Treadmill Review: An Examination of Horizon's Equipment Line
In the world of home fitness equipment, Horizon Fitness stands out as a Taiwan-based company offering a range of treadmills, elliptical trainers, and stationary bicycles [1]. Known for their lower costs compared to other brands, Horizon Fitness treadmills provide a strong balance of features, pricing, and customer service.
Advantages of Horizon Fitness Treadmills
Horizon Fitness treadmills offer a variety of mid-range options that cater to diverse fitness needs. For instance, the Horizon 7.0 AT provides a long 60-inch running deck, Bluetooth speakers, and easy syncing with popular apps and smartwatches like Peloton, Apple Watch, and Samsung Galaxy Watch, all at a competitive price point around $1,000 [1].
The cushioned deck of Horizon models reduces impact on joints, making them comfortable for longer runs [1]. Stable and convenient tablet holders provide distraction-free workout experiences [1]. Moreover, Horizon treadmills boast a range of incline capabilities, with the Horizon T101 offering incline up to 15% and even a -5% decline option [3].
Disadvantages Compared to Other Brands
While Horizon Fitness treadmills offer a robust feature set, they do have some drawbacks compared to other brands. The Horizon 7.0 has a 20-inch wide belt, which is narrower than some competing models, making it feel tight, especially if the mind tends to wander during runs [1]. Some users report bounce issues at inclines over 5%, and slight lag when decreasing speed, which might be less ideal for aggressive hill training [1].
Horizon treadmills tend to be heavy and bulky, and assembly can be a hassle [1]. Additionally, some Horizon models may have less versatile display screens compared to competitors like Bowflex 10, which features an adjustable HD touchscreen and integrated streaming apps [3].
Pricing Comparison
Horizon Fitness treadmills typically fall in the mid-range price category, around $1,000 for models like the 7.0, offering good value for features such as app integration and cushioned running surfaces [1]. Compared to cheaper under-desk or walking treadmills, Horizon models cost more but provide more robust features and durability [2]. Some competitor brands like Bowflex offer premium features such as streaming services on touchscreens but typically at higher price points [3].
Customer Service and Brand Reputation
While search results do not detail customer service explicitly, Horizon Fitness is generally recognized for reliable build quality and decent warranty coverage, making it competitive in the mid-range treadmill market. Brands like Horizon and Bowflex are often compared in reviews, with Horizon praised for value and Bowflex for high-end tech features [1][3].
Horizon Fitness has a Trustpilot score of 3.8 out of 5 stars, with positive reviews discussing the quality of the treadmills and the price, and negative reviews discussing customer service, maintenance, and shipping.
In conclusion, Horizon Fitness offers strong value for runners seeking mid-range treadmills with solid cushioning, connectivity, and incline options. However, the belt width and incline bounce may be limitations for serious hill trainers or those wanting a wider running area. Other brands provide more advanced tech or ultra-budget options, but often at a tradeoff in cost or features [1][2][3].
It's essential to consider individual fitness needs and preferences when choosing a treadmill. Regular jogging has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of all-cause mortality and various health conditions like cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurological conditions, and depression [4]. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen.
References:
[1] Horizon Fitness (n.d.). Treadmills. Retrieved from https://www.horizonfitness.com/treadmills
[2] Sunny Health & Fitness (n.d.). Walkstation Treadmill. Retrieved from https://www.sunnyhealthfitness.com/walkstation-treadmill
[3] Bowflex (n.d.). Treadmills. Retrieved from https://www.bowflex.com/treadmills
[4] American Heart Association (2021, March 26). Regular Brisk Walking Good for Heart Health. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/news/2021/03/26/regular-brisk-walking-good-for-heart-health
- Horizon Fitness treadmills provide diverse fitness options with mid-range models like the Horizon 7.0 AT, featuring a long running deck, Bluetooth speakers, and smartwatch compatibility, priced around $1,000.
- The cushioned deck and range of incline capabilities on Horizon treadmills reduce impact on joints, while tablet holders provide distraction-free workouts.
- Despite these advantages, Horizon treadmills might have drawbacks like a narrower belt compared to some competitors, bouncing at high inclines, and hefty assembly.
- Horizon Fitness treadmills typically fall in the mid-range price category, offering good value for features such as app integration and cushioned running surfaces, but some competitor brands offer premium features like streaming services at higher prices.
- Horizon Fitness is recognized for reliable build quality and decent warranty coverage, but its customer service, maintenance, and shipping have received mixed reviews on platforms like Trustpilot.
