Horizon 7.4 AT Review

Horizon Fitness builds an impressive array of gym-quality fitness equipment, including two different lines of treadmills. The 7.4AT is the mid-range of their Studio Series machines, designed with streaming classes in mind. Horizons Studio Series machines feature larger decks, more powerful motors, and longer warranties than the less expensive Go Series treadmills. The latest version of this popular model features a relatively modern interface, but it forgoes the touchscreen to keep the price down. It provides an excellent exercise quality suitable for any fitness level or training plan thanks to its robust tread surface, 12 mph top speed, .7% to 14.7% incline, and app integration. With a 2701 square inch footprint, the treadmill is large, bulky, and fairly expensive, but it delivers on performance and allows users to utilize a wide array of fitness apps.

Exercise Quality

The Horizon 7.4 AT impressed me with its stability and power. Due in large part to its rapid response to input and its generous 60" deck surface. The speed and incline range are within expectations for a machine of this caliber, but its ergonomic and easy-to-use controls made it one of my favorites. The deck cushioning feels natural yet muted, and even at low speeds, it provides a subtle cushion for my stride. I found this machine especially comfortable when running at an incline.

Horizon claims the 7.4 AT has a 60-inch-long by 22-inch-wide running surface, and my measurements confirm their accuracy. Even at a 12mph sprint, the deck never felt cramped, and I could stretch my stride pretty long for walking cooldowns. The deck features 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning engineered to work like a running shoe. The elastomer-based system provides three distinct zones of cushioning: the landing zone, the transition zone, and the push-off zone. In the front, there are softer elastomers where your foot strikes the treadmill deck, transitioning to a moderate elastomer as you move through your stride, and firmer elastomers at the back in your push-off zone. Basically, these three zones should provide the proper level of support at each phase of your stride. In practice, this doesn't feel pronounced, but a subtle flex underfoot left me feeling (maybe) less fatigued. Other treadmills I've tested use similar elastomers to support their decks, but typically with uniform firmness.

Previous Next

With a tested top speed of 12.2 mph, this model can satisfy users of almost any fitness level, from weekend warriors to serious runners training for distance events. I tested the 7.4 AT, which was fairly accurate in belt speed. Using a rolling measuring wheel, I performed several speed-accuracy tests with the belt running at six mph for one minute each time. In these tests, the machine produced an average measurement of 537 feet, about 9 feet proud of a perfect score. While this isn't a critical metric for most people, some other models tested were more than twice as accurate. In these tests, consistency is far more important than accuracy. It may be less important for casual fitness runners, but those training for speed events might appreciate more precision.

Previous Next

The deck's flattest setting is at .7%, approaching zero when compensating for deck flex and up to 14.7% at terminal height. Other models specifically designed for incline training offer significantly more adjustment range, but we found this range more than adequate for my spring training needs. What we found impressive about this treadmill is how quickly it adjusts the incline, which may be helpful for users who want to transition rapidly during high-intensity training sessions. Adjusting the incline was also a nice way to change gate mechanics and activate other muscle groups.

Companion App/Connectivity

One of the things we liked most about the 7.4 AT was the ability to get on and go; there's no Wi-Fi connection to worry about, no class to sign into, and no bootup period. While fitness apps and classes provide a huge value for many users, it's nice to have a machine that isn't reliant upon them (and your internet connection) to provide a workout. That said, the machine isn't devoid of technology. The treadmill features advanced FTMS Bluetooth, which stands for Fitness Machine Service protocol, and allows the treadmill to communicate with enabled apps. Apps like Zwift and Peloton will pair directly to the treadmill using the Bluetooth FTMS, allowing data to flow seamlessly between the machine and the tablet. This feature was slow to connect, but a 2024 software update improved its performance. Most streaming workouts, like Apple Fitness+ and Nike Run Club, do not require treadmill connectivity; you can use them as standalone workouts, which can still be quite enjoyable. Sadly, this treadmill is still not compatible with the iFit app.

