| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Motor | Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gold's Gym 720 Check Discounted Price | L:73" W:36" H:56" | 300 lbs | 2.6 CHP, 1-10 MPH | 18 | Frame: lifetime Motor: 25 years Parts: 1 year Labor: 1 year |
Gold’s Gym offers fitness equipment of the highest quality, at excellent prices. And when it comes to treadmills, the Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 treadmill is one of their best sellers. In fact, it’s one of the best running machines that you will find under $600. This treadmill is actually quite similar to the ProForm ZT6 treadmill. These two machines have basically the same specs, but their design differs a little bit.
Even though it’s an entry level running treadmill, this Gold’s Gym model still has quite an impressive array of features. We’re pretty sure you have at least one question regarding some of its features and functions, and in this review we’ll try to cover them all, and provide as much information as possible.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 73L x 36W x 56H inches (185.4L x 91.4W x 142.2H cm)
- Tread belt dimensions: 55L x 20W inches (139.7L x 50.8W cm)
- Assembled weight: 203 lbs (92 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Motor: 2.6 CHP G-Force 2 commercial motor
- Incline: Automatic, 0-10%
- Deck cushioning: 2-cell AirStride cushioning
- Speed levels: 0-10 MPH
- Console: 18 workout programs
- Amenities: Sound system, CoolAire fan, tablet holder, 2x accessory holder
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor 25 years / Parts 1 year / Labor 1 year
Console
First of all, this is the Gold’s Gym 720 treadmill with the model number of GGTL59613.0. This particular model comes with a rather basic display, divided in 3 parts, which indicate incline and calories, time and distance, heart rate and speed. Time is indicated in MPH, while distance in miles only. The unit is not telemetry enabled, cannot read pulse via a chest strap transmitter. However, the front bars of the machine integrates pulse sensors. Thus, by 
holding onto the sensors as you run, you can keep track of your heart rate.
The console features 18 built-in workout programs, divided in 4 categories: Calorie, Intensity, Speed and Incline. Each program will adjust speed and incline automatically, depending on the current workout segment. Evidently, there’s also a Manual mode, which allows you to adjust incline and speed as you run.
There are keys for gradual adjustment and quick adjustment on the console, for speed and incline. The quick keys for both these values go from 1 to 10. However, with the gradual keys, you can adjust them in smaller increments. For example, you can adjust speed in 0.1 increments from the – / + keys, feature that gives you the possibility to easily find the right pace for a certain workout. There are also Start and Stop keys for cases when you need to interrupt your workout, or if you want to combine manual mode, with various other off-treadmill workouts.
There are several amenities incorporated in the machine’s console. These are: CoolAire fan, sound system, tablet holder and two lateral accessory holders. So, here’s a short description for each one of them.
To begin with, the accessory compartments on the side of the console are pretty spacious, being able play the role of bottle holders as well. You can keep there just about anything you need to have at hand when running, such as towel, earplugs, remote control etc.
The CoolAire fan is situated between the quick keys. It has several speed settings. There are two keys on the console for its speed adjustments. Press one repeatedly to select the desired speed, or to turn it off. The top part of the fan plastic guard doubles as a tablet holder or magazine rack. In other words you can fix your tablet onto it, and watch your favorite streams as you run.
The sound system consists on two acoustic chambered speakers. It’s compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones and tablets. Therefore, you can connect your device to the console and play your music through the treadmill’s speakers. Although the sound rendered doesn’t reach the clarity of a dedicated sound system, it’s still much better than just the speaker of your phone. On top of that, earplugs may cause discomfort and hindrance when running. Volume can be adjusted from your device, but there are also volume adjustment keys on the console.
Last but not least, the console unit features the magnetic safety key that most other fitness machines of this type have.
Motor
This Gold’s Gym treadmill features a G-Force 2 motor. This is a 2.6 CHP commercial grade motor, which means it should be able to withstand prolonged workouts at full (10 MPH) speed, without overheating, losing power or choking. However, even though it’s not a bad motor, it’s not exactly the best choice for long distance running. In case you’re looking for a treadmill to run for 10 or more miles every day, it’s best to opt for a machine with a more powerful CHP motor, and a sturdier deck, such as the ProForm Boston Marathon 4.0 or 3G Cardio Elite.
This motor can offer speeds up to 10 MPH. As we’ve mentioned above, speed can be adjusted in increments of 0.1 MPH, by using the gradual speed adjustment keys. But you can also directly select the desired speed from 1-10 MPH. Evidently, the passing from a speed setting to another is done gradually not instantly, therefore you will have the time to adjust your pace as well.
The motor itself is pretty quiet. It emits the average buzzing noise that most treadmills make, especially when running at higher speeds. However, it’s far from being excessively loud. In other words, you should be able to watch TV without having to turn volume up loud.
