Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Review

If your budget is limited (like mine), you’re short on space (like me), and need a treadmill you can put to work (me, again), we think the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill is one of the best treadmills to get you back in the cardio game. When I first laid eyes on its super-cushioned, spacious belt deck, I swear I heard it whisper, “Run on me. I can take it.” And I sure have. This budget-friendly machine has been my cardio boo for almost five years and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. 

Between its 60-inch deck and variable cushioning system, it has saved my poor knees the pain of running on pavement and could very well help runners with similar joint issues. Adhering to BarBend’s equipment testing methodology, I joined two other testers — a certified personal trainer and a CrossFit Level-1 coach — to assign the 7.0 AT ratings of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) in 13 different categories, including ergonomics, adjustability, and durability. Read on for our Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill review to see if this dear friend of mine is a match for you.

Main Takeaways

• The 3.0 HP motor supports up to 325 pounds, offers a top speed of 12 miles per hour, and intensifies workouts with a max incline of 15 percent.
• Horizon’s Three-Zone Variable Response Cushioning System can help take stress off your joints when landing and provides a firm foundation for pushing off.
• There are eight programmed workouts available via the console.

Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Highlights

Because not all treads in this price range can reach up to 12 miles per hour — many top out at 10 miles per hour — I was happy to find a speed range this wide at just $999. I also like that it’s capable of a 15-percent incline, which is useful for hill and interval training. It does lack decline capability, so one of our testers dinged its customization score slightly to a 3.8 out of 5.

When you need to adjust the speed or incline, you’ll have two options: buttons on the console or the quick-adjust dials on the handles. Scroll the dial on the left to raise and lower the deck and the wheel in the right handle to adjust your speed. I’ve found that both are easily accessible — even when my hands are slick during a HIIT session. 

We think the 7.0 AT is one of the best folding treadmills we’ve tested. Anyone tight on space will appreciate the extra room it can create for strength training or mobility work you may want to do. Whether my puppy wants a few extra feet to roam or I need a little more floor space for a yoga session, the 8 square feet the folding deck saves me comes in handy.

The 7.0 AT earned a 4 out of 5 for durability from one of our testers who found it to be as stable as I do. “Even when I was running, the machine didn’t shake,” they said. “There’s also a lifetime frame and motor warranty, which gives me some peace of mind.” Five years on, I’ve yet to take advantage of it, which says plenty in itself. 

Training With the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill

From its max speed and incline range to its cushioned deck and preset programs, the 7.0 AT has supported my running obsession for almost five years. It lacks some of the flash of the best treadmills with screens featuring app integration, but I’ve found it to suit my purposes just fine. Read on as we get a bit more in the weeds on our experience on the Horizon 7.0 AT.

Max Incline and Speed Range

The Horizon 7.0 AT features a max incline of 15 percent, which is around 3 to 5 percent higher than the average machine in this price range. Incline training can better target the glutes and hamstrings while also working to replicate the experience of outdoor hill running. There are two ways to adjust the incline — the quick dial in the left handle or the buttons on the display.

Its top speed of 12 miles per hour translates to a five-minute-mile pace, which our tester mentioned should be plenty for most athletes. “Although it’s less than some more expensive treadmills, it’s usually enough for most people,” they said, scoring the adjustability a 4 out of 5. 

Cushioned Running Deck

The 20- by 60-inch belt deck features Horizon’s Three-Zone Variable Response Cushioning System, which makes an appearance on our list of the best cushioned treadmills. It works like this: The front of the tread is known as the “impact zone” and provides the most cushion; the back is referred to as the “push-off zone,” and is the most firm to allow you to drive off that back foot; and the middle zone is moderately cushioned to support your stride.

This cushioning also provides just the type of bounce our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, says can take some stress off your joints. “A well-cushioned running deck is an essential component of a treadmill for individuals who have joint problems, particularly bad knees,” she says. “[It] absorbs shock, [and] relieves joint impact while walking, jogging, and running. More cushion usually means more comfort, which can mean more running/walking and more health benefits.” 

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, noted that its length makes it ideal for running, rating its ergonomics 4 out of 5. “The 7.0 AT’s belt deck is great for longer strides, especially taller users or people working on their running form.” they said. 

Another of our testers rated their workout experience a 4.5 out of 5, noting that while they appreciated the bounce of the cushioned deck, the belt itself didn’t offer much support. “I docked a half point because I thought the belt was a little thin,” they said. “Otherwise, I loved the deck and there was zero wobble or shake.”

