I was torn between getting a treadmill or an elliptical but treadmills tend to be noisier and although I would like to run, have had bilateral arthroscopic knee surgeries to remove a plica (in each knee). I have found it difficult to strengthen my legs with leg curls and I cannot get the cardio I want with just walking. I cannot run because my knees are stilling healing.
Because I live in a multi-level apartment complex, I was mindful of noise and a treadmill became out of the question. I did a lot of research into finding an elliptical in my price range. After finding that the EX-57 did not have a backlight display, I opted for the EX-67.
I have had it three days (so this is a preliminary review). My husband put it together in less than 2 hours. The instructions were fairly clear. Anyone experiencing clicking sounds is encouraged, as per the manual, to get some bike grease.
Pros: So far, I have experienced great cardio – such as you would achieve going for a jog. I am also getting leg strengthening WITHOUT the pain. Big bonus. My husband could not wait to get on it and has been using it religiously, as I have. It is compact compared to many machines you see in the gym. This machine is very quiet thanks to the magnetic resistance. Lifetime warranty on frame.
Cons: Unlike gym and more expensive models, does not have the ability to enter weight, height, age etc for more accurate calorie burn result. Cannot save your distance and progress into a profile (but you can create a spreadsheet or copy one of the pages that comes in the manual). I find the heart rate monitor is very slow for me, but my husband doesn’t seem to have an issue – so mixed views there.
My particular machine came with a defect in the welding on the bottom, (and in order to get it rectified, I would have to pay a lot in the shipping back to the manufacturer to get a new frame so I am settling with what I have), which is probably a rare occurrance – but this is a review, so it is noted. I do not expect this is a typical defect as I have done my research and in this price range, this model, the guarantees/warranties, functions and stability of the machine seem to be about as good as you will get.
I was hesitant to go with a brand I was not familiar with as the gyms I used to attend were more likely to have Proform or NordicTrack, but the research I did for the personal home machines did not yield good results on these particular brands and the warranties weren’t that great. I would recommend this machine or the Horizon EX-77, noting that the EX-77 is the upgraded model of this one.
The EX-67 would have got 5 stars if my particular model did not have a defect.
No more excuses for the weather stopping me from exercising!
Overview
Bring the gym into your home and enjoy an efficient, high-caliber workout with the Horizon EX-67 elliptical trainer, which works your legs as well as your upper body. Perfect for rigorous training routines, the EX-67 offers an eight-level electronic resistance system, along with a heavy 14-pound flywheel that maintains pedal and arm momentum while offering a smooth, quiet operation. More significantly from a user perspective, it offers 13 goal-oriented programs. You can choose one of three different goals (time, distance, and calories) and one of three terrains (manual, reverse train, and hills). The 2.4-by-4.8-inch orange backlit LCD screen, meanwhile, offers key workout feedback, helping you develop an effective training regimen.
Horizon employs a heavy-duty flywheel that provides continuous velocity, so as your feet move the pedals, the flywheel’s momentum carries you through the complete motion. As a result, the trainer feels very natural and not at all choppy. Plus, the flywheel is extremely quiet, making the trainer ideal for home use. Horizon also applies a magnetic brake to the flywheel, creating more consistent resistance during a workout. And the instep-stacked flywheel design–where the flywheel sits above the pedals rather than in line with them–delivers a lower step-on height for easy access, along with a stride length that’s longer, more natural, and more versatile regardless of the user, workout type, and fitness level. As an added benefit, the unit is smaller and shorter, so it fits in almost any room, including low-ceiling basements.
Horizon’s Ergoflow elliptical geometry is built around your body, not the machine’s components. The distance between the pedals have been narrowed to create a more natural walking motion, and the pivoting footpad imitates how your foot’s position changes as you move forward. And a more natural, ergonomic movement means less stress on your knees, hips, and lowers back, so you enjoy longer workouts and faster results. Other details include an MP3 port with speakers and an audio-in jack, contact heart-rate grips, a built-in cooling fan, and an 18-inch stride length with Custom Stride flexibility.
Elliptical Trainer Features:
- Resistance: Electronic
- Resistance range: 1 to 10 resistance levels
- Flywheel: 14-pound flywheel for fluid, quiet motion
- Step-on height: 11.8 inches
- Stride length: 18 inches with Custom Stride
- Pedal spacing: 4.4 inches
- Screen: Orange backlit LCD (2.4 x 4.8 inches)
- Programs: 13
- Program type: Choose 1 of 3 different goals (time, distance, calories) and 1 of 3 terrains (manual, reverse train, and hills)
- Weight capacity: 275 pounds
- Dimensions: 27 x 67 x 57 inches (W x H x D)
- Weight: 157 pounds
- Warranties: Lifetime on frame and brake; 1 year on parts and labor
About Elliptical Trainers
Elliptical trainers represent the next wave of advancement in low-impact cardiovascular exercise machines and continue to grow in popularity. By simulating motions experienced through walking, stepping, cycling, and skiing, elliptical machines allow for a smooth and fluid motion while building strength in the arms and legs. Similar to the exercise position for treadmills, elliptical trainers are used by standing in an upright position while holding the handrails of the machine. With elliptical trainers, however, your feet remain in the foot pedals throughout the exercise regimen and circulate in a smooth and seamless motion, resulting in little to no impact on the knees, back, and hips.
Elliptical trainers are compatible for all ages and fitness levels and allow you to select the difficulty level through the incline and intensity settings. Additionally, elliptical trainers allow you to determine the complexity of your workout based on your needs, all while listening to music, watching television, or reading a magazine while exercising in the comfort and safety of your own home.
Many elliptical trainers include an array of challenging programs, forward and reverse directional movement, EKG grip pulse handles, a lightweight portable design with easy fold-up capability, and a monitor displaying calories burned, distance, speed, time, and heart rate. Other types of exercise machines, namely treadmills and bikes, offer excellent cardiovascular exercise and muscular training for the legs in a forward-motion exercise. Elliptical trainers take this to the next level by offering an upper and lower body workout with dual motion, challenging and diverse programs, and a low-impact exercise machine that won’t strain sensitive joints.
About Horizon Fitness
Horizon is part of Johnson Health Tech, one of the largest manufacturers of fitness equipment in the world. The company is committed to designing, engineering, and manufacturing superior products for health clubs and homes. Horizon’s manufacturing facilities rank among the most sophisticated in the industry, with an intricate mix of robotics and skilled workers that maintain the highest standards of accuracy and quality. Every stage of manufacturing undergoes a testing phase, and 10 percent of Horizon’s products go through a rigorous quality inspection that includes completely taking them apart and reassembling them.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 11, 2009 07:54:05
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