Features

While not devoid of features, the Horizon 7.4AT is notably lacking in tech features. The machine provides an excellent workout but is not heavily integrated with technology. Apps like Peloton, Zwift, and Nike Run Club are compatible with the machine but won't adjust your speed or incline while you're running. The apps will prompt you to make adjustments and display your speed, incline, and heart rate in the app. The motor on this treadmill generates 3.5 CHP, which means constant horsepower; that's more than a treadmill generating 3.5 HP. It accelerates quickly while raising and lowering faster than any other machine I've tested.

The console features two speakers, a small fan, quick-access controls for incline and speed, and dual recesses for water bottles. Handlebars that uniquely turn upwards extend from the console's center with Quick Dial controls that I found exceptionally user-friendly. The right dial rolls forward to increase speed and backward to decrease speed, and the left dial rolls forward to increase the incline and backward to decrease the incline. This feature makes adjustments intuitive, eliminating the need to repeatedly press buttons. Additionally, the handlebar has contacts that measure your pulse with just a light grip. Tablets can be stowed high in line with your gaze or lower over the 8.25" LED screen. When using an integrated app, all the information displayed on the treadmill will appear in the app, so covering it doesn't deprive you of any pertinent information. The remainder of the console is smooth and easy to wipe down after a workout.

Built-in Bluetooth is useful for connecting to the included heart rate strap or playing music through the speakers. If Bluetooth isn't your thing, a 3.5mm cable is included to plug in other audio playback devices. The sound quality isn't fantastic, but it's what I've come to expect from a treadmill console. If you're a stickler for good sound quality, you can find the best wireless headphones/earbuds here. There is also a USB-A jack that provides power for your phone or tablet while you stride.

Previous Next

Ease of assembly

For starters, this treadmill will be displayed in a semi-truck with a liftgate; it's moved via a pallet jack, but only with great difficulty. The size of the 386-pound box is intimidating and poses a challenge for even the most experienced truck driver delivering it. This is a treadmill that you will want to set up once in a permanent location that is at least mostly dedicated to its 73 x 37" footprint.

The assembly of this treadmill took me 81 minutes, and while not incredibly arduous, it requires pulling cables and connections through the support struts and some delicate finger work to avoid pinching those cables. Every piece of this treadmill is heavy, resulting in a solid, commercial-grade workout experience, but assembly isn't easy. There were several steps that the factory could have taken to make final assembly easier; that said, it's an incentive to only assemble this treadmill once in its final location.

Storability

This treadmill features a pneumatic assist to help it fold. While its footprint gets smaller, you don't realistically gain much in terms of space. The 73" long footprint is reduced to 45" due to the deck's overhang, while its actual footprint on the floor is 33". While it's not the largest of the folded treadmills I've tested, its 69" folded height is imposing in most spaces. The bottom of the treadmill features two wheels, which, although not easy to use, make moving the treadmill on a hard surface possible. Unlike other treadmills I've tested, the entire treadmill rocks back onto two centrally located wheels, allowing you to move it like a dolly.

Noise

One of the metrics I test and analyze is the noise each treadmill produces. To capture and compare the noise levels, I measured the decibel output of each machine at several different settings from a fixed distance. At one mph, the 7.4 AT makes 45 dB without a user on its track and 49 dB with a walker. At four mph, 57 dB, and 61.4 dB with a jogger on the belt. Sped up to 7.5 mph, the machine makes 64 dB, and with a runner, it registers 67 dB. The Horizon is 1.4 dB louder than the Echelon Stride 6 at four mph; while not a huge difference, it may be the difference between waking up the baby or disturbing a neighbor.

Should You Buy the Horizon 7.4 AT?

Those who want to commit seriously to indoor running, rather than relying on an app with a monthly fee, should consider this machine at the top of their list. This treadmill offers a solid workout experience, comfortable ergonomics, and the convenience of bringing your entertainment to the console. If this treadmill fits your budget and you have the space, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

What Other Treadmills Should You Consider?