Horizon Fitness 7.0 AE Elliptical Cross Trainer Review

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The Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical is one of the latest elliptical trainers launched from Horizon that comes with an impeccable 20 levels of power recline and a sturdy and robust frame. This elliptical machine comes packed with a lot of features and is also affordable.

The 7.0 AE Elliptical trainer can be categorized as a budget trainer for beginners. But you can see many features present in this equipment that you can only find with high-end models.

Some of the features that make this elliptical trainer one of the best in the market are its 20-inch stride length, large LCD, maximum weight capacity of 325 lbs, along with heavier flywheel.

You can also get 20 power incline levels along with a built-in Bluetooth speaker tablet holder as other added features. And to top all of that, the warranty is very detailed and exceptional.

So, if you are looking for a stable and long-lasting elliptical trainer, you can very well go with the Horizon 7.0 AE elliptical trainer.

Here are all the Horizon 7.0 AE elliptical machine features that I love:

FeatureDataExplaination
Flywheel weight23 lbsHeavier the flywheel, the smoother and quieter the motion.
Resistance levels 20 levels7.0 AE's 20 levels of resistance make it easier to accomplish your fitness goal.
Incline levels20 levels20 fixed incline level.
Stride length20 inches 20-inch stride length elliptical is suitable for people between 5’3 and 6’5. Find a 22-inch stride length elliptical here if you are taller.
LCD display7” LCD screen7-inch LCD display is large enough to show your workout data clearly
Step-on Height10 inchesYou should also pay attention to the step-on height if you are on the hunt for an elliptical for low ceilings room.
Weight Capacity 325 lbIf you're heavy, weight capacity should put in priority. Find heavy-duty elliptical here.
WarrantyLifetime for the frame, 3 year for the parts, 1 year for laborA decent warranty period for ellipticals under $1000

Pros

  • 20-inch stride length
  • 10-inch lower step-on height
  • 23 lbs sturdy and robust flywheel
  • Impeccable 20 resistance levels
  • 20 incline levels
  • Maximum weight capacity of 325 lbs.
  • USB Port available
  • High-quality Bluetooth connectivity
  • Utility tablet-holder

Cons

  • Limited workout options
  • Heavy design, tough to move around
  • A limited selection of workout options

Stride Length

The 7.0 AE comes packed with a decent stride length of 20 inches. Most people between 5’3 and 6’5 ” would find it comfortable as most of the ellipticals in the market come with this stride length.

But still, we could expect a bit lengthier stride than standard elliptical trainers at a price range that is lower than $1000.

The step-on height is much lower than other elliptical trainers on the market. It comes with only a 10-inch step-on height and would suit low ceilings, rooms, and all types of people.

Unlike the Evolve series of elliptical trainers, the 7.0 AE doesn’t come with a folding frame. And one of the advantages of the 7.0 AE elliptical trainer is that it can hold a maximum user weight of 325 lbs, making it more comfortable for larger-sized and tall people.

Read also: Ellipticals with 20-inch stride length

Flywheel & Resistance Level

A 23-pound (10.4-kg) flywheel is included with the Horizon 7.0 AE cross-trainer. Why should you bother flywheel weight? Generally speaking, the heavier the flywheel, the smoother and quieter motion that the elliptical machine provided.

While most of the standard elliptical trainers on the market come packed with a lighter flywheel (13-20 lbs), the 7.0 AE boasts of a heavy flywheel that weighs around 23 lb, which can provide you with a smoother exercising motion.

It delivers a steady velocity and pedaling action due to its weight and balanced shape. It also allows you to cycle backward, making it easy to mix up your routines.

The machine’s internal transmission is a long-lasting poly-v belt. There are a few benefits to using this method of communication.

To begin with, you will never have to disassemble the item to oil it, as you would with a chain drive system. Second, the pedaling motion is exceptionally smooth, silent, and vibration-free. Another point worth mentioning here is the pedal bar wheels.

Each wheel has an outer silicone cover that reduces noise and allows the pedal to glide smoothly along its rail.