Footprint and Portability

The 7.0 AT’s footprint of 19.13 square feet is somewhere between your average two-seater and three-seater sofa. (1) While that’s on par with the average treadmill, its foldability is what made it a winner for our tester. “For someone tight on space, I think the 7.0 AT is perfect,” they noted, rating its footprint and portability 4 out of 5. 

Horizon’s FeatherLight folding system uses hydraulics to do most of the lifting when you need to raise the deck. To fold it down, simply tap the release lever with your foot and the deck gently lowers on its own. 

After folding up the deck, its 76-inch length drops to just 44 inches, making your couch-sized treadmill closer to the size of a coffee table. (2) At 277 pounds, it won’t be confused for any of the best lightweight treadmills, so we’d suggest finding it a forever home. If you do need to relocate it, the transport wheels can help maneuver this treadmill around your space.

Tech Capabilities

The no-nonsense 7.25-inch LCD display helped our tester keep an eye on their stats. “It would be nice if it had a touchscreen, but for the price of this machine, you can’t be mad at it,” our tester noted. “I did like being able to track my metrics, like calories burned, speed, and distance.” Eight preset workout programs — like Hill Climb, 5K, and Fat Burn — are also just a tap away on the console. 

If the preprogrammed workouts aren’t enough, you can also try out Horizon’s fitness app, AtZone and stream virtual studio classes and scenic runs. You’ll need to supply the device, but you can connect it to the treadmill to record your stats and workout history. I haven’t used the app myself, but at the time of this writing, it has a 3.8 out of 5 stars on Apple’s App Store.

Two Bluetooth speakers straddle that display, which is great for those who want to utilize the built-in tablet holder. Just secure your own device to zone out with some Netflix or Prime Video or follow virtual fitness classes with apps like iFIT or Peloton (subscription required).

A curious aspect of the 7.0 AT’s tech is its Bluetooth connectivity. While you can connect compatible chest-strap heart rate monitors via Bluetooth, only certain training apps can connect with the machine. “For instance, if you connect with something like Apple Fitness, you can stream audio on the Bluetooth speakers, control the media center, and track your heart rate (if you’re using a heart rate monitor),” our tester explained. “But others, like Zwift, can only track your stats.” 

Horizon includes this helpful chart, so take a look to make your favorite app is compatible.

What to Consider Before Buying The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill

Before parting with your hard-earned cash, make sure the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill supports the type of training that aligns with your fitness goals, your budget, and the space available in your home. 

Intended Use

Whether you’re training for a half marathon or want to spike your heart rate with some interval training, consider whether the Horizon 7.0 AT has what you need. After years of using the Horizon 7.0 AT, one thing is clear to our testers: this is a treadmill for running workouts. 

Its roomy, cushioned belt deck matches the dimensions outlined by BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. “You’ll want a running deck at least 60 inches in length to accommodate the length of a typical running stride,” she says. “As for width, 20 to 22 inches is ideal in order to accommodate arm motion while running and potential side-to-side movement that can occur when sprinting.”

With Horizon’s Three-Zone Variable Response Cushioning to support your footfalls, Capritto also notes that treadmills like the 7.0 AT can help those with joint issues. “A padded deck can help offset some of the impact on your ankles, knees, and hips by absorbing a lot of the shock,” she says. 

Available Space

Before adding the 7.0 AT to your home gym, you’ll want to put on your nerdiest glasses, grab a tape measure, and do some math. During use, it’s going to take up 19.13 square feet, so make sure you have enough room for the treadmill itself, as well as 2 feet of open space on the sides and 6 feet at the back of the machine. For safety purposes, it’s important to give yourself ample space to safely hop on and off the machine. (1)(3)

Its belt deck does fold upright, but Capritto always advises to take a look at the specs for any large piece of fitness equipment moving into your home. “Check the overall length, width, and height of the machine in its assembled position and folded position if applicable. And triple-measure your space to make sure it will fit!” she says. 

Budget

At $999, the Horizon 7.0 AT is one of the best treadmills under $1,000 we’ve tested. It’s also the most affordable of Horizon’s Studio Series treadmills. Capritto notes that while machines like the 7.0 AT may lack the flash of pricier tech-forward models, they can still supply the essentials. “Budget-friendly treadmills won’t boast the hottest new LED touchscreen display, but that doesn’t mean you should settle for nothing,” she says.

