I first joined Gold’s Gym after I graduated from college. I was set on losing the infamous freshman 15 and getting in shape for my wedding. It’s now almost 6 years later. I credit my Gold’s Gym membership with helping me get myself back on the fitness track. A Gold’s Gym membership is the perfect choice for someone looking to get fit in 2008.
According to its Web site, Gold’s Gym was initially founded in 1965. It now has more than 600 gyms worldwide, in 41 states and 28 countries across the globe. They boast over 3 million members worldwide. Gold’s Gyms are independently owned and operated franchises. Therefore, there may be some variation in price and amenities at specific locations.
A membership at Gold’s Gym is reasonably priced. Many franchises are currently participating in a holiday and New Year special where memberships are available for purchase in 3 and 6 month increments for $99 and $199, respectively. All Gold’s Gyms offer a Free 1-day VIP Pass to prospective members that are local residents. This one day pass is a great way to get a feel for the gym without making a financial commitment. This is why I first decided to give Gold’s Gym a try.
A typical Gold’s Gym is a no-frills gym. Expect free weight training equipment, weight training machines for circuit training, and cardio equipment. Personal training and a schedule of group exercise classes are also typically offered. Single sex locker rooms are standard and typically well maintained. The personal training sessions are offered by
Some Gold’s Gyms offer additional amenities to their members, including childcare, sauna and steam rooms, and tanning. Be sure to contact specific locations in order to verify what services they offer. Hours at each franchise will vary slightly. As a guideline, the Gold’s Gym in Fairfax, Virginia, is open from 5 AM to 11 PM on Monday through Thursday, 5 AM to 10 PM on Friday, 7 AM to 8 PM on Saturday, and 8 AM to 8 PM on Sunday.
My experience is that Gold’s Gym members go to work out, not to socialize. Not everyone at Gold’s Gym is a serious bodybuilder, but its clientele appears to be focused on getting fit instead of chatting with friends. This gives Gold’s Gyms a focused and motivated feel to them that many trendy gyms seem to lack.
As Gold’s Gyms are independent franchises, they have a limited policy concerning attending other Gold’s Gym locations. Typically you are limited to a certain number of visits at other locations within a specified period of time. This varies depending on your distance from your home gym. Again, it will be necessary to speak directly to the franchise you are joining or traveling to. If you travel regularly you should be sure to ask these questions before joining.
I was really pleased with my membership at Gold’s Gym in the time that I belonged. I found the staff to be personable and helpful at each of the 4 locations that I visited in the DC metropolitan area. I highly recommend a membership in Gold’s Gym to individuals truly committed to getting fit in the New Year.
