Horizon Treadmill Reviews

  About Fred Waters

I recently visited the Horizon treadmills headquarters to view their equipment first hand and to talk with the management about their focus and goals. This provided me with insight into the company and their equipment that I can't get going to Dick's or Sears and trying their beat up treadmills on the floor.

To give you some background on Horizon Fitness, they are owned by Johnson Fitness, which is the third largest fitness equipment manufacturer in the world.  They also produce Vision Fitness and the new LiveStrong Fitness brand.   Their unique in that all the components of their machines are built in house, rather than being outsourced.  This gives them more control over the quality control.

Note: You can purchase Horizon Fitness Treadmills direct at HorizonFitnessOutlet.com. All models come with free shipping.*

Note: Also check out the NordicTrack Treadmills, which include iFit Live and several models include Google Android browsers for their displays.

After five hours of meetings with the upper management and testing numerous products and came away with a favorable opinion.  The staff was singularly focused on providing some of the best values in cardio equipment.  In fact, they use the equipment.  They have a huge workout facility with locker rooms and showers.  Most of the people there were very fit and trim.

So what about Horizon Treadmills?  They tend to fall into the budget category, and compete directly with brands like ProForm and NordicTrack.   Their prices range from $500-$1,000.  The lower end treadmills are best used for walking while a couple of their models can suffice for light jogging.

Having talked to their engineers there is considerable thought in the designs.  For budget treadmills they are reasonably durable, have a stable feel and overall provide a satisfying workout.  

Horizon Fitness Treadmills

Horizon Evolve SG ($599) - Compact, folds to 10", suited for walkers

Horizon T100 ($499) - Budget priced, suited for walkers

Horizon T101 ($599) - Improved deck and increased warranty

Horizon T202 ($799) - Bigger motor and online tracking through NikePlus.com

Horizon T203 ($799) - Longer deck with online tracking through NikePlus.com

Horizon Treadmill Features...

PerfectFlex Plus Deck — The deck is designed to simulate a running shoe.  You hit a soft spot on your stride, while you have a firmer feel as you push off.   There is more cushioning towards the front and less in the back, which is ideally what you want. (N/A on the Evolve and T100)

Speakers & iPod Input — Music is a great motivator and it distracts you from the monotony of running in place.  I personally listen to music when I workout and I hate having headphones dangling as I run.  You are not going to get the  quality of a Blaupunkt sound system, but the sound is adequate.  On the T202 and T203 you can control the volume of your iPod directly on the console.

Built-in Fan — Although this is not a costly feature, it is one of the most popular with customers.  The fan is pointed at your core, which is what you want to cool down the most.  (N/A on the Evolve and T100)

Online Progress Tracking — Another motivator for achieving your fitness goals is monitoring your progress. By tracking your workouts you can strive to reach new levels. The T202 and the T203 allow you to download your workouts on your iPod and iPhone.  When you're finished you  connect your  to your computer and iTunes will automatically sync your workout to nikeplus.com. There you can track your progress, define goals and strategies and get expert training advice.

Customer Service — During my tour of the operations, Todd Boerboom (National Sales Manager) was particular proud to show off their customer service department.  He explained the extensive training their service staff goes through.  He also mentioned that many are longtime employees.  Like other fitness equipment companies they have to take on temporary staff during the busy winter months. These temps also get extensive training.  Todd pointed out that the fitness equipment industry has a poor reputation for service, that is why Johnson Fitness uses other industries with superior service as their benchmark.  

Our Review - Horizon Fitness Treadmills

Horizon treadmills are strong contenders  in the budget class.  What I find amazing is how good these value oriented machines have gotten in the last few years.   They definitely are more durable, and the stability and shock absorption has improved substantially. Add to that features like built-in speakers with iPod input and tracking and interaction with NikePlus.com, and you have some  very good buys.

However, it should be noted that these are budget machines.  They have limitations.  For example, the Evolve, T100 and the T101 should be considered primarily walking machines.  In addition, be cautious on the user weight limit.  For example, I am not comfortable recommending a $999 treadmill to any 350 Lbs. user. 

That said, Horizon Fitness is one of the best values you will find in the budget class.  If you are considering getting back into shape and want to lose some extra weight these machines will do the job.
 

Runner's World Review

Runner's World rated the Horizon 5.2T as the "most favorite" out of 8 treadmills. A panel of experts and 150 runners conducted the review. (Now the T203)

Consumer Magazine

CR gave the Horizon PST8 a "Best Buy" rating, giving it an "Excellent" for ergonomics and exercise range. (Now the T101)

Customer Review

In essence, I would highly recommend this treadmill (Horizon T101) if you are looking for qualities similar to what I was looking for. A fairly basic, safe-feeling, folding treadmill with automatic incline that can easily support an average weight for walking and jogging. It has a lifetime frame and motor warranty which makes me feel like it will be durable over the long haul. Definitely GO to the stores and test them out and see what you feel comfortable on & won't mind looking at in your home. I would also try to find out if there are people who can service a Horizon treadmill near you, if that will ease your mind as it did mine. I am happy with my purchase, which was a large purchase for me, and I will update this review should anything go wrong. Happy treading!

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I did a lot of research both online and in person before making this purchase. I used Consumer Reports as a source. I also went to several sporting goods stores, etc. and actually tried some out --- I found this to be the most valuable information -- first-hand. I was unable to try this actual model, but the T101 was available and I actually liked it even better than many of the more expensive models, so I was confident the T202 would be what I was looking for. The size is great -- not too big but big enough, has the right amount of horsepower. The speakers are not great, but I use a stereo or headphones with MP3 player, so not a big deal for me. My husband had no problems putting it together -- TIPS: make sure to have it in the actual room in which it will be used before putting it together -- it will probably not fit through the door afterwards. Also, make sure to read the troubleshooting tips -- I have found the negative reviews about being "shocked" to be from improper assembly. For the price, a very good mid-range treadmill. So far, I am very pleased. Finally, I chose this brand/model due to its cushioned deck -- it was so much more comfortable that the higher-priced brands/models!

See Individual Horizon Treadmill Reviews