Horizon Fitness EX-58 Elliptical Review

This detailed Horizon Fitness EX-58 Elliptical review sets out the many features and benefits you can enjoy from the Horizon Fitness EX-58 Elliptical Trainer designed for user comfort at a modest price.

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Horizon Fitness EX-58 Elliptical Trainer Review

OVERVIEW:

 The Horizon Fitness EX-58 Elliptical Trainer is a front-drive, fixed 18″ stride elliptical trainer that gives you both a lower body and upper body workout.  Using the moveable handles that has adjustable resistance, you can work out your arms, shoulders, chest, and back while striding the pedals in a low-impact fluid motion for a full body low impact workout.
Stride Length Fixed Stride Length: 18″ called a 18″ FLATellipseTM foot path.  Horizon Fitness strives to offer a fluid and comfortable elliptical motion with its SIXstar CertificationTM – that is six aspects to the EX-58 to give the smoothest and most natural stride possible.  18″ is in range for a decent elliptical trainer, but it’s fixed.  I prefer an adjustable stride so it accomodates more people.  But for well under $1,000, you’re bound to give up certain features found on more expensive elliptical trainers.
Flywheel 14.3 pound flywheel.  The Flywheel is the large wheel that creates the elliptical motion.  It’s the core of any elliptical trainer.  The flywheel on the Horizon Fitness EX-58 is located in the front – giving a longer, flatter stride.
Comfort Innovation
 The Horizon Fitness EX-58 strives to deliver a comfortable workout with its SIXstar Certfication for this elliptical trainer.  The SIXstar CertficationTMis as follows:

