Gold's Gym International, Inc. is an American chain of international
co-ed
Mixed-sex education, also known as mixed-gender education, co-education, or coeducation (abbreviated to co-ed or coed), is a system of education where males and females are educated together. Whereas single-sex education was more common up to t ...
fitness centers (commonly referred to as
gym
A gym, short for gymnasium (: gymnasiums or gymnasia), is an indoor venue for exercise and sports. The word is derived from the ancient Greek term " gymnasion". They are commonly found in athletic and fitness centres, and as activity and learn ...
s) originally started by
Joe Gold in
Venice Beach, California. Each gym offers a variety of cardio and strength training equipment as well as group exercise programs. Gold's Gym's has its headquarters in
Dallas
Dallas () is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the most populous city in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, the List of Texas metropolitan areas, most populous metropolitan area in Texas and the Metropolitan statistical area, fourth-most ...
and is now owned by
RSG Group.
History
Joe Gold opened the first Gold's Gym in August 1965, in
Venice Beach, California,
long before the modern-day health club existed. Featuring homemade equipment and dubbed "the
Mecca
Mecca, officially Makkah al-Mukarramah, is the capital of Mecca Province in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia; it is the Holiest sites in Islam, holiest city in Islam. It is inland from Jeddah on the Red Sea, in a narrow valley above ...
of
bodybuilding
Bodybuilding is the practice of Resistance training, progressive resistance exercise to build, control, and develop one's skeletal muscle, muscles via muscle hypertrophy, hypertrophy. An individual who engages in this activity is referred to a ...
", it was frequented by
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger (born July30, 1947) is an Austrian and American actor, businessman, former politician, and former professional bodybuilder, known for his roles in high-profile action films. Governorship of Arnold Schwarzenegger, ...
and
Dave Draper.
Early developments
In the 1950s, bodybuilding was seen as an anti-social outsider sport dominated by outcasts.
Gyms in
California
California () is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States that lies on the West Coast of the United States, Pacific Coast. It borders Oregon to the north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, and shares Mexico–United States border, an ...
, the early home of bodybuilding, were usually set up outdoors. An indoor gym had operated in
Santa Monica
Santa Monica (; Spanish language, Spanish: ''Santa Mónica'') is a city in Los Angeles County, California, Los Angeles County, situated along Santa Monica Bay on California's South Coast (California), South Coast. Santa Monica's 2020 United Sta ...
, but it was shut down by the city in 1959 amid allegations of sexual misconduct.
Bodybuilder Joe Gold was dissatisfied with
ad hoc
''Ad hoc'' is a List of Latin phrases, Latin phrase meaning literally for this. In English language, English, it typically signifies a solution designed for a specific purpose, problem, or task rather than a Generalization, generalized solution ...
gyms, and in 1965, he converted a building he owned on
Pacific Avenue
Pacific Avenue are an Australian alternative rock group formed in 2017 and consisting of Harry O’Brien on vocals and guitar, Ben Fryer on lead guitar, Jack Kay on bass and vocals, and Dom Littrich on drums. They have supported acts such as Sa ...
in
Venice Beach into the first Gold's Gym. Many bodybuilders soon became enthusiastic clients.
Dick Tyler commented it as "big news for big men", a location that would become synonymous with the rise of legendary bodybuilders like
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger (born July30, 1947) is an Austrian and American actor, businessman, former politician, and former professional bodybuilder, known for his roles in high-profile action films. Governorship of Arnold Schwarzenegger, ...
,
Dave Draper,
Lou Ferrigno
Louis Jude Ferrigno Sr. (; born November 9, 1951) is an American actor and retired professional bodybuilder. He won an IFBB Mr. America title and two consecutive IFBB Mr. Universe titles, and appeared in the documentary film '' Pumping Iron'' ...
, or
Franco Columbu.
However, despite the spirited reception and Gold's money-saving measures, such as building his own exercise equipment, monthly membership fees proved insufficient to maintain the business.
A veteran of the
merchant marine, Gold wanted to go back to sea, and in 1970, he sold the business to antique dealer Dave Saxe and jeweler Bud Danits for $50,000 ().
