by Tim Harry

Created on: October 27, 2008   Last Updated: November 01, 2008

There is one man who is often credited as being the father of bodybuilding, and that is Joe Gold from Los Angeles in California. It was Joe Gold who opened up the first of the Gold's Gyms on Pacific Avenue, Venice Beach, California in the Autumn of 1965. It was a gym that soon became an iconic fixture in the area. The positioning of the gym was key, as it was near to the already famous "Muscle Beach", and it was soon attracting the leading body builders of the day including Arnold Schwarzenegger, the newly arrived Austrian muscleman.

Joe Gold soon proved himself to be an excellent personal trainer, but he was an even better business man. Gold figured that he could make money from the brand name by encouraging the purchase of the name in the form of franchises. It was an inspired move and by 1970 Joe Gold was in a position to sell the chain of Gold's Gyms, today although still called Gold's Gyms the chain was brought again in 2004 for $158 million by TRT Holdings Inc.

The initial success of Gold's Gyms though was helped by its role in the 1977 film, "Pumping Iron" which starred Lou Ferrigno, Franco Columbo and of course Arnold Schwarzenegger. Gold's Gyms soon became a destination for the ordinary citizen, as well as the celebrity. Franchises continued to be sold and today there are almost six hundred and fifty Gold's Gyms around the world, although most are based in North America. These six hundred and fifty gyms cater to three million active members.

Gold's Gyms suffer with the same issue as all franchise operations as standards do vary from establishment to establishment. In the most general terms Gold's Gums are well known for their range of exercise equipment and trainers. Although traditionally focused on strength work, in recent years there has also been a growth in yoga, pilates and cardiovascular workouts. Overall the quality of equipment and cleaning standards matches up well to other international gyms.
That though is not to say that there is not issues with Gold's Gyms and complaints about the chain are not unknown. It is though another generalization to say that there are often issues revolving around membership. People have had problems cancelling their membership and also the charging of fees has been inconsistent. The membership though will normally allow you to access a Gold's Gym wherever you are in the world.

Overall Gold's Gyms are one of the leading gyms. If you are looking to the standard of equipment and the training possibilities then my personal opinion is that the chain is as good as any available. With the right attitude the gym can help with any fitness regime, and is no longer just for bodybuilders. Care though needs to be taken when signing up, read through the small print and be sure before signing that contract.

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