Horizon E1201 Elliptical Trainer Review

The Horizon E1201 elliptical trainer is one of the better Horizon ellipticals.  It has some decent features, including an adjustable incline and four year parts warranty.

The E1201 is sturdier than other Horizon models.  Nevertheless, pay close attention to the user weight limit of 300 lbs.  If any users in your household weigh more than the maximum user capacity, you’d be better off looking for a heavier, sturdier elliptical trainer.  The Horizon E1201 likely won’t hold up well or provide a comfortable workout for larger individuals.

Features found on the E1201 elliptical trainer include:

• 18-pound front drive flywheel
• Magnetic brake system
• 16 resistance levels
• 19” stride
• Seven workouts (3 open-ended and 4 saved)
• iPod dock station
• Power incline
• Pivoting foot pedals
• Contact heart rate monitor
• Color selection - Black & Slate Blue

Our Review: The Horizon E1201 Elliptical Trainer

Having personally tried out several Horizon elliptical trainer models at a nearby sporting goods store, several of the budget models were unstable and appeared to be not very durable.  Out of all the Horizon ellipticals I tried, the E1201 felt the most comfortable and sturdy.  And the quality was a vast improvement.

The Horizon E1201 has a front-drive flywheel, and there is a controversy on which is best - front or rear drive?  I find it is a user's preference.  Those that have rear drives swear by them, as do those that have front drive machines.  I personally have a front drive elliptical and it is very comfortable. 

The 19” stride length of the Horizon E1201 elliptical is a great length for individuals with long legs.  Shorter people may find this stride length a bit awkward and uncomfortable.

The Power Incline feature is one of the pluses on the Horizon E1201.  It adds a whole new dimension to your cross training.  By cranking up the incline you not only increase your cardio exertion, you also focus you exercise on different leg muscles. 

The variety of workout programs is only about average, but at least there are several programs from which to choose.  To add to the intensity of your workouts, this machine does have a power incline and 16 levels of resistance. 

The warranty is above average at this price range.  The service warranty is one year, which is typical, but the parts warranty is good for 4-years, excluding the elevation warranty, which is 1-year.

The iPod docking station with console controls is a rather common feature on many elliptical trainer models.  Still, it IS a nice feature to have for those who enjoy listening to music, audio books, etc. during exercise sessions.  Such a feature can help make workouts seem less tedious and boring.

The Horizon E1201 elliptical trainer is a decent, affordable machine.  It is NOT a top-of-the-line elliptical trainer.  It is NOT recommended for anyone over 300 pounds or even 250 lbs.  (Heavier users would be better off with an elliptical trainer that is closer to a commercial quality machine.)  However, for the money it has some decent features that makes it a contender at the $999 price range. 

Customer Review

I got this elliptical from my husband for Christmas. It is excellent. Sturdy, strong and quiet. I have it in salsa red so it is also a pretty machine. I love the workouts and the power incline is the best. The ipod dock and speakers are great as well. My husband said the directions included were the absolute best instructions he's ever received for anything he's ever purchased. They were simple, showed pictures, had pre-fished wires placed through the pipes and it came with ALL the tools required - not junky ones either.
We both couldn't be happier!