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The most helpful favorable review
The most helpful critical review
66 of 67 people found the following review helpful:
EASIER THAN I THOUGHT
the treadmill came completely assembled so when it arrived, i just threw the packaging away and used it the same day. when i saw that it would fit under my bed, i was skeptical but lo and behold, IT FITS. how nice since my apartment is so small. no problems with delivery or anything. everything was exactly as i expected, i would recommend for anyone looking for a very...
Published on July 22, 2008 by skecheeone
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56 of 58 people found the following review helpful:
Good, but not great!
Overall I like this treadmill.
Pros: SO easy to unfold, fold, move around, and store. I take it down and put it up daily because of the ease. Due to space limitations, this was a priority for me when looking for a treadmill. Also, it is so compact you can store it virtually anywhere.
Cons: The heart rate monitor has not worked from day one...
Published 20 months ago by Kimberly Green
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66 of 67 people found the following review helpful:
EASIER THAN I THOUGHT, July 22, 2008
This review is from: Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill (Sports)
the treadmill came completely assembled so when it arrived, i just threw the packaging away and used it the same day. when i saw that it would fit under my bed, i was skeptical but lo and behold, IT FITS. how nice since my apartment is so small. no problems with delivery or anything. everything was exactly as i expected, i would recommend for anyone looking for a very compact, easy to use basic treadmill.
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60 of 61 people found the following review helpful:
Deceptively durable and dependable little workhorse., January 18, 2009
This review is from: Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill (Sports)
After using this for a couple of months, I'm raising my rating to 5 stars. This is one of the best purchases I've made, the only exercise machine that I look forward to using. You don't need all of the extra programs, bells and whistle to get your heart pumping and your sweat glands pouring. This device easily fits in our kitchen, opposite a countertop TV and JBL iPod speaker (much better than the built-in one with this or any other treadmill), and I've come to feel unready for the day ahead until doing my 30 minutes on the single automatic program. I've progressed from being able to walk at 3.5 mph to 4.5 mph and am feeling the overall aerobic benefits more each day. Now if I only had as much motivation to use Total Gym and all of the other neglected gadgets I've collected!
A treadmill (providing it has a motor) is the best exercise device you can own, and this one is certainly the "right" product if you've become discouraged after reading reviewers' stories of requiring 3 or more assistants to move their new treadmills to the basement. Or if you were contemplating a budget model until reading horror stories about its assembly, this may again be the ticket. It's compact and it's pre-assembled.
I wouldn't go so far as to call it "portable." It's the biggest piece of exercise equipment I've ever owned, and it's sufficiently heavy to make folding and unfolding seem like a chore. (I'm afraid that if I had to fold it up every night and stash it vertically behind a door or slide it under a bed, it would see too little use to be worth the investment.) Otherwise, it works just fine as a "walking" treadmill (runners would probably be better advised to look for a machine with a wider and longer belt). I'm no expert, but the belt seems smooth and quiet, the foundation solid, and the read-out and controls clear and user-friendly. The belt isn't quite as "cushioned" as those of more expensive machines, there isn't any fan for cooling down the walker, and the two speakers for an iPod or stereo MP3 player are, imo, simply too lame to be useful.
The actual "negatives" are few: 1. I wish the electrical connection was at the rear instead of the front of the machine and/or that the cord would be long enough (a couple more feet would do it) to reach the electrical outlet on the wall behind me (the instructions say don't plug the machine into a power strip, yet the length of the cord doesn't leave you much choice). 2. The otherwise helpful and clearly written instructions make no reference whatsoever to operation of the built-in stereo speakers, which may be understandable: the audio quality might be compared with a pair of cheap AM radio speakers. 3. Rather than waste the space, better there be an additional program, besides Manual and a single 30-minute automatic one.
Regarding a couple of other complaints: It's true that, once the machine has completed it program, you can't read your "progress" on the read-out, but if you simply press stop just prior to the end of the program, get off the machine for the last 10 seconds to jot down the reading, then press start again, voila--all of the settings are preserved). As for the heart rate monitor, unlike other users I've found it "somewhat" effective providing I remove my thumb from it every now and then. My problem is trying to determine what the heart rate numbers actually "mean" (the instructions provide an explanation that's ultimately unhelpful--remember, those no way the user can "input" the statistics--like age and weight--that are essential to computing useful heart rate numbers). So best pick up a separate monitor (the treadmill's read-out was consistently 70-80, so I was shocked when, after purchasing the inexpensive Omron monitor, the number that came up was 145, just 5 beats short of my theoretical maximum!).
