Gold’s Gym Maxx Crosswalk 650 Treadmill Review

  Treadmill Articles

Sold only through Walmart.com, the Gold’s Gym Maxx Crosswalk 650 treadmill has a little something that most other treadmills do not have: movable cross-training handlebars.

Several people who bought the Gold’s Gym Maxx Crosswalk 650 treadmill said they bought it because of its affordability.  A number of those people even gave this machine pretty good reviews!  I gotta tell you that, for a treadmill that costs below $1,000, the Crosswalk 650 does have some things going for it.

Just be aware that the Gold’s Gym Maxx Crosswalk 650 IS NOT a top-of-the-line model, and it could end up having lots of maintenance issues and a very brief lifespan.  Generally speaking, you do get what you pay for!  I certainly wouldn’t recommend buying this machine to use for intense running.  Nevertheless, if you don’t have a lot of money to spend on fitness equipment, this particular treadmill could be one to consider for walking.

Let’s take a look at what the Crosswalk 650 has to offer:

• Six audio cross-training workouts – This helps you focus on reaching your fitness goals by providing audio coaching during your exercise sessions.
• Moving handlebars to combine upper body workouts with lower body exercise – This is a feature that sounds good on the surface; however, it can be rather awkward using the handlebars as you walk.  You really need to be very close to the console to operate the movable handlebars.  This means that you have to walk at the very front of the treadbelt, making your stride shorter and the workout less comfortable.
• 1.75 Continuous Duty HP motor – This is not a very powerful motor.  In fact, it’s really only good for walking.  Nonetheless, the motor is backed by a 25-year warranty, which isn’t such a bad deal.
• 20” x 55” treadbelt – This is a decent size walking surface for a treadmill in this price range. 
• iPod dock – It’s been found that exercising to music can really keep one motivated.  The Maxx Crosswalk 650 comes with built-in speakers. The iPod dock lets you plug in your iPod and rock to your favorite tunes.
• Backlit LCD display – The backlit display is easier to read than other LCD displays. 
• Heart rate monitor – Pulse sensors are located in the handlebars, which can make taking a heart rate reading a bit awkward while you’re walking.  To get an accurate reading, however, and to see if you are working in your targeted heart rate zone, you need to continue walking while checking your heart rate.
• 0% to 10% incline capability – To increase the intensity of your workouts, you can increase the incline level with the touch of a button.  Walking on an incline can make your exercise sessions more efficient.
• Four personal trainer workouts – These built-in workout programs provide a little variety from which to choose.  If you use the aerobic program, you would do better to keep the workout at a fast, steady walking pace.  As stated previously, I don’t recommend running on this treadmill. 

Our Review: Gold’s Gym Maxx Crosswalk 650 Treadmill

Although the Gold’s Gym Maxx Crosswalk 650 treadmill is made by Icon Fitness, it isn’t one of Icon’s best treadmill models.  It IS fairly inexpensive, making it more affordable for people who do not have much extra money to spend on frivolous things.  It also has some decent features.

If you buy the Crosswalk 650, you might find that you really like it…at first, however, this is a budget treadmill with limitations.  It is designed for moderate usage and primarily walkers.  The stated user weight limit is rather high and I would place it at about 200 lbs.  The 650 comes with only a one-year parts and labor warranty.  Consider extending the warranty to protect your investment. 

The theory behind the movable handlebars on the Maxx Crosswalk 650 is a good one: work the upper body and lower body simultaneously to get a more efficient workout.  In reality, however, this type of setup works much better on an elliptical trainer.

The Gold's Gym Maxx Crosswalk 650 is only available at Walmart.com. There is free shipping to your local store, where you have to pick it up. There is an additional cost for shipping to your home.

Note: The company that builds Gold's Gym treadmills also builds ProForm and NordicTrack. They offer some good values in the plus $700 price range. Most models come with a liftetime warranty on the motor and 1-year parts and labor coverage.

Also see Gold's Gym 450 Review and the Gold's Gym Maxx Trainer 685 Review.