Horizon T101 Treadmill Review

Horizon T101 is a 2010 Model, offered at $600 on Horizon e-store.

What you must know is that this is the same treadmill as a previous model, Horizon GS950T. The only difference between these 2 models is the frame color: one is blue and one is green.

There are 2 other treadmills with which T101 shares many commons features (especially in the parts quality): T102 and T103. The last mentioned have a higher price (up to $1,000).

For the price paid, this is an attractive offer. But for whom Horizon T101 fits the best and what type of training it supports? See a detailed review in our conclusions.

Horizon T101 Specifications

Speed: 0-10 MPH
You can change speed using the up/down arrows or the 1 touch options.

Inclination: 0-10%
Incline is controlled same as speed from its own individual buttons located on the console.

Motor: 2.25 CHP

Frame: Steel

Belt: 20″ x 55″ (50.8 cm x 139.7 cm)
The belt is backed by PerfectFLEX adjustable cushion system. Adjustable cushion allows you to change the firmness of the belt, recommended especially if you have a larger weigh.

Assembled dimensions:
71″L x 33″W x 55″H (180 cm Length x 84 cm Wide x 140 cm Height)

Supported User Weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)

Warranty:
You get a lifetime warranty for motor and frame, 1 year for parts and 1 year for labor.

Horizon T101 Special Features

Led Display:
You have one display option. The following feedback is sent during workout:

- Time in minutes:seconds
- Distance in miles
- Speed in mph
- Approximate number of Calories burned
- Incline
- Pulse/Heart Rate
- Workout Profiles
- Target Set options (blinks if any target is set)

Heart Rate readings: through Contact Handles

This is a basic feature, with the same limitations as on most Horizon treadmills: you can’t use the heart rate feedback in the actual workout as you can’t specify your own age or your target heart rate zone. Only with this info you could complete an efficient weight loss workout.

horizon-t101-treadmill-review-console

Workouts:

- Manual Workout – this is a time based workout and allows you to control Incline and Speed;

Pre-set workouts:

- Intervals Workout – this is a time based workout with preset incline/speed for 3 workout segments (warm-up, 90 seconds, 30 seconds). The 3 segments repeat until your target is reached;

- Weight Loss Workout – this workout controls automatically speed and incline for consecutive 30 seconds intervals until your set target is reached. Unfortunately, it’s not a complete workout as you can’t insert you target fat burning zone in a user profile. This would allow counting calories burned with more accuracy.

You have 4 options to set targets for each of the above workouts (both manual and pre-set):

Target 1: Time (from 15 minutes to 99 minutes)

Target 2: Distance: (from 0.25 miles to 26.25 miles)

Target 3: Calories (from 20 to 980 calories)

No target

These workouts and options are included also in Horizon T102 and Horizon T103 consoles.

But, only on T101 you have the Cool Down button, in handy when completing a workout (it allows your heart beat to cool down for 4 minutes at slow pace).

None of the workouts have an individual user profile enabled which makes it difficult to offer precise feedback, especially when you set calories targets.

Sound System:

The console allows you to insert your MP3 and CD player. Speakers are included in the console but you have no other controls (like volume).

If you only use an iPOD and you can’t workout without it, we recommend you to read about T103 Treadmill which includes this feature. See more on this page.

Fan: included with on/off controls

Folding treadmill:

You have this feature included and it’s the same basic process as on Horizon T102, T103 and on all the other Horizon treadmills which include this system.

horizon-t101-treadmill-review-console-2

Conclusions

All we could do on this treadmill without provoking any damage to the machine or to ourselves was to walk and jog.

Initially we were very disappointed about the machine’s parts quality and efficiency. This was until we found out the price, $600. At that moment we stopped demanding performance and we focused on the machine’s behavior for light training sessions.

For this type of exercises the machine performs decent (almost very good). The highest advantages are the silent motor, reliable and adjustable cushion system, good speakers and the folding control.

Its most important disadvantage is the poor warranty for parts and labor (important to mention because their quality is questionable).

Other details we want to mention is that the most useful workouts are the intervals workout and the manual workout based on Distance and Time targets. The others are useless as you don’t have real feedback about the calories burned. We explained why in our review above.

The belt size is right for the type of exercises you can do. Without being able to run intensively, you don’t need a larger belt to complete full strides.

We can recommend this treadmill for the limited performance you can experience when using it, but only if you choose an extended warranty (even the additional 1 year warranty applies).

It’s a very good deal when you compare its price to what it can do. FOr other details go visit the Horizon website.

PS: if you’re looking for a machine with more workout variety or you prefer a more powerful motor, you can look at T102 or T103 reviews.

You can buy this treadmill:

At Horizon Fitness: Horizon T101 Treadmill for 599 $

Comments

One Response to “Horizon T101 Treadmill Review”

  1. Paul says:
    March 21, 2011 at 7:09 pm

    Thank you. The review is very helpful. As I am shopping for a treadmill right now. Your article has made my mind.

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