Your Complete Guide to Horizon Fitness Treadmills - 33rd Square (2024)

As an avid runner and personal trainer, I‘ve tested my fair share of treadmills over the years. And in my search for the perfect home cardio machine, one brand that continues to impress me is Horizon Fitness.

From their budget-friendly options for beginners to their high-tech treadmills built for hardcore runners, Horizon caters to all fitness levels and goals. After taking some of their most popular models for a test drive, I knew I had to share my insider‘s take to help you decide if their treadmills are worth investing in.

In this comprehensive Horizon Fitness treadmill guide, you’ll find:

• Horizon company overview
• In-depth treadmill model reviews
• Tips from a trainer’s perspective
• Customer reviews summary
• Pros, cons, and comparisons
• Purchase and savings info
• FAQs answered

Let’s get started!

All About Horizon Fitness

First, let’s take a look at Horizon Fitness as a brand and what they offer.

Horizon Fitness was founded in 1975 by Peter Lo in Taichung, Taiwan under the parent company Johnson Health Tech. What started as a metal fabrication shop quickly pivoted into manufacturing home and commercial fitness equipment.

Today, Horizon prides itself on creating affordable yet high-quality cardio machines for exercisers of all levels. With everything from interactive treadmills to innovative ellipticals and exercise bikes, they aim to provide comfort, performance, and value in every product.

Across their catalog, you’ll find features like:

• Cushioned decks that reduce joint impact
• Customizable controls to target different muscle groups or training goals
• Bluetooth connectivity to sync your phone, tablet, or wearables
• Integrated device holders, USB charging ports, and built-in speakers
• Space-saving foldaway designs perfect for home use

It’s clear Horizon thinks through the little details that make working out more enjoyable. And with numerous awards and average 4.5/5 star consumer ratings backing them, they’ve certainly earned their spot as a top choice for home gym equipment.

Next, let’s explore why so many runners opt for Horizon when shopping for their next treadmill.

Horizon Treadmill Model Reviews

Horizon offers several series of treadmills spanning all budgets and running needs. I’ll be focusing on some of their most popular models that provide advanced features without breaking the bank.

Horizon T101 Treadmill – Best for Beginners

Kicking off the list is Horizon’s entry-level T101—an excellent starter treadmill for just dipping your toes into running.

Despite the budget price point, the T101 doesn’t compromise on quality. Key features include:

• 2.5 CHP motor with low RPM for smooth, quiet operation
• 3-zone variable response cushioning in the 55” running deck
• Bluetooth connectivity to play your workout playlists
• Integrated device cradle, USB charging port, and tablet holder
• Hydraulic assisted SoftDrop folding system for quick storage

Weighing about half that of commercial models, the light 226 lb frame still feels sturdy and secure up to the 275 lb user capacity. Easy-access controls let you control speeds up to 10 MPH to go from walking to steady jogging.

While the T101 misses out on extras like rapid speed/incline keys of pricier models, it delivers an incredibly solid basic treadmill for under $700. For casual runners on a budget, it’s hard to beat.

Horizon T202 Treadmill – Best Mid-Range

Ready to take your running up a notch? The T202 adds several performance upgrades, including:

• More powerful 2.75 CHP drive motor
• 12% maximum incline to intensify hill climbs
• Blue backlit LCD console with preset workout apps
• Advanced cushioning in the extended 60” track
• Dual cooling fans plus device cradle and speakers

With the ability to hit top speeds of 12 MPH, the T202 lets you take on everything from leisurely jogs to faster-paced interval runs. Jump straight from walking to an uphill climb at the press of a button with the quick speed and incline controls.

Built on a 275 lb steel frame, the T202 offers the ideal balance of heft for stability without being too heavy. SoftDrop folding compresses the deck with minimal effort on your end. Plus with Bluetooth syncing, you can track your progress through fitness apps right on the treadmill.

Overall if you’re seeking more intensity minus the big price leap, the feature-packed T202 hits that sweet spot for $800.

Horizon Elite T7 Treadmill – Best Splurge

Finally, Horizon’s Elite series caters to serious runners wanting advanced performance with some luxury perks.

The T7 includes improvements like:

• High-torque 3.0 CHP motor to power intense speed training
• 15% max incline and 12 MPH top speed
• Ultra wide 22”x 60” running surface
• 10” LCD touchscreen console with expanded app library
• AutoBreezeTM workout fan and device charging bay
• Surround sound bluetooth speakers

Weighing a hefty 318 lbs, the T7 offers unmatched stability for hardcore runners to sprint and climb without racking or bouncing. The StrikeZone cushioning absorbs harsh impact while providing optimal energy return on each foot strike.

