The best treadmills can be excellent additions to any home gym, but for runners, the added training intensity can put a lot of wear and tear on your machine, thus requiring beefier builds. The Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT treadmill can check all the boxes for this niche treadmill category thanks to a spacious running deck, impressive weight capacity, and speed and incline ranges ideal for matching on-road conditions.

Admittedly, we don’t have much experience with the 7.8 AT, but we’re no strangers to the Horizon Studio Series, having tested both the 7.0 AT and 7.4 AT along with over 40 other high-end treadmill silhouettes. In our opinion, this 7.8 AT treadmill is one of the more durable treadmills out there, but many of the features are also available on smaller, less expensive models. In this Horizon 7.8 AT treadmill review, we’ll outline the basic specs of this machine, along with our testing experience to help you decide which model is best for your needs.

For more information on how we test and rate products for our round-ups and reviews, be sure to read the BarBend equipment testing methodology page.

Main Takeaways

The 7.8 AT is near-identical to the 7.4 AT — all that differs is the higher weight capacity, a 1-inch height difference, and a (slightly) larger motor.

The LCD and LED display console comes equipped with 10 preset workout programs and the treadmill is compatible with some of the best running apps, including Peloton and Zwift.

The shipping weight of this large treadmill is roughly 391 pounds, meaning you’ll likely need some assistance during construction and assembly.

Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill Specs

The Horizon 7.8 AT retails for $2,699, which is by no means a budget-friendly price tag. It does, however, fall in line with the price range of many of the best treadmills for running. “The primary downside to running treadmills is that they are expensive,” notes Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer. “A runner may find themselves requiring financing for such a big purchase, although it’s hard to put a price tag on your health and fitness, especially if you are a competitive runner.”

That said, Horizon typically offers discounts online, and we’ve been able to routinely find this tread at a lower price than its original MSRP.

[Related: Horizon Fitness Coupon Codes]

When you look at the overall dimensions of this machine, though, the price begins to make sense. Coming in with a footprint of 19.53-square feet, the 7.8 AT can take up more space than your average two-seat sofa (16.63 square feet). (1) Thankfully, Horizon does include the brand’s FeatherLight Folding technology into this profile, which can help shrink the footprint to 10.79 square feet for easier storage when not in use.

Our tester making adjustments while training on the Horizon 7.4 AT.

We also appreciate this 7.8 AT for running workouts thanks to its spacious 60-inch by 22-inch running surface. Capritto states, “You’ll want a running deck at least 60 inches in length to accommodate the length of a typical running stride. 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.”

Horizon does not list the actual treadmill motor size of its Studio Series, but our research indicates that the 7.8 AT has the most powerful motor of all in this lineup. The 4.0 continuous horsepower motor can be excellent for maintaining speeds for long periods, as you’d see in longer running sessions. For reference, the Horizon 7.0 AT houses a 3.0 CHP motor, while the 7.4 AT includes a 3.5 CHP motor. This beefier motor also marries well to the 7.8 AT’s uptick in durability, illustrated through the tread’s 375-pound max user weight capacity.

The extra-wide belt deck on the Horizon 7.4 AT.

Athletes also have a good bit of range in speed and incline with the 7.8 AT. This treadmill can support paces up to 12 miles per hour and inclines up to 15%. However, the machine does not offer decline settings, so training descents cannot be accomplished with the 7.8 AT. 

The QuickDial controls do give you the power to rapidly adjust your settings, though, thanks to the pinwheel-style toggles that can be more ergonomic than continuously pressing a standard button. We’ve found this feature to be especially helpful for interval training.

Finally, the 9.3-inch display is not a touchscreen, but we’ve had no issues with readouts of the available metrics, which include Calories Burned, Distance, Heart Rate, Incline, Pace, Speed, and Time. Plus, there are 10 built-in programs to help keep sessions fresh, and the integrated tablet holder allows you to create your own streaming setup for following along to your favorite fitness apps. The 7.8 AT is also compatible with popular running apps like Zwift and the Peloton app, eliminating the need to manually input your data post-workout.

Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use the Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill

While this Horizon treadmill has all the markings of a high-end running treadmill, we understand that it may not be the best cardio machine for every home gym. Below are some recommendations as to who should consider the 7.8 AT for their running sessions, and who may be better suited with another profile.

