Horizon Elite T5 treadmill vs TrueForm runner

This is a comparison between the Horizon Elite T5 and TrueForm runner including pros, cons, and alternatives. This article has been originally published in which Horizon treadmill to get. Follow the links for more details.

You can get the most up to date content and ask direct questions on my Instagram Account.

Overview and review of the TrueForm runner

The TrueForm Runner comes in at $5695 - $6195. In this article you will learn more about the product itself, its Pros and cons and alternatives you might want to consider. This article has originally been published in the overview "Which conditioning equipment to buy from Rogue".

Overview of the trueform runner

The TrueForm runner is the latest and greatest in the treadmill industry. Compared to other treadmills it has the advantage that it is not motorized and propelled by your own weight. In addition, the surface you run on is curved so the impact of your footfall is not as hard as on a flat surface. This dynamic is achieved by a conveyor belt that runs on bearings. Think of the conveyor belt at the airport but moved by your own bodyweight. It has been used at the CrossFit games and has gained popularity since then. The dimensions of the TrueForm runner are:

Height 57’’
Width 36’’
Running surface 54’’ x 17’’
Weight 325 LB

You can choose from two different options, Enduro and Performance. Both options come in at the same price and with the same dimensions. The performance model provides a higher railing. This is especially useful when you have athletes who run very fast on the machine.

Apart from this, you can pay $500 extra to get grass or track and field topping on the running surface. If you use the TrueForm runner to train track and field or football athletes you might want to go with one of these options.

Pros of the TrueForm runner

There are several pros to the TrueForm runner

Better posture
Easier adjustment of speed
No power supply needed
No programming needed
Less impact
Good resell value
Low maintenance

Based on the setup of the Trueform runner it actively helps your clients and athletes to have better running form. If you strike with the heel the curve of the machine will help to remedy and correct this over time as you push the belt from the front to the back.

With the Trueform runner, you can adjust the speed at any given time yourself without worrying about faceplanting. Doing interval training on motorized treadmills can be really annoying as the acceleration and decelerations come in jumps rather than continuously when you program them in at the start of your workout. If you adjust them while exercising it is almost impossible, especially at high speeds.

If you deploy a whole row of these (10 - 20 machines) you might also be pleased that you do not need to plan for cabling when the gym is built and powering these treadmills all year around.

As mentioned before you can free run on these machines to your hearts contempt. No buttons or panic stops needed. Just slow down and the belt slows down with you. You will not be catapulted into the wall behind you.

The curve will also be helpful to have less strain in the ankles and knees from the impact of the food. This helps you to train longer for harder.

As with most things which are "hip" and high price you usually get a higher resell value out of them than for the lower range options. While this is mostly less important for individual buyers it can be important for a chain that regularly closes off unprofitable subsidiaries and wants to shuffle equipment around.

As there are no motors which can break down you will also have fewer maintenance needs. Although you are probably more likely to need a welder rather than an electrician when this beast breaks.

Cons of the TrueForm runner

The cons of the TrueForm runner are in my opinion:

Hard to do pace training
Not for beginners
Price tag
A big piece of equipment
Poor monitor

When I prepared for my marathons there was one thing I liked about treadmills, you could set an exact pace for some of your long runs. This is actually a strength rather than a weakness of a motorized treadmill. For me, it was handy to plan my splits and hit my target time as the pace I chose was slightly challenging. I would do one of these a week slightly above the planned pace for the marathon and add distance each time. The rest of my training would be outdoors. This raised my confidence to reproduce the exact pace I needed on race day. With the TrueForm Runner, it would have been hard to have that reference, but it would have been better to do Interval runs indoors.

Tell me what you want but this thing is not for beginners. This is designed for people who want to go like cheetahs and could not do it properly on normal treadmills. Fast acceleration and breaking are where this is at home. Not for beginners or someone who is wobbly on their feet because they do rehab or are overweight. A slow motorized treadmill is the better option here.

With $5000 a piece, this is a steep price. If you want to signal to your clients that you are doing well and justify the membership of $300 a month, this is a strategy. For two of these, you can get a 10 pack of concept 2 rowers, skiergs or bikes. 10 x $100 in membership fees from a spinning class is more than 2x $300 with a bigger spread of risk in your income.

Last but not least these are big. If you have a garden or basement gym I would almost consider this no option unless you live in a mansion. If you want to maximize floor space in your commercial gym this is also not the way to go. CrossFit boxes might like this, especially if they are in the middle of a busy city.

The monitor is poor compared to some of the concept 2 options where you have leaderboards implemented to keep yourself motivated.

Alternatives to the TrueForm runner

There are the following alternatives to the TrueFrom runner:

The assault air runner is one alternative to the TrueFrom runner if you still want a self-propelled treadmill. The assault air runner comes in at a lower price point than the TrueForm runner. The mechanics are also a little different which makes running easier on this one.

The Versa Climber is often referred to as one of the hardest things you can do in endurance on a machine. It simulates climbing a steep wall with a good grip. It comes in at about half the price and takes up less footprint than the TrueForm runner. If you want a good machine for your home to knock you out this is can be a great pick. For a commercial gym, you might not have the uptake as many people just want their treadmills.

The Rogue Echo bike is a solid choice for the home gym that wants to kick your butt. Combined to the Versa Climber and the TrueFrom Runner it comes in at a fraction of the cost. A good air bike workout will still challenge you and is highly recommended.

Summary for the TrueForm runner

This is a well-built piece of equipment which is worth the price if you have the need and space for it. Athletes who know how to pace themselves, have balance and want every workout to be as challenging and adaptable as possible will love this.