For $1,300 you pay a premium, but the intelligent RunSocial App integration makes training anything but routine. With the T7, you get an elite-level smart treadmill minus the commercial gym price tag!

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Horizon Treadmill

As a personal trainer, clients often ask me how to optimize their workouts once their new home cardio equipment gets delivered. Here are my top training tips for Horizon treadmill owners:

1. Schedule Specific Training Blocks

It‘s easy to have good intentions to workout sporadically “when you have time”, but showing up consistently is what yields results. After ordering your Horizon treadmill, sit down and casually schedule training blocks for the next few months.

Marking down designated workout times in your calendar (just like any other appointment) increases accountability. Plus having a routine makes it more likely for exercise to become a lifelong habit!

2. Incorporate Speed Intervals

Once you’ve established a solid running base fitness, avoid plateaus by adding speed interval days. After a 10 minute warm-up, alternate 1 minute hard efforts around 80-90% of your max with 2 minutes at an easy jogging pace to recover.

Start with 4-5 intervals before cooling down, and over time work upwards to 8-10 repeats as fitness improves. Horizon’s rapid keys make adjusting speeds seamless.

3. Train On An Incline

Adding even just 1-3% incline makes your treadmill workout mimic outdoor terrain and increases lower body muscle activation. For Horizon models with higher max inclines, one of my favorite interval workouts is 30 seconds climbing at 5% incline then 30 seconds at 1% – repeating for 15-20 minutes.

Incline training builds serious leg and glute strength to transform your running power!

4. Cross-Train With Other Equipment

While treadmills can develop great cardio fitness, it’s important to strengthen your body too. Counteract imbalances and injuries by incorporating cross-training into your routine with ellipticals, indoor bikes, or rowing machines.

Consider investing in a Horizon elliptical or exercise bike to complement high-impact treadmill runs. Giving your body variety while keeping training fun and engaging leads to the best, most sustainable results!

5. Monitor Progress Over Time

One major benefit of Horizon treadmills is the ability to sync data through Bluetooth to fitness apps, or if available, view detailed feedback on integrated consoles.

Tracking performance metrics like distance covered, pace/speed increases, heart rate changes, or calorie burn over multiple workouts lets you quantify improvements. Having tangible evidence of fitness gains will inspire and motivate you to keep hitting new PRs!

What Horizon Fitness Customers Are Saying

With thousands of consumer reviews across retailers like Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and their own website, Horizon Fitness treadmills enjoy excellent average ratings:

• Amazon: 4.4 out of 5 stars (1,700+ reviews)
• HorizonFitness.com: 4.5 out of 5 stars (500+ reviews)
• TreadmillReviews.net rating: 9.2 out of 10

Positive feedback frequently highlights Horizon‘s durable construction, quiet motors, smooth cushioned decks, and overall bang for your buck. Many compare Horizon favorably to NordicTrack or Sole treadmills costing $500+ more.

Several customers did note Horizon‘s basic consoles lack the flashy richness of touchscreens from competing brands. However most agreed advanced interactive features mattered far less than the actual reliability and performance of the equipment.

Regarding customer service, Horizon provides warranty assistance by phone and email, but some reviews mentioned difficulties getting replacement parts shipped promptly. This appears to be a small minority of cases though based on overwhelmingly positive feedback.

In summary, Horizon builds quality machines focused on the essentials runners need, not flashy bells and whistles. Their value proposition and performance seem to satisfy most consumers.

Horizon Fitness Pros & Cons

Before deciding whether a Horizon Fitness treadmill deserves a spot in your home gym, let’s summarize some of the key upsides and downsides:

Pros

• Durable steel frame construction and powerful motors engineered to last
• Advanced cushioning systems reduce harsh impact for fluid natural stride
• Generous size running surfaces accommodate taller users
• Smooth near-silent performance even at high intensities
• Highly affordable pricing compared to similar featured models from competing brands
• Integrated device cradles, USB chargers and Bluetooth connectivity for uninterrupted entertainment
• Specialized apps and automatic stat-tracking foster engaging, self-motivating workouts
• Space saving designs with SoftDrop folding for quick storage between sessions

Cons

• Limited built-in workout programming and basic display consoles compared to pricier alternatives
• Maximum user weight often capped under 300 lbs
• Some complaints about delays receiving replacement parts under warranty
• Motors may lack horsepower for aggressive sprinters over 200 lbs

If maximized training data, touchscreen richness, and hefty user weight capacities top your priority list, expect to pay a premium for brands like NordicTrack.