On top of that, both of these wheels include industrial-grade sealed ball bearings that will last a lifetime. The Horizon 7.0 AE, like most other elliptical machines in this price and feature range, has an eddy current resistance mechanism.

This means that you must connect it to a power source to alter the pedal tension. The machine does not require an adapter because it comes with its power cord with a 3-prong socket common in the United States.

It also implies that the console can automatically modify the resistance depending on the software. A servo motor and a magnetic brake system make up the machine’s resistance system.

The motor varies the pull of the magnetic brake as you alter the resistance or as the console automatically adjusts the resistance, resulting in more or less pedaling difficulty.

This cross trainer has a total of 20 resistance settings. The first several levels have modest pedal tension, making them ideal for low-intensity aerobic or rehab exercise. With its 20 resistance levels, you can easily switch to any resistance level of your choice.

However, the upper 18-20 levels provide significantly greater resistance, making them ideal for anybody looking for regular exercise with more fat-burning potential.

Last but not least, the machine has controls for adjusting the selection resistance gradually and quickly. The right fixed-grip incorporates the progressive resistance settings. They provide adjustments in 0.5 percent increments.

The rapid selection controls are located on the right side of the console, and they enable you to choose between 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, and 20 levels of resistance, much like the inclination.

Console

A multi-function console is included with the Horizon Fitness 7.0 AE elliptical trainer. It has an LCD monitor as well as an LED display. The top of the machine has an LCD that shows slope, resistance, time, distance, RPM, watts, calories, pulse, and the segments of the current training program.

It also has a 1/4-mile track for distance. The bottom LED display is separated into four panes: time, resistance/incline, distance/pace, and calories/pulse (from left to right).

The fixed handgrips have pulse sensors, as indicated above, so the console can display your heart rate if you hold on to them.

However, the console has Bluetooth capabilities and can interact with any Bluetooth 4.0 HR armband or chest strap. However, there is no HR strap supplied.

The console has two major training modes and eight workout programs, with most of them having several resistance levels.

The profile-based routines are included in the initial workout mode. Manual, Hill Climb, My First 5K, Fat Burn, and Custom are the options.

  • Manual is the normal program that lets you work out at your speed, changing the slope and resistance as needed during the workout.
  • Hill Climb is a workout program that improves cardiovascular fitness and muscle tone. It has ten levels and includes both inclination and resistance.
  • My First 5K is a program for everyone who wishes to run their first 5K and break their personal best. It’s made to help you break this record in just 9 weeks.
  • Fat Burn, as the name implies, is a weight-loss regimen. It includes 10 difficulty levels, 16 segments, and a 60-second segment duration, just as Hill Climb.
  • Custom is a program that lets you create your exercise by combining resistance and inclination levels and duration and distance. This program may be saved and used again at any time.
  • Distance offers 13 programs that may be completed remotely. There are 1 mile, 2 miles, 5k, 5 miles, 10k, 8 miles, 15k, 10 miles, 20k, half marathon, 15 mile, 20 mile, and marathon objectives to pick from.
  • Calories are similar to Fat Burning in that it allows you to choose your calorie target, ranging from 20 to 980 calories burnt (20 calorie increments).
  • Target Heart Rate is a cardiovascular fitness enhancement program. You’ll need to utilize a Bluetooth HR band or embedded pulse sensors.

You may choose your goal heart rate, and the console will automatically alter the resistance to keep your heart rate in the desired range.

The AFG Fitness app for iOS and Android is compatible with the console. So you may download this software on your smartphone or tablet and connect it to the console.

You can use the app to manage your elliptical from your smartphone or tablet, but you can also monitor your workout, track your progress, and check your workout history. A built-in sound system, a cooling fan, and a tablet holder are among the console’s additional features.

Two speakers are located at the bottom of the console for the sound system. It lets you play music from your smartphone, tablet, or MP3 player by connecting it to the console through aux wire or Bluetooth.

