There is not much of a difference between the Gold’s Gym Trainer 520 treadmill and the Gold’s Gym 420 treadmill, yet the Trainer 520 costs $20 more than the 420. All of their specifications are identical and the only clearly different aspect is the colors used on the treadmills’ consoles and the telescoping lift system on the deck of the Trainer 520.
As neither treadmill is of that great a quality, the fact that the Trainer 520 is a bit more expensive than a treadmill it is identical to is not impressive. Overall, we would not recommend the Trainer 520.
Price
The cost of the Trainer 520 is $549.
The Trainer 520 Is Built For Users who:
Are on a budget - As some people looking for a decent treadmill are on a strict budget, they may find the Trainer 520 a good option.
Prefer to walk - The Trainer 520 is only good for walking and can be very wobbly when users break into a jog or run.
Need a small treadmill - Compact and slim, the Trainer 520 is a good fit for households which are limited on space.
Why The Trainer 520 earned 2.2 stars
The Trainer 520 treadmill is an okay treadmill. However, there are some drawbacks which may be deal breakers for you.
Very short warranty - With only 90 days to have labor and parts taken care of and 5 years covering the Trainer 520 frame, the warranty is very short.
Restrictive treadmill belt - The treadmill belt measures 18” wide and only 50” long on the Trainer 520.
Budget quality construction - There is a budget level of build construction that the Trainer 520 exhibits which is less than ideal. More plastic than metal makes up the Trainer 520 and it wobbles alarmingly underfoot.
Treadmill Reviews has reviewed many budget treadmills, and we have found the Trainer 520 is not one of the better budget treadmills.
Main Specs - 5/10
Specs “Quick Review”:
Motor Size: 2.5 HP
Running Area: 50” L x 18” W
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Folding: Yes
Footprint In Use (W, L, H): 33” x 70” x 53”
Incline Range: 0-10%
Max Speed: 10 MPH
Treadmill Best For: Walker
Electrical Requirements: 120V
Motor Size - The motor in this treadmill is 2.5 HP, which is smaller than a 2.5 CHP motor as the HP motor only measure the peak strength of the motor, not the continuous strength of the CHP.
Running Area - The running area is 18” wide by 50” long on the Trainer 520. You will need to stay focused so you don’t step on one of the foot rails while using this treadmill.
Weight Capacity - Able to accommodate up to 300 lbs, the Trainer 520 can accommodate the standard weight for many treadmills.
Folding - Unlike the rest of the Gold’s Gym treadmills, the Trainer 520 has a telescoping lift system that helps you raise and lower the deck of the treadmill more easily. You still need to use a spring-loaded pin to secure the deck in the raised position.
Space / Footprint - Measuring 33” wide, 70” long, and 53” high, the Trainer 520 is a slim and compact treadmill which will fit well into most households.
Max Speed - The treadmill’s max speed is 10 MPH, which is average for this price range.
Incline - This treadmill has an incline range of 0-10%, which is also average for this treadmill’s price range.
Features - 6/10
Features “Quick Review”
Display: LCD
PreInstalled Workout Apps: 16
Speakers: Yes
Fans: No
Heart Rate Monitoring: Integrated sensor grips
USB port: No
Audio Jack: Yes
Water bottle cubbies: Yes
Device holder: Yes
Workout Apps - There are 16 different workout programs to choose from when you use the Trainer 520. These exercise programs focus on speed, time, and distance training.
Display - A simple LCD screen is part of the console on the Trainer 520. You can use the racetrack display to track your workout progress.
Speakers - There are speakers on the Trainer 520 but they are not of the best quality.
Fans - No fan comes with the Trainer 520.
Heart Rate Monitoring - You only have integrated sensor grips on the Trainer 520, which are not an accurate way to monitor your heart rate.
Other Tech Features
Tablet shelf
Build Quality - 4/10
Trainer 520 Review: Build Quality
Warranties - 5-year frame & motor, 90 days for parts & labor
Belt - 1-ply
Cushioning - AirStride™ Plus
Customer Support - Live chat, phone, email
Return Policy - 30-day trial period
A 10% restocking fee comes with any returned Trainer 520 treadmills. They also need to be authorized to be sent back within the 30-day trial period. If your treadmill is damaged or defective upon receiving the Trainer 520, you can receive a full refund or exchange with no restocking fee to pay.
The warranty on the Trainer 520 is very short, much like all the Gold’s Gym treadmills. With only 90 days for any labor or parts issues to be resolved, we are very concerned for the projected longevity of the Trainer 520.
Bottom Line Review Of The Gold’s Gym Trainer 520 Treadmill
While the Trainer 520 is not the worst treadmill we have tested and research, it certainly doesn’t rank very high with us or consumers who have purchased it. Not only is it not a very sturdy treadmill, but as one verified purchaser put it “It has some good features but it is like running on cement.”
So, while there are some decent features on this budget treadmill, we would strongly recommend you look over our best treadmills between $500-$700 to see your options in this price range. If you are willing to go a bit higher, the best treadmills under $1,000 will allow you to significantly raise the quality of the treadmill you bring home.
Best Place To Buy The Gold’s Gym Trainer 520 Treadmill
If you are still interested in purchasing the Gold’s Gym Trainer 520 treadmill, then you should go through the Gold’s Gym online store. They will be able to help you have the smoothest purchase experience and will be able to guarantee that the warranty will be honored if you run into problems.