Recommended for:

Athletes needing a durable, stable machine to support their high-intensity training programs

Individuals looking for a foldable treadmill to save space in-between workouts

Athletes that don’t mind using their own device for streaming on-demand training modules

Not Recommended for:

Individuals looking for a more portable treadmill design — the listed 330-pound machine weight can be difficult to move on your own

Those not willing to spend over $2,000 for a running treadmill

Athletes looking to train descents — the 7.8 AT does not feature decline settings

Our Experience Training With the Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill

As stated before, we haven’t had much experience with the 7.8 AT from Horizon Fitness, but we have taken on plenty of workouts atop the 7.4 AT — a near-identical treadmill silhouette to this larger offering. We combined our notes from both experiences to rate the 7.8 in categories such as overall footprint, tech capabilities, workout experience, warranty coverage, and more. As with our previous testing experiences with over 40 different treadmill profiles, these ratings were scaled from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).

Run-Centric Ergonomics

Based on the product specs and our experience with the 7.4 AT, we feel this 7.8 AT silhouette is intended for serious runners. For one, the running area is spacious and cushioned enough to support your typical running stride with enough length to give you plenty of room to stretch out your sprinting strides. 

“I also appreciated the 4.0 CHP motor, as this can be powerful enough for high-intensity interval training and all-out sprints without fear of wearing down or overheating the components,” notes Kate Meier, BarBend editorial team member and certified personal trainer.

The motor also features the brand’s “Rapid Sync” technology, which works to give it enough juice to toggle through settings without much delay. Jarrett Evans, a collegiate strength and conditioning coach and our expert product tester, states, “It took roughly 20 seconds for this treadmill to reach top speeds. I feel this was a good range as it allowed me to ease into all-out sprints yet was quick enough that I wasn’t wasting energy before my given interval.”

We also rated the running ergonomics at 4.5 out of 5 due to the QuickDial speed and incline controls. This allowed us to rapidly toggle to our preferred settings without the need to repeatedly hit a button. The pinwheel-style toggles are also easy to maneuver, meaning you don’t need to put a ton of effort in when trying to up your approach angle or pace.

Horizon 7.4 AT center console

Lastly, we also appreciate the Bluetooth connectivity, as it allowed us to pair one of the best heart rate monitors to the console for more accurate data tracking. While the 7.8 AT features pulse sensors across the center handles, we’ve found that these components can be less accurate than chest strap modules. Plus, can you expect to sprint at your highest potential while also holding onto front-facing handlebars?

Set and Forget

We appreciate the Horizon 7.8 AT treadmill’s impressive durability and weight capacity. The 375-pound limit is on par with some of the best treadmills for heavy people. However, all that security needs to come from somewhere. In this case, it stems from the fact that the 7.8 AT is a rather large, cumbersome piece of fitness equipment.

The length of this treadmill is longer than your standard two-seat sofa, but the main reason we scored the 7.8 AT at 3.5 out of 5 for footprint and portability is its 330-pound weight. (1) Since this can be a difficult silhouette to get into position, we highly recommend employing a friend to help you move this treadmill.

Our product tester folding and moving the Horizon 7.4 AT.

Thankfully, Horizon Fitness does offer professional delivery and assembly packages that can take the strain of building and moving this vessel to your desired location off your plate. This can be a definite perk, as we doubt you’ll want to be moving this machine on a regular basis — wherever it lands initially will likely be its forever position within your space.

Impressive Warranty

We’ve noted that the 7.8 AT is the most expensive treadmill in Horizon’s Studio Series lineup. However, your investment is well-protected thanks to the robust warranty package offered by the brand. 

This 7.8 AT treadmill comes equipped with a lifetime frame and motor warranty, as well as 5-year coverage for parts and 2-year support for labor. “I recommend looking for 10 years on the frame, at least 2 years on parts, and at least 1 year for labor,” states Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer, so we’re happy to see this bundle surpassing the recommended time frames. As such, we rated the added warranty at 4 out of 5.

What to Consider Before Buying the Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill

When buying the best home gym equipment — the Horizon 7.8 AT, included — you should be considering a handful of factors before finalizing your purchase. Below are a few factors we recommend thinking through before adding this Horizon profile to your cart.

Training Preferences: Make sure to align your training interests with your treadmill. If you prefer to follow along with trainer-led sessions or preset programming, confirm that your machine is capable of such setups.

Speed and Incline Ranges: When looking for a treadmill, especially for running, you’ll want to ensure that the speed and incline ranges can support your faster activity and match the conditions you’d see on actual roads. “You’ll undoubtedly encounter hills in the outside world, even in generally flat regions. Look for incline capabilities reaching 9% or higher,” states Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer.

