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Editor’s Note: The Gold’s Gym 420 Treadmill is no longer in production. We suggest viewing the XTERRA Fitness TR150 as the best alternative, or view our Best Treadmills Under $500 for more options.
Hearing the name Gold’s Gym makes me think of the film Pumping Iron, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the glory days of bodybuilding. Gold’s Gym is not only a chain of commercial gyms, the brand also dabbled in manufacturing home gym equipment for a time, too.
The company no longer manufacturers home-use equipment, but you can still find an array of all-in-one home gyms, benches, exercise bikes, and treadmills from retailers like Walmart and Amazon.
In this Gold’s Gym 420 treadmill review, I will cover the details of this discontinued cardio machine and offer a comparable machine in case you decide to purchase something newer for your home gym.
We’re Not Just Cardio Snobs, We’re Fitness Pros
Our team of expert product testers here at GGR knows a thing or two about treadmills. We’ve tested dozens of treadmills and written reviews on everything from high-end to budget machines. We’re also a group of industry experts including certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and CrossFit Level 1 Trainers.
Due to the fact the Gold’s Gym 420 treadmill is discontinued, we have not had the chance to test it out. However, with our level of industry experience paired with how many treadmills we’ve actually tested, we know we can give you our expert opinion on this cardio machine.
Looking for an Alternative to the Gold’s Gym 420 Treadmill?
If you prefer to buy a new treadmill, I will suggest the XTERRA TR150. It compares to the Gold’s Gym 420 treadmill in that it folds, reaches top speeds of 10 MPH, and it’s priced under $500.
The running deck area on the TR150 is also similar to the Gold’s Gym 420 Trainer with a 50-inch long running deck, but slightly more narrow at 16 inches. The TR150 features a 2.25 horsepower motor, which is perfect for entry-level treadmill users.
Both treadmills have simple LCD displays, numerous pre-set workouts, and built-in heart rate pulse grips. The TR150 differs from the Gold’s Gym 420 treadmill with the maximum user weight capacity set at 250 pounds and the manual incline settings.
You can get the full details on XTERRA Fitness TR150 in our in-depth review.
Best Alternative to Gold’s Gym 420 Treadmill
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
Product Highlights
- Simple to use
- Lifetime warranty on the frame
- Easy to build
- 12 preset programs
- Deck has sub-par cushioning
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Foldable
- Portable with transport wheels
- Ideal for beginner walkers to speed walkers
- Lightweight
- Great warranty
- Easy-to-read 5-inch LED display
- 12 preset programs onboard
Cons
- Only 2.25 horsepower motor
- Some reviewers report it is noisy
- Water bottle holders on console reportedly do not fit normal bottle sizes
- Users claim they received an error code after one use
- Several reviews reported that the dimensions provided are inaccurate
- Not suited for experienced and heavy users
Bottom Line
The XTERRA TR150 is a starter treadmill available on the lower end of the budget scale offering a commendable lifetime frame warranty and features comparable to competitive models. If you are just beginning your fitness journey, this is a great option for you.
A Quick Look at the Gold’s Gym 420 Treadmill
The Gold’s Gym 420 Trainer treadmill was more readily available around 2015, or at least that’s what I can gather from the user’s manual. Like I mentioned before, you might still be able to snag this treadmill from third-party retailers or secondhand at a garage sale or on Craigslist.
If you decide to purchase this discontinued treadmill, it’s good to know this machine is best suited for beginners, casual runners, and walkers. The motor will support speeds of 10 MPH, however it’s not a machine that is designed to sustain consistent top speeds.
Pros
- 10 levels of incline to choose from
- 16 pre-set workouts
- Pulse sensors to monitor heart rate
- 300-lb weight capacity
- Foldable space saver design
- Deck cushioning
Cons
- Fairly short 50” running area
- Narrow 18” running deck width
- Subpar 5-year frame and motor warranty
- Basic LCD display
Gold’s Gym 420 Treadmill Specs
| Price range | Under $500 at Walmart |
| Footprint | 70” L x 33” W x 53” H |
| Weight capacity | 300 lbs |
| Speed range | 0-10 MPH |
| Incline range | 10 levels |
| Built-in workout programs | 16 |
| Running deck surface | 50” L x 18” W |
| Display | 7” LCD screen |
| Motor | 2.5 CHP, G-Force |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Warranty | 5-year frame and motor, 90-day parts |
Key Features of the Gold’s Gym 420 Treadmill
The Gold’s Gym 420 offers a perfect option for beginners without growing out of the treadmill’s potential too soon. The 2.5 horsepower motor isn’t designed for marathon training, but it will be just fine for casual running, jogging, and walking.
