Horizon Treadmill Review (with the Peloton App)

After a year of using a Horizon 7.0 AT treadmill with the Peloton App, I thought it was time for a full review.

I’ve been a fan of the Peloton Bike workouts for years. In the beginning, all they offered were spin classes. They’ve added so much more variety since then and I was taking full advantage of all the classes, except the one category I couldn’t do without buying more equipment, the Tread classes.

I knew the Peloton Tread wasn’t for me but I did want to start incorporating other forms of cardio into my exercise routine. The Horizon 7.0 AT seemed to fit all my needs.

Admittedly, I don’t use my treadmill as much as my bike. I love spinning while I only like running. Plus, I’ll always choose an outdoor walk or run over an indoor one any day. But I knew this when I bought it.

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Note, at this date, you still cannot purchase the Peloton Tread Plus. Unless otherwise stated, when I refer to the Peloton Tread, I’m talking about the smaller model still sold.

Why I Chose the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill

I did a ton of research on treadmills long before I bought one for myself. After my popular blog post about using the Peloton App with any spin bike, I started getting similar questions about which treadmill to use. You can read through my full list of recommended treadmills here.

I evaluated myself as a runner and determined why out of all the brands, Horizon was the best choice for me.

And while many treadmills include their own built-in programs like Horizon, I use my treadmill exclusively with the Peloton app.

At first, I was sure I would buy the Horizon 7.8, the most expensive of their AT models. Then I talked myself down to the middle model, the 7.4, but in the end, I decided that the 7.0 met all my needs. Here’s why.

Treadmill Must-Haves for the Peloton App

Once I decided to purchase a treadmill, I wanted it to have the following capabilities:

Easy Speed and Incline Controls

One of the selling points for the Peloton Tread is how quickly and easily you can change the speed and incline. This is the feature that first got me interested in the Horizon brand of treadmills. On all of the AT models (added later to the 7.0), they include not only jump buttons but quick dials like the Peloton.

Minimum of 3.0 CHP motor

Although I’m more of a jogger than a runner, I knew I needed a strong enough motor to support fast speeds. All of the Horizon treadmills that I considered have a motor of at least 3.0.

Many of Peloton’s runs are HIIT-based, meaning you’re walking or running at high speeds and then slowing down. I wanted to make sure any treadmill I chose could handle these types of variations.

And while I’m not a fast runner, my husband goes pretty hard on the treadmill, and my son started cross-country this year. Both use it only on occasion.

Incline

I’m so glad I chose a treadmill that inclines up to 15 percent. I’ve become a big fan of the Peloton hikes and you spend a lot of time at the highest incline.

Interestingly, the Peloton Tread only has an incline of 12.5 percent even though in many of the classes, the instructors ask you to incline higher than that.

Why I Didn’t Buy the Peloton Tread or Tread Plus Instead

Size and Weight

The first reason I didn’t buy the Peloton Tread is its size. The Peloton Tread Plus (the one I was considering at the time and now recalled) measures 72.5″ L x 36.5″ W x 72″ H and weighs a whopping 430 pounds. The height is really where you notice the difference.

The Peloton Tread Plus takes up a lot of visual space. Even though its actual size isn’t much different from the Horizon treadmills, it looks massive. It’s thick and high.

I had no place other than my bedroom to store my treadmill and I didn’t want it to be the most prominent item in the room. Plus, all of the Horizon treadmills featured in this article fold.

While the Peloton Tread is still available, to me it just didn’t justify the price point. It doesn’t have the same cushioned slats as the Plus (similar to the Woodway) and instead has a traditional running belt.

While one of my biggest complaints about the Horizon 7.0 is the size of the running deck, it’s still one inch longer and the same width as the Peloton tread at 59” L x 20” W. (The Tread Plus has a running belt of 67″ long x 20″ wide).

Price

While the Peloton Tread Plus retailed for $4,295, the Tread sells for $2495. Although Horizon’s highest-priced model, the 7.8AT retails for $2699, you can usually find them on sale. I paid just $999 for the Horizon 7.0.

The Horizon 7.0 is now available on Amazon

If you’re using the Peloton Digital Membership (the “app”) without any Peloton equipment, it will cost you $12.99 per member. I currently pay $39.99 which gives me access to the Peloton Bike’s full features and limited features on my non-Peloton tread (pretty much everything but the scenic runs). Note: Effective June 1, 2022, Peloton raised the monthly membership to $44 per month.

In my opinion, using a non-Peloton spin bike requires a lot more effort and accessories than using a non-Peloton treadmill.

