Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill Review

It’s considered as one of the best home use treadmills, Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill indeed allows users to enjoy its versatility as well as train in the comfort at their home without spending lots of money. This article will be a full description of this product and benefits you can get from it.

Horizon Fitness T101 Description

Motor

Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill has a 2.25-horsepower incline motor with speed increments of 0.5 mph and 0-10 percent grade. It is said to be a smooth, quiet, and continuous-duty with top speed of up to 10 MPH. This motor is suited for walking and jogging, but not powerful enough for hardcore runners.

Running surface

With Horizon Fitness T101, you will have 20-inch by 55 inch belt to walk, jog and even run lightly. However, this running surface is not wide enough for taller runners to work comfortably. If you need a wider and longer workout surface, you should consider SOLE F80 with 22″ x 60″ running surface or NordicTrack C 1650 Treadmill with 20 x 60 inch one.

Computer Console

The computer console on the machine is very friendly with user. It includes 3 LED windows allowing users to track their workout data (they are the target LED, LED brickyard and the workout LED) and 9 programmable options. In this aspect, the T101-04 Treadmill which is updated model of T101 has much more program options including manual workout, 10 distance-based workouts, 10 Step-goal workouts, 3 intervals workouts and 6 calorie-goal workouts.

Heart rate monitoring

You can easily monitor your heart rate through the dual grip monitoring system. However, chest trap is not included in this model.

Assembled dimensions:

Height: 55”. Width: 34”. Length: 70”. Weight: 165 lbs

II. Personal review

Comfort

This treadmill provides me with wide enough and comfortable workout space for my walking thanks to the variable cushioning system. Plus, in order to keep my mind in comfort, it is also designed with an MP3 input, high-quality sonic surround speakers, and headphone output that let me enjoy my favorite music while walking without disturbing anyone around me. In fact, these nice features are usually reserved for higher end machines. Another comfortable feature of the equipment is a COOLfit cooling fan with three different settings. This feature helps enhance the comfort during training.

Support

The deck cushioning of the T101 called PerfectFLEX cushioning system not only gives the great comfort but also absorbs shocks efficiently. It has three zones that give me an ideal amount of support and flex in all phases of my stride. Since using this treadmill, I have never felt any ankle or knee pains like I used to feel when running on the road or pavement. I would like to recommend it for people who have sensitive joints. Additionally, the FeatherLIGHT lift system found on the T101 supports simple folding and unfolding of the machine. Plus, the unit supports a 300lbs user capacity.

Also read: Best folding treadmills

Convenience

It is easy to install and use. Most of the machine seems to be pre-assembled out of the box. Every day, I just stand on it then hit the start button and simply start walking or jogging. It is equipped with a quick incline and speed control that provides simple control as well as enhanced safety.

Additionally, with 3 LED windows I can view my workout data while training clearly and conveniently. It allows me to determine my complexity, pace, and the distance I travelled. You can monitor your heart rate through the pulse grips. Reading rack and water bottle holder are also found on the machine. Overall, it is quite heavy to move it around but thanks to folding feature of this unit I can move or store it more easily.

Performance

The Horizon T101 Treadmill provides a smooth, quiet workout that allows me to run up to 10 MPH. Moreover, I often get more challenging with a 0-10 degrees incline range featured in the treadmill. I really love this electric incline although 15% would be better. This unit is not as powerful as my old Xterra Fitness TR6.6 Folding Treadmill but all these features indeed help me get my expected training results easily. Especially, with its sturdy frame I haven’t felt a wobble when I increase the speed/ incline or walking at high speeds. My husband and I have been using it for 4 months and it has worked perfectly.

Quality/ durability

Generally, users are very happy with the quality of Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill. It is often described as both solid and durable machine without the bells and whistles. In the terms of durability, the machine comes with a durable two-ply belt. The steel frame is sturdy and strong enough to withstand users weighing up to 300 pounds.

Lastly, in order to ensure the reliable quality of the product the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty on the motor and frame and 1 year for the parts and labor. But with its newer model- Horizon Fitness T101-04 Treadmill, customers have better warranty with 2 years warranty for parts and 1 year for labor. However, to last the longevity of the product, you have to loosen the belt and apply some lubricant once a month.

Use

Firstly, I consider this unit to be an ideal choice for home fitness especially for beginners. The Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill is not only used for a light workout and endurance training but not for high intensity workouts because its motor and belt are not strong enough. I highly recommend this for light jogging and brisk walking. But if you are looking for a treadmill for running at home, you should consider more expensive models like SOLE F85 or other models of NordicTrack.

Conclusion, the versatility of the features included combined with the sturdy construction makes the T101 become one of the best choices for those who are looking for a well-equipped entry-level treadmill. For me, I will never regret about my purchase and Horizon will be always my most reliable brand. However, if you can increase your budget, the Adventure 3, Adventure 5, Elite T7 and the Elite T9 are other higher-end machines of Horizon that you should look at.

Compare Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill to other models

NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill

At the similar price as the T101, NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill is also a great option for you. It has 20"X55" tread belt, 10% incline level, folding design. But this model comes with a 2.6 CHP drive System which is a little stronger than the motor in the Horizon Fitness T101 treadmill offering top speed of 10 MPH with a user weight capacity of 300 pounds.

Besides, this model is featured with the console sound System that allows you to plug your iPod or other MP3 device into it to stay motivated during training process. The better feature of the T 6.5 S than the T101 is 20 workout programs included as well as iFit compatibility, which can provides unlimited additional program options in case you have the iFit subscription.

ProForm 505 CST Treadmill

Having a little lower price than the T101, ProForm 505 CST Treadmill is an entry-level, budget-friendly treadmill designed for convenience and durability. Despite having 2.5 HP, which is a little larger than 2.25 motor on the T101, this motor still supports a top speed up to 10 MPH with 0 – 10% incline range.

With ProForm 505 CST Treadmill, you also get 20" x 55" running surface that is equipped with Pro-Form’s own ProShox Cushioning. This cushioning system covers the entire running area to protect user’s joints from the shocks or impact of walking or running. Plus, the better features of ProForm treadmill compared to the T101 are 325 LBS user weight capacity and 18 built-in programs. However, in the terms of quality or durability, the T101 is considered to have higher quality than ProForm 505 CST Treadmill. While the T101 includes a lifetime warranty on the motor, the 505 CST of ProForm only includes 25 years on the motor.

Nautilus T614 Treadmill

Another model I would like to make the comparison with the T101 is the Nautilus T614 Treadmill which is the great entry-level model among residential treadmills. With the big discount on Amazon, customers have chance to get the commercial-grade equipment at very great price. The T614 has a 2.75 CHP motor offerings speed range from 0 to 12 mph and can withstand user weighing up to 300 pounds.

Like the T101, this model offers a 20″ wide and 55″ long running surface, which is featured with a 4 hex cell design StrikeZone (TM) Cushioning System. The Nautilus T614 Treadmill offers nice program variety with 26 programs to choose from. This feature is better than the T101 treadmill of Horizon. And for those who complained about the cooling fan on the T101, they will be satisfied with 3-speed adjustable fan on this unit. It is powerful enough to cool you down during your workout.