Horizon T101-05 Folding Treadmill | Up to 30% Less Impact on Your Joints

The Horizon T101-05 is a treadmill rated for a maximum user capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg). So, it’s a solid steel frame. In its construction, all the steel parts feature a high-grade powder coating finish, resistant to scratching and corrosion. The base frame’s finish is black, while the finish on the upright console masts is gray. The side rail covers, the motor casing, and the console support are heavy-duty PVC materials.

Like most treadmills in this feature range, the Horizon T101-05 is relatively heavy; it weighs approx. 165 lbs (75 kg) when fully assembled, its deck carries most of the weight. Therefore, it’s advisable to be transported, unboxed, and built by at least two people. On the other hand, its bases integrate wheels, both at the rear and the front. So, once assembled, its transport and relocation shouldn’t be a problem.

The base of the machine is relatively large; it takes 70″L x 33.5″W (178 x 85 cm). Additionally, it requires at least two feet of clearance on each side, and at least three feet of clearance at the rear, for safe operation.

T101-05 Deck

The T101-05 treadmill features a folding frame. The deck folds up, folding assisted by two hydraulic shocks when lowering it or raising it. With the deck folded up, the machine’s length is reduced to 45.5″ (116 cm), while its height becomes approx—61″ (155 cm).

This treadmill can deliver speeds up to 10 MPH, while its deck can support running workouts with no problem. However, the running surface is for walking and jogging exercises, as it’s only 55″L x 20″W (140 x 51 cm). Therefore, taller users over 6’2″ – 6’3″ may feel their movement a bit restricted if they undertake a running workout.

Nonetheless, the deck integrates a 6-cell cushioning system (3 on each side), being more flexible at the front where your foot lands and firmer at the rear where you push off. Therefore, it results in a workout with up to 30% less impact on your joints, reducing exercise-related paint, and leading to longer and safer workouts.

A run or jog on the running surface supplied by this Horizon treadmill is considerably more forgiving than a jog on asphalt or concrete.

The running surface integrates a 2-ply, 1.4mm rubber belt, resistant to stretching, a belt that delivers an excellent adherence to just about any running shoe. The belt runs over two medium-sized rollers, 1.8″ at the front and 1.66″ at the rear.

The rollers have integrated high-grade, stainless steel, sealed ball bearings for smooth operation and a long lifespan.

Step-up height & Incline

The step-up height of the Horizon T101-5 is approx. 9″ (24 cm). The deck also sets the incline to its maximum 10% setting. Therefore, to avoid any ceiling height issues, ensure that the ceiling height is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your size.

This treadmill comes equipped with a motorized incline system, consisting of a small motor and lift situated at the deck’s front. It offers ten incline levels from 1% to 10%, the incline increments being 1%. The incline function of the machine adds a lot of diversity to the workout spectrum. Even though a 10% incline isn’t that much, it can still considerably boost your workout’s intensity, providing a much higher burn.

Since the machine’s incline is motorized, it is only adjustable from the console. There are quick keys for incline adjustment on the control panel’s left side, but the incline is changed gradually from the Up/Down arrow keys near the safety key.

T101-05 Motor

The Horizon T101-05 comes with a 2.5 CHP. In other words, it’s a motor designed to support walking and jogging workouts. However, since the speed range is 0.5 to 10 MPH, it can deliver running workouts.

This motor is for prolonged use, with excellent continuous duty power, lasting without heating or slowing down even during the most challenging workouts.

In addition, it has a dynamically spin-balanced assembly, built with top-quality components and a motor to last a lifetime. That’s precisely why the warranty for this particular part of this treadmill is for a lifetime.

As I’ve mentioned earlier, the speed range provided by this motor is 0.5 to 10 MPH. Thus, its starting speed is 0.5 MPH. However, the rate is adjusted in increments of 0.1 MPH from there and up. The console features keys for a gradual adjustment or a quick change for all the speed levels between 1 and 10.

Since it’s a motorized treadmill, it requires a connection to a power circuit of 110-120V. A power cord with a plug (not an adapter) comes included, the plug being the U.S. standard 3-prong type.

The motor itself does not generate a lot of noise. However, the cadence sound made during a running session is not avoidable. Although it may not cover your TV’s sound, it may still be heard by the other members of the household, or the neighbors, if you live in an apartment building.

Console

The console comes with a 4.5″ LCD with a yellow-green backlight. It shows distance, time, calories, heart rate, speed, and incline. Unfortunately, distance is calculated only in miles, while speed is MPH.

In addition, the unit is not telemetric; therefore, it can only track your pulse through the stainless steel HR sensors integrated into the transversal handlebars.

The console unit of this Horizon 101-5 Folding Treadmill is straightforward to use. Each program category has its key; if you want to use an onboard program, you press the type and scroll through the programs available in that category via the Up/Down keys.

There are quick keys for incline adjustment on the unit’s left and speed on the right. Next to the safety key, you can adjust speed and incline from the lower arrow keys. The cooling fan has its On/Off key, while the sound system features volume controls.

The console also has a Start/Pause key, which is excellent if you alternate treadmill sessions with different workouts.

Finally, the machine’s control unit draws power from the power source; it does not require batteries.

T101-05 Amenities

Apart from the fitness-oriented features, the console of the Horizon Fitness T101-05 integrates several other features. I count a sound system, a cooling fan, two accessory pockets, and a reading rack.

The sound system consists of two prominent speakers, one on each side of the unit’s LCD. It’s compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones, or tablets. As a result, the sound rendered by it is superior to the sound of most tablet or phone integrated speakers.

The two accessory trays sit under the speakers; they’re broad and deep enough to serve as bottle holders.

Although not a powerful one, the workout fan does offer some cooling during a more intense workout. It only has an On/Off setting and not multiple speed settings. And finally, the tablet tray is placed right above the fan casing, large enough to accommodate any tablet.

Workout Programs

The Horizon T101-05 Folding Treadmill provides 30 preset workout options, which break down into four main categories; distance-based (10), step-goal (10), and calorie-goal (6), and intervals (3).

Calorie-goal: If you’ve had bad experiences with inaccurate calorie burn readings in the past, the machine had incorrect necessary personal information. Bodyweight is perhaps the most important, which the T101-05 prompts you before choosing any workout.

Thus, this makes the calorie-goal workouts accurate and helpful, using a calculation based on weight, speed, and incline.

The six calorie-burn workouts focus on burning a certain level of calories (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) and are ideal for anyone focusing on weight loss as a fitness goal.

Distance-based: As the name suggests, ‘distance-based is selecting workouts that encourage you to run a set distance. There are ten lengths to choose from, ranging from 1 mile to a half marathon, designed to suit various fitness levels.