Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT Treadmill

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Incline	Motor	Console
Horizon 7.8 AT Check Discounted Price	L:76" W:37" H:64"	375 lbs	Automatic, 0%-15%	4.0 CHP, 0.5-12 MPH	10 workout modes, Bluetooth, AFG Pro app compatible, Zwift compatible, Peloton compatible

The Horizon 7.8 AT is one of the Studio Series treadmills released by Horizon Fitness in 2019. Although it’s a commercial-grade machine, it does not come with a commercial warranty, so it’s only meant for home use. It offers quite a few more features than the Horizon 7.4 AT model that we’ve already reviewed. It’s also a smart treadmill compatible with apps like Zwift and Peloton.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 76L x 37W x 64H inches (193L x 94W x 163H cm)
• Running surface: 60L x 22W inches (152L x 56W cm)
• Assembled weight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
• Max. weight capacity: 375 lbs (170 kg)
• Deck cushioning: 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning
• Motor: 4.0 CHP, RapidSync Drive System
• Speed range: 0.5-12 MPH
• Incline: Automatic, 0-15%
• Console: 10 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 5 years / Labor 2 years

Frame construction

The Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT treadmill features a heavy-duty frame made from thick steel tubing. It combines oval and rectangular tubes in its construction for improved sturdiness and aesthetics. All the steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish, black in color, this being the only color available for this machine.

The treadmill also integrates several non-steel parts. The most notable ones are the motor cover, the accessory tray, and the base frame covers. The side rail covers are aluminum-reinforced.

Like most other commercial-grade treadmills, the Horizon 7.8 AT is pretty bulky. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 76″ (193 cm) long, and 37″ (94 cm) wide. It is also recommended to leave at least three feet of clearance at the rear of the deck, and at least two feet of clearance on each side of the machine for ease of access and safe usage.

The unit’s frame is foldable. The deck can be folded up to save space and to provide better cleaning possibilities under the machine. With the deck folded up, its footprint becomes 42″L x 37″W (107 x 94 cm), while its height reaches 71″ (180 cm). The folding mechanism uses a hydraulic element that slowly lowers the deck when unfolded.

Needless to say, the treadmill is pretty heavy. Its net weight is 330 lbs (150 kg). Thus, the transport of the packaged unit requires at least two people. However, once it is assembled, it can be moved by only one person as its base frame integrates transport wheels.

Deck construction

The Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT treadmill offers a fairly large running surface. It is 60″ (152 cm) long, and 22″ (56 cm) wide, so the machine can accommodate users up to 6’6″ (198 cm) with no problem. Its inner deckboard is 0.8″ (20 mm) thick, durable enough to support users up to 375 lbs (170 kg).

The treadmill integrates a 1.6 mm silicone belt designed to provide a secure grip and to minimize static. The internal rollers are fairly 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.

The machine’s deck is equipped with a variable response cushioning system. The front section is the impact area that has more cushioning, to alleviate the shock of each foot strike. The center section offers moderate cushioning for a better transition, while the rear section is a bit harder to promote a better push-off. This being said, the treadmill considerably reduces the impact on your joints as opposed to running on asphalt or concrete.

Incline system

The Horizon 7.8 AT treadmill features an automatic incline system. This being said, you can adjust the incline as you run and the console can also automatically adjust the incline depending on the program or app in use. Of course, the incline can also be adjusted manually, either from the console controls or from the controls integrated into the left upright grip.

The machine is equipped with a 500lb thrust incline motor which shouldn’t have any problem lifting the deck even if the user is close to the maximum specified weight limit. The incline system also uses a small lift placed under the front part of the deck. Thus, when you adjust the incline, the motor moves the lift, elevating or lowering the front section of the deck. The machine does not have a decline system, though, like the NordicTrack Commercial 2450.

The unit’s incline range is 0% – 15%. It can be adjusted in increments of 0.5% from the controls integrated into the console or into the left upright grip. However, the console also has quick incline selection buttons on the left for the 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 15 incline positions.

Last but not least, the step-up height of the machine’s walking platform is 8 3/4″ (~22 cm). With the incline set to maximum, the front section of the deck gains a few extra inches. Therefore, it is recommended to place and use this treadmill in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than the tallest user.

