Horizon Fitness EX-68 Elliptical

Thanks to a new appreciation of the damage that can be caused to feet, ankles, knees and hips by the constant jarring impact of feet slapping on blacktop or on treadmill rubber, many of the latest home fitness machines are elliptical; they use a low impact gliding movement instead of the stepping action.

Each of the elliptical brands promote their own designs and boast about the amount of research/money/testing that has gone into the final product. Horizon Fitness is no different. Their claim to fame is that several of their elliptical machines including the Horizon EX-68 are ‘six star certified’. According to Horizon, six star certification is given when six key elements are used in combination to deliver the smoothest, most natural elliptical movement.

These six elements are zero distance between the pedals, an upright body position, easy access, optimal handlebar positioning, a natural foot path and a smooth pulley function.

There is even a Six Star Certification website to back up the importance of this gradation but personally I am sceptical. While I have no doubt that the Horizon EX-68 elliptical trainer is a fine elliptical machine, and neither do I have any worries about the eminent doctors, scientists and professors that put their name to the Six Star certification standard, I am surprised that there is no major, national medical or sports body behind it. Furthermore, it seems a bit surprising that only machines from Horizon and LiveStrong make the grade. What, really? No LifeCore ellipticals? No Yowza or Nordictrack make the grade?

So, pumped up marketing claims aside what exactly is the Horizon Fitness EX-68 all about?

This is a front drive elliptical with a heavy-duty flywheel which runs smoothly with quiet magnetic brake resistance which offers 20 levels of intensity.

The console has two orange LED windows and an 8 digit alphanumeric display to show time, distance, calories, heart rate, speed and resistance level. There are 11 programs to choose from which keeps the machine from becoming mundane and an Advanced Goal Centre with 3 targets and 4 workouts including Hills and Reverse Train.

There is a built-in Cool Fit fan to keep the user cool and sonic surround speakers and an MP3 port let the user workout to all his favourites tunes which no doubt helps him or her feel even cooler. There is also the thoughtful addition of included headphones for those times when the sound from the speakers is intrusive for anyone else in the room.

Generally speaking and six star certification notwithstanding, this a middle of the road machine at the lower end of the price range. A reasonable buy because it has enough programs to make training variable and challenging but with a less than mind-blowing warranty. Frame and brake are covered for life (which is pretty standard and parts and labor for one year only. Extended coverage is available for one or two years at an extra cost.

Horizon Fitness EX-68

Something that very few fitness machine brands include in the sale of their machines and yet, that almost all would recommend is a shock absorbing floor mat to fit under the machine and protect floors from damage. At under $50 it is definitely worth having this to hand before the machine arrives because once you’ve installed this baby it is going to be tricky getting anything underneath it.