Comparing the Horizon 7.8 AT, 7.4 AT, and 7.0 AT Treadmills

Horizon 7.8 AT Specifications

Horizon’s most expensive model, the 7.8 features the following:

• Dimensions; 76″ L x 37″ W x 64″ H
• Running Deck: 22″ x 60″ (.8 inch thick)
• Weighs: 330 lbs
• Folded: 42″ x 37″ x 71″ 
• Console screen: 9.3″ LED
• 4.0 CHP (continuous-duty horsepower motor)
• Top Speed: 12
• Incline: 0 to 15 percent
• Weight Capacity: 375 lbs
• Built-in Programs: 10
• 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning system
• Quick Dials for speed & incline (and jump buttons)
• Comes with a Bluetooth chest heart rate monitor

Horizon 7.4 AT Specifications

Their middle model, the 7.4 includes the following:

• Dimensions: 76″ L x 37″ W x 63″ H
• Running Deck: 22″ x 60″ (.8 inch thick)
• Weighs: 318 lbs
• Folded: 42” L x 37” W x 71” H
• Console screen: 8.25″ LCD
• 3.5 CHP motor
• Top Speed: 12
• Incline: 0 to 15 percent
• Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
• Built-in Programs: 10
• 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning system
• Quick Dials for speed & incline (and jump buttons)
• Comes with a Bluetooth chest heart rate monitor

Horizon 7.0 AT Specifications

• Dimensions: 76.5″ L x 36″ W x 59″ H (noticeably shorter)
• Running Deck: 20”x 60” (2 inches narrower)
• Weighs: 253 lbs
• Folded: 41″ x 36″ x 70″
• Console screen: 7″ LCD
• 3.0 CHP motor
• Top Speed: 12
• Incline: 0 to 15 percent
• Weight Capacity: 325 lbs
• Built-in Programs: 6
• 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning system
• Quick Dials for speed & incline (and jump buttons)

Peloton Tread vs Horizon 7.0

What’s the Same

Similar Size

Both have a similar size, although the Horizon folds easily which is a great feature.

Speed and Motor

Both have a similar motor (3.0) and speed. The Peloton Tread goes up to 12.5 mph while the 7.0 is slightly slower at 12 mph.

Jump Buttons and Quick Dials

At the beginning of every Peloton Tread class, the instructor will lead you through the safety instructions and remind you of the location of the incline knob (left side) and speed knob (right side). The Horizon models all have jump buttons and quick dials located in the same places as the Tread.

What the Horizon Treadmills are Missing

Scenic Runs

Soon after I purchased the Horizon, Peloton eliminated all its scenic runs from the app unless you had the full digital membership.

While this is a bit disappointing, honestly, I don’t think I’d ever use that feature. Even on my bike, I’ve only done scenic classes a handful of times.

The Leaderboard

While the Peloton Bike leaderboard seems to motivate me, I’m a slow runner. And let’s just say childbearing did a number on me and my bladder in the running department. I don’t want to compete on the leaderboard. I just want to do my thing.

While there is a leaderboard of sorts on the app, good luck finding anyone there. I typically ignore it.

Metrics on a Big Screen

I can do my Peloton workouts in one of two ways (or both). I stream the Peloton app onto my smart TV in my bedroom. While it’s nice to see the big screen, my metrics will not show up there.

Instead, I place my phone on the tablet holder and use that to view both the workout and metrics. If you have an Apple Watch as I do, your heart rate and speed should automatically show up on your phone. I usually start the workout on my watch first.

To me, the various sizes of the Horizon console screens are irrelevant as I don’t actually look at the screen at all. I only use my phone or TV.

Horizon 7.0 AT vs other Horizon AT Models: What I’m Missing

Faster Motor

As I said, I’m not winning any races. I’m also the person who uses the treadmill most frequently, and it’s not nearly every day. This motor seems enough for me and in a few years, if I feel like I’ve outgrown this treadmill (unlikely), I can always upgrade.

Bigger Running Deck

I’m 5’5″ with a pretty average frame. Anyone who knows me appreciates my clumsiness. I sometimes wish I had a bigger area to run within but then I realized that it’s actually wider than the Peloton Tread. If you have a bigger build or take long and wide strides, a bigger running deck may matter to you. For me, it’s fine.

Fewer Built-in Programs

I do change the user on the treadmill (I’m user #1) but in all honesty, I’ve never even looked at the built-in programs. I could have 50 programs and I wouldn’t use a single one. I’m a Peloton girl at heart. Plus, you can always stream from other non-Peloton programs, many of them free, on your television or one of your devices.

Smaller Screen

It would be nice to see the Peloton instructors up close alongside my metrics. I use my phone but there’s no reason, you can’t stream from your iPad (I don’t personally have one but I could steal it from my kids). And if I do want to see them larger than life, I can watch the classes on my TV.

TIP: You can simultaneously watch the Peloton classes on a device and TV. Simply start the same class on both at the same time and delete one of them after.

