The Horizon Fitness T101 is the perfect folding treadmill for you if you’re not into long-distance runs or too intense exercises. But let’s find out in our dedicated review below why this is the best budget-friendly option for you.
Overview
Runners and fitness enthusiasts who prefer light to moderate walks or jogs will certainly love the Horizon Fitness T101.
Manufactured by Horizon Fitness, they are a company that manufactures low-cost yet high-quality gym equipment for your homes to provide for fitness enthusiasts who are on a tight budget. They prioritize comfort, value, and making sure you get the best results from using their products.
Who says staying healthy and getting fit needs to come at a luxury price, right?
With such an affordable price tag, the T101 also doesn’t get too overcomplicated with the features it’s equipped with. They’re not too high-tech as those tend to cost more. But at the same time, there are also a lot of really useful and handy features built-in into this modest running machine for maximum comfort and efficiency.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 73 x 29.5 x 12 inches (LxWxH)
- Running Area: 20 x 55 inches.
- Product Weight: 180 lbs. or 82 kg.
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Material: Aluminum.
- Color: Black.
- Maximum User Weight Capacity: 300 lbs. or 136 kg.
- Maximum Horsepower: 2.5 horsepower.
- Top Speed Rating: 10 miles per hour.
- Incline: o to 10% of incline.
- Preset Workouts / Fitness Programs: 30 built-in workout programs to choose from.
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty on the motor and frame, parts and labor have 1 year.
- Extra Features: Built-in cooling fans, Bluetooth connectivity so you can sync your device on the T101’s integrated speakers, energy saver mode, device holder, audio input jack, USB charging port, and heart rate monitoring.
Check out the Horizon Fitness T101’s preview below.
What We Love About The Horizon Fitness T101
Let’s discuss the things that makes us love the T101.
Budget-friendly Price
One of the main things that attract us to the T101 is its affordability. Despite having an inexpensive price tag, you’re getting a lot of value for this machine and some features you’ll only experience in more high-end folding treadmills.
So if durability, stability, or functionality is a concern of yours, the T101 won’t certainly disappoint. With this unit, you don’t have to burn a hole through your wallet to get a high-quality running machine.
Great Variety of Preset Workout Programs
Another amazing feature of the T101 is its large variety of preset workout programs
You’re actually getting up to 30 different preset workout programs to choose from with this model and they’re all free! Even folding treadmills on the more premium side don’t have this many preset programs to offer.
Usually, those high-end treadmills offer around 10 to 15 built-in workout programs then give their users an option to join a subscription-based library of workout programs so they have more access to classes and even interactive trainers.
The T101 doesn’t have that option but it definitely makes up for its 30 preset workout programs. Not to mention, you won’t have to pay a single dime to access it.
3-Zone Cushioning Deck System
If you’re worried about putting too much stress or impact on your joints, the T101 has a unique 3-zone cushioning deck system that provides comfort on its users and will help decrease the stress on your joints as well as your spine.
This way, you can run pain-free for longer sessions and without having to concern yourself with the soreness you’ll feel after your exercise.
Wide Range Of Incline Levels
Horizon Fitness offers up to 10 levels of incline with their T101 model. If you ask me, that’s pretty decent and even at par with other high-end models that offer the same levels of incline.
Not to mention, the T101 also allows auto adjustment so you don’t have to hop off the machine to change your incline levels mid-workout. You can easily switch up the incline to include some variety in your walks and jogs. This will also help you get better results in the long run.
Bluetooth Connectivity
I don’t see a lot of folding treadmills having the option for Bluetooth connectivity. So it’s really nice that the T101 has this feature available for us. Especially if you’re someone who loves to listen to music, podcasts, or even watch shows while you burn through your calories.
All you have to do is connect your device to the T101’s built-in Bluetooth speakers and voila! You can now be entertained and exercise at the same time. Who said working out has to be dull and boring, right?
