Golds Gym Elliptical Reviews

Started by fitness legend Joe Gold in 1965, Gold’s Gym opened in Venice, California and quickly became a mecca for body-builders. They expanded locations in 1980 and are now boast over 3 million members, and have gyms in 38 states and 22 countries worldwide. In addition, the company also licenses its name to a line of fitness equipment, accessories and clothing items.

Now Gold’s Gym International, Inc., the company’s corporate headquarters is in the Dallas, Texas area, with franchises all over the world. The company is privately owned, acquired by Robert Rowling’s TRT Holdings in 2004 for $158 million from Brockway Moran & Partners.

ICON Health & Fitness manufacturers the fitness equipment behind the brand name of Gold’s Gym. ICON also develops and manufactures fitness equipment for many other well-known brands including Pro-Form and NordicTrack, and stands as one of the top innovators in fitness equipment since 1977.

Rear-Drive Elliptical Trainers

Gold’s Gym offers a line of rear-drive elliptical trainers, ranging in price from $299 to $499. The Stride Trainer 410 is their elite model, followed by the Stride Trainer 380, and the entry-level Stride Trainer 310 Elliptical.

These trainers are designed with a fixed stride length from 14 to 18 inches, depending on the model, and feature resistance levels ranging from 10-12, again, depending on the model. The 410 model is the only trainer that offers any adjustable feature, which would be adjustable pedals of 3 settings.

The consoles also vary widely by model, with the 410 model as the only trainer featuring a music port with Intermix Acoustics 2.0 speakers and iPod compatibility. This model also includes iFit compatibility and 12 built-in workout programs. The two more inexpensive models feature only basic offerings and 6 built-in workout programs, and not much else.

All models are built with Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR) for noiseless, smooth operation, and all models come with at least a 90-day warranty on parts and labor.

Brand Highlights

• Price: The most expensive elliptical trainer in their series is still under $500, so you can’t beat the price.
• Compact Design: These trainers are ideal for indoor use as they are pretty small and compact, equipped with transport wheels, and easy to move as needed.
• Silent Magnetic Resistance™: These trainers are designed with SMR™, which means additional attention to a smooth, natural feel that is also relatively quiet when in operation.

Brand Lowlights

• Stride Length: Not only do these models lack an adjustable stride; they also offer shorter strides ranging from only 14 inches to 18 inches. Many elliptical trainers will range from 18 inches to 24 inches, so this is a short stride that can be an issue for taller people.
• Console: These consoles are incredibly basic and feature no additional entertainment options or flashy features beyond a display screen and some audio capabilities. No touchscreens or web-enabled consoles here.
• Warranty: The most you are going to get with these elliptical trainers is 5 years on the frame and a 90-day warranty on parts and labor, and that’s only with their 410 model. The other models only cover 90-days on parts and labor, with no other warranty offered.
• No Adjustable Features: The only thing that’s adjustable on any of these models would be the adjustable foot pedals on the 410 model; other than that, not one feature can be customized or adjusted.

Bottom Line

The Gold’s Gym brand is known more for their gyms than their fitness equipment, and that’s primarily because it’s not that great. If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive piece of equipment to get in some cardio, these are great options, but you won’t find much else. These models are also equipped with minimalistic consoles, so lacking in the entertainment offerings department too. Overall, these aren’t terrible, and they get the job done, but they aren’t that great either, as evidenced by the shoddy warranty of 90 days.

 

All Gold’s Gym Ellipticals

Image	Model	Rating	Estimated Price
	Gold’s Gym Stride Trainer 380 Elliptical	2-Stars	See Best Price
	Gold’s Gym Stride Trainer 310 Elliptical	2-Stars	See Best Price