The Horizon EX-79 Elliptical Trainer – Years of Calorie-Blasting Workouts

The exciting new Horizon EX-79 elliptical trainer offers the same quality and performance as last year’s predecessor, the EX-78. There are two changes from the former model to this one: an addition of comfortable arched footpads – and a lower sale price!

What You Get

The Horizon EX-79 elliptical trainer has an easy-to-read display console with 2 red LED windows plus an alphanumeric LED window to show time, speed, distance, calories, heart rate, level, watts, and rpm. With 11 programs, plus on-the-fly changes, you get the Advanced Goal Center™ with 3 Targets (Time, Distance, Calories), 3 Workouts (Rolling, Mountain, Reverse Train), 2 custom programs, and 1 – 31 day goal training.

The list of features includes:

• 20" FLATellipse™ Stride
• 17.6-lb Flywheel
• 8 Programs
• 20 levels Resistance
• 20 levels Power Incline
• MaxTone™ Arch Pedal Foot Pads
• Contact Grip Heart Rate Monitor
• iPod®/MP3 plug-in port
• Sonic Surround™ speakers
• Dual action upper body handlebars
• SixStar Certified™ frame
• CoolFit™ Fitness Fan
• 325-lb. User Capacity
• Unit Weight/Dimensions — 177 lbs; 75"L x 22"W x 65"H
• Warranty: Lifetime frame and brake, 1-year elevation motor, 2 years parts, 1-year labor

The Word on the Street

UPDATE:  The EX-79 elliptical has been discontinued and is no longer available for sale. You can check out the latest Horizon elliptical reviews here.

The features on the Horizon EX-79 elliptical trainer include a motorized incline up to 16%, and a unique MaxTone™ arched pedaldesign to tone the legs with every stride. The highly regarded SixStar Certification™ system includes six areas of technology targeted to deliver optimum results.

It has the 10" SUREstep™ step-on height for easy access, a 20" FLATellipse™ stride length, StraightUP™ body posture for comfort and to reduce strain on the back, zero spacing distance between pedals called the ZEROgap™ overlapping pedal motion, IDEALfit™ handlebar placement, and the large SMOOTHpulley™ drive ratio which increases the angular momentum of the elliptical to deliver smooth performance.

Along with the training programs and MP3 compatible entertainment system, the Horizon EX-79 offers a Nike + iPod® feature which allows you to save your workout data directly to your iPod® which can then be uploaded to nikerunning.com. Users especially like that the four bright LED windows are easy to read at a glance — much easier to read than an LCD display — and the cooling fan is right in the middle of the console where you need it.

Elliptical trainer reviews on the new for 2011 Horizon EX-79 are as positive as they were on the EX-78. There aren’t many changes, except for the upgraded arched pedals, so check the EX-78 reviews (they are good!) if you need more consumer opinions on this model.

The Horizon EX-79 is a solid elliptical trainer at 177 pounds; while that is ideal for riding it poses some challenges for trying to haul it to the basement to set up so keep that in mind. Once you are past the initial delivery and easy assembly, you will enjoy a good investment that should give you years of calorie-blasting workouts.

Our Thoughts

The redesigned Horizon Fitness line of ellipticals is outstanding. As a division of Johnson Tech, Horizon has recently seen the new Livestrong machines get most of the media attention since they are the new kid, or brand, on the block.

But what Johnson has done is put the same technology and features, including the 6-Star certification, in the Horizon ellipticals as they do in the Livestrongs. The Horizon EX-79 elliptical trainer is comfortable, smooth, quiet, well built, and well engineered. For $999, it is a good value in a trainer.