[Addendum (a cautionary): As mentioned, there is only one automatic program, which I didn't try until the 6th day. It's 30 minutes, with speeds varying from 2 mph to 4 mph (unlike Manual mode, it doesn't observe 10ths or even half-mile settings). I wasn't prepared for using the belt at 4 mph and it actually "body-slammed" me to the mat at this speed, which is probably the "break point" between extremely fast walking and jogging. Approximately a quarter of the auto work-out occurs at the higher speed (I have little use for "over-produced" treadmills, but it would be nice to have 2-3 more automatic programs, especially with circuit boards having become so miniaturized and inexpensive for manufacturers to install). Finally, you may wish to ignore the instructions advising you to do a stretching routine before using the treadmill. (I'm sure I would use the machine significantly less if I added that "psychological" barrier.) Warming up at 2 mph should be equally beneficial (just don't plan on drinking a cup of coffee while in motion--it's been tried.]
[Set-up: Not included in the manual but appended to the machine is a small ticket telling you to allow the machine to run for 60 minutes before first use. Take it seriously. If, like me, you missed it and find the belt too far to the right or left side, follow the instructions in the manual. Above all, be patient, or the belt will soon be too close to the other side. It requires 30 seconds or more for the effects of a quarter-turn adjustment by the user to be noticeable in the positioning/operation of the belt.]
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56 of 58 people found the following review helpful:
Good, but not great!, January 15, 2009
This review is from: Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill (Sports)
Overall I like this treadmill.
Pros: SO easy to unfold, fold, move around, and store. I take it down and put it up daily because of the ease. Due to space limitations, this was a priority for me when looking for a treadmill. Also, it is so compact you can store it virtually anywhere.
Cons: The heart rate monitor has not worked from day one. That doesn't really bother me as much as instead of alternating through the time, speed, distance, and calories it constantly gets stuck on heart rate. I guess the vibration from walking makes it think I'm trying to take my heart rate. I won't even touch the handle and it still does this. That is my number one annoyance with this machine.
The treadmill belt has to be moving in order to get your statistics. After walking I like to scroll through my statistics to see time, distance, and calories. You MUST do this while the belt is moving in order to see them. I normally like to stop the belt and then get all the information. It's difficult to try pushing all the buttons while still walking. Especially since it will get stuck on the heart rate!!!!
Another Con is that the safety key is located on the right side of the controls causing the cord to be on the right side. While walking my right hand continually knocks the safety key off and my information is deleted. Many people don't use the safety key so this wouldn't effect them. After having a friend who was severely burned from falling on a treadmill, I'm a safety key wearer.
This treadmill meets my needs due to space restrictions, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who was serious about their workouts or who has the space to have a better one.
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25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
Excellent product - great, great value for the money, September 29, 2008
This review is from: Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill (Sports)
This is truly an outstanding product. I took less than five minutes to turn it on, no need to do anything other than taking it out of the box, open it and plug it in the outlet.
I use it to walk fast while reading or browsing the web. It is very stable and silent. So far, so good - the quality of the product looks much higher than treadmills twice as expensive. Not sure if it is good for running (I am not a runner...), but definitely the ideal product for a walker. I also have a long stride, despite its compact size it fits perfectly my exercise patterns.
It is also very easy to fold and unfold, just a little harder to get around (it is a bit heavy, the small wheels definitely allow for portability, but you require some effort to carry it around)The folded profile is quiet small. The look is very trendy - nobody complaints at home if visits take a look to it while unfolded in the middle of the living room, as in the manufacturer's you tube video... A much better value than several treadmills that I tried at sport stores and gyms.
Probably the best item I have bought in amazon, other than terrific books! My only minor complaint is that the free delivery took a long time (two weeks), but it was timely delivered once they called.
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25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
Unfit for carpets, but they won't tell you even if you ask, September 3, 2009
This review is from: Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill (Sports)
I am mightily dissatisfied with my recent purchase of a Horizon Evolve SG Treadmill through Amazon.com. I received the treadmill just over 10 days ago and set it up the way the instruction manual said. Nowhere did anything say not to use it on carpet, but I immediately noticed a loud screeching noise when I tried to use it on the carpet. I called Horizon's customer service number and was told that I should get a pad to go under the treadmill. So, I spent another $45 with Amazon and 10 days waiting for the pad to arrive. I put the pad under the treadmill and the screeching was a little better, but not much. I called the customer service number around 4PM yesterday and was told to leave a callback number, so I hung around the house waiting for a callback, which never came (I guess they close at 4 Central Time). I did get a callback this morning, which I retrieved from work, and I called again, sitting on hold for about 20 minutes before a representative told me that these things just don't work well on carpet (why didn't they say so in the first place or on the first call?) Carpet is all I have at home, except in the entryway to my livingroom and my garage, neither of which is suitable for a treadmill. So I am out the price of a treadmill and pad, which I would not have had to spend if the literature and advertising were truthful. My previous treadmill was constructed differently, so that the belt did not rub against the carpet. And Horizon's representative who told me to buy a pad should have known this would not be a solution. I guess I can't get my money back because the treadmill will work under certain conditions, but not in my house, and they won't reply to my e-mails.
