Horizon T101 treadmill vs Nordictrack ACT commercial elliptical
This is a comparison between the Horizon T101 treadmill and Nordictrack ACT commercial elliptical including pros, cons, and alternatives. This article has been originally published in which Horizon treadmill to get.
Follow the links for more details. Follow the links for more details and leave a comment if you have additional points to add.
You can get the most up to date content and ask direct questions on my Instagram Account.

Overview and review of the NordicTrack ACT commercial 1299
Overview of the NordicTrack ACT commercial
The
ACT commercial is one of the most compact ellipticals which Nordictrack has in its portfolio. Its main features are a 10kg flywheel, 5-inch display, and a 22-inch stride. The full list of features covers:
- 5" Backlit Display
- iFit Bluetooth - 1 Years Membership Included
- Integrated Tablet Holder
- Auxiliary Music Port
- Two 2” Digitally-amplified Speakers
- Center Drive
- 18" – 22" Adjustable Stride
- 10 KG Inertia-enhanced Flywheel
- 24 Digital Resistance Levels
- OneTouch® Controls
- EKG Grip Pulse Heart Rate Monitor
- 135 Kg User Weight Capacity
- Soft Touch™ Upper Body Grips
- Adjustable Oversized Cushion Pedals
- AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
- Water Bottle Holder
- Front-Mounted Transport Wheels
- 32 On-board Workouts
- 165cm L x 81cm W x 162cm H Footprint
- Warranty - 5-Year Frame Warranty, 2-Year Parts and Labour Warranty, subject to registration within 28 days of purchase
This is the machine to get for small spaces if you want the experience of an elliptical.
Pros of the NordicTrack ACT commercial
The main and probably only reason to get this machine is because of its compact design. If you desperately want an elliptical and want to fit it in a tight spot, the
ACT commercial is the machine for you.
Cons of the NordicTrack ACT commercial
- High price for a small elliptical
- Age of the model
The
ACT commercial is one of the models of Nordictrack which is supported in the Uk but not in the US. This is not a great sign for the future of this model as Nordictrack HQ is situated in the US. If you want an elliptical and have space available you are probably better off to get a model out of the FS series which is available in both countries to protect your investment.
Alternatives to the NordicTrack ACT commercial
If you want a compact treadmill instead of an elliptical the
S25 with a 3.5 CHP motor might be for you. It comes in at the same price as the
ACT and has a powerful motor to put a lot of miles on it. The only downside to the S series is that it is also likely to be discontinued once stocks worldwide have been depleted as the US does not actively sell the model anymore.
If you want an elliptical with an incline and have more space you can go for the
C7.5 instead of the
ACT commercial. This elliptical provides up to a 20% incline at the same cost of the
ACT. The trade-off is that it is heavier and needs more space. By going with the
C7.5 you will also move below 1000 for purchasing your cardio machine.
Another option is the
Concept 2 model D rower if you do not want to stand while exercising. The c
oncept 2 model d has been around for a long time in different iterations and can be found in most gyms around the world, If you want a reliable rowing machine for your home or commercial gym, this is the one to go for.
My personal favorite is the
Rogue echo bike for any kind of home gym scenario.
Rogue came up with a solid, compact, and sturdy design for an airbike and put a super competitive price tag on it. It will be hard to find an airbike at the same price which is built like a tank.
Summary for the NordicTrack ACT commercial
The
ACT commercial is a great option for limited space scenarios if you are fine with buying something that is not the latest and greatest in the line-up. If you fit that niche, this machine will be hard to beat.
Overview and review of the Horizon T101 treadmill
This is an overview of the Horizon T101 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 T101 $599
The
Horizon Fitness T101 is the smallest treadmill you can get from Horizon fitness. It has the smallest belt, the smallest warranty, and the smallest incline of 10%. If you want an overbuilt walking treadmill that you do not need to store away after use, then this is the one for you. Otherwise, go for a different model from Horizon or research deeper into more flexible walking treadmills. The full list of specifications is:
Frame Type: FeatherLight Folding
Running area: 20" x 55"
Cushioning: 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning
Drive Motor: 2.5 Continuous-Duty Horsepower
Belt: 1.4mm, Silicone
Deck Thickness: 0.7" (18mm)
Roller Size: 46mm/42mm Tapered
Speed Range: 0.5 – 12 mph
Incline Range: 0 – 10%
Extras: Audio In/Out Jack, Bluetooth Speakers, Energy Saver Mode, Fan, Tablet Rack, Water Bottle Holder
Weight: 165 lbs.
Assembled dimensions: 70" x 34" x 55"
Folded dimensions: 46" x 34" x 61"
Max User weight: 300 lbs.
Electrical requirements: 60Hz - 120V
Home Warranty - Frame: Lifetime
Home Warranty - Motor: Lifetime
Home Warranty - Parts: 1 year
Home Warranty - Labor: 1 year
I am never a huge fan of getting the cheapest of anything with the least amount of features. The same goes for the
Horizon T101. If you are a slow jogger or fast walker, this is perfect. Otherwise, get yourself a proper running treadmill from the Horizon studio line or upgrade to the
T202/
303 if you weigh less than 100kg.
Pros of the Horizon T101
-
Incline
-
Sturdy frame
-
Speed
If you look at the
T101 as a walking treadmill it has a strong motor and incline. The frame is also sturdy for a walking treadmill. If you were looking for a very robust walking treadmill, this is it.
Cons of the Horizon T101
-
Not ideal for runners
-
Can not be stored easily
-
Barebone warranty
-
Still has a console
When you put everything together about the
T101 I would stay away from it if you consider yourself a runner. It is the cheapest Horizon has to offer with the smallest warranty package. If you put 100s of miles on it and weigh more than a feather it will rattle and break. For walkers who want to into the occasional jog, this is a good fit.
If we look at the
T101 through the walking treadmill lens it can not be stored easily. There are quite a few options out there that can be folded and hung in the closet or pushed under the bed. You do not have these options with the
T101 which makes it less attractive if you only use it for walking.
The barebone warranty is worrisome if you will run on this. This treadmill is a malfunction waiting to happen if you put it under a lot of stress. Not because it is not well built, but because someone was cheap about what they actually are using it for. This paired with the small warranty is not a great choice if you press more than 100 miles per week.
If I am looking at it as a walking treadmill I also have to ask why it has a console at all. You still pay for these parts and on a walking treadmill, an up and down button for speed will more than do. No speakers or other electronics needed as you will use your phone or tablet anyway.
Alternatives to the Horizon T101
The
rogue echo bike is a great alternative to any treadmill for the serious athlete. You will most likely do your runs outdoors anyway to make it more challenging and closer to the real thing. The
echo bike will enable you to do great interval training and is easier to move around. It also comes at roughly the same price point as the
T101 give or take $100. A budget version of the
Rogue Echo bike is the
TITAN fan bike.
The
concept 2 ski erg is a great option for a serious machine that is not as noisy as a treadmill and takes up less space. You will not get a leg workout, but a great deal of cardio. If your goal is to lose weight and stay fit and you do not mind that much which way this happens, give the ski erg a serious look.
Conclusion for the Horizon T101
In my personal opinion, there are better options out there for a walking treadmill. If you want a running treadmill the Horizon portfolio really starts at the
T202 if not even at the
T303 and
7.0AT.