Inagural AFG Product Offering Launches this Fall

COTTAGE GROVE, Wis. (August 18, 2006) – Horizon Fitness is rolling out three new Elite Series products endorsed by the company’s recently announced Advanced Fitness Group (AFG). AFG is a highly specialized team of engineers, product managers and designers responsible for innovating the company’s Elite Series product offering, which includes high-performance treadmills and ellipticals sold at specialty fitness dealers.

The new AFG-endorsed products include the T4 AFG and T6 AFG non-folding treadmills, as well as an
innovative elliptical trainer called the E6 AFG.

“These new products are built to provide exceptional value for the price and put a premium on ergonomics and styling,” said Bill Sotis, executive vice president of sales, service and development for Horizon Fitness. “Our engineers have spent months refining our Elite Series product line, blending high-end materials with advanced engineering concepts and emerging technologies. The result is a new breed of Elite Series products that continue to push the boundaries of performance and value.”

T6 AFG NON-FOLDING TREADMILL
The T6 AFG non-folding treadmill stands out on a number of levels when compared to other treadmills at similar price points. To start with, the treadmill features a beefy frame that is extremely stable, particularly when running at high speeds. The treadmill equals, or in many cases, exceeds the stability rating of other treadmills at similar price points. It even supports a weight capacity of 400 lbs. – one of the highest in the industry.

The T6 AFG is powered by a strong, 3.0 hp continuous-duty motor and digital drive system, which offers quiet, consistent speed and smooth transitions between speeds. The motor generates speeds ranging between .5 and 12 mph and inclines from zero to 15 percent.

To keep users motivated and focused on a fitness goal, the T6 AFG features eTRAKâ„¢ Performance Tracker technology, an innovative new software that allows users to monitor and evaluate their fitness progress over time. This technology, which is integrated into a large console with a 10×14 LED dot-matrix display, allows users to monitor a variety of workout statistics, including: incline, time, calories, pace, distance and speed. The accumulated data can be viewed in a variety of formats, including: average workout, last workout, weekly total, monthly total and lifetime total.

Key programming features are incorporated into a large round button that makes treadmill programming simple and intuitive. It also allows users to access cumulative data (eTRAK) quickly and easily. The round programming button mirrors technology found in many of today’s cell phones.

The T6 AFG comes with eight preset programs and two custom programs that keep workouts challenging and varied. During workouts, users can monitor heart rate activity through a telemetric receiver with a Polar® chest strap.
The treadmill incorporates a full-size, 20″ x 60″ running area with a thick 4.4 mm orthopedic belt.

To reduce stress to the joints and lower back, the treadmill also features a variable cushioning system. In addition to the treadmill’s high-performance features, the T6 AFG pays close attention to style and aesthetics.

“Since fitness equipment is a main fixture in most homes, a lot of consumers are concerned about the look and feel of their equipment,” Sotis said. “The AFG industrial design team paid particular attention to aesthetics when developing the T6. The progressive look and feel of the product is beyond compare when looking at other treadmills in the category.”

As part of the Elite AFG product launch, Horizon Fitness is also rolling out the T4 AFG non-folding treadmill. The T4 AFG is comparable to the T6 AFG in many capacities, with the exception of the following features: a 2.5 hp continuous-duty motor, an incline range up to 12 percent, a 2.2 mm belt, seven preset programs and one custom program and a weight capacity of 350 lbs.

The T6 AFG and T4 AFG non-folding treadmills come with a lifetime warranty on the frame and 30-year warranty on the motor. For more information about either of these treadmills,go to www.horizonfitnesselite.com or call 1-800-244-4192.

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