Horizon Peak Trainer HT5.0 Review

The Peak Trainer HT5.0 fills an interesting niche in the fitness market, and one that capitalizes on a growing trend in the fitness space overall. If there are two things in the world that we are almost all short on, it’s time and space. By offering an efficient workout that doesn’t take a ton of time, on a machine that takes up a very modest amount of space (its footprint is only 47″ by 28″), the Peak Trainer HT5.0 makes a lot of sense for many. Even if space is a less relevant matter, this trainer’s compact design means you’ll be left with more room in your home workout space than would be available if you opted for a conventional elliptical or stair climber.

It’s worth noting that on paper, its closest competitor is the Max Trainer M3, whose pricing it undercuts (though just barely, $899 vs. $999). From a features standpoint, The Peak Trainer has two more resistance levels, and three more workout programs than the M3. In trade, the M3 comes with a chest strap heart rate monitor, which the Horizon Peak Trainer does not. Their footprint dimensions are nearly identical, and both have a built-in shelf to hold a tablet, as well as a water bottle holder—an absolute essential given the high intensity nature of its training program. 

Although it doesn’t have some of the same high-level tech features of many other fitness equipment categories out there, there’s good reason for it. Much like a rowing machine, the level of engagement and activity involved in a Peak Trainer workout requires ample focus, as well as significant movement. It’s not the kind of activity that you can really zone out on, and based on your motion, focusing in on a large touchscreen display would be both awkward and distracting. Unlike treadmills where not having a touchscreen these days is a bit of a shortcoming, we aren’t docking the Horizon Peak Trainer HT5.0 too many points for this fact alone.

Another factor earning the Horizon Peak Trainer some extra brownie points is the fact that the brand is one of few that’s offering 0% interest financing on its machines. Outfitting your home gym can get expensive in a hurry, and even though we’re looking at a relatively “affordable” machine when looking at fitness equipment across the board, interest free financing is a great way to take the sting out of a new purchase like this one. With approval, financing terms can range from six months, up to two years, depending on your preference and budget.

The one category where the Peak Trainer does fall a bit flat at first glance is its warranty. All told, the machine gets a year warranty on parts, and 90 days on labor, which is quite light even when taking into consideration its $899 sale price (regular price $1,899). Especially when looking at a new type of equipment, regardless of the overall pedigree of the brand, you have to back up your product with enough warranty to make consumers feel secure. While I have no actual concerns with the machine’s overall construction, you’re looking at a machine that’s meant to be used hard, and used frequently. This is the one place where the Peak Trainer could do much better, but for some the included warranty won’t be quite as important.

Our Favorite Features

Some of our favorite parts of the Horizon Peak Trainer HT5.0:

• Total Body Workout: Between the hiking-like steps, and moving hand grips, both your upper and l0wer body will feel the burn on this all-encompassing trainer.
• 10 Resistance Levels: A combination of electronically controlled resistance and fan resistance help to create the required resistance to get the most out of the Peak Trainer.
• HIIT Training Built-In: Unlike other machines that deliver a wide range of training programs of varying intensity and speed, the Peak Trainer focuses on its Sprint 8 High Intensity Interval Training routine.
• Low Impact Workouts: Though intense in pacing, this type of machine reduces impact on joints compared to running making it a better selection for those dealing with joint issues or recovering from injury.
• Exercise Programs: These include Calorie, Weight Loss, Distance, Manual, and Sprint 8.
• On-board Feedback: Calories, Distance, Heart Rate, Resistance Level, RPM, Time
• Financing: Save the sticker shock with 0% financing for up to two years
• Maximum User Weight: 300 lbs.
• Competitively Priced: Offered on sale, the $899 sticker price for the HT5.0 comes in $100 cheaper than its closest competitor from Bowflex.

Horizon Peak Trainer HT5.0 - Notable Specs:

Our Least Favorite Features

A few downsides to the Horizon Peak Trainer HT5.0 include:

• No Bluetooth: Though its training is comprehensive, you won’t be able to connect to your favorite fitness tracking apps while working out on this machine.
• Warranty: With one year on parts, and 90 days on labor, the warranty on the Peak Trainer is a little lean when compared to other similarly priced things in the segment.

The Bottom Line

Overall we definitely like the Horizon Peak Trainer, though it isn’t without its shortcomings. The biggest thing in our eyes is the simple fact that this is a new piece of equipment in the marketplace, and one for which we have little data regarding longevity and reliability in the real world. Knowing Horizon, we have little doubt that they did their homework, but we think the brand would have been well-served to offer a longer warranty period to help put potential clients at ease. If you’re in the market for a full-body trainer, and something that won’t burn up valuable square footage in your home, the Peak Trainer is a solid choice whose sticker price undercuts its closest competitor—the Bowflex Max Trainer M3.