However for the majority of home runners, Horizon engineers quality, performance-focused treadmills covering every need. Don’t let the lack of flashy extras detract from consistent durable construction shoppers rave about.

How Does Horizon Fitness Compare?

Horizon firmly positions itself as an affordable mid-tier brand catering to value-focused consumers. Models range from $500 to $1,500 positioning them below premium labels like Sole, NordicTrack, and Peloton but above discount brands like Sunny Health and Fitness.

Compared to similarly priced treadmills from Bowflex, ProForm or Nautilus, Horizon competes well with equivalent or better warranties, power, and features. Horizon skips elaborate design flourishes to focus budget on pure performance.

Consider Horizon‘s T202 versus the Nautilus T618: both retail around $800 with 2.75 CHP motors, inclines to 12%, and Bluetooth connectivity. However Horizon extends running space to 60” vs 54” on the T618 while including a device holder and dual cooling fans the Nautilus lacks.

For shoppers prioritizing substantial bang-for-buck, Horizon holds its own against any competitor. Only significantly pricier commercial-grade machines exceed Horizon‘s combination of quality materials, power, and real-world usage feedback.

How to Save on Horizon Fitness Treadmills

Between Horizon’s regular web sales and financing offers, numerous ways exist to cut costs on their treadmills:

⛓️Financing Programs: Horizon provides promotional financing starting at 0% APR depending on purchase amount and repayment duration. Breaking payments over 12-18 months makes high-end models more affordable.

🎁 App Partner Discounts: Verified Horizon owners enjoy 20% off a Studio fitness subscription and 30% off Aaptiv athletic app memberships for a year after registering their product.

💰 Web Specials: HorizonFitness.com features select treadmill models discounted $100-$400+ off MSRP. Sort by Sale in Shop Treadmills to see current deals.

🛒 Price Matching: Horizon authorizes many retailers to match documentable lower offers from competitors, letting you score the same savings.

📦 Free Shipping: HorizonFitness.com provides free standard delivery on all treadmill purchases to the continental USA.

Tracking sales on top deal sites can also help uncover the maximum discounts. With the right timing, you could potentially save 20% or more purchasing a Horizon treadmill.

Where To Buy Horizon Treadmills

Horizon sells treadmills both directly through HorizonFitness.com and via authorized retail partners:

⛑️ Dick‘s Sporting Goods: Both in-store and online with flexible delivery and assembly options. Select locations offer treadmill test runs before buying.

🏪 The Treadmill Factory: Specializes solely in cardio machines with deep discounts and tailored recommendations from experts.

⚕️ CPO Outlets: Certified pre-owned outlet carrying refurbished Horizon models at steep savings after thorough inspection and repairs.

I suggest checking all major outlets to compare prices and bundles before deciding where to purchase. With some deal hunting, you can likely upgrade features for the same budget buying direct from Horizon!

FAQs About Horizon Fitness Treadmills

For additional questions about Horizon as a brand and their popular treadmills, see my answers below:

🌐 Where are Horizon Fitness treadmills manufactured?

Horizon engineers and hand assembles all equipment in their Taiwanese factories under parent company Johnson Health Tech. Each model then undergoes stringent testing protocols before shipping globally.

⚙️ Who makes the motors inside Horizon treadmills?

Horizon utilizes proprietary Maximizer motors built specifically for their machines in-house rather than sourcing from third parties. This gives them advanced quality control and ability to customize power delivery.

🛠 Does Horizon offer home assembly services?

Yes, Horizon provides optional White Glove Delivery requiring an extra fee where professional technicians unpack, assemble, and level your new treadmill inside your home. This guarantees smooth setup without the hassle!

🆕 How long do Horizon treadmills last?

Horizon constructs commercial-grade frames, decks, and components resulting in exceptional longevity matching far pricier brands. With proper maintenance, expect to reliably run on a Horizon treadmill for 7-10+ years before major repairs become necessary.

💳 What is Horizon‘s return policy?

Horizon offers 30 days from delivery to initiate a return and refund of a treadmill if it arrives damaged or you change your mind. Some restocking fees around 10-15% may apply though for buyer‘s remorse returns past the trial period.

I hope this complete guide to Horizon Fitness treadmills answered all your questions! Let me know in the comments if you have any other specific concerns.

Happy running!

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