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Treadmills are so popular in the world of cardio equipment because they help make running and walking workouts accessible from the comfort of your own home. Whether it's too hot or cold for your outdoor run, or you prefer to run while streaming media or reading, a treadmill is a great option to get your paces in. But with so many different brands available, how does one choose?
The Horizon T101 treadmill is a premium option because it is versatile, well-suited for beginner and hobby runners, and has a price that's tough to beat. The ACTIVE Reviews Team has taken an in-depth look at the many features of this Horizon treadmill to help you decide if it's the right fit for your home gym.
Why Trust Us?
The ACTIVE Reviews Team is made up of fitness experts that include athletes, coaches, and certified trainers who bring their years of knowledge and experience to each review. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
A Quick Look at the Horizon T101 Treadmill
Horizon Fitness sells gym-quality at-home fitness equipment and accessories at an affordable price. They offer treadmills, stationary bikes, ellipticals, and other machines and fitness accessories. They're best known for their treadmills, of which there are two varieties: the GO series and the STUDIO series. The Horizon T101 Treadmill is part of the GO series, so named because it is easy to step on and start running. While these treadmills have simple controls, they also have all the features you'd need to put in a great workout.
The Horizon T101 is the most pared-down of the GO series treadmills, but this is still one impressive piece of equipment. It has a powerful yet quiet motor that supports speeds of up to 10 miles per hour. If you like a little extra challenge on your run, you can alter the incline, as this treadmill can support inclines of up to 10%. The T101's Bluetooth capability is excellent because it easily syncs with a phone or tablet for streaming music, video, or workout classes. You can also use the USB port to charge your phone as you work out. The T101 also comes with a variety of workout programs, which is a nice bonus, and helpful for those who enjoy using the treadmill at home but still want a bit more structure for their workouts.
Even though its features are simple and easy to use, the T101 still has everything you could need as a beginner, including heart rate monitoring and calorie calculation. But the best thing about the T101 is its affordability. It doesn't feel cheap and has plenty of features, but it still manages to be one of the more affordable options on the market. There is a lot to love here!
Horizon T101 Treadmill
SPECS
- Footprint: 70"H x 34"L x 55"D
- Motor: Johnson Drive System
- Incline: 0-10%
- Top speed: 10 mph
- Bluetooth capability: Yes
- Monitor: 3 LED screens
- Weight: 180 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Programs: 6
- Warranty: 1-year for parts and assembly; lifetime for frame and motor
- Delivery: Assembly options are available
Footprint
The Horizon T101 measures 70 inches tall and 34 inches long, making it a bit smaller than the average treadmill. Some taller users report that the shorter belt length doesn't accommodate longer strides, so if you're on the taller side, you may want to check out another option, like the Sole F80 or the Horizon T202. If you're looking to conserve space with your treadmill, the shorter length of this treadmill could be an advantage, and the T101 also collapses for convenient storage.
Motor
This treadmill runs on Horizon's Johnson Drive System motor, which is a motor that is both powerful and quiet. It runs with a lower RPM, which saves energy and helps eliminate potential noise pollution.
Incline
This treadmill comes with incline options from 0-10% That level of incline should accommodate most workout programs, but if you want more, the Horizon T202 and T303 can create an incline of up to 12%.
Bluetooth Capability
You can connect your device to the T101 treadmill via Bluetooth, and it has speakers if you'd like to play music or other audio without headphones while you train. The Bluetooth functionality also makes it easy to use this treadmill while streaming classes from services like Peloton and Zwift. Horizon even offers discount incentives on certain exercise apps with a qualifying purchase from their website.
Monitor
There are three LED screens built into the console, as well as a device holder for streaming video on your phone or tablet. The monitors pair nicely with the built-in speaker system embedded in the console.
Weight
Fully assembled, the T101 weighs 180 pounds.
Weight Capacity
User weight should not exceed 300 pounds.
