Horizon Elite T7 Treadmill Review

The Elite T7 comes with 42 built-in training programs. Very few treadmills in this price range, or any other price range for that matter, offer such a large number of workout programs.

The cleverly designed Infinity tread belt is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the treadmill. The belt fibers are infused with synthetic hard wax, which always keeps the belt lubricated. So, unlike ordinary tread belts, the Infinity belt does not need the occasional lubrication. It is completely maintenance-free and is just as good as any tread belt in its class in terms of performance and longevity.

ViaFit simplifies the process of tracking your fitness progress.

ViaFit collects your workout data after each training session and uploads all the information to your personal ViaFit account. It also shares the data with the fitness tracking tools you already use and the online communities you are a member of. You can check out the data any time you want by logging into your ViaFit account or using your current fitness tracking tools.

The X-Capture technology makes it easy for you to keep track of your fitness progress even if you work out on a non-ViaFit machine. You can simply take a picture of the workout stats with your phone and the ViaFit software will extract the data and upload it to your account automatically.

The interactive Passport feature brings the excitement of outdoor running right to your home.

Using the Passport Player, you can set up a link between your treadmill and your TV. Once you do, you can watch HD videos of landscapes from around the world. The most exciting part is that the treadmill adjusts its incline and resistance automatically to simulate the surface of the landscape.

Moreover, the video displayed on TV reacts to the pace of your workout. Whenever you speed up or slow down during the workout, the rate at which the video is displayed also changes accordingly.

The running track has three areas – a heavily cushioned landing zone at the front, a lightly cushioned push-off zone at the back, and a moderately cushioned transition zone in the middle. It is designed to offer you the right amount of support and flexibility for all kinds of training – be it walking, jogging, or running.

The Horizon Elite T7 inclines up to 15%, a step up from the Adventure 5 that offers up to 12%, which is steep enough to make your training sessions a lot more challenging. The key benefits of incline training include improved muscle definition and improved cardiovascular endurance. Incline training also increases your metabolic rate and enables your body to burn calories at a much faster rate than it normally does.

The treadmill has contact grips as well as a wireless chest strap to measure your heart rate accurately while you train. The Adventure 5, Adventure 3 and the entry level T101 do not include the wireless chest strap.

The console is designed to go into sleep mode automatically if the machine stays inactive for more than 15 minutes.

The hydraulic folding system allows you to lift the deck up and fold the treadmill with very little effort. When folded up, the T7 only has a 44″ x36″ footprint and requires less storage space than many other machines in its class.

There is a USB port with built-in speakers where you can plug in your iPod or MP3 player and blast some music to match the intensity of your workout sessions.

The 3.0 CHP motor on the Horizon Elite T7 might not impress the serious runners among you, especially considering the fact you can find many treadmills in the same price range with a 3.5 CHP motor.

Horizon motors, however, are known for their performance and longevity. Unlike many other manufacturers, Horizon does not buy the motors from third-parties. The motors are specifically designed by the parent company – Johnson Fitness. They have larger magnets and better quality components than most other motors in the same class. So, many critics are of the opinion that the motor is quite capable of handling heavy running and intense training sessions.

Horizon treadmills generally lack the decline training option and the Elite T7 is not an exception.

The extra-wide LCD display is quite stylish and easy to use, but a touchscreen display is something you expect to see in this price range.

The Horizon Elite T7 is definitely one of the best treadmills in its class. It is solidly built, cleverly engineered, and absolutely stacked with features.

Despite the lack of certain features like decline training and touchscreen display, it is still a very good treadmill and offers more value for your money than many other machines in its price range.

You can check out the new Horizon Elite T7 treadmill on the company site and see if it’s the right choice for you. Also check out their other models.