Firstly, I like that you have the option to measure your heart rate quickly with the built-in EKG hand grip heart rate monitor located on the handlebars below the console.
I also like the fact you can make whole integer selections with a tap of the quick speed and quick incline buttons. The cross bar, where the pulse sensors are located, has arrow keys for more refined selection.
The 420 Trainer also offers 16 built-in workouts in addition to manual mode. Each pre-set workout controls the speed and incline of the treadmill for you, so you can experience a hands-free cardio session.
Footprint and Portability
With the Gold’s Gym 420 Trainer measuring 70 inches long, 33 inches wide, and 53 inches tall it’s certainly not a small machine, but you can gain back some floor space with the space saver foldable design.
The treadmill running deck folds upward toward the console and locks in place in a vertical position. One thing that is worth mentioning is the fact that gas shock folding mechanisms are typically not found on older treadmill models.
You’ll have to hold firmly with your one hand and pull the latch knob to the other to release the locked position and bring the running deck down to the floor with both hands.
Durability
This treadmill has a 2.5 horsepower motor, which is the minimum power we like to see in home treadmills for running. It also has a 300-pound user weight capacity, which is adequate for many users but not stellar.
These two factors often determine how durable a treadmill will be. That said, this treadmill is a middle-of-the-road machine. It’s not meant for serious miles at high speeds, but it’s capable of delivering effective workouts.
Ergonomics
The Gold’s Gym 420 will be a tough sell for tall runners or anyone with a long gait. The tread belt is only 50 inches long and 18 inches wide. We like to see at least 60 inches to let a variety of users feel comfortable taking full strides.
While the deck might not work for everyone, you can take advantage of Airsoft cushioning to absorb the impact of running on your joints.
Technology Benefits and Conveniences
The Gold’s Gym trainer has everything you need and nothing you don’t. This machine is equipped with a simple 7-inch LCD screen to display the basic metrics like speed, incline, time, distance, calories burned, and pulse.
You will have the option to play your own music through the Intermix Acoustics 2.0 sound system using an auxiliary port to plug in an iPod or MP3 player.
This model also has a media shelf if you want to use your own device for workouts or streaming entertainment. There are also two large cup holders for Nalege-size water bottles.
Final Verdict of Our Gold’s Gym 420 Treadmill Review
The Gold’s Gym Trainer 420 treadmill will not be the home treadmill for everyone. It lacks updated technology and motor power to support serious running. However, this is a perfect option if you’re looking for the basics and these things excite you:
- Deck cushioning
- Speeds up to 10 MPH
- Incline settings up 10%
- No-frills console
- Large water bottle holders
- EKG pulse grip sensors
Gold’s Gym 420 Treadmill Rating
Overall score: 3.21
Gold's Gym 420 Treadmill
If you’re interested in an alternative to the Gold’s Gym 420 Treadmill, check out the XTERRA Fitness TR150.
Product Brand: Gold's Gym
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 406.41
Product In-Stock: SoldOut
3.21
Gold’s Gym 420 Treadmill FAQs
Who Makes Gold Gym treadmills?
According to the Gold’s Gym 420 owner’s manual, the treadmill is manufactured and distributed under license from Gold’s Gym Merchandising, Inc.
How much weight can a Gold’s Gym treadmill hold?
The three Gold’s Gym treadmills we’ve reviewed all have a 300-pound user weight capacity. This includes the 410, 420, and the 720.
How do I turn off my Gold’s gym treadmill?
Use the stop button to bring the treadmill belt to complete stop, remove the safety key, and flip the reset switch, located on the front end of the treadmill (below the motor hood).
Is Gold’s Gym 420 treadmill good for beginners?
Yes, this is an excellent choice for beginners. The motor power will support users up to 300 pounds, speeds of 10 MPH, and 10 levels of incline. However, this machine is not designed for rigorous, sustained running. For beginners the machine offers enough power to get you through a variety of cardio workouts, but does not overwhelm you with tech features.
Further reading
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