Needless to say, since it’s a motorized treadmill, it must be connected to a power source. It requires a 120-volt nominal circuit. It comes with a 3-prong plug, and when the power cord connects with the machine, you’ll also find a power switch. It’s recommended to not plug other devices into an outlet on the same circuit with the treadmill, to avoid power surges. Also, a surge suppressor is recommended.
Frame and deck construction
The Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 treadmill is built on a steel frame. It has a footprint of 73″L x 29″W (approx. 186 x 74 cm). However, it’s slightly wider at the arms, having an overall width
of 36″ (91.4 cm). It’s not a very small machine, and considering that you will need to keep at least 3′ of clearance at the rear and at least 1′ of clearance on the sides for safety, we can say that it’s not exactly the best choice for a small room or apartment.
However, this treadmill features a folding frame. The deck folds up, and connects to the left upright bar of the console via a latch. When folded up, the machine’s depth is cut to half, being approx. 34″L x 36″W (84 x 91.4 cm), while its height raises up to approx 65″ (165 cm). The folding system does not involve a soft drop mechanism. Therefore, when folding and unfolding the deck you must be careful not to drop it.
The metallic frame rests on rubberized, adjustable feet at the rear, and two non-adjustable stabilizers at the front. The rear part of the front base of the frame integrates wheels, to facilitate the transport of the folded treadmill.
The deck uses a 1-ply (2 layer), industrial quality running belt. The belt’s dimensions are 55″L x 20″W (140 x 51 cm), which means it’s long and wide enough accommodate runners up to 6’2″ – 6’3″ (188 – 191 cm) with no problem.
Last but not least, the deck features a 2-cel AirStride cushioning system. This means it’s designed to absorb at least 25% of the workout impact on your joints. It’s not overly flexible though. In fact, the deck is sturdy enough to support users up to 300 lbs.
Incline and step-up height
As we’ve mentioned above, the Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 treadmill features a motorized incline
system, which is controlled exclusively from the console unit of the machine. It offers an incline range between 0% and 10% which can considerably diversify the workouts that can be carried out on this machine. Even though 10% may not seem that much, running at 7-8 MPH with this incline setting for example, is quite a challenge for most.
The step-up height of this treadmill is approx. 8″, when the deck is set at 0% incline. At maximum incline, the deck will give you an elevation of several more inches. Therefore, you should add at least 15″-16″ (38 – 41 cm) to your own height, in order to determine the required ceiling height for you, to use the machine safely.
Assembly and Maintenance
Since the machine weighs over 200 lbs, assembly requires two people. But the process itself is pretty much straightforward. The treadmill’s deck comes fully assembled, connected to the front frame part, with the belt already on the rollers, and the motors installed. You will basically have to attach the console masts, connect wires and finally attach the console. With two people, this shouldn’t take more than 45 min. – 1 hour. Two hex keys are supplied with the machine, but you will need your own Phillips screwdriver.
Since the machine is heavy, it’s best to place it on a mat, to prevent damage to the floor, and to maximize its stability.
For maintenance, the most important aspect is keeping the tread belt clean, free of dirt or any objects that can be caught underneath, or inside the motor. The belt is pre-lubricated, but in case you’ll use this machine daily, additional lubrication may be required. Lubricant is not supplied with the machine though, however just about any silicone lubricant for treadmills should do.
Lastly, in order to benefit from the full warranty of this machine, you will have to register it with WorkoutWarehouse. The manual supplied will guide you through this process as well.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame construction;
- Solid deck, being able to support users up to 300 lbs;
- Folding frame, space-saving design;
- Deck cushioning (2 cell), absorbing up to 25% of the workout impact;
- Motorized incline, 0% – 10%;
- 2.6 CHP motor, offering speeds up to 10 MPH, and being able to support running workouts;
- Speed adjustability in increments of 0.1 MPH, allowing you to find the perfect pace for your workout;
- EGK grip sensors;
- 18 built-in workout programs;
- Various amenities such as sound system, 2-speed fan, tablet shelf, accessory holders;
- Quiet operation;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No customizable workout programs (user profiles);
- Fan not extremely powerful;
- Console not telemetry enabled, so in order to keep track of your pulse, you need to hold onto the front bar as you run/walk;
Bottom Line
The Gold’s Gym 720 treadmill is an entry level running machine. It can supply running workouts, it’s not just for walking or light jogging. However, since its speed range doesn’t extend over 10 MPH, it’s not exactly a treadmill for professional runners. It’s a machine made for anyone who wants to walk, jog or run for a couple of miles per day. Like most treadmills, it’s a machine great for losing weight, keeping a healthy cardiovascular shape, building stamina and toning muscles. It doesn’t have fancy features such as online connectivity, but on the other hand it’s an affordable machine. In fact, it offers excellent value for the money.