Saxe and Danits were also unable to operate the gym profitably and considered converting it into an antique shop. Instead, gym member
Ken Sprague seized the opportunity and purchased the gym in late 1971. Having a background in the film industry, he injected new energy into the business by organizing bodybuilding competitions and shows to exhibit Gold's Gym athletes. Finally, Gold's Gym became profitable.
The logo
The original Gold's Gym logo, a bald weightlifter holding a barbell, was designed in 1973 by professional wrestler
Ric Drasin
Richard Alan Drasin (July 12, 1944 – August 30, 2020) was an American bodybuilder, personal trainer, actor, stuntman, author, and professional wrestler. He wrestled professionally and sporadically between 1965 and 2001, while also winning ...
, who was Arnold Schwarzenegger's training partner for four years. During a training break, he sketched the weightlifter on a napkin. The logo became an iconic symbol within the bodybuilding scene.
Gold's Gym as film set for ''Pumping Iron''
Due to Sprague's contacts in the film industry and his persuasion skills, an opportunity arose in 1975, when the filmmaker
George Butler set out to film the groundbreaking docudrama
Pumping Iron (1977), with Gold's Gym as the primary filming location. Sprague, having strong commitments to his gym and the sport as well as understanding the requirements for film, offered Butler full and unrestricted access to the gym.
Preparing and improving the gym as a film set, he also had certain windows painted over to control backlight and installed a lightening grid. Even though the filmmakers ran out of funds to finish the production,
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger (born July30, 1947) is an Austrian and American actor, businessman, former politician, and former professional bodybuilder, known for his roles in high-profile action films. Governorship of Arnold Schwarzenegger, ...
and other bodybuilders helped to raise additional funds for its completion. The docudrama Pumping Iron became a best seller, which brought attention not only to the gym itself but also to bodybuilding and physique in general.
Due to that impact, Gold's Gym became the most famous gym worldwide, which more than tripled the membership prices. Gold's Gym continued to be considered a landmark in bodybuilding culture and has achieved cult status.
Transition to an international franchise
In 1979 Gold's Gym was sold by Sprague to the trio Ed Connors, Pete Grymkowski (former Mr. World), and Tim Kimber.
It was the most famous gym in the world at that time. After two years of ownership, they moved from the 5500-square-foot facility into a 60,000-square-foot building over a six-year period. The three owners extended Gold's Gym to the franchise system and made licensing out deals all over the USA. Gold's Gym was one of the first companies in the health and fitness industry to franchise, starting in 1980. Using the momentum of its fame it sold licenses for products such as fitness equipment and clothing. Soon the brand expanded internationally, after the first outside USA opening in
Canada
Canada is a country in North America. Its Provinces and territories of Canada, ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, making it the world's List of coun ...
1985. In 1993 the limit of 1 million members was exceeded. During the nineties Gold's Gym expanded around the globe,
even in
Japan
Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean off the northeast coast of the Asia, Asian mainland, it is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea ...
and
Russia
Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a country spanning Eastern Europe and North Asia. It is the list of countries and dependencies by area, largest country in the world, and extends across Time in Russia, eleven time zones, sharing Borders ...
. Due to the international franchise, the original character changed subsequently to a modern commercial gym fulfilling the standards of the modern fitness industry. In 1999 the company was sold to the private firm Brockway Moran & Partners for an estimated $50 million. It was sold again in 2004 to
TRT Holdings for $150 million.
The growth of Gold's Gym continued expanding the business with modern wellness programs that grew to more than 3000 company partners. The original Gold's Gym in
Venice Beach is considered a national sports landmark by
ESPN
ESPN (an initialism of their original name, which was the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network) is an American international basic cable sports channel owned by the Walt Disney Company (80% and operational control) and Hearst Commu ...
and is named on its list of the 100 most important sports venues.
[Caple, Jim (September 19, 2008), "America's 100 Most Important Sports Venues", espn.com] Notable users of Gold's Gym have included such celebrities as
Jessica Alba
Jessica Marie Alba ( ; born April 28, 1981) is an American actress and businesswoman. She began her acting career at age 13 in ''Camp Nowhere'', followed up by ''The Secret World of Alex Mack'' (both 1994), and rose to prominence at age 19 as ...