Usually, other folding treadmills require an AUX input or a USB before you can enjoy your media consumption. But we are slowly going towards a future wherein everything is becoming wireless. So it’s great to know that Horizon Fitness made sure their T101 is future-proof.
But in case you prefer having your device wired to the built-in speaker system, the T101 allows that as well.
Maximum User Weight Capacity
The T101 can easily accommodate fitness enthusiasts and runners weighing up to 300 lbs. without a fuss. For a folding treadmill of this level and price, that is already quite impressive.
A lot of the running machines I’ve checked out that fall within the same price range or are more budget-friendly tend to support the average or lighter individuals.
Impressive Warranty Coverage
For a folding treadmill of this level and price, I would expect only getting a handful of years in terms of warranty coverage. But I am gladly surprised that Horizon Fitness offers a lifetime warranty on the motor and frame, while you get 1 year on labor and parts.
Least Favorite Things
No product is ever perfect, so here are a few things we were a bit disappointed in with the T101. So we’d like you to consider these before making your final purchase.
Not Meant For More Intense Training Or Long Distance Runs
Due to the 2.5 horsepower on the T101’s motor, this places the machine to only be suitable for light to moderate walks and jogging.
Unfortunately, if you’re looking forward to doing some intense interval or hill training or any long-distance running, you will be quite disappointed.
It’s best to set your sights on another folding treadmill that will be able to handle your preferred workout routines.
The Running Surface Area Is A Little Small
Shorter or smaller individuals won’t have too much of an issue with the 20 x 55 inches measurement of the T101’s running surface area. But if you’re on the taller or bigger side of the spectrum, you might feel a little cramped up in space. If you’re someone who takes longer strides when running, this might not be suitable for you as well.
Faulty Or Broken Parts When Delivered
Now, this doesn’t apply to every T101 unit delivered, but it does happen and the users have reported and complained about those faulty or broken parts upon unboxing their packages.
However, as I’ve previously mentioned, the T101 does have a great warranty coverage so you can easily get those certain parts replaced in case those types of unfortunate situations arise.
So this is just something for you to keep in mind when considering of purchasing this folding treadmill for your home.
In A Nutshell
Here’s a narrowed down list of the good and the bad with the Horizon Fitness T101.
Pros
- Great for anyone who is looking for a folding treadmill at a budget-friendly price.
- Great for beginners and fitness enthusiasts who just like light to moderate walks or jogs on their folding treadmills.
- The 3-Zone Cushioning Deck System is ideal for anyone who wants less stress and less impact on their joints when running.
- 30 different workout programs to choose from so you’re getting a lot of variety.
- Quiet operation when in use.
- Impressive warranty coverage.
- The maximum user weight capacity is quite nice as well for its price.
- Has built-in cooling fans and Bluetooth speakers to keep you fresh as well as keep you entertained during your workout sessions.
Cons
- The 2.5 horsepower is only suitable for light to moderate walking or jogging.
- The 20-inch x 55-inch tread belt is quite short.
- There have been instances of faulty or broken parts were delivered to customers.
- Cushioning is pretty mediocre.
Final Verdict
Overall, I think the Horizon Fitness T101 shines the brightest among a sea of budget-friendly folding treadmills for your home. It does a pretty good job on what it is supposed to do and delivers well on its promises.
You have to manage your expectations with the T101, though. If you’re looking for more high-tech features like interactive training and having access to a library of subscription-based workout programs like iFit, you’re going to have to shell out more money or look for brands that offer those certain features.
If you don’t mind the few bells and whistles the T101 compromised on and you just prefer doing light to moderate walks or jogs with your folding treadmill, the T101 would be perfect for you.
Do you already own the Horizon Fitness T101 or considering of getting one? Let me know about your experiences or thoughts about this particular folding treadmill! Just leave your insights below in the comments section.
Recommended reading for you:
Get Fit In The Comfort Of Your Own Home With The Best Folding Treadmills For Home Use This 2021.
Your Best Home Treadmill Buying Guide For 2021
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