Despite its Hollywood connections, this franchise's focus is on pumping iron, not newfangled razzle-dazzle.

by Contributor

In Short
The Terminator and the Incredible Hulk (aka Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno) lifted weights at the gym's Venice, California, flagship years ago, but even today, customers frequenting charter locations are bound to encounter serious muscle. Take note: The boys with bulging biceps are the mascots, not the majority. Gold's generally offers Spinning, aerobics and kickboxing classes, yet weight-training remains the core of the program. Dumbbells and barbells, not spa-like amenities, are the attractions that draw the beef-heads in droves.

11/15/07

AVOID THE SCAM!!

by lorenzee

UPDATED BELOW:

I love Gold's Gyms! Clean, affordable, excellent equipment and facilities. The problem with this particular location is you need a certain level of self confidence to exist there peacefully if you're out of shape. Jerky jock types will definitely size you up in there. Also the women's private gym area is all the way on the other end of the building. From the ladies locker room you have to walk down this long catwalk through the center of the gym where all eyes are upon you as you make your way along. VERY intimidating if you're not part of the 4% of people with a perfect body. The scale in the ladies room has been broken for a while so you have to weigh yourself in front of everybody out in the open area if you want keep tabs on yourself. Icky icky icky if you don't want the world to know you weight. The parking lot jams with people at peak times, the lockers fill up, if you can't stand rap bring your own music. I love the gym, I get an excellent workout, the staff is friendly and helpful, they have great childcare facilities and the cost is fiscally responsible for my budget BUT the atmosphere is not for the faint of heart.

UPDATE: Membership contract ran out and they are STILL charging me even though I no longer have access to the fascility. They refer me to some company call ABC who won't cancel my account until I send them a certified letter saying I want them to. And they will continue to charge me for two months after that. I'm currently in talks with the Attorney General's office about these crooks. AVOID THE SCAM!

• Pros: Clean, professional, state of the art, good location
• Cons: They are theives