,
Jodie Foster
Alicia Christian "Jodie" Foster (born November 19, 1962) is an American actress and filmmaker. Foster started her career as a child actor before establishing herself as leading actress in film. She has received List of awards and nominations re ...
,
Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman (born June 1, 1937) is an American actor, producer, and narrator. In a career spanning six decades, he has received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award, as well as a nomination for a Tony ...
,
Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Douglas Johnson (born May 2, 1972), also known by his ring name The Rock, is an American actor and professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on a part-time basis. Widely regarded as one of the greatest professional w ...
,
Jim Morrison
James Douglas Morrison (December 8, 1943 – July 3, 1971) was an American singer, songwriter, and poet who was the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the rock band the Doors. Due to his charismatic persona, poetic lyrics, distinctive vo ...
,
Keanu Reeves
Keanu Charles Reeves ( ; born September 2, 1964) is a Canadian actor and musician. The recipient of numerous accolades in a career on screen spanning four decades, he is known for his leading roles in action films, his amiable public imag ...
,
Hilary Swank,
Big Show
Paul Donald Wight II (born February 8, 1972) is an American professional wrestler and actor. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) under his real name of Paul Wight. He is best known for his tenure with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) f ...
, and
Tiger Woods
Eldrick Tont "Tiger" Woods (born December 30, 1975) is an American professional golfer. He is tied for first in List of golfers with most PGA Tour wins, PGA Tour wins, ranks second in List of men's major championships winning golfers, men's m ...
, and many others.
[Smith, Stephen P. (2005). "America's Greatest Brands, Volume IV".] In 2016 Gold's Gym opened 58 new locations across the world and in 2017 its first locations in
Amman
Amman ( , ; , ) is the capital and the largest city of Jordan, and the country's economic, political, and cultural center. With a population of four million as of 2021, Amman is Jordan's primate city and is the largest city in the Levant ...
in
Jordan
Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is a country in the Southern Levant region of West Asia. Jordan is bordered by Syria to the north, Iraq to the east, Saudi Arabia to the south, and Israel and the occupied Palestinian ter ...
.
New ownership by RSG Group
The impact of the
Covid-19
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. In January 2020, the disease spread worldwide, resulting in the COVID-19 pandemic.
The symptoms of COVID‑19 can vary but often include fever ...
pandemic heavily affected the company, forcing it to file bankruptcy with its 61 company-owned gyms and over 700 franchises across six continents. On May 4, 2020, GGI Holdings, LLC (Gold's Gym) and 14 affiliated debtors filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States District Court for the Northern District of
Texas
Texas ( , ; or ) is the most populous U.S. state, state in the South Central United States, South Central region of the United States. It borders Louisiana to the east, Arkansas to the northeast, Oklahoma to the north, New Mexico to the we ...
. The debtors have requested joint administration of the cases under Case No. 20-31318. Like nearly all businesses, Gold's Gym was required to temporarily close its US locations in March 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In April of the same year, Gold's said that it would permanently close 30 of its locations. They said their filing for bankruptcy would only affect company-owned locations and set a reemergence goal for August 2020. The company owns about 10 percent of the nearly 700 worldwide locations.
Finally, on July 13, 2020, Gold's Gym was auctioned due to a judicial auction procedure.
Rainer Schaller, the owner of the
German fitness company
RSG Group, won the auction of Gold's Gym for $100 million.
Rainer Schaller fulfilled his dream to finally own the legendary fitness brand, which had inspired him to start his own fitness company in 1997. Previously, the RSG Group has been primarily active in
Europe
Europe is a continent located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere. It is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and Asia to the east ...
and expanded to a global company with the integration of Gold's Gym into its portfolio.
Since, Gold's Gym has been revitalized and it has also established a new presence in Europe by opening new gyms in
Austria
Austria, formally the Republic of Austria, is a landlocked country in Central Europe, lying in the Eastern Alps. It is a federation of nine Federal states of Austria, states, of which the capital Vienna is the List of largest cities in Aust ...
,
Italy
Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a country in Southern Europe, Southern and Western Europe, Western Europe. It consists of Italian Peninsula, a peninsula that extends into the Mediterranean Sea, with the Alps on its northern land b ...
, and
Germany
Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. It lies between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea to the north and the Alps to the south. Its sixteen States of Germany, constituent states have a total popu ...
