20 Karat Gold's - not pure but good enough
Written: Jun 18 '00 (Updated Sep 26 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Positive atmosphere, very good equippage levels, helpful staff
Cons: Some equipment needs repair/replacement
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| driver4t5's Full Review: Gold's Gym |
Ten years ago, Gold's Gym opened a location within a mile of my house. I was looking for a replacement for my local gym, which was adequate in terms of equipment but was a 25 minute drive. I had also visited Bally's and was quite unimpressed. I wasn't sure if another chain was what I needed to endure as Bally's high-pretention, high-pressure stance left me cold. Nevertheless I decided to take a look at Gold's about 4 months after it opened.
Gold's is a nationwide chain, with locations in most major metropolises. Each location is unique in its equipment and layout as the vast majority of locations are independently owned and their restrictions on franchisees are fairly open in this respect. This particular location was located in a strip mall and was on the small side, but the owner laid out the limited space to his maximum advantage. The equipment was new and appeared clean which told me that they didn't rummage around for whatever equipment they could find. The mix between free weights and machines was about equal and the aerobics room was large and well-equipped with mats, ropes, hand weights, etc.
I knew my way around a gym so I didn't need a tour, besides, virtually everything was within eyesight, unlike the labyrinth I experienced at Bally's. From what I could see the staff was courteous and helpful and the atmosphere was relaxed. The clientele consisted of some newbies, many aerobics queens, some semi-serious lifters, and a few local contest-level players. One positive was that there seemed to be no friction or stratification between the groups. Overall I liked what I saw. When it came time for the sales pitch it was a bit aggressive but not overly so. We negotiated a bit, worked out a good deal, and I signed away one year of my future.
That was 10 years ago. The long-term report is positive as well. I continued to join with them except for 1995 - 1997, when let the membership lapse and did not sign with anyone. They have changed locations twice, finally getting more spacious digs in a standalone building. Some of the equipment is showing its age and occasionally maintenance does lapse, but they have made considerable investment in new equipment, most notably the Stairmasters and Hammer Strength machines. The cleanliness standards are still good and the rates at this particular location have rewarded my loyalty. Miraculously, many of the faces that were working there in 1990 are still there today. The emphasis of this chain - as well as many others - has shifted more towards fitness, but the resources for free weights are still more than adequate and the free weights have migrated into their own room. Waits for all machines are at a minimum. As examples of levels of equippage at this location, there are 12 Stairmasters, 6 treadmills, 3 bench press stations, and duplicates of virtually every machine.
Other services are offered, such as babysitting, manicure, tanning, and fitness/nutrition consultation. Several freelance trainers also dot the landscape for those who need attention at a personal level.
I would recommend this gym to all but the most hard-core contest bodybuilders, who, in reality, need special resources and training that no large gym can offer. Most newbies seem to acclimate well. The few exceptions I have seen were primarily those who were overly self-conscious to begin with and would not have been comortable anywhere. The overriding atmosphere here is if a person has the guts to walk into this gym in the first place, they have already earned respect.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
driver4t5
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 - Top 500 |
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Member: Jon Harney
Location: Lake Mary, FL
Reviews written: 147
Trusted by: 223 members
About Me:
2000 - 2001 Epinions Fixture...Now living off of my Eroyalties Millions
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