Drive motor

The Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT is equipped with a more powerful motor than the 7.4 AT model. It integrates a 4.0 CHP motor designed for superior performance and traction. It has RapidSyncTM technology in order to eliminate any lags or delays between speed changes. It also integrates a small flywheel for improved motion stability.

The unit’s drive motor makes available a speed range between 0.5 MPH and 12 MPH. The speed adjustment increments are 0.1 MPH. This results in a smooth transition from a speed level to another, giving you plenty of time to adjust your pace.

The console offers controls for gradual speed adjustment, as well as quick speed selection keys from 1 to 12 MPH. Plus, the right front grip of the machine integrates a scroll wheel for gradual speed adjustment.

The two upright grips of the machine also have built-in interval keys. These can be programmed with a certain incline and speed setting for quick selection in case you want to perform an interval workout.

Console

The Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT is equipped with an advanced multi-function console. To begin with, it features a large 9.3″ LCD display that shows distance, pace, incline, speed, time, calories, and heart rate. It also shows the segments of the program in use. There is also a LED display under the main LCD display; this is divided into four windows and shows time/countdown, speed/incline, distance/pace, calories/pulse.

The console has Bluetooth connectivity. This being said, you can sync it with your smartphone or tablet via the free downloadable AFG Pro Fitness app. This app offers the possibility to track your progress online, view your workout history, keep a fitness journal, and more. The console is also compatible with Zwift, Kinomap, Peloton, and other apps. The treadmill does not come with any subscription for any of these apps, though.

The use of a fitness app is not necessary, though. The console has 10 built-in workout programs. Each one of them has its own quick-access key. The programs are Manual, Hill Climb, My First 5K, Fat Burn, Custom, Target Distance, Target Calories, Target Heart Rate, Custom Heart Rate, and Sprint 8. These programs pretty much cover all the workouts that you can perform on a treadmill. Some of them only adjust the speed, others adjust both the incline and speed. And some of them have multiple levels or modes.

Among other console features, we can count a workout fan, a USB port, two device holders, four accessory compartments, and the sound system. The cooling fan is placed at the bottom of the unit and its on/off button is on the left bottom corner of the console. The sound system consists of two large speakers integrated into the top corners of the unit. There is an audio in and an audio out port on the right side of the console. The USB port is also near the audio ports; it can serve as a charging port for your phone or tablet. And finally, there are two device holders, one above the LCD display, and one underneath it on which you can store your phone or tablet.

Assembly and Maintenance

The machine’s deck comes pre-assembled. Therefore, you only need to attach the two upright bars, their bottom covers, the accessory tray between them, and the console. This may take more than an hour but the task is pretty straightforward and the manual provides all the necessary instructions. Also, due to the impressive weight of the machine, the assembly should be done by two people.

For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the machine clean, especially the belt to prevent any dirt or textile fibers to be caught into the motor or into the rollers. The belt requires lubrication every three months or after every 300 miles. A bottle of lubricant is included. Other than this, you only need to periodically check for loose bolts and parts.

The Pros

• Heavy-duty construction – can support users up to 375 lbs;
• Folding frame, space-saving design;
• Transport wheels on the machine’s bases;
• Cushioned deck;
• Motorized incline, 0% – 15%;
• 4.0 CHP commercial-grade motor with RapidSyncTM technology;
• Excellent speed range (0.5 – 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;
• Programmable interval buttons for speed and incline integrated into the upright grips;
• Scroll speed and incline controls integrated into the upright grips;
• EGK pulse sensors integrated into the upright grips;
• HR chest strap included;
• 10 workout programs;
• Bluetooth connectivity;
• Compatible with the free AFG Pro fitness app for iOS and Android;
• Compatible with multiple fitness apps including Zwift, Peloton, and Kinomap;
• Various amenities such as cooling fan, speakers, tablet holder, and accessory trays;
• 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;
• The free AFG app is not too great compared with Zwift or Peloton.

Summary

The Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT is a commercial-grade treadmill. It is equipped with a 4.0 CHP motor, an automatic incline system, and a console with 10 built-in workout modes, Bluetooth connectivity, compatible with apps like Zwift, Peloton, and Kinomap. The treadmill offers a large running surface (60″L x 22″W) as well as a sturdy deck that can support users up to 375 lbs. In all, it’s a heavy-duty machine, great for users of all levels.