. Also new gyms have been opened in e.g.
Dallas
Dallas () is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the most populous city in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, the List of Texas metropolitan areas, most populous metropolitan area in Texas and the Metropolitan statistical area, fourth-most ...
,
Highland Meadows,
Georgetown. The expansion process continues worldwide, e.g. in
Europe
Europe is a continent located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere. It is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and Asia to the east ...
,
India
India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by area, seventh-largest country by area; the List of countries by population (United Nations), most populous country since ...
,
Australia
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising mainland Australia, the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and list of islands of Australia, numerous smaller isl ...
, etc., and includes modernization of many of its gyms.
Corporate information
Gold's Gym is privately owned by the international fitness company
RSG Group and has about 68 company-owned gyms and via its franchising program about 520 international gyms in countries, e.g.:
Australia
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising mainland Australia, the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and list of islands of Australia, numerous smaller isl ...
,
Austria
Austria, formally the Republic of Austria, is a landlocked country in Central Europe, lying in the Eastern Alps. It is a federation of nine Federal states of Austria, states, of which the capital Vienna is the List of largest cities in Aust ...
,
Costa Rica
Costa Rica, officially the Republic of Costa Rica, is a country in Central America. It borders Nicaragua to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, Panama to the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, as well as Maritime bo ...
,
Egypt
Egypt ( , ), officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a country spanning the Northeast Africa, northeast corner of Africa and Western Asia, southwest corner of Asia via the Sinai Peninsula. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to northe ...
,
Germany
Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. It lies between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea to the north and the Alps to the south. Its sixteen States of Germany, constituent states have a total popu ...
,
India
India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by area, seventh-largest country by area; the List of countries by population (United Nations), most populous country since ...
,
Italy
Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a country in Southern Europe, Southern and Western Europe, Western Europe. It consists of Italian Peninsula, a peninsula that extends into the Mediterranean Sea, with the Alps on its northern land b ...
,
Japan
Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean off the northeast coast of the Asia, Asian mainland, it is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea ...
,
Mexico
Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a country in North America. It is the northernmost country in Latin America, and borders the United States to the north, and Guatemala and Belize to the southeast; while having maritime boundar ...
,
Mongolia
Mongolia is a landlocked country in East Asia, bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south and southeast. It covers an area of , with a population of 3.5 million, making it the world's List of countries and dependencies by po ...
,
Netherlands
, Terminology of the Low Countries, informally Holland, is a country in Northwestern Europe, with Caribbean Netherlands, overseas territories in the Caribbean. It is the largest of the four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Nether ...
,
Peru
Peru, officially the Republic of Peru, is a country in western South America. It is bordered in the north by Ecuador and Colombia, in the east by Brazil, in the southeast by Bolivia, in the south by Chile, and in the south and west by the Pac ...
,
Philippines
The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an Archipelagic state, archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. Located in the western Pacific Ocean, it consists of List of islands of the Philippines, 7,641 islands, with a tot ...
,
Poland
Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country in Central Europe. It extends from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Sudetes and Carpathian Mountains in the south, bordered by Lithuania and Russia to the northeast, Belarus and Ukrai ...
,
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a country in West Asia. Located in the centre of the Middle East, it covers the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula and has a land area of about , making it the List of Asian countries ...
,
Russia
Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a country spanning Eastern Europe and North Asia. It is the list of countries and dependencies by area, largest country in the world, and extends across Time in Russia, eleven time zones, sharing Borders ...
,
Spain
Spain, or the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southern Europe, Southern and Western Europe with territories in North Africa. Featuring the Punta de Tarifa, southernmost point of continental Europe, it is the largest country in Southern Eur ...
,
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), or simply the Emirates, is a country in West Asia, in the Middle East, at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a Federal monarchy, federal elective monarchy made up of Emirates of the United Arab E ...
,
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the coast of European mainland, the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...
, and
Venezuela
Venezuela, officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a country on the northern coast of South America, consisting of a continental landmass and many Federal Dependencies of Venezuela, islands and islets in the Caribbean Sea. It com ...
. Corporate headquarters are in the
Dallas
Dallas () is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the most populous city in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, the List of Texas metropolitan areas, most populous metropolitan area in Texas and the Metropolitan statistical area, fourth-most ...
metropolitan area.
