Horizon E1200 Elliptical Trainer Review

Generally, my Horizon elliptical reviews have not been all that favorable for primarily two reasons. The machines I tested did not appear to be that sturdy. The strides felt short and choppy, with the motion more circular, than elliptical.

Recently, I tried out the Horizon E1200 elliptical trainer. This is one of the higher priced models, at $1,500. When I got on the machine I was prepared to be disappointed, but was pleasantly surprised. This may just be the best elliptical trainer that Horizon has manufacturer, yet.

One of the features that stands out is the power incline. The concept is like the incline on a treadmill. You change to incline/angle the elliptical motion. In the process, you exercise different parts of your lower body. When you kick up the incline, you really get an intense cardio workout.

Precor has generally locked up the design of an incline elliptical through their exclusive patent. Horizon appeared to get around the patent by having the incline at the base of the elliptical, rather than at the front.

Here are some of the other features I liked:

• Smooth elliptical motion, which is attributed to the 17 lb. flywheel.
  
• A comfortable 19" stride.
  
• Speakers for playing your IPod or MP3. In fact, there is an IPod docking station with controls. You can also plug in your IPod and charge it while you workout.
  
• Custom workouts where you create and store personalized workouts.
  
• Automatically journals your workout program. A feature I have never seen before.
  
• Dual wheels on runners. The dual wheels track better and make the machine more stable.

Our Review - Horizon E1200

This is definitely one of the better Horizon ellipticals. The power incline is a great selling feature, as is the iPod plug-in and the Etracks that journals your workout.

I would give this machine about 6 months, and if you don't see any negative reviews on quality control, this could be a winner.

If you want to try out a Horizon E1200 elliptical trainer, see if you're local Dick's Sporting has them in stock. Expect the sales people to be either ignorant about the equipment, or indifferent.

I recommend you also check out the NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Pro Elliptical Trainer.

Customer Review

Love it. What a workout...smooth, fun, quick. I like the weight loss workout. Why pay for the inconvenience of a gym with this in your house!

This elliptical is dangerous.  There is a bolt on the right arm assembly that sheared off, causing the pedal to collapse.  We had it repaired and then the same bolt sheared off on the left arm assembly resulting in an injury.  The machine is defectively designed.  Warning- Do Not Buy!