Gold's Gym Trainer 720 Treadmill Review
If you are keen on year-round cardio, you have probably thought about purchasing a treadmill.
These machines make it relatively easy to keep your training consistent, and while running on a treadmill is never as good as running outside, it is a great option for those times when the weather forces you to stay inside.
Now, finding the right treadmill for you might be a long and difficult process, as there are a multitude of brands and models of treadmills, and each has a semi-specific target customer.
Because of every little difference within the different kinds of treadmills, it is important to perform your due diligence and research extensively before you purchase.
The first question you have to answer for yourself is purely monetary – how much can you afford to spend on your treadmill? Your answer to this question will dictate what kinds of treadmills you are looking at.
If money is not a concern, then you will probably look into the higher-end treadmills, which could cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000, and come fully equipped with cutting-edge technology and a sturdy, time-tested frame.
But if you are operating on a strict budget, you might try and find an option for somewhere in the $400-$600 range.
While difficult, this search is not impossible, as there are quite a few budget-treadmill options. Unfortunately, when you buy cheap, you get cheap – these machines are just not comparable to their more expensive cousins.
Regardless, if you have come across the Gold’s Gym Trainer 430i Treadmill, here is what we think of it.
Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 Treadmill
The Golds Gym Trainer 720 Treadmill has an in-betweener entry-level design.
It is decidedly worlds’ better than the Gold Gym 420 treadmill, which is objectively a crappy machine, but it is still not really competitive with the more expensive models.
Again, you get what you pay for. This machine has accrued an average rating on Amazon.
I’ll break down into specifics in a moment, but the general consensus is that this is a decent treadmill. It’s not terrible, nor is it fantastic – as I said, it is an in-betweener.
It is certainly no more than an entry-level machine, and its long-term endurance is doubtful, but for moderate to intermediate use, it will get the job done.
Specs and Stuff
This 160-pound folding treadmill is designed to be light and compact. The belt size is 20 x 55, which is a relatively decent improvement in comparison to the 420, which is only 18 inches wide.
But even at 20 inches, there are some people with larger frames who will find that the tread is too narrow – just something to keep in mind before purchasing.
It is powered by a 2.6 HP motor – unfortunately, this motor is not measured in CHP (Continuous Horse Power) and so might not be able to sustain high speeds for long periods of time.
It has a weight capacity of approximately 300 pounds, though if you are above 250, I would either be cautious or simply look for a more durable home gym treadmill.
The Gold Gym Trainer 720 treadmill has a maximum incline of 9.5%, which is lower than the maximum incline of the Gold Gym 420 models, though not by enough to be of extreme importance.
It includes heart rate monitor handlebars, but unfortunately does not allow for the connection of a chest monitor – it will likely be inaccurate in its measurements. It also includes two cup holders, a built-in fan, and an mp3 player.
Its full dimensions are 72.5 inches long and 35 inches wide, which is larger than its cousin, the 420, but is still compact enough so that you could squeeze it into a tight space.
The Gold Gym Trainer 720 treadmill includes a small LED screen and has 18 preprogrammed workouts, which is one of the strongest aspects of this treadmill.
At a similar price range, you’ll find some treadmills with more workouts and some with less. But, this a good number that allows for varied yet intense training.
And, especially on a home gym treadmill, having workouts (the treadmill adjusts speed and incline differently for each workout) makes it a lot easier to get a good workout in.
The Gold Gym Trainer 720 Treadmill also includes something called Air-Stride Cushioning, which just serves to provide a smoother run while also decreasing the impact of impact. This is another of the better aspects of the 720 treadmill.
Other than that, the 720 Trainer is a relatively standard model – nothing especially unique, nothing that really stands out.
Should I Get It?
That depends on the kind of athlete you are and the kind of athlete you would like to be, especially during the winter season.
If you would consider yourself to be a runner – this means you run consistently, have been running consistently, and plan to continue running consistently (several days a week) – you might consider a more expensive option.
Nothing below $1,000 will give you the kind of solid, sturdy, and long-term machine that can meet your needs and allow your training to hit the next level.
If you consider yourself to be an occasional runner or would like to start becoming a runner – this means you run a few days a week, at a low distance, with a low to intermediate intensity – this Golds Gym Trainer is a decent starter option.
Any level of planned athleticism below the occasional run would pair well with this treadmill. But again, if you plan on really putting it through its paces, the more expensive treadmills are going to be more useful to you.
Overall, this is not a bad machine. It is much, much better than Golds Gym 420 Treadmill or the Golds Gym 430i Treadmill models, but has some of the same characteristics – it is cheaply built with low-quality materials, and is also compact, which is equal parts good and bad, depending on what you’re looking for in a treadmill.
To sum this home gym treadmill up in one phrase, it is a good budget and space-friendly starter machine.
Article by:
Daniel DeMoss
I’m a personal trainer based in Denver (Matrix Gym) and a true fitness nerd. If I’m not training clients or working out at my home gym, I’m probably skiing, cycling or hiking with my dog Rufus.
Get in touch: daniel@dumbbellsreview.com
