Horizon Fitness EX 22 Elliptical Trainer Review

The Horizon ex 22 elliptical trainer elliptical trainer is Horizon Fitness' entry level elliptical model ($599).

Size

Length: 4.6' (56 In)
Width: 2.1' (26 In)
Height: 5.4' (65 In)
Weight: 155 Pounds

The Horizon Fitness ex 22 elliptical trainer elliptical trainer is a fairly compact elliptical. Although the weight of the Horizon ex 22 elliptical trainer is 155 pounds, it is not a lightweight elliptical trainer. Given the dimensions and the weight of the Horizon ex 22 elliptical trainer elliptical trainer, I would say that it is stable enough to handle light to moderate use.

However, the Horizon ex 22 is a low end elliptical trainer that may or may not handle extensive use by individuals weighting more than 200 pounds. But, if you plan on using the ex 22 for light to moderate use and given the weight and dimensions of the ex 22, the frame may be large enough to accommodate larger individuals.

Adjustable resistance/peddles

Eddy current resistance system - Programmable
8 resistance levels
14 pound fly wheel
Pivoting foot peddles

The Horizon Fitness ex 22 uses an electrical resistance system which is pretty standard at this price range.

8 resistance levels is a little low for my preference. For $600, I would expect an elliptical machine to have at least 10 resistance levels.

The Horizon ex 22 elliptical trainer uses a relatively small fly wheel. At 14 pounds, it is very light compared to other elliptical trainers. The industry standard for elliptical fly wheels is about 22 pounds. How does this affect the performance? Generally, a heavier fly wheel will give you a much smoother ride because of the inertia factor. I find you don't have to fight with the elliptical trainer as much if you use a heavier fly wheel.

Also, the Horizon ex 22 uses a front end fly wheel system. I'm up in the air when it comes to the front end fly wheel system. I find it a little awkward but then again, I'm so used to rear end fly wheels that I'm a little bias towards rear end fly wheels.

However, the ex 22 uses pivoting foot peddles. I've been seeing more and more companies starting to use pivoting peddles on their elliptical trainers. By using pivoting peddles, you cut down on the amount of stretch and stress placed on the lower part of the calf. This offers a more comfortable ride. The step up is also low so you can easily get on and off the Horizon Fitness x22 elliptical trainer.

Elliptical stride

18" Diameter stride

An 18" elliptical stride is a big plus for the Horizon Fitness ex 22. At $599, this is a fantastic feature because most elliptical trainers under $600 will not come with an 18" elliptical stride. At this price range, you’ll see 15" and 16" elliptical strides that cannot accommodate taller individuals.

So, if you are over 6' tall, you may want to factor this feature in.

Display/control panel

Back lit LCD readout;

• Time
• Pulse/Heart rate
• Resistance
• Calories burned
• Speed
• Water bottle holder
• Extra compartment to hold mp3 player

The console has 6 screens that show time, speed, calories, pulse, and resistance. Pretty standard at this price range.

Programs

• 4 Interval workout programs
• 6 volt

A fairly straight forward and basic package. Not a whole lot of programs to choose from. I would like to see a few more programs and at least one manual program on the Horizon ex 22 elliptical trainer.

Frame

Solid steel construction
Maximum user weight: 250 pounds

The Horizon ex 22 elliptical trainer elliptical trainer is a middle weight elliptical trainer. It’s got a fairly large frame that’s made of solid steel. A pretty sturdy elliptical trainer given it’s price.

Heart rate monitor

Pulse grip

The Horizon ex 22 elliptical trainer comes with pulse grips located on the front hand rails. Simply grab the hand rails and you get your pulse reading on the front console. However, there are no heart rate programs with the ex 22 elliptical trainer.

Dual action handle bars

Yes

10 year warranty on frame
7 year warranty on brake
1 year warranty on parts and labor
30 day money back guarantee

A pretty good warranty package considering the price of the Horizon ex 22 elliptical trainer elliptical trainer. At this price range, compared to other elliptical trainers such as the proform warranty, the Horizon ex 22 elliptical trainer elliptical trainer looks pretty good.

Price/cost effectiveness
$599.00

There are some great features on the Horizon ex 22 elliptical trainer. First of all, there is an expansive 18" elliptical stride on this elliptical trainer which most elliptical machines in this price range don’t have. A longer elliptical stride means a full range of motion, that is, you can emulate a running motion which means a better workout.

The warranty is also pretty good for an elliptical trainer under $599.

Special features

None

Elliptical Rating

Overall, I think the Horizon ex 22 elliptical trainer offers some good value. I would tend to prefer this elliptical trainer over an Icon product in the same price range. The warranty alone is enough to give you the confidence knowing that this elliptical trainer is solid for the price.