Horizon Treadmill Reviews

Horizon Fitness treadmills are among several lines produced by Johnson Health Technology, a North American leader in fitness equipment manufacturing and fifth largest in the world. Johnson has been around for 30 years and produces some high-end treadmill brands such as Matrix, but Horizon is one of its discount lines. Horizon’s more advanced models offer good value. With an extensive product catalog, Horizon Fitness has many options for those looking to purchase a treadmill or any type of exercise equipment. The brand has its name on exercise bikes, elliptical trainers and treadmills. They describe each of their products as a comfortable, fun way to exercise. Particular to the elliptical trainers, Horizon Fitness says that they are “specially designed” for minimal negative effects on the body of the user.

If quality is a concern, safety for the user is likely a concern as well. To make sure that every piece of equipment is safe, the manufacturing equipment that Horizon Fitness uses to make and assemble their exercise equipment is state of the art. Despite their advanced level of technology, the company still makes sure to inspect 10 percent of the finished products by inspecting them thoroughly. After the thorough inspection, the equipment is completely disassembled, inspected again, then reassembled and inspected once more.

With an extensive product catalog, Horizon Fitness has many options for those looking to purchase a treadmill or any type of exercise equipment. The brand has its name on exercise bikes, elliptical trainers and treadmills. They describe each of their products as a comfortable, fun way to exercise. Particular to the elliptical trainers, Horizon Fitness says that they are “specially designed” for minimal negative effects on the body of the user.

One of the company’s finer treadmills is the T101. It has a 2.25 horsepower duty motor which is designed for a quiet run. The treadmill can work with runners that want to run as fast as 10 miles per hour on an incline of up to 10 percent. The maximum speed and incline on this product are impressive, as it can support an individual that weighs up to 300 pounds and has speakers that are MP3 compatible. A lifetime warranty comes with the motor and the frame and several programming options come standard on the T101.

Horizon Fitness also makes compact treadmills which are designed to fit into tight spaces for storage. An individual looking for one of these should look at the Horizon Evolve SG Treadmill, designed with work-out efficiency and space in mind. The Evolve SG comes with speakers like the T101, but has a smaller running area. Horizon says that the running area, despite its size, allows for most strides, as long as the user is jogging or walking. It’s fold-flat design gives this treadmill the ability to fit into small spaces for storage, like a closet or under a bed.

The Horizon Fitness T202 Treadmill is an upgraded version of the T101. With iPod compatibility that allows it to charge and a sound system designed specifically for it, this treadmill is well-crafted. The T202 can work with runners up to speeds of 12 miles per hour and at inclines of 12 percent; those hoping for a serious workout have found the right treadmill for them. With a user capacity of 325 pounds and a 2.50 horsepower engine, the T202 is made stronger than the T101. It is also more expensive. Many of Horizon’s treadmills come with speakers built-in and a durable motor. Both of these items add practicality and entertainment to Horizon’s line of treadmills.

Finally, the high-capacity Horizon Fitness T203 is the brand’s premiere budget treadmill. Like the T202, it inclines up to 12%, has a top speed of 12 mph, and features iPod compatibility with Surround Sound speakers. Additionally, the T203 has extra power: its 2.75 HP motor can support up to 350 pounds. Customers also get two years of parts protection. That’s an unusually generous warranty for discount fitness equipment and helps make Horizon a leader in this price category.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

Our Verdict

Horizon’s advanced models could be a good purchase for users on a budget. They have adequate motors for many users’ needs, have motivational workout programs and built-in speakers, and they are backed with good warranties. However, the brand’s cheaper models have substandard features (e.g., weak motors). Since there is a small price difference between Horizon’s entry-level models and top-of-the-line models, consumers are advised to purchase the best model they can afford.