Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill Review

  Treadmill Articles

Horizon Fitness is one of the most popular producers of inexpensive treadmills.  You can find Horizon treadmills online, in sporting goods stores, and in some department stores. 

The Horizon T101 treadmill is a decent buy at around $600-$800.  The important thing to remember if purchasing the T101, however, is that it IS an inexpensive treadmill, and it will NOT be the same quality as higher end treadmill models.

The Horizon T101 Treadmill Features

At first glance, the Horizon T101 treadmill looks appealing.  It has an attractive console with an MP3 dock and speakers, as well as a good size running surface.  The warranties on this unit are pretty good for a treadmill in this price range.  Below is a list of features that can be found on the Horizon T101:

• 20” x 55” running surface – Adequate for users of average height or less.
• Up to 10% incline – Engaging the power incline is a great way to target different muscles and to increase the intensity of your workouts.
• LED display – Monitor your progress on the easy-to-read orange display windows.
• 9 workout programs – The program variety is sufficient to keep you motivated and challenged to reach your fitness goals.
• Speed capacity up to 10 mph
• Contact heart rate monitor – Allows you to monitor your heart rate during exercise to determine whether you need to slow down or pick up the pace.
• Cooling fan in the console – Provides a little relief when you’re working up a good sweat.
• Folds for easy storage – Great feature for saving space when the treadmill is not in use.
• 2.25 HP continuous duty motor – Sufficient for walking and light jogging.
• 275 lbs. maximum user weight capacity
• Warranties – Lifetime on frame and motor; one year on parts and labor.

Our Review: The Horizon T101 Treadmill

For a treadmill that costs under $1,000, the Horizon T101 is a decent buy.  Nevertheless, it IS an inexpensive treadmill!  It isn’t as stable as a heavier, more expensive model.  (It’s not unusual for it to wobble and shake a bit if you were jogging or of excessive weight.) 

The motor on the T101 is not powerful enough to handle runners or extra large users.  I recommend this treadmill primarily for walkers, although it may be able to withstand some light jogging.  (Pay special attention to the 275 lbs. maximum user weight capacity!  In fact, it’s probably better to keep the maximum user weight down around 230 pounds with this particular unit.)

The T101 does come with a few nice features, including the LED display, the MP3 docking station and speakers, and the power incline.  The speakers add a nice touch, allowing you to listen to inspiring music as you burn the calories.

The cooling fans are also an added extra. It directs the cool air right at your core.

Although the Horizon T101 treadmill comes with a heart rate monitor, you have to grab onto the contact sensors to have your heart rate read.  This can be awkward for some individuals to do while they are exercising, and the readings are not as accurate as wireless heart rate monitors can provide.  Still, this heart rate monitor is better than none at all!

Realize the Horizon T101 is a mid-range budget treadmill.  It is not heavy duty and not as durable as more expensive models.  If you can afford it, consider a model in the $1,000 price range like the Smooth 5.65 or the Sole F63.  They are more stable and durable with better warranties.  If not, then the Horizon T101 is one of the better values at the $600 price range.

Customer Reviews

Received this treadmill 2 days ago. Very easy to assemble. Quality construction. Very quiet motor. Heavy, but easy to roll to desired location.

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I was very pleased with my purchase. I had researched treadmills quite a bit before deciding on the Horizon T101. Most of my research stated that this was a good value for the price point and I would have to agree. The unit is sturdy, smooth and quiet. I weigh 230 lbs and the T101 didn't have any issues. You will need 2 people to move the box. Assembling it was straight forward, 3 basic steps took about an 45 minutes to an hour.