Anyone Know About Gold's Gym?

[Cognition]

Hi guys,

As part of my newly-acquired interest in brain training, I decided that I should start going to the gym regularly as soon as the new (college) semester begins later this month.

About two days ago, I saw a commercial for Gold's Gym promoting a $0 enrollment fee for a limited time, and I became very interested as there's a location near me. Most of these reputable fitness clubs have some heft initiation/setup fees, so the savings and convenience of Gold's grabbed my attention. However, I know little about the club.

Since I've never had a gym membership before or any experience with gym machines, I figured I would get two to three introductory personal training sessions to get acquainted with the machines, equipment, and a fitness routine.

Does anyone here have any experience with Gold's Gym? What's a good estimate of personal training sessions (as there's no information on the website about this)?

 

[KaraBulut]

Gold's is a nationwide chain that originated in California. They're fine. The only complaint that I've heard is that Gold's memberships are regional not national. It makes it difficult to workout when you're travelling.

Gold's, Bally, 24 Hour, Lifetime Fitness are all big nationwide chains in the US and are usually reasonably priced.

 

[Lube]

Not sure about Gold's, but LifeTime Fitness memberships are based on your club. So if the club near you is pretty ritzy (as is mine), fees are pretty hefty, even if all you do is barbells and a cycling machine.

LifeTime does have a very nifty 90-minute DVD that's really quite informative with little to no marketing. I was certainly impressed by that.

 

[conroeguy]

Been a member of Gold's gym for about 4 years. I don't really have any complainants, it is like any other large gym. I take advantage of some of the group classes like "BodyPump" and "RPM Cycle" something I never thought I would do. I don't know how much the PT sessions are.
This time of the year everyone has incentives to join so you can get a good deal.
There is a large LA Fitness coming this year and it is a bit closer to me, I ll be checking it out.

Things to consider:
How busy it at the time you will be going?
Do they have enough equipment and good class schedules
Is it conveniet to get to.
You shouldn't notice any "out of order" signs when you visit, not that things can't break, but there could be a mantenace problem if you notice a few.
Does it look clean? Looker rooms and restrooms?​

 

[dannomite03]

I have been a member at Golds for over a year. It's a good gym. But like others have mentioned, the plans are NOT the same all over. It depends on which franchise of Golds you are trying to get into. In general, their rates are very good and they have plenty of equipment to go around. At my local Golds, yo uget one free training session with a personal trainer. After that, you pay extra unless you get the VIP package for an extra $15/month. (which includes unlimited tanning at mine as well.)

 

[UnderBiCover]

some chains/locations will try to lock you into a long-term contract - be wary of that

also, some will continue to charge you after you cancel your membership, even if you canceled in accordance with the contract

Bally Total Fitness & 24 Hour Fitness have both been sued several times in class action proceedings because of these kinds of practices

Gold's is not immune from consumer complaints either, see here

 

[jawswho]

Bally Total Fitness closed down here and the only way members were notified was a sign on the door when the went to work out.