Programs
The T101 treadmill features a variety of preset programs for users of different fitness levels, including calorie, distance, fat burn, hill climb, and intervals. This treadmill also has a manual program option that allows users to customize their workouts.
Warranty
The T101 includes a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor and a one-year warranty on parts and assembly. You can also purchase an extended warranty if preferred.
Delivery
If you purchase the T101 from the Horizon website, they offer a variety of delivery and assembly options. You can assemble it yourself or opt to have a professional from Horizon assemble it for you upon delivery. If you select threshold delivery, Horizon has a free return policy.
Horizon T101 Treadmill Performance
The Johnson Drive System helps you stay in perfect rhythm by recalibrating with each step, so you never feel it lag or surge. It’s incredibly durable, running at lower RPMs that keep the motor cooler and lasting longer. Since the motor has 2.5 CHP (continuous horsepower), it may not be able to work efficiently long-term if you use it at higher speeds over long periods. We recommend this treadmill for those who want to walk or jog. Weight can also factor into the performance of the motor, so that may be something to keep in mind.
Who is the Horizon T101 Treadmill Best For?
The T101 is an excellent treadmill for beginners or runners who want to incorporate light or moderate cardio workouts. This treadmill has a nicely cushioned deck that minimizes the impact of each stride as you walk or jog. Users can also add variability to their routines by using the incline feature to simulate going uphill. There are a variety of program options, including a Burn program which is excellent for weight loss, and the My First 5K program, which is a great way to build endurance.
Final Thoughts on Horizon T101 Treadmill
The T101 is an impressive and versatile treadmill due to the functionality it offers at a lower price point. It is great to see a solid brand like Horizon offering a more accessible budget option. This commitment to affordability extends to their payment plans as well. They offer 6-, 12-, 24-, and 48-month pricing options, and qualified buyers may pay as little as 0% APR.
But, of course, as with any machine focused on the basics and affordability, the T101 can't do everything. It is best for those who enjoy walking or only intend to run for shorter periods because it isn't as cushioned as some higher-end treadmill options, and the shorter-than-average belt length may make it difficult to run on. The ten mph and ten-percent incline limitations may also not be ideal for advanced runners.
That said, the T101 treadmill isn't trying to be a treadmill for everyone; it undoubtedly gets the job done when it comes to general functions for beginning or intermediate runners and walkers.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Payment plan options
- Quiet
- Versatile functionality
- Bluetooth capability
- Generous warranty
What We Don't Like
- Shorter belt
- Lacks features for experienced runners
Horizon T101 Treadmill FAQs
How long do Horizon treadmills last?
Horizon treadmills are well-made and should last a few years without problems. Their generous warranty policy (one year for parts and assembly, lifetime on frame and motor) covers you should anything happen during the first year of ownership. If you are looking to invest in a treadmill that will last longer, you will probably want to look for a higher-end model. Additionally, springing for professional assembly can help you avoid creating problems when setting up the machine.
Are Horizon treadmills any good?
Horizon has several different treadmills available, each of which suits different needs and comes in at a unique price point. A T101 treadmill is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a well-made starter treadmill. It has all the functions a beginner could want in a treadmill, including incline options, speed up to 10 miles per hour, and a weight capacity of 300 pounds. Perhaps best of all is its affordable price, which, when paired with Horizon's generous warranty, makes this treadmill very accessible.
If however, you're an experienced athlete or a serious runner who plans to put lots of miles on your equipment, you may want to spring for something sturdier and better suited for running. While the T101 works great for hobby runners and walkers, advanced runners may become frustrated by this treadmill's limitations. Its speeds only go up to ten mph, and the shorter-than-average belt length could be a problem for any taller person with a long stride.
Which treadmill works best for you will depend on your priorities, but overall, we can vouch for the quality and value of Horizon brand treadmills.
Do I need to lubricate my Horizon treadmill?
Yes. You should lubricate your treadmill when you assemble it, as well as every three months or 150 miles. The T101 comes with the tools you need to lubricate the treadmill, and you can find instructions on how to do so on the Horizon website.