Horizon Fitness EX-69 Review

The Horizon Fitness EX-69 front-drive elliptical offers a wide range of motion to provide comfort and control for users of all shapes and sizes. A key benefit to this elliptical is the SIXStar Certified™ platform that combines to deliver a smooth, natural workout with a wide range of motion. Another distinctive feature is the five adjustable incline levels which add to the flexibility of 16 levels of resistance and 11 program options. Check CUSTOMER reviews. Rating: 4.6/5

Manufacturer:

The EX-69 elliptical is manufactured by Horizon Fitness a company that demonstrates their lifelong commitment to fitness with manufacturing facilities that rank among the most sophisticated in the country. Their mantra is to design products for comfort, control, and convenience.

Key Features:

SIXstar Certification™ is a signature feature of Horizon Fitness. It’s a unique combination of features designed based on extensive research into the natural motions of the body and tested by users.

Comfort:

• ZEROgap™ Pedal Placement – the focus is on eliminating the stress on the hips and back. This is achieved by putting zero distance between the placement of the pedals.
• StraightUP™ Body Posture – an elliptical should be comfortable enough to allow you to exercise for as long as you need in order to get the results you want. This feature helps you maintain a proper, upright posture to help reduce fatigue.
• 10″ SUREstep™ Easy Access Pedals – it’s easy to get on and off the EX-69 because the pedals are positioned at a low step-on height.
• IDEALfit™ Optimal Handlebar Spacing – a 6’2” 215-pound user requires a different handlebar placement than a 5’8 135-pound user.  The IDEALfit™ feature puts the grips within ideal reach and distance of both.
• 20″ FLATellipse™ Foot Path – the EX-69 allows a wide range of motion, allowing you to closely replicate your natural stride length for maximum benefit with less fatigue.
• SMOOTHpulley™ Large Drive Pulley Ratio – complements the 17.6-lb flywheel and magnetic brake system to increase angular momentum for a smooth, efficient ride.

Control:

• 6-Lb. Flywheel – heavy-duty construction gives the elliptical a smooth, fluid feel.
• Magnetic Brake Resistance – allows consistently smooth and quiet movement. The brakes carry a lifetime warranty.
• 5 Positions of Manual Incline – a great feature at this price point. The ability to change your incline level works well with the 16 electronic resistance levels to help you give you more options in the type and intensity of your workout.

Convenience:

• Rear Access and Low Pedal Height – you slide into rather than climb onto this elliptical for easy entry and exit.
• 2 Red LED Windows and 8-Digit Alphanumeric Window – provides feedback about time, distance, calories, heart rate, speed and resistance level.
• Workout to Your Favorite Music – customize a playlist for your workout. The EX-69 features Sonic Surround™ Speakers and an input jack and holder for your CD/MP3 player.  A headphone jack is also included so your workout won’t disturb others.
• COOLfit™ Fitness Fan – on-demand cooling can be turned on or off from the console.
• 11 Programming Options – adds variety to your workout and lets you change settings at any point during the program.
• Advanced Goal Center™ – tracking your progress is a key to achieving your fitness goals. The EX-69 lets you track your progress for up to 31 days so you can goal tracking help add variety to your routine and track your progress over time without paper journals or logs.

Conclusion:

The EX-69 is an exceptional entry as a low- to mid-priced elliptical machine. It will feel sturdy for users up to 300 pounds and offers a good balance of convenience and performance that will enhance the enjoyment of your workout.

Horizon Fitness is known for creating a durable product, and the EX-69 is no exception. It backs up its quality with a lifetime warranty on the frame and brake as well as an additional 1-year warranty on parts and labor.

For users who don’t need the incline feature and could do without a few programming options, the EX-59 elliptical offers many of the same features at a slightly lower price.