For the average gym with average clients it is probably a bit too intimidating and high performance. I do not see overweight stay at home moms or retired manly beer bellies stepping on the TrueForm runner first thing through your gym doors.

Overview and review of the Horizon Elite T5 treadmill

This is an overview of the Horizon Elite T5 treadmill including pros, cons, and alternatives. This article has been originally published in which Horizon treadmill to get. Follow the links for more details.

You can get the most up to date content and ask direct questions on my Instagram Account.

Overview of the Horizon Elite T5 $1.199

The Horizon Elite T5 is the smallest of the Horizon Elite lineup of treadmills which come with an extra sturdy frame. Compared to its two bigger brothers, the T7 and T9, it has considerably less warranty and a smaller belt to run on. In exchange, it hugs the $1000 price tag tightly while the other two models cost $1.599 and $1.999. The list of specifications for the T5 can be seen below:

Frame Type: Feather-Light Folding

Running area: 20"x55"

Cushioning: 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning

Drive Motor: 2.75 Horsepower

Belt: 1.4mm, Silicone

Deck Thickness: .75

Roller Size: front 2.4" rear 1.8"

Speed range: 0.5 - 12 mph

Incline Range: 0% – 15%

Extras: Built-in Speakers, Energy Saver Mode, Fan, In-reach Resistance Controls, Passport Ready, Tablet Rack, Water Bottle Holder

Weight: 227 lbs

Assembled dimensions: 73" x 35" x 61"

Folded dimensions: 43.3" x 35" x 65"

Max User Weight: 350

Electrical Requirements: 110 - 120V

Home Warranty Frame: Lifetime

Home Warranty Motor: Lifetime

Home Warranty Parts: 3 years

Home Warranty Labor: 1 years

The Horizon Elite T5 is a good option when you want a sturdy frame but do not particularly care about the warranty, extra digital features, or the motor. All these compromises bring the price down to a little over $1.000 for a treadmill that can take up to 21.000 miles without a problem.

Pros of the Horizon EliteT5

The pros of the Horizon Elite T5 are:

Price
Frame
Folding mechanism

For this price, you are getting a formidable running machine for your home that is convenient to use and to collapse depending on your needs. Most runners at home will not put the treadmill through the same abuse as in a commercial setting and unless you are an elite runner yourself the motor will most likely be more than enough for you. The folding mechanism is easy and you do not have to worry that the treadmill comes crashing down on your kids or they can catch a finger in the mechanics easily.

Cons of the Horizon Elite T5

The cons of the Horizon Elite T5 are:

Smaller warranty package compared to other Elite models
Limited Entertainment options
Smaller belt
Smaller motor

The Horizon Elite T5 saves you money which comes at a cost for convenience and entertainment. The warranty package has been stripped compared to the Elite models which make it a less attractive buy in a commercial setting or in a home gym where multiple elite runners will throw everything they have at this treadmill. The biggest downside for a machine for $1.000 is the limited multimedia functions. No Bluetooth hurts in these modern days. A smaller belt and motor round off the cutback on features to deliver the low price tag of the Elite T5.

Alternatives to the Horizon Elite T5

Alternatives to the Horizon Elite T5 are

The Horizon Elite T9 is the flagship treadmill out of the Horizon lineup. Compared to the T5 it has a bigger belt, a touch screen, and a more powerful motor. This is the option for commercial gyms that want to cater to all types of runners and walkers or for the home gym athlete that does not want to compromise and pay no more than $2.000 for their treadmill. There are other options above $2.000 in the market that basically come with a massive television attached, but not everyone needs that.

The Horizon Elite T7 is a good compromise between the T9 and the T5. It has a smaller footprint than the T9 and better warranty options than the T5 while still having the same belt size as the T9. If you are a serious runner who already has a Television in their gym or a commercial buyer who wants to buy in bulk where televisions are already installed in the facilities then this is a good buy. If you want the latest and greatest in entertainment technology you have to give the T7 a pass as it has no Bluetooth.

The Nordictrack 1750 is a strong competitor to any treadmill in the below $2000 budget arena. It outperforms the Elite series on the length of the warranty, the strength of the motor, and entertainment functions. You should have a look at this treadmill which is right in the middle of the Nordictrack portfolio. Nordictrack has recently done a facelift of their product line providing models with integrated television and working hard on their Ifit software to catch up to Peloton who are sweeping the market. The only downside to Nordictrack is that there is more negative customer feedback readily available online. This could be done to higher sales numbers or worse product quality compared to Horizon fitness.

The Assault air runner is a cheaper model in the area of self-propelled treadmills. These treadmills run on bearings instead of an electric motor. This means you can determine the pace yourself and it makes them superior to traditional treadmills for Interval training and start-stop sprints. The only downside is that these haven't been standardized in production like most of the treadmills you see, so they are usually north of $3.000 in price.

The Rogue Echo Bike and the TITAN fan bike are two different air bikes that I highly recommend as an alternative to a treadmill for your home gym. Air bikes are easier to move around, lend themselves better to HIIT training, and take up much less space in your home gym or garage gym. I prefer to run outside and as long as your circumstances allow for it, I would recommend that. On top of that, they are also more affordable at around $700 sticker price.

Conclusion for the Horizon Elite T5

The Horizon Elite T5 is a good budget option for the serious runner who does not want to waste money on technology and maximize the lifetime of the treadmill. Commercial buyers might want to opt for the T7 instead of they already have entertainment as the warranty is better. If Bluetooth is a must you can go for the T9, but then you are also just at the brink of $2.000 for your treadmill. The Nordictrack 1750 is always worth a look as an alternative.