technical Specs
Basics
Stride Length 18″ FLATellipse™ foot path, Resistance Range: 1-10, electronic, Pivoting Foot Plate, 3 orange LED windows, 10 program options, User Capacity 275 lbs, Assembled 73″L x 22″W x 65″H
Frame Design
The low step on height and frame design makes it easy for even first time users to step on it and start exercising.
Heavy duty Flywheel
Heavy duty flywheel and magnetic breaking makes the Horizon Fitness EX-59 dependable and reliable for all users
Stride and Pedal System
The pedal system has designed carefully by biomechanical experts to reduce impact on your joints, knees, back and spine. This provides a natural feel while working on the elliptical which is good news if you want to work out for a long time.
Surround Speakers
Play your favourite music on the speakers or if you want a little bit of privacy plug in the headphones in the conveniently placed audio jack.
What Makes It Different?
While there are several elliptical trainers available in the market none offer the features of the Horizon EX-59 Elliptical. The six standout, most talked about features are listed below –
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The pedals are placed optimally with to reduce stress on back, hips and joints
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Convenient for any user because the handlebars are within easy reach
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Design keeps body upright while training, reduces stress
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Minimizes fatigue because there is no impact on knees, joint or back involved
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Pedals are low on the ground allowing easy access to everybody
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Efficient drive pulley ratio provides the smoothest exercise regimen without tiring you out quickly
How Do I Install?
The Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical weighs 275lbs, moving it around before assembly is not easy especially since the weight does not seem to be evenly distributed. You can bring additional help or move it in parts, whichever suits you better.
Do not open the box on its sides. Keep on level ground. Make sure that there is light clothing to prevent scratches to the surface.
Assembly is easy if you follow the instructions carefully. Assemble the elliptical trainer where you want it placed because once assembled it is very difficult to move through the door due to its size and bulk, turning corners with the fully assembled elliptical trainer is also tricky.
Each unit is contained in a clearly labelled box which corresponds to a page in the instruction manual; all you have to do is follow the instructions, handling the cables takes time.
Before using the assembled elliptical trainer, make sure that all the screws are properly tightened. Improperly tightened screws can make the elliptical shaky when used causing damages to the body and frame.
Pros and Cons
This elliptical machine from Horizon Fitness is an excellent machine. Very easy to handle and requires little or no looking after.
Pros
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It is very silent:You can exercise on it without having to shout to get yourself heard. You can even watch T.V without having to turn up the volume. This is a great investment if you are an early morning kind of person and hate to wake up your family with your gym sessions.
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Comprehensive exercise: The Horizon EX-59 exercises your entire body. It keeps moving your arm, lower body and legs moving helping you reach your target heart rate much faster.
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Reduces stress on joints: Your foot never comes off the pedal which allows you to exercise for a longer period of time without tiring your body.
Cons
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The settings are a bit primitive with just a few resistance levels and a few programs. It would have helped had there been a few more programs to make the exercise more interesting
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The absence of on/off switch is glaring. You have to plug the machine every time you want to turn on the machine which is a real pain.
Is It Safe?
The Horizon Fitness EX-59 is safe as a house. It has been especially designed to reduce stress on the knees, joints, lower back and spine. It is safe for all age groups and fitness levels and comes highly recommended for rehabilitating patients with back injuries and knee injuries. It allows you to exercise longer because without any actual impact on the ground there is no feeling of tiredness. You can get more out of your exercise regimen by using the elliptical trainer everyday compared to running on a tarmac or jogging on treadmill.
Is This a Good Buy?
The Horizon EX-59 Elliptical comes from a line of Horizon Fitness products that are known for their sophistication and efficiency. Each product is quality checked to ensure that the highest standards of quality are met. This Horizon Fitness Elliptical is designed in way that puts the least amount of pressure on your back, spine and joints.
Attention to small details like maintaining the right body posture, ideal pedal placement and height of the pedal ensure user comfort and safety. The handle bars are spaced perfectly for both small and large users. The machine is extremely affordable but does not compromise on safety and reliability.
The machine beeps while starting and shutting off which is mildly irritating. The console could is a little primitive. But the overall consensus is in favour of the Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical. It is a wonderful, affordable fitness machine.
Who Should Buy This Elliptical Trainer?
The Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer is a comprehensive health package suitable for every household. It has the following advantages in its favour –
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Excellent buy if you are looking for a high quality cross trainer
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No compromises made on quality
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Light and compact
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Quicker workouts with target heart rate achieved faster
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Non Impact, does not damage the joints, lower back or spine
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Exercises the whole body