Right over the speakers is a cooling fan. It doesn’t have a very wide diameter, but it does give some cooling if needed during more strenuous activity.

Finally, the tablet holder is positioned just beneath the LCD. As a result, if you position a tablet on top of it, the LCD will be obscured, but the four LED displays will remain visible.

Check the price of Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical on Amazon

6 Workout Options

Even though the 7.0 AE elliptical doesn’t boast many workout options to choose from, you can still have a complete workout, including calories, distance, fat burn, heart rate, and more.)

Combined with the incline setting, you can make your 7.0 AE elliptical machine more versatile and workout sessions more enjoyable.

Bluetooth Enabled Speakers

Working out on an elliptical can sometimes be tiring, and if you can listen to some songs, you can feel relaxed.

With the Bluetooth speakers available, you can relax listening to your favorite songs while working out on the trainer.

Large LCD Display

With a large LCD, you can see your workout data easily, without squinting or bending your knees.

The 7.0 AE boasts the largest LCDs in the Horizon elliptical series.

USB Port

The elliptical trainer also has a USB port that allows people to charge their mobile phones and tablets while working out.

Hence, they never need to worry that any of their devices will run out of battery and keep on listening to your songs for a long time.

Training App

Users who have bought the 7.0 AE elliptical trainer also gain access to a fitness training app to track their fitness sessions. You can even control the trainer using the app, like changing the resistance level.

One-Touch Buttons

With just a tap of a button, you can adjust the speed and the incline. If you are in HIIT training, this one-touch button can’t be more convenient.

Tablet Rack

​With a handy tablet rack, you can easily safely place your device, watch your favorite movies, and listen to your favorite song while working out.

Built-in Fan

The 7.0 AE Elliptical trainer also comes with a fan that allows you to get some fresh air to relax in between your workout sessions.

Assembly

Horizon Fitness’ elliptical requires extra caution and help while moving, according to various warning labels and a statement in the owner’s handbook. That is very evident, and you should pay attention to it.

I’d suggest finding a buddy who you can shame into helping you move and assemble this 200-pound elliptical for a few hours. You may try to accomplish it yourself, but you shouldn’t.

It’s not easy to connect the display and wires simultaneously, which is essential to allow the elliptical to operate correctly. The directions are surprisingly well-written, and everything you’ll need to put it together is supplied.

Thankfully, you will get a detailed instruction manual with clear illustration drawings about proceeding with the installation.

The manual helps you understand every section of the equipment clearly and assemble quickly with step-by-step instructions. You can see some wrenches provided to assist with the assembly.

It’s worth remembering that if you pay an additional fee for enhanced delivery, threshold delivery does not imply that they’ll bring it into your home.

They placed the elliptical box in the first dry location, my garage in my instance. Other alternatives, such as in-room delivery and in-room delivery plus assembly, are available for an additional fee.

If you have additional cash to burn, I’d advise having them deliver it to your home and put it together for you. What’s the harm in that?

Although the price is reasonable, I’m not stupid enough to believe that it will be too much for some individuals to spend all at once for this high-quality elliptical. Horizon, fortunately, provides a financing arrangement that allows you to pay as little as $28 per month.

Warranty

The 7.0 AE elliptical trainer comes with a detailed warranty description:

  • Lifetime warranty provided for the frame
  • 3-year warranty provided for the parts
  • 1-year warranty provided for labor

Personally, this is quite a decent warranty period, in terms of the elliptical machine during this price range.

The Verdict

The Horizon Fitness 7.0 AE is a heavy-duty elliptical trainer with a 325-pound capacity with a light-commercial frame design (147 kg). It has 20 levels of eddy current resistance, 20 levels of automated inclination, and an 8-program console with varying difficulty levels.

It also includes Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with the AFG Fitness app, available for free.

Light to hard aerobic exercises, interval training, stamina training, and weight loss are all possible with it. While it isn’t one of the most economical trainers, Horizon 7.0 AE elliptical machine does provide outstanding value for money.

Check the price of Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical on Amazon

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