Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 Treadmill Review (2024): No Longer the Golden Child

Editor’s Note: The Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 Treadmill is no longer in production. We suggest viewing the ProForm Carbon T7 as the best alternative, or view our Best Treadmills Under $1,000 roundup for more options.

Do I get weirdly sad about things that are gone for no discernible reason? Yes, yes I do. This explains why I feel nostalgic for things of yesteryear, like playing Old Maid with my grandma, elementary school ice-cream parties, and even treadmills that have gone sayonara, like the Gold’s Gym Trainer 720.

Most of us know Gold’s Gym as the birthplace of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s bodybuilding career, but this iconic brand has done more than just provide a platform for the Terminator. Although it doesn’t appear that they make any type of gym equipment anymore, Gold’s Gym did previously produce benches, home gyms, exercise bikes, and even treadmills for the general public.

In this Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 treadmill review, I’ll detail all the information you need to know about this discontinued cardio machine (plus, offer a currently produced alternative).

We Have Gold-Medal Treadmill Knowledge 

GGR may not have participated in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but we sure know what it means to write gold medal-worthy reviews on fitness equipment. After all, we’re a group of certified personal trainers, former college athletes, and nutrition coaches. We know fitness and have the experience and certifications to put our (imaginary) gold medal where our mouth is. 

Looking for an Alternative to the Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 Treadmill?

If you’re looking for a treadmill with similar specs to the Gold’s Gym Trainer 720, I’d recommend the ProForm Carbon T7. This machine has the same incline and speed options as the 720, as well as the exact deck dimensions. You’ll also be treated to a slightly more powerful motor (but not by much) and an upgraded seven-inch touchscreen on the Carbon T7.

Best Alternative to Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 Treadmill

ProForm Carbon T7 Folding Treadmill

GGR Score: 3.83

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Compact and foldable
• Cushioned running deck for longer runs
• Integrated speakers
• Cooling fans

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact
• Foldable
• Cushioned running deck
• Integrated speakers
• Cooling fans
• Free 30-day iFIT membership
• Financing available

Cons

• No onboard pre-programmed workouts
• Smaller running surface

Bottom Line

The ProForm Carbon T7 is an affordable folding treadmill with nice cushioning. Its folding design, added conveniences, and optionality for interactive programming are attractive to those with limited floor space.

A Quick Look at the Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 Treadmill

The Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 is no longer in production, and the brand doesn’t appear to be making treadmills or other exercise equipment anymore. When browsing the gym’s website, I noticed that they only have information about their actual in-person gyms and currently purchasable apparel. However, you can still buy a smattering of older strength training equipment on Walmart’s website and at other online retailers.

If you’re able to get your hands on the Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 (or you’re just curious about what this defunct treadmill model has to offer), keep reading to find out what we think:

Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 Treadmill Specs

Key Features of the Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 Treadmill

Although I haven’t personally been on the Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 treadmill, I can deduce things about its performance based on the specs. When in production, this treadmill was under $600, which makes it a budget machine. 

Besides being relatively affordable, the 720 also features 10 incline options and a 10 mile-per-hour speed maximum. These are both in line with the current treadmill industry standards. You’ll also notice a 20-inch-by-55-inch deck, which is ideal for walkers, joggers, and shorter runners. I generally prefer a 60-inch deck for taller people who run, but 55 inches isn’t the end of the world.

You won’t find a touchscreen on the 720, but you will be able to use the intuitive, LCD display. This display shows typical metrics like calories burned, distance traveled, incline, and speed alongside handy jump buttons. If you’re someone who enjoys HIIT or just wants to change settings quickly, jump buttons can be quite handy.

I’m impressed with the 300-pound weight limit on the 720, which hits the industry standard for what we expect to see. It is worth noting that this machine is relatively heavy at 203 pounds, so you’ll likely need another set of hands to help you move it (in addition to the assistance provided by the included transport wheels).

This machine, like many other residential treadmills, is able to be compacted for easy storage. Thanks to the gas shock on the underside of the deck, this machine can be gently folded and unfolded in a snap. Even better? You won’t have to worry about the 720’s deck slamming down and crushing your big toe. 

Footprint, Portability, and Durability

Although the 720 isn’t what I’d call extremely portable, it can still be moved with relative ease. I do suggest grabbing an extra friend or two, especially if you plan to bring it up or down flights of stairs. Since you don’t need to worry about having to leave this machine fully expanded all the time, it is a viable option for small spaces. If you’re in a condo or an average-sized apartment, I think the 720 would likely fit just fine. 

Although a treadmill’s true durability can’t be tested without many years of use, the offered warranty will generally clue you in to what you can expect. In the case of the Gold’s Gym Trainer 720, you get a lifetime frame warranty and a 25-year motor warranty. 

This is what we expect to see on high-end treadmills, so to see it on a budget machine is impressive. However, if you were to get your hands on this machine today, I’m not sure how you’d be able to cash in on the warranty (since Gold’s Gym doesn’t make treadmills anymore).

Technology Benefits and Conveniences

Since this is an older treadmill, there aren’t lots of the tech-y features you may be used to seeing on more modern machines. For example, take the included iPod jack. Maybe you still rock out with your iPod Nano or Shuffle (in which case, you’re in luck), but if you don’t, this is a useless feature. 

I do like the intuitive and simple LCD display, but it certainly isn’t a touchscreen. You also won’t find on-demand interactive programming, but you can choose between 18 different preset workout options. 

You’ll also find a few other conveniences onboard the Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 such as: 

• Coolaire workout fan
• Dual speakers
• Safety key
• AirStride cushioning
• Heart rate monitor built-in to handles

Final Verdict of Our Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 Treadmill Review

For the price, this is a nice, entry-level treadmill. You’ll get an excellent warranty, a solid user weight capacity, and decent incline and speed options. However, you do have to compromise on technology features and motor horsepower. 

If you’re able to pick this treadmill up for a reasonable price on the secondhand market, it doesn’t seem to be a bad buy. Just be aware of what you’re getting: A budget-friendly treadmill without many bells and whistles.  

Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 Treadmill Rating

Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 Treadmill

If you’re interested in an alternative to the Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 Treadmill, check out the ProForm Carbon T7 Treadmill.

Product Brand: Gold's Gym

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 1403

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.71

Gold’s Gym Trainer 720 Treadmill FAQs

Caroline Lubinsky, CF-L1

Caroline is a former NCAA D1 Women’s College Soccer player who also played in the WPSL, the second highest level of professional women’s soccer in the United States. Although soccer was her first love, Caroline eats, sleeps, and breathes all things fitness. She credits her high school’s football coach, Jason Estep, with teaching her how to properly use a barbell at 15 years old and inspiring an enduring love for strength training. Caroline is also a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. Content wise, Caroline has a background in Public Relations and previously worked in the Communication department at Appalachian State University. When Caroline isn’t writing or working out, she works with dachshund rescue groups and listens to way too many true crime podcasts.

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