Current operations
Gold's Gym has locations across six continents. In 2015 and 2016, Gold's Gym topped the J.D. Power Health and Fitness Center Satisfaction Report.
In 2017, Gold's Gym launched GOLD'S AMP, a fitness app that is meant to serve as a digital personal trainer for people to use anytime and anywhere. It includes numerous customization workout options led by Gold's Gym coaches and thousands of music mixes.
In July 2020, new parent company RSG Group reported that Gold's Gym had 61 company-owned gyms and over 600 franchise-owned gyms.
Corporate sales and wellness program
Gold's Gym operates a national corporate wellness program that has over 3000 company partners including
Home Depot
The Home Depot, Inc., often referred to as Home Depot, is an American multinational corporation, multinational home improvement retail corporation that sells tools, construction products, appliances, and services, including fuel and transportat ...
,
Bank of America
The Bank of America Corporation (Bank of America) (often abbreviated BofA or BoA) is an American multinational investment banking, investment bank and financial services holding company headquartered at the Bank of America Corporate Center in ...
,
Whataburger
Whataburger is an American regional fast food restaurant Chain store, chain, headquartered and based in San Antonio, Texas, that specializes in hamburgers. Founded by Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton, it opened its first restaurant in Corpus Chri ...
, and
Union Pacific
The Union Pacific Railroad is a Class I freight-hauling railroad that operates 8,300 locomotives over routes in 23 U.S. states west of Chicago and New Orleans. Union Pacific is the second largest railroad in the United States after BNSF, ...
. The corporate sales and wellness program offers custom health and fitness plans for employees nationwide including memberships, nutrition, and wellness programs.
Gold's is one of two official health clubs of the
AARP
AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons, is an interest group in the United States focusing on issues affecting those 50 and older. The organization, which is headquartered in Washington, D.C., said it had more than 38 ...
. Through the AARP it offers month-to-month memberships and is also the official health club of the
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, also known as BCBS, BCBSA, or The Blues, is a United States–based federation with 33 independent and locally operated BCBSA companies that provide health insurance to more than 115 million people in the U ...
. Gold's offers online enrollment.
Equipment in the studios
Gold's Gyms all have a large strength training and free weight area with heavy dumbbells up to 150 kg, Olympic barbells, as well as an area for endurance training. There is a wide range of different fitness courses in specially designated rooms. Personal trainers can be booked for an additional charge. All studios have at least one sauna, and some locations also have a posing room for preparing for bodybuilding competitions.
Gold's Gym Challenge USA and Fitness Competition
A major marketing campaign for members is the annual Gold's Gym Challenge, which takes place in the USA. It is a 12-week competition that focuses on the visibility of body changes. In January of each year, participants begin by taking stock of their bodies by measuring and photographing them. After 12 weeks, measurements and photographs are taken again to document the results. Each participating Gold's Gym selects its own winners, who then have to compete nationally. Finally, an overall winner is chosen.
The winners of the Gold's Gym Challenge have been featured in numerous publications, including
PopSugar
PopSugar Inc. is an American media and technology company that is the parent to the media property PopSugar (stylized POPSUGAR) and a monthly subscription business PopSugar Must Have. The company was founded in 2006 by married couple Brian and Lis ...
,
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
''The Atlanta Journal-Constitution'' (''AJC'') is an American daily newspaper based in metropolitan area of Atlanta, Georgia. It is the flagship publication of Cox Enterprises. The ''Atlanta Journal-Constitution'' is the result of the merger ...
, and Women's Health.
In 2023 the Gold's Gym Challenge USA was replaced by annual the Gold's Gym Fitness Competition.
Nutritional supplements
A marketing division founded in 2021 by the RSG Group is Gold's Gym Nutrition—a self-developed and distributed nutritional supplement line. The range offers various nutritional supplements for athletes in the form of drinks, shakes, bars, powders, and capsules.
Sportswear
Since the 1980s, Gold’s Gym has sold specially designed clothes with its logo of a bald weightlifter holding a barbell, which has become an iconic symbol within the bodybuilding scene. Today, the business branch "Gold's Gym Apparel" designs its own functional sportswear and accessories for both genders by recognizing the legendary symbolism. Also, some elaborate items are produced sustainably in
Portugal
Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic, is a country on the Iberian Peninsula in Southwestern Europe. Featuring Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in continental Europe, Portugal borders Spain to its north and east, with which it share ...