  1. Optimal pedal placement with no distance between the pedals for improved alignment.
  2. The EX-58 is designed with StraightUPTM body posture to help you maintain good posture while working out.
  3. Easy access onto the Horizon Fitness EX-58 with a low access point.  It also makes for getting when you’re finished your workout easier.
  4. The handlebar configuration is designed to accomodate both big and small build people.
  5. 18″ fixed stride length replicating a natural walking and running gait.
  6. The SMOOTHpulleyTM technology by Horizon Fitness is a large drive/pulley ratio to enhance the smoothness of the elliptical stride.
Ramp No.  The EX-58 is a rampless elliptical trainer.  The stride option is fixed where incline is concerned.  That said, you can adjust the resistance which is a magnetic braking system.  I wouldn’t be too concerned about no ramp; in fact I prefer a flatter elliptical stride (it’s my preference, it’s not better or worse in terms of workout quality).  That said, a ramp or incline trainer does let you target different muscles depending on the incline level (much like a treadmill incline).
Moveable Handles
  • Yes. Horizon Fitness engineered the handles to accomodate a range in size of users for optimal comfort.  This is part of Horizon Fitness’ SIXstar CertficationTM.
  • The handlebars move in sync with the pedal movements and also offers 10 electronic resistance levels so you get an upper body workout.
  • The handlebar grips are fairly narrow so that it’s comfortable for people with smaller hands.  Some elliptical trainers have very wide handlebards that aren’t so comfortable.
Foot Pedals
  • The foot pedals have zero distance between them for a more comfortable stance and stride.
  • Additionally, the foot bedals pivot to accomodate your natural stance and gait.
  • Close spacing is important for foot pedals. I particularly like the pivoting feature because when I use a fixed pedal elliptical, I can actually feel slight discomfort after a 30 minute workout.  It’s not so bad that I stop, but I notice it.
Resistance Levels 10 electronic resistance levels using magnetic braking.  Magnetic braking is a frictionless braking system that is fairly new technology and is very effective.  Perfect for creating resistance on an elliptical.  Check out Wikipedia braking for more information.
Heart Rate Monitor System The Horizon Fitness EX-58 is outfitted with heart rate grips on the two moveable handlebars.  This is a decent heart rate option for an elliptical because most of the time you use the handle grips while working out.  I say decent, referring to a wireless transmitter alternative – which is not available with this elliptical trainer.
Screen
  • This elliptical trainer has 3 orange LED screens to monitor your progress and workout data.  The three windows display various workout data including time, speed, calories burned, distance, and more.
  • The screen, or should I say display windows, is pretty basic on the Horizon EX-58 – but it gives you the data you need to track your workouts.
  • One nice aspect about the EX-58 display is that the entire computer system is very simple.  The 3 separate windows lead to no confusion about what data you’re looking at.  It’s also a console with few computerized options which make it easy to get your workout underway.
iFit Technology No.  The Horizon Fitness EX-58 is not outfitted with an iFit port.
Sound System
  • There are two speakers located at the top left and right of the console.  These speakers are Sonic SurroundTM speakers that let you plug in an MP3 player. It also offers headphone output.
  • One infrequently mentioned benefit to elliptical trainers is they are not as loud as treadmills.  This means you can hear your music more clearly through speakers when using an elliptical such as the Horizon Fitness EX-58.
iPod and MP3 Integration Yes, you can plug an MP3 player into the console and play your music through the built-in speaker or headphone output.
Workout Fan The Horizon Fitness EX-58 Elliptical uses COOLfitTM workout fan that is located centrally on the console to distribute air toward your face and upper body to stay cool while working out.
Console Features
  • There is a small reading rack (too small for my liking) and 3 water bottle holders located about mid-way up the central vertical support frame supporting the console.
  • I like the 3 water bottle holders – because you can store other items in them as well – such as your phone, keys, note pad, digital recorder, or any other items you like to have while working out.
Weight Capacity
  • Only 275 pounds which is unfortunate for anyone weight more than 275 pounds looking for a modestly priced elliptical trainer.
  • I’m usually baffled why some fitness equipment machines have such a low user weight capacity because many people looking to buy fitness equipment are looking to lose weight.  That said, most people don’t weigh more than 275 pounds.
Workout Programs
  • The Horizon Fitness EX-58 comes with a nice selection of 10 workout programs.  You programmed workout options include 3 target workouts (calories burned, distance, and time).  There are also weight loss programs, revers training program, and custom options.
  • Some people love using the programmed workouts while other people stick to doing their own workouts – and adjust as they wish.  Either way, the EX-58 accomodates any workout preference.
Dimensions (Out of the Box, Assembled)
 73″L x 22″W x 65″H.

Shipping Options

Horizon Fitness Shipping:

  • As of the time this review was prepared, Horizon Fitness offers free shipping on the EX-58 Elliptical Trainer (except Alaska and Hawaii).
  • Canada:  Horizon Fitness does not ship the EX-58 Elliptical to Canada.
  • Shipping includes delivery to the first inside location at your home.  Delivery to room of your choice and/or assembly not offered.

Benefits
  • Pivoting and zero spacing foot pedals for enhanced comfort.
  • Workout in your home or office on the type of fitness equipment that is often booked during peak times at gyms.  No more waiting to use an elliptical trainer or getting booted off when your allotted time is up.
  • Simple and easy-to-use computer and console buttons / options.
  • 3 water bottle holders.
  • Quiet elliptical with heavy flywheel for smooth, fluid elliptical motion.

Complaints
  • Non-adjustable stride.
  • Limited 18″ stride.  This is within a decent elliptical stride, but still a little short for my preference (I’m fairly tall though).
  • Narrow reading rack.

Warranty
  • Frame:  Lifetime (this is good).
  • Brake:  20 years.
  • Parts:  1 year.

Horizon Fitness offers 1 and 2 year extended warranties.

30 Day Guarantee

 The Horizon Fitness EX-58 Elliptical comes with a 30 day money back guarantee.  Customer is responsible for freight costs.

Get a Great Discount

 

  • Read more about magnetic braking that is used for resistance on the Horizon Fitness EX-58 Elliptical at Wikipedia.