Horizon EX-57 Elliptical Trainer

According to the suppliers the Horizon EX-57 Elliptical Trainer “…gives you club-quality performance – from the smooth stride motion to the easy programmability – and recreates the feeling of running or walking without leaving home.”

At a current price of $499 this elliptical is being sold at a very low price. Even the original list price of $699 would be considered in the low to mid price range – so, is this machine an effective purchase for those who want to achieve a good low-impact cardiovascular workout at home?

Actually the answer is yes. You can get a good cardiovascular workout on the Horizon EX57. It does not come with a long list of ‘features’ but quite frankly if all you want is a machine to workout on while reading or watching the TV, you might as well spend $499 as spend $1,000, right?

The more expensive machines have a raft of different preset programmes, options and built-in extras but even this machine has 9 programm options and 8 resistance levels. It may be less sophisticated but as my old granny would have said, “The less fancy, the less to go wrong!”

So what exactly do you get for your money with the Horizon $499?

Elliptical exercise machines are becoming ever more popular because they give an effective cardiovascular workout while causing no stress to the joints. Those who have had running injuries will find that they can exercise on an elliptical machine without causing more damage to their joints, tendons or muscles. Even the cheapest of these machines is designed to offer low impact cardiovascular exercise.

HorizonFitness.com EX-57 Elliptical

The Horizon EX-57 Elliptical is a front drive elliptical with an 18” non-adjustable stride and no-slip footpads. The pedals and pivoting foot plate are designed for natural movement and the 8 motorized resistance levels allow the user to adjust the intensity of his exercise session. The 9 program options allow variety as well as increasing challenge over time.

It would be nice if this machine came with an adjustable stride because changing the length of the movement targets different muscle groups as well as making the machine more user-friendly for individuals in the family. The 18” stride will not be equally comfortable to everybody.

Also missing on this machine are the MP3 compatible post and speakers, cooling fan and iFit Workout Card technology that you find on more expensive machines. If you feel that you would want to train in tune then rather than pay over the odds for a built-in ipod, you could treat yourself to a classic ipod shuffle for less than $100. Funny how the newer versions are just not

You may often find on this website that some negative points are given where we feel the warranty lets down an otherwise good product. In this case the overall lifetime warranty for the frame and one year on parts and labor is fair enough given the price of the machine and there is either is a 1 year or 2 year extended warranty available should you wish more coverage.

The bottom line is if you have $499 to spend on a home exercise machine this one will fit the bill nicely. If you can pony up a little bit more you will have the choice of more options and features all of which are nice but none of which are necessary.