. In April 2024, Gold’s Gym Apparel was present for the first time at the world’s largest fitness and health trade fair
FIBO in
Cologne
Cologne ( ; ; ) is the largest city of the States of Germany, German state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the List of cities in Germany by population, fourth-most populous city of Germany with nearly 1.1 million inhabitants in the city pr ...
, Germany.
Franchise groups
Gold’s Gym SoCal
Gold’s Gym SoCal is a franchise group that owns 23 locations in the
Southern California
Southern California (commonly shortened to SoCal) is a geographic and Cultural area, cultural List of regions of California, region that generally comprises the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. Its densely populated coastal reg ...
area and is operated by the Banos brothers, who opened their first gym in
North Hollywood
North Hollywood is a neighborhood and district in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. The neighborhood contains the NoHo Arts District, El Portal Theater, several art galleries, and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Th ...
in 1988. The group’s president is Angel Banos and Brian Morris is its senior vice president.
Gold’s Gym India
Gold’s Gym India has more than 150 locations in about 90+ cities of
India
India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by area, seventh-largest country by area; the List of countries by population (United Nations), most populous country since ...
. Gold’s Gym has started its presence in
Mumbai
Mumbai ( ; ), also known as Bombay ( ; its official name until 1995), is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. Mumbai is the financial capital and the most populous city proper of India with an estimated population of 12 ...
in 2002. It is the second-largest fitness group in India. Their founders are Rajesh Advani and Jagdish K. Valecha. Today it is owned by "Fitness Unicorn Cult.fit".
Gold’s Gym Japan

In Japan, the largest franchise owner is Eiji Tezuka, who has grown Gold’s Gym in
Japan
Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean off the northeast coast of the Asia, Asian mainland, it is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea ...
to more than 95 facilities across the country.
Gold’s Gym Arabia
The franchise group Gold’s Gym Arabia has over 70 gyms in
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a country in West Asia. Located in the centre of the Middle East, it covers the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula and has a land area of about , making it the List of Asian countries ...
. The owner of the group is Batterjee Holding Co. in
Jeddah
Jeddah ( ), alternatively transliterated as Jedda, Jiddah or Jidda ( ; , ), is a List of governorates of Saudi Arabia, governorate and the largest city in Mecca Province, Saudi Arabia, and the country's second largest city after Riyadh, located ...
. The gyms use state-of-the-art Matrix Fitness equipment. Gold’s Gym has become a pioneer in female fitness in Saudi Arabia.
Criticism
Numerous customers have reported that Gold's Gym franchises have acted in dishonest and unscrupulous ways. They cite advertised deals not being honored, billing irregularities, contract terms being fraudulently altered by sales staff after signing, and problems canceling accounts or relocating. A Gold's Gym in
Provo, Utah
Provo ( ) is a city in and the county seat of Utah County, Utah, United States. It is south of Salt Lake City along the Wasatch Front, and lies between the cities of Orem, Utah, Orem to the north and Springville, Utah, Springville to the south ...
, was successfully sued for fraud in 2006, for changing a contract after it was signed in 1999.
An accusation of the same conduct of fraud arose again in 2017: on February 10, 2017, the billing processor for the gyms, Paramount Acceptance, and 26 companies under the VASA Fitness name (including new gyms since 2014) were served with a consumer class action lawsuit with numerous causes of action including fraudulent misrepresentation, violations of the
Telephone Consumer Protection Act, and violations of the Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act. The plaintiff published the entire complaint.
After ten years of litigation involving a licensing agreement for a fitness center in St. George, the Utah Supreme Court affirmed a decision to deny attorney fees to Gold's Gym even though Gold's Gym prevailed in the underlying litigation (''Gold's Gym International, Inc. v. Chambers'', 2020 UT 20).
References
External links
*
{{Authority control
Health clubs in the United States
Franchises
American companies established in 1965
Health care companies established in 1965
1965 establishments in California
History of Los Angeles
Venice, Los Angeles
Companies based in Dallas
Privately held companies based in Texas
Exercise-related trademarks
Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020