Gold's Gym

Gold's Gym International, Inc. is an international chain of co-ed fitness centers (commonly referred to as "gyms") originally started in California by Joe Gold. Each gym features a wide array of exercise equipment and personal trainers to assist clients.

Corporate history

The first Gold's Gym opened in Fall of 1965 in Venice Beach, California. Dubbed "the mecca of bodybuilding", it was frequented by Arnold Schwarzenegger and featured in the 1977 movie Pumping Iron. The movie brought attention not only to the gym itself, but also to the world of bodybuilding and physique in general. Jim Morrison of The Doors was also a frequent visitor to the Gold's Gym in Venice. To this day, it is considered a landmark in the bodybuilding subculture and has even achieved cult status In 1970, Joe Gold sold the chain.

Today, Gold's Gym claims to be the largest chain of co-ed gyms in the world, with more than 620 gyms and 3 million members in 25 countries and 43 states. It also licenses its name to products such as fitness equipment and clothing. The famous original Gold’s Gym logo, a bald-headed weightlifter holding a barbell, was designed in 1973 by Ric Drasin, who was Arnold Schwarzenegger’s training partner for four years.

Corporate information

Gold's Gym is privately owned. It was acquired by TRT Holdings in 2004 for approximately $158 million dollars. The current chief corporate officers include chairman Terrell T. Philen, president and CEO David Schnabel, and CFO Randy Schultz.

Customer satisfaction

While it remains a popular health club, Gold's Gym has been approached by many members regarding contract wording and billing problems. Several websites endeavor to make such problems better known.

A recent concern involves explicit programming on the gym's television networks.

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Ric Drasin

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Arnold Schwarzenegger

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