Treadmill Size: Your available space can greatly dictate which treadmill is right for your needs. Be sure to take some measurements and look for a silhouette that can fit comfortably within your available dimensions. You can also opt for one of the best folding treadmills if you want to keep your floor plan more open when not in the throes of training.

Price: A treadmill that’s beyond your budget’s limits can lessen your overall training experience. Crunch some numbers and look for a profile that fits neatly within your finances. It can also be wise to look at any required subscriptions you may need to operate the treadmill at its fullest potential — while you may be able to afford the machine itself, these often monthly membership fees can put you in the red if you aren’t careful.

Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill Vs. Competitors

There are countless high-quality treadmills to choose from, so stating that the 7.8 AT from Horizon is in a league of its own would be a complete lie. Here are two comparable silhouettes we feel match up well to this Horizon offering — the Horizon 7.4 AT and NordicTrack Commercial 1750.

The first (obvious) comparison is the Horizon 7.4 AT treadmill. This mid-range tread from the brand’s Studio Series is virtually identical to the 7.8 AT, albeit with a lower max weight capacity, smaller motor, and single inch of height difference. If we’re being honest, we’re likely to recommend the 7.4 AT over the 7.8 AT given the price difference, but for larger athletes that really need the added horsepower and durability, the 7.8 AT still remains a top pick.

The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill is also a standout silhouette in the treadmill category thanks to its impressive weight rating and large 14-inch touchscreen. This tread is also compatible with the iFIT training platform, which can deliver over 17,000 on-demand workout programs. That said, the yearly cost of iFIT ($39 monthly, $468 per year) can shrink the price gap between this profile and the 7.8 AT. If you aren’t too keen on adding another subscription to your monthly budget, it may be best to opt for the Horizon silhouette.

Ordering and Assembling the Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill

When ordering your Horizon 7.8 AT, you have two additional delivery options outside of your standard shipping protocol. “In-Room Delivery” costs an extra $219 and will have your machine placed in your room of choice. Horizon also offers professional delivery and assembly ($349) where professionals will deliver your treadmill to your room of choice, assemble the unit, and remove any packaging materials.

We opted for standard shipping ($139) on all previous Studio Series treadmills we’ve tested to give you a better idea of the assembly process. While our testers found the entire job to be rather easy, we do recommend setting a good chunk of time aside for the task. We clocked the procedure at roughly 1 hour, but remember that this isn’t our first rodeo when it comes to assembling and moving a treadmill.

[Related: How to Move a Treadmill]

The Horizon 7.8 AT is also shipped in a 391-pound box, so we recommend having a friend or associate on-hand to help you get the machine to your desired location. There’s no sense in injuring yourself by trying to tackle the lift on your own. Besides, treadmills are supposed to be cardio-related, not strength-training essentials.

Places to Buy the Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill

The Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT treadmill is available online directly from the brand’s site. You can also find this high-quality treadmill at select third-party retailers including Amazon and DICK’S Sporting Goods.

Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews

Horizon Fitness is a major at-home fitness brand churning out some of the best exercise bikes, ellipticals, rowers, and (of course) treadmills on the market. According to the brand’s site, Horizon home gym equipment earns an average 4.5 out of 5 stars from customer reviews. Specifically speaking to the 7.8 AT profile — which earns a 4.9 out of 5 based on 17 reviews — one customer notes, “This machine is pragmatic, easy to use, and sturdy enough for my daily routine.”

To reach Horizon Fitness with any inquiries, be sure to use the Live Chat feature at the bottom right corner of the retail site. You can also fill out a quick form at the “Contact Us” link, or call 888-878-9011.

Warranties

While the 7.8 AT already comes equipped with an impressive warranty bundle featuring lifetime coverage for the frame and motor, as well as 5-year support for parts and 2-year coverage for labor, there are options to bolster this package even further upon checkout. You can boost your parts and labor coverage for an additional 3 years for an extra $149.99. A 5-year boost is also available for $199.99.

Final Thoughts on Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill

The Horizon 7.8 AT can be an excellent option for running enthusiasts, especially if you want the highest weight capacity and motor size available in the brand’s Studio Series. However, if you want a near-identical silhouette without the $2,699 MSRP, we’d be inclined to recommend the 7.4 AT — it’s the same running area, same features, same speed and incline ranges, all for $300 less.

Regardless of your final decision, be sure to think about some key metrics before finalizing your cart. Take some measurements, think about your training preferences, ensure the speed and incline capacities tailor to your interests, and you should be well set to make the best decision possible for your future workouts.

Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill FAQs

References

Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/

The post Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill Review (2024): A Durably Dedicated Runner’s Treadmill appeared first on BarBend.