Heart Rate Monitor

While it’s nice to get a heart rate monitor included with your treadmill, it’s not necessary or that expensive. While in the past I used my Scosche heart rate monitor with my bike, as of March 2022, I no longer need to do that. If you have an Apple Watch, you can easily see your heart rate on the Peloton Bike or App, even while doing indoor walks, runs, and hikes on a treadmill.

What I Like About the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill

Speed and Incline Changes

My favorite things by far are the quick dials and jump buttons. I can’t imagine the Peloton Tread can change inclines and speeds as fast as my treadmill. If you’ve taken a Peloton Tread class, you’re constantly making adjustments.

Ability to Fold

It’s super easy to fold although I leave the treadmill fully open most days.

Quiet

Very often after I’ve completed my workout, my family will ask what I’ve been doing. The treadmill’s pretty quiet even when running.

Tablet Holder and USB Charger

My phone sits comfortably on the ledge. I can even charge it during my workout.

Fan

Although it’s not much, it’s something. I need cool air on me.

Water Bottle Holders

I always have at least one water bottle with me during my treadmill workouts. They sit securely and have never fallen.

Complaints with the Horizon Treadmill

I’m a part of many Facebook groups including one dedicated to Horizon Treadmills. Some complaints include:

• Delivery problems: I had none. You specify what kind of delivery you want. Mine was left boxed in the garage (I had no choice as it was during the pandemic).
• Assembly: I knew that carrying a treadmill from my garage to my second-floor bedroom would cause unnecessary stress and bickering between my husband and me. I also knew there was a good chance something would be incorrectly installed. For about a hundred dollars or so, I hired a Horizon partner, GoConfigure to set up my treadmill. It took them only a few minutes and they walked me through everything afterwards. I would say that’s money well spent.
  • If you order on Amazon, you can also opt for assembly.
• Maintenance: I’ve done nothing. I hear no squeaks. Horizon did give me some oil which I probably should apply.
• Electric Shock: occasionally when changing my incline or speed, I feel a slight shock. It doesn’t hurt. I looked into it and apparently it’s fairly common with all treadmills.

How to Use the Peloton App with the Horizon Treadmill

Stream the Peloton Class via the App

I think Horizon oversells the Peloton pairing feature. If you look on their website, you would falsely believe that it actually integrates with the app. It does not.

What you can do is stream the Peloton app and it can connect via Bluetooth to the treadmill’s speakers. In all honesty, I’ve never even used the Bluetooth feature on my treadmill. I just play the class through my phone or TV.

Heart Rate Monitor

Pair a heart rate monitor with the Peloton app. Before it needed to be an ANT monitor but now an Apple Watch works just fine. My watch is a Series 2, quite old, and works seamlessly.

How to Find the Peloton Treadmill Classes on the App

You can find Peloton treadmill classes in three places:

1. Running

Duration

Classes range from 5-minute warmups and cool-downs to 60-minute classes

Class Types

Choose from running skills, theme classes (usually by artist), live DJ, Endurance, Speed, Intervals, or Heart Rate Zone.

2. Walking

This is where I find most of my classes. While they feature lots of walking classes, many of the classes are actually walks combined with runs. Note, even though you may run for most of the class, these classes will not count towards your runs if you’re motivated by milestones. They’re walks.

Duration

Like the runs, classes range from 5 minutes to 60-minutes.

Class Types

You’ll find power walks, theme walks, walk + run, and my favorite, hikes.

3. Tread Bootcamp

Grab some weights or use your own body weight and spend some time on the treadmill and on the mat. These are fantastic workouts. Peloton just recently added hike bootcamps too, taught by Rebecca Kennedy.

Final Thoughts: Is the Horizon Treadmill Worth Buying

Without a doubt, yes, the Horizon treadmill has been a fantastic purchase. I’ve had zero issues or complaints. While it would be nice to have my metrics on a large Peloton screen and a full leaderboard, I don’t think it’s necessary for a casual runner like me.

I get the same workout, access to the same on-demand and live classes, with the exception of the scenic runs.

And, my treadmill inclines fully to 15 percent, a number the Peloton instructors call out. If you remember, the Peloton Tread only goes up to 12.5 percent. (The Tread Plus inclines to a full 15 percent but no date has been set to return to the market since the recall).

I saved a ton of money by buying the Horizon 7.0 AT treadmill and compared to the Peloton Tread, I don’t think I’m missing enough to justify the price difference. If however, I were a serious runner, and metrics and the leaderboard were important to me, then yes, I would have considered the Tread. But I’m not.

I also don’t use the treadmill nearly as much as the Peloton bike. One reason is I like to get up early in the morning to work out and I can’t jump on the treadmill without waking my husband. To me, the Peloton Bike classes are a lot more fun.

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