Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Treadmill

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Incline	Motor	Console
Horizon 7.0 AT Check Discounted Price	L:76.5" W:36" H:59"	325 lbs	Automatic, 0%-15%	3.0 CHP, 0.5-12 MPH	8 workout modes, AFG Pro app compatible

The Horizon 7.0 AT is one of the treadmills of the Studio Series released by Horizon Fitness in 2019. Although it has a heavy-duty construction similar to light-commercial treadmills, it’s a machine made for home use. It offers a wide running platform, an impressive 325 lbs weight capacity, and a Bluetooth console.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 76.5L x 36W x 59H inches (192L x 91W x 150H cm)
• Running surface: 60L x 20W inches (152L x 51W cm)
• Assembled weight: 253 lbs (115 kg)
• Max. weight capacity: 325 lbs (147 kg)
• Deck cushioning: 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning
• Motor: 3.0 CHP, RapidSync Drive System
• Speed range: 0.5-12 MPH
• Incline: Automatic, 0-15%
• Console: 8 workout programs, Bluetooth, compatible with AFG Pro Fitness app
• Extras: Sound system, cooling fan, device holders, bottle holders, USB charging port
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Parts 3 years / Labor 1 year

Frame construction

The Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT treadmill features a heavy-duty steel frame combining rectangular and oval tubing in its construction. Of course, the machine also integrates several thermoplastic parts. For example, the motors cover, the side rail covers, and the console dashboard are made of thick thermoplastic material. All the steel bars are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is gray with the “Horizon” logo painted white, these being the only colors available for this machine.

The fully assembled treadmill is fairly large. It is approx. 76.5″ (192 cm) long, and 36″ (91 cm) wide. Plus, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side, and at least three feet of clearance at the rear of the deck for ease of access and safe usage. These being said, the machine may not fit too well in a small room.

Although it’s a pretty large machine, the 7.0 AT treadmill features a folding frame. The deck can be folded up to save space or to make it easier to vacuum under it. Its folding mechanism involves a hydraulic element that slowly lowers the deck when unfolding it to prevent damage. With the deck folded up, the machine’s dimensions are 41″L x 36″W (104 x 91 cm), while its height reaches 70″ (178 cm).

Needless to say, this Horizon Fitness treadmill is quite heavy. Its net weight is approx. 253 lbs (115 kg). Thus, the transport of the packaged unit requires at least two people. However, once the machine is fully assembled, it can be moved and relocated by only one person as its front base frame is equipped with transport wheels.

Deck construction

Similar to the Horizon Fitness 7.4 AT that we’ve already reviewed here, the 7.0 AT is equipped with a sturdy deck. It is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 325 lbs (147 kg) similar to a light-commercial treadmill. It offers a slightly smaller running surface than the 7.4 AT model of only 60″L x 20″ (152 x 51 cm). This still is a pretty large running area and the machine should be able to accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) allowing a complete and comfortable stride.

The machine is equipped with a 1.6 mm silicone belt designed to provide a secure grip and to minimize static. The internal rollers are quite large. The front one is 60 mm (2.3″) in diameter, while the rear one is 46 mm (1.8″). They’re both tapered to provide better traction and prolong the lifespan of the belt. They also integrate industrial grade, sealed ball bearings for a smooth motion.

Similar to the other treadmills of the Studio Series, the Horizon 7.0 AT features a 3-zone variable cushioned deck. Its rear section offers higher sturdiness for a better push. The front section of the deck, which is basically the high-impact area, offers more cushioning to reduce impact. The center area features moderate cushioning designed for a better transition.

Incline and step-up height

The Horizon 7.0 AT is equipped with a power incline system. In other words, you can adjust the incline as you walk or run, and the console has several workout programs that can adjust the incline of the deck automatically.

The unit’s incline system consists of an internal motor (different from the incline motor) and a small lift situated under the front section of the deck. As the incline is adjusted from the console, the motor controls the lift enabling to elevate or lower the front part of the deck.

The treadmill offers an incline range between 0% and 15%. The incline can be adjusted in increments of 0.5% from the controls integrated into the console or into the left upright grip. Also, the console makes available quick incline selection buttons for the 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 15 incline positions.

The deck step-up height is approx. 9″ (22 cm). However, with the incline set to maximum, the front of the deck gains a few inches in height. Therefore, it is recommended to use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 16″ – 17″ (40 – 43 cm) higher than the height of the tallest user.

Drive motor

The Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT treadmill is equipped with a heavy-duty Johnson 3.0 CHP motor designed to withstand prolonged workout at maximum speeds without losing performance or overheating. It integrates a small flywheel for improved stability as well. Also, the machine’s drive system features the RapidSyncTM technology which ensures no lag between speed and incline adjustments. It also responds very fast to any command so you’ll never fall out of step during your workouts.

