Horizon T101 Treadmill: Features, Drawbacks and Specifications (2023 Updated)

Strong sportsman using treadmill for cardio workout in gym

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

By Simon Gould

The Horizon T101 is a budget treadmill that comes with some impressive features for the price. It’s a top seller for Horizon Fitness, and treadmills in the price range. When you hear of what it can do, you’ll know why. If you’re just starting to exercise the T101 is ideal, I’ll go through other details in this review.

It’s a folding treadmill so if space is at a premium in your home or workout area it might work for you. It’s much shorter than other treadmills I’ve reviewed being only 70″ when unfolded, I often see 80″+ elsewhere. The folding is done by what they call their featherlight mechanism, so it shouldn’t be a problem for anyone to tuck away when not in use.

The T101 is mainly for walkers and occasional joggers as its motor is smaller and the deck caters for that kind of exercise. Weight loss or weight management is a good goal for someone buying this treadmill. There is an incline feature so walkers can crank it up and burn those calories. The top speed is good at 10 mph, this is 6 minutes a mile.

The motor runs at lower revolutions per minute meaning it stays cool. One reason a treadmill can go wrong is when the motor overheats. This is far less likely to happen because of the way this motor works. It will also last longer and the lifetime warranty on the motor makes the T101 an attractive treadmill. All for a low price.

Features of the Horizon T101 Treadmill

+ 300 lbs Weight Capacity – For a treadmill of this size you get a very good weight limit of 300 lbs. This also backs up why the T101 is so good for weight loss because someone who is heavy can use it. If you start exercising and eat right when large, then weight loss happens more quickly. This treadmill allows you to do just that from the moment you get on.

This capacity compares favorably to the competition. One of the most well reviewed and popular treadmills is the Nordictrack Commercial 2450 at a price of $2,299. It has a weight capacity of 300 lbs as well! This just goes to show how well the T101 is built, and a well built treadmill is one that is designed to last.

+ 1 Year Labor Warranty – I’ve seen some labor warranties for 1 year, on treadmills that are well above $1,000. You get 1 year here for only $649. This represents a manufacturer that has confidence in their product. They wouldn’t want to carry out unnecessary repairs under warranty. It should, though, last much longer than a year.

+ Portability – Not only is the T101 a folding treadmill, it also weighs very little at 165 lbs. This is still about the weight of a grown man but compares favorably to others. It will require 2 people to move it and assemble it, but it’s a lot easier than it could have been. Being a simple machine Horizon have made sure assembly is easy.

Maybe you have it shipped as a curb delivery. Then it will be relatively easy to transport to the room of your choice. Some treadmills come in at twice the weight, they really do require multiple people to move them. Perhaps you want to move the T101 to a different room. Again, this will not be such a daunting task because it’s lighter than most.

+ Variable Deck Cushioning – Horizon know that when you use a treadmill your foot lands at the front, you transition down the deck, and push off from the back. The deck on the T101 has been made with this in mind. Your joints are cushioned as you land and you bounce back as you push off. This is much kinder than exercising outside.

Most treadmills just have a simple deck. While this is still less impactful than outside, I like the fact that a bit of extra thought has gone in to the T101. So if you’ve had injuries before or you’re not as fit as you once were, you can workout in confidence, knowing that your legs will cope. For a budget treadmill it didn’t have to be this way, but it is with the T101.

+ Generous Top Speed – For a treadmill that’s designed for walkers and joggers this is very good. When you consider people walk at an average speed of 3.1 mph as per wikipedia then 10 is more than enough. I think the incline will be used more for burning calories, rather than the speed. Either way, you’re well looked after if speed is your choice. + Quiet And Efficient Motor – Horizon Fitness motors tend to be quiet compared to the competition. They’re also very efficient. You won’t find your electricity bills straining with the T101. The motor is the part that uses all the power, but despite being able to turn at great speeds, the electricity usage is surprisingly minor.

+ USB Port – There is a device rack for your tablet or phone to enjoy while you’re exercising. This will keep you entertained what ever your workout schedule. A lovely little touch is the USB port. You don’t need to worry about the charge on your devices because you can plug them in, and they’ll be charged by the T101.

Drawbacks of the Horizon T101 Treadmill

 Small Display – I like a big display with tons of information on it when I workout. The T101 has the basic information you need, but it’s just on 3 small LED windows. They don’t necessarily need to be big, but the elderly might buy this treadmill, so the info could be presented a little clearer for those people. Otherwise the console is easy to use with simple buttons.

 Not For Serious Runners – The T101 has a smaller motor that can’t really take a serious runner. The motor is 2.5 CHP and you often find 4.0 CHP for treadmills built for runners. The small motor wouldn’t cope at consistently high speeds. The deck maybe a bit small too. So this is for walkers and joggers only, and is perfectly built for those activities.

Horizon T101 Treadmill Specifications

ModelHorizon T101
Free ShippingYes
Treadmill Weight165 lbs
FoldingYes
Motor2.5 CHP
Running Surface20″ x 55″
DisplayThree LED Windows
DimensionsL 70″ x W 34″ x H 55″
Max User Weight300 lbs
Workout Programs30
Speed0.5 to 10 mph
Incline0% to 10%
WarrantyLifetime: Frame & Motor
1 Years: Parts
1 Year: Labor

Horizon T101 Treadmill Review Summary

Horizon Fitness make a good range of treadmills that provide excellent value, the T101 fits this mould. At $599 it does so much better than other treadmills with it’s warranty. I have seen budget machines that have 90 days of labor for the same price. This an entry level machine so think about how you want to use it. Walkers and joggers are best suited as I explained in this review.

Horizon have boasted of a 30 minute assembly. This is paradise for those who have assembled treadmills before. They can be complicated to do and require more than one person, plus a tool kit. There’s no getting away from the T101 being a basic machine, but then that’s all you need for walking and jogging. This treadmill is good value for money and that’s probably why it sells so well.

Click Here for the best price on the Horizon T101 Treadmill*

Similar Posts