“Look for, at a minimum, an LCD console that displays your current speed, time elapsed or time remaining, and distance covered,” Capritto adds. “Additional perks include Bluetooth compatibility so you can get a more accurate heart-rate reading on-screen” Check and check. 

Programming

Another important factor to consider is the type of programming you need to hit your fitness goals. Onboard the console, you can choose from eight preset programs: Distance, Fat Burn, Hill Climb, Manual, Target Heart Rate, Calorie, and 5K. Horizon also has a free fitness app, AtZone, which features studio classes and scenic runs. If you connect your device via Bluetooth, the app can also keep track of your metrics and workout history.

The preset workouts adjust your speed and incline to follow the program, but can’t really match the immersive virtual options available on smart treadmills. “The best treadmills for running are often compatible with a workout app you can stream on-screen, or on your own smart device that rests in a device holder on the machine,” Capritto says. “At the very least, look for five to 10 built-in workouts to choose from.”

Of course, you can always boot up the best fitness apps — like iFIT or Peloton — on your own mobile device, which you can set up on the built-in media shelf. 

Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Vs. The Competition

Stacking up the Horizon 7.0 AT against similar treadmills can be helpful to understand the subtle differences between options in this price range. Take a look at its specs compared to those of other treadmills we have tested.

	Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill	ProForm Carbon TLX	Sole F63	NordicTrack 1750
Price	$999	$999	$1,099.99	$2,299
Product Dimensions	59″ H x 76.5″ L x 36″ W	59.1” H x 74.3” L x 35.1” W	67” H x 77” L x 35” W	65” H x 80” L x 38” W
Product Weight	277lbs	249lbs	224lbs	340lbs
Max Speed	12mph	12mph	12mph	12mph
Max Incline	15%	12%	15%	-3%-12%
Weight Capacity	325lbs	300lbs	325lbs	300lbs
Display	7.5-inch LCD	7-inch LCD	6.5-inch LCD	14-inch touchscreen
Dynamic Programming	AtZone	iFIT-compatible	Sole+	iFIT

Treadmills around $1,000 typically land squarely in the “mid-range” category — not too hot, not too cold. The three options at this price point have similar speed and incline ranges, though the 12-percent max on the Carbon TLX is 3-percent less than the 7.0 AT and Sole F63. That disparity could make the difference if you plan on hill or interval training. Still, we think the 7.0 AT is one of the best budget treadmills we’ve tested. 

The top speeds and max incline actually match the high-end NordicTrack 1750, but the technology and available programming is what places it in a different category. Machines like the 1750 can bring quality motivational, trainer-led content to life with large, clear touchscreens. 

The 1750’s touchscreen is integrated with iFIT, one of the best fitness apps on the market. While not as robust or well-produced, the apps provided by Horizon and Sole also provide virtual workouts and, most importantly, are free. iFIT, on the other hand, will cost you an additional $39 per month.

Customer Reviews

At the time of this writing, the Horizon 7.0 AT has around 950 customer reviews and a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Amazon. “Four and a half stars with that many reviews is impressive,” noted one of our testers. “A lot of people highlight the durability and quietness of the machine while specifically noting its incline range. A few negatives included customer service and its heavy overall weight.”

Places to Buy The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill

You can purchase the Horizon 7.0 AT through Horizon Fitness and Amazon.

Customer Experience

Horizon Fitness offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for anyone dissatisfied with their purchase. They also offer three options for delivery: Standard, In-Room, and White-Glove. You can expect your treadmill to be delivered in 10 to 15 business days. 

Warranties

With your purchase, you’ll receive a lifetime warranty on the frame and its Rapid Sync motor, three years on parts, and one year on labor. If you want extra protection, you can purchase the three-year extended warranty plan for about $120 or the five-year plan for around $150.

Company Information

Founded in 1999, Horizon Fitness is known for building durable cardio equipment at a lower price than some competitors. If you need to contact the support team, you can reach them at 888-878-9011 or fill out a form on the Horizon Fitness website.

In Conclusion

After years of taking some of the heat off my knees, the Horizon 7.0 AT has more than earned its spot in my living room. As an avid runner, I needed a treadmill that had a roomy belt deck for running strides and enough of an incline range to simulate the peaks and valleys of outdoor running. 

While it trades in a fancy HD touchscreen for an LCD screen, slotting in one of my (too many) devices in the media shelf allows me to follow virtual workouts or stream content from any app I choose. After nearly five years on my home treadmill, I’d say the 7.0 AT is a good fit for serious runners who might be short on space and short on cash — but not short on sweat.

Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill FAQs