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19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
Excellent treadmill for walking, September 11, 2009
This review is from: Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill (Sports)
I agree with what many others have said that this treadmill is excellent for walking. It does not appear to me that it is large enough or sturdy enough for running. It is definitely great for home use where space is limited. I have been using mine about three times a week for around three months now. The treadmill sits on top of plush carpeting with a treadmill pad underneath the treadmill. So far, I do not seem to be having any trouble using the treadmill on carpet. I don't know if my weight has anything to do with it. I am six feet tall and weigh about 180 lbs. I also found that the heart rate monitor does not work properly and is pretty much useless. Likewise, the audio quality of the built-in stereo speakers is lousy.
The following are some comments about the treadmill which primarily have to do with the instructions for setting it up before its first use and for maintaining it:
1) The User's Guide instructs the user to lubricate the treadmill deck before the first use. I called Horizon Customer Tech Support and was told that I should not have to lubricate the treadmill when I first received it if I bought it new.
2) I was told to lubricate the deck after 150 miles of use or 6 months. (Incidentally; in my opinion, the instructions for lubricating the running deck are a little confusing. The confusion involves the fact that the Running Belt is separate from the Running Deck. The Running Belt is on top of the Running Deck. When you lubricate the Running Deck, you must loosen the rear roller bolts so that you can lift up the Running Belt to some extent in order to spray the lubricant fluid over the entire top surface of the Running Deck. You must then tighten the rear roller bolts and then walk on the treadmill for two minutes.)
3) The instructions tell you that the treadmill must be used on a dedicated circuit, which means that you cannot have any other electrical devices running on that circuit except the treadmill. This is practically impossible to find in most homes. The Horizon Customer Tech Support representative told me that it is all right to have other items on the circuit as long as the circuit that the treadmill is on does not have other heavy electrical-use items.
4) A tag came attached to the treadmill saying that you need to allow your treadmill to run for approximately 60 minutes prior to use. Apparently, this is important to allow the belt and motor to recalibrate for proper performance.
5) My treadmill arrived with some large removable signs or tags. When I removed them, some sticky adhesive remained on the treadmill frame. The Customer Tech Support representative told me to use some Goo Gone (a product that can be purchased at hardware stores) to remove the adhesive residue. I purchased some Goo Gone at a hardware store, and it did work in removing the adhesive.
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19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
Perfect treadmill for me, December 20, 2008
This review is from: Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill (Sports)
The Horizon Evolve SC Compact Treadmill is the perfect treadmill for me. It came almost complete assembled as advertised. It's small, quiet and takes up very little space in our bedroom. We only had one tiny problem. When my husband had it completely set up and I started walking, the belt made a shrill "rubbing" noise. We couldn't figure out what it was; but after checking the underneath side of the machine, he realized that the treadmill needed to be raised up off our carpet because the belt did indeed rub against the silver frame that houses the motor. He made two small blocks around 2 inches high and put them underneath the front feet of the treadmill. No more noise! I think if we had the treadmill on a tile or hardwood floor, the blocks wouldn't be necessary. Other than that very minor "fix", we both love the treadmill. It works perfectly and as I said, takes up very little room, which was my goal when I researched compact treadmills. I would highly recommend this treadmill to people who don't need all the bells and whistles...just a great, small treadmill to take a daily walk and then easily store it away when not being used.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
Just Right, February 26, 2009
This review is from: Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill (Sports)
After set up and 60min breakin I found the TM to be quiet and smooth. I needed something for our small home and find it's size to be what I was looking for. I'm 71 and was noticing a problem getting around so I wanted to get moving. I don't really enjoy walking the neighborhood and wasn't interested in a gym so this TM suits me well. I vary my 30min workout manually between 2 and 3.5 mph which is enough to work up a sweat and strengthen my legs again. I'm satisfied with this purchase.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
Almost perfect, November 3, 2008
This review is from: Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill (Sports)
The treadmill is very good, sturdy, easy to operate. As it comes already assembled, you can use it right out of the box. One thing that is not up to the other qualities of the item is the thumb heart beat sensor. If you need to monitor your heart beat during exercise, buy a separate monitor, for the one in the treadmill is almost useless. The other not so good thing is the amplifier. It should be better grounded, to prevent damage to your player when you touch it during exercise. In the winter time, static electricity builds up while you use the treadmill, and the eventual discharge may damage your player. My iPod had to be re-booted for it froze after a static discharge. Summing up, the Evolve treadmill deserves 4 stars.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
Great piece of equipment but one problem, February 10, 2009
This review is from: Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill (Sports)
Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill Treadmill was delivered quickly and efficiently. I studied the users guide before using it and learned that the running deck must be lubricated prior to use. Lubrication instructions were not clear so I had to call the 1-800 number to get better instructions. The running deck gets off center the first several times of use. It is a tedious process, but overall, the treadmill works great and I recommend it for those that want to walk indoors.
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