Gold’s Gym Trainer 690 Treadmill Review

  About Fred Waters

The Gold’s Gym Trainer 690 is made by Icon Fitness, which also builds ProForm, NordicTrack, Reebok, Epic and several other popular brands.  Yes, it is affordable — around $600!  But when it comes to fitness equipment, you definitely get what you pay for.

When you look at the features, you might think you’re getting a real bargain with the Gold’s Gym Trainer 690.  Unfortunately, the quality of this machine is sacrificed to make it more affordable. 

The walking deck on the GG Trainer 690 is only 17” x 50.”  The width of the treadmill is a real drawback. Take a tape measure and see just how wide 17" is. There are some ProForm treadmills for about the same price that have 20" wide belts. This treadmill is practical only for walking and only for users 5’7” or shorter.

The 2.25 continuous duty motor is adequate for walkers. It can probably handle joggers running at a moderate pace, but overall I would not recommend this treadmill for joggers.

What are some of the attractions on the Gold’s Gym Trainer 690 treadmill?

At first glance, the features on the Gold’s Gym Trainer 690 seem quite nice for a treadmill in its price category.  Just keep in mind that the parts used in this model are not of the highest quality.  The features on the Maxx Trainer 685 include:

• Twelve personal trainer workouts – The variety of preprogrammed workouts lets you mix up your exercise sessions to keep you motivated to reach your fitness goals.  Each workout automatically adjusts the speed and incline levels on this treadmill to focus on aerobic, weight loss, or endurance fitness.
• 0-10 mph speed – With the quick touch of a button, you can adjust the treadmill’s speed to suit your level of fitness.  On the Trainer 690, however, the motor isn’t really designed to handle speeds higher than a brisk walk.
• 0%-5% incline – A 5% incline is not all that steep. I typically set my treadmill at 12% when I am walking.
• LCD display – This is a decent LCD window that displays a motivational race track for monitoring the progress of your workout.  It also graphically displays your workout on a 7 x 10 workout matrix.  Monitor your speed, distance, time, calories burned, and pulse rate.
• Heart rate monitor – Heart rate can be monitored by grasping the handlebars with built-in pulse sensors.  The reading won’t be as accurate as you would get with a wireless chest heart rate monitor.  Nevertheless, it will give you a general idea as to how hard you are training.
• Warranty - 15-years motor and 1-year parts and labor. Not bad for the price. Although you may want to consider extra coverage.

Our Review – The Gold’s Gym Trainer 690 Treadmill

If you’re short on money and short on stature, you could get by with the Gold’s Gym Trainer 690 treadmill...for awhile, anyway.  This machine isn’t built to last long.  It isn’t built for large people.  It isn’t built to handle joggers or runners. 

The GG Trainer 690is sold only at Walmart.com.  If you want it delivered to your home, you have to pay extra for shipping and handling.  You can, however, have it delivered to your local Walmart store with free shipping.  Once it arrives at the store, you are responsible for picking up the treadmill and getting it home.  The machine weighs 185 pounds.  If you choose in-store pickup, you will probably need to find someone to help with moving the treadmill.

The low price and the listed features might get your attention and lure you towards the purchase of the Gold’s Gym Trainer 690.  Before you spend your money, though, check out some of Icon’s Proform treadmills.  You would be better off buying a Proform on sale than using your hard-earned money for the Trainer 690.