Last Updated on March 2, 2018 by Jeff
Elliptical Overview:
The Horizon Fitness EX-57 Elliptical Trainer is a solid, well-built piece of exercise equipment. This elliptical machine has a strong steel frame and a well balanced, 14 lb front mounted flywheel that will ensure a smooth elliptical motion. You won’t have to worry about this elliptical wobbling or moving around while you’re exercising. On top of that, Horizon Fitness adds one of the best warranties providing lifetime coverage on the frame and 20 years on the brake. They also provide one year warranties on the parts and labor.
The Horizon Fitness EX-57 Elliptical Trainer also provides most of the features you would expect in this price range. They provide eight levels of resistance that can be adjusted automatically without interrupting your workout. This machine also has the ability to read your heart rate through dual stationary grips so that you can train in your target heart zone for optimal intensity. With the Horizon Fitness EX-57 Elliptical you are getting a solid piece of exercise equipment at a reasonable price.
Click here to see the price of the Horizon Fitness EX-57 Elliptical Trainer on Amazon.
Technical Info:
Dimensions:
- Height: 67”
- Width: 29”
- Length: 55”
- Item weight: 163 lbs
- Max user weight: 275 lbs
Features:
- Heavy-duty 14.3 lb flywheel maintains pedal and arm momentum while offering a smooth and quiet operation.
- 8 levels of electronic resistance allow you to change intensity with the touch of a button.
- 18” stride and oversized pedals accommodates most users.
- Built-in, dual-grip heart rate monitor keeps you in your target zone for better, faster results.
- Water bottle holder so you can stay hydrated throughout your workout.
Computer Features:
- Crisp LCD display offers key workout feedback.
- 9 workout apps including:
- 3 Goal settings (Time, distance and calories)
- 3 Terrains (Manual, reverse train and hills)
- Display readouts include:
- Time
- Program profile
- Resistance level
- Heart rate
- Distance
- Speed
- Calories Burned
Warranty:
- Frame: Lifetime
- Brake: 20 years
- Parts: 1 year
- Labor: 1 year
Shipping and Assembly:
Shipping costs will vary for the Horizon Fitness EX-57 Elliptical Trainer depending on where you purchase from and what type of delivery you prefer. However, some retailers, such as Amazon.com, will provide free shipping.
The Horizon Fitness EX-57 Elliptical Trainer is not difficult to assemble, especially with the instruction manual. It will take you less than two hours from the time you open the box to the time you can step on and start exercising. Get a friend to help, and you’ll get it done even faster.
What We Love About the Horizon Fitness EX-57 Elliptical Trainer:
Warranty
When looking at elliptical machines in this price range, the main thing that you want to be looking for is quality. We feel that the Horizon Fitness EX-57 Elliptical Trainer has this covered. The frame is sold and strong and can accommodate a maximum weight capacity up to 275 lbs. Along with the sturdy frame, the 14 lb flywheel keeps the EX-57 Elliptical Trainer grounded during your most intense workout. Finally, Horizon Fitness provides one of the best warranties available for an elliptical at this price point. They provide a lifetime frame warranty and a 20 year brake warranty. With this type of assurance, you can rest easy knowing you’ll have a good elliptical machine for a long time.
What Isn’t So Great:
Intensity Features
We feel that the biggest drawback of the Horizon Fitness EX-57 Elliptical Trainer is the lack of features that help you create an intense workout. First, this elliptical only has eight resistance settings. Most elliptical machines in this price range will give you twice as many and sometimes up to 20 different resistance settings. The other intensity feature that the EX-57 Elliptical Trainer misses is the option to incline. The ability to incline not only changes the intensity, but it also works different muscles. This elliptical definitely suffers when it comes to workout intensity features.
Stride
Horizon Fitness provides an 18” stride on the EX-57 Elliptical Trainer. While this will accommodate a lot of people, if you are 6’ tall or taller, it may be an issue for you. A shorter stride means that a taller person may not be able to fully extend and the will have to restrict their movements. This results in an unnatural movement, which hampers intensity level and could possibly result in more aches and pains. If you are around 6’ tall, you may want to test the EX-57 Elliptical Trainer out first before buying.
Final Word on the Horizon EX-57 Elliptical Trainer:
For less than $550, you’re getting a solid, well-built elliptical machine. However, the Horizon Fitness EX-57 Elliptical Trainer isn’t much more than that. There are very little options as far as resistance, intensity and workout programs. If you’re interested in bells and whistles, you’re going to have to look elsewhere. If you want to stay in this price range, check out our review of the ProForm Smart Strider Elliptical Trainer.