The unit’s motor offers a speed range between 0.5 MPH and 12 MPH. The speed adjustment increments are 0.1 MPH so you can easily adjust your pace from a level to another. The speed can be adjusted gradually from the arrow keys on the console, or from the controls incorporated into the right upright grip. However, the console also makes available quick selection speed controls just as for the incline, for 2 MPH, 3 MPH, 4 MPH, 6 MPH, 7 MPH, 8 MPH, 10 MPH, and 12 MPH.

Although the machine is equipped with a pretty powerful motor, the motor itself doesn’t generate too much noise even then the highest speed level is selected. However, just as for any other treadmill, depending on your weight and running technique, your cadence may generate more or less noise.

Console

The console included with the Horizon 7.0 AT treadmill offers an impressive range of features. To begin with, it is equipped with two displays, one LCD with blue LED backlight, the other is LED-based featuring four windows. They both track time, speed, distance, incline, pace, calories, and heart rate. However, the top LCD display also shows the distance as a 400 m (1/4 mile) race track with a lap count function or the grid of the program in use. Speed and distance can be set either to metric or English units. For the pulse reading function, you can either hold on to the sensors integrated into the front grips of the machine, or use a Bluetooth HR chest strap.

The machine’s console is compatible with the free AFG Pro fitness app available for iOS and Android. This being said, you can install this app on your smartphone or tablet and sync it with the treadmill to transfer your workout data into your AFG account for better tracking. This app also offers the possibility to customize workouts, get real-time workout feedback, and more.

In case you don’t want to use the Bluetooth connection and the fitness app, the machine’s console still has you covered. It has 8 built-in programs. These are Manual, Hill Climb, My First 5k, Fat Burn, Custom, Distance, Calories, and Target Heart Rate. Each program has its quick-access key on the console. Some of them have multiple difficulty settings. For example, the Fat Burn program has 10 levels, while the Distance program allows you to select from 13 pre-set distance workouts from 1 mile to marathon.

Other notable console features are the USB port, the sound system, the cooling fan, the device holders, and the bottle compartments. The sound system consists of two large speakers placed one on each side of the console. You can connect your smartphone or tablet to it via cable or via Bluetooth in order to play your music through the integrated speakers for superior sound quality.

The cooling fan is placed at the bottom of the console. The integrated fan is not extremely large but does provide some cooling if needed. The device holder is placed between the two displays. It can provide support for your tablet or smartphone if needed. The two bottle compartments are pretty large as well. They’re placed on each side of the console. And finally, the USB port only serves as a charging port for your device. It does not allow workout data transfer on a USB stick.

Assembly and Maintenance

The deck of the treadmill, with the running belt, rollers, motors, and all the other parts comes pre-assembled. However, the rest of the parts do require user assembly. You will basically have to connect the two upright bars of the machine, the console with its cables, and several other small covers and parts. This shouldn’t take more than an hour, though. All the necessary tools are included and the manual provides clear assembly instructions with illustrations.

For maintenance, deck lubrication is required. In fact, the deck should be lubricated before the first use. A bottle of silicone lubricant is included. Other than this, it is recommended to keep the machine clean, especially the belt, and periodically inspect it to make sure that all the parts function properly and the joints still hold tight.

The Pros

• Heavy-duty construction – can support users up to 325 lbs;
• Folding frame, space-saving design;
• Transport wheels on the machine’s bases;
• 3-Zone, variable response, deck cushioning;
• Power incline, 0% – 15%;
• Large running surface – 60″L x 20″W;
• 3.0 CHP motor, offering speed levels up to 12 MPH;
• Speed can be adjusted increments of 0.1 MPH, allowing you to find the perfect pace for your workout;
• Quick keys for speed and incline;
• EGK pulse sensors integrated into handlebars;
• 8 workout modes, some of them with multiple settings and difficulty levels;
• Compatible with the free AFG Pro fitness app for iOS and Android;
• Various amenities such as cooling fan, speakers, tablet holder, and accessory trays;
• Bluetooth function for the integrated speakers;
• USB charging port;
• One bottle of lubricant included;
• Tools for assembly and belt adjustment are included;
• Quiet operation;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• The cooling fan is not too powerful;
• A wireless HR chest strap is not included.

Summary

The Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT is a heavy-duty treadmill made for home use. It is equipped with a 3.0 CHP motor, a 15-level power incline system, a 3-zone variable response deck, and a multi-function console with 8 workout modes with multiple difficulty settings. It also has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with the AFG Pro fitness app. In all, it’s a solid treadmill, great for users of all levels, for light to high-intensity cardio, interval training, stamina development, and weight loss.