The name Gold's Gym conjures images of muscles, tank tops and lifting weights by the beach. The California-based company played a major role in the bodybuilding phenomenon of the 1970s and has remained a major competitor in today's saturated health and fitness industry. Gold's Gym has remained a leader by investing in its customers and giving back to the communities it is a part of.
Company Origins
The original Gold's Gym came in the shape of a modest fitness center started by Joe Gold in 1965 in Venice Beach, California. The company was founded on Gold's philosophy of commitment, passion and dedication to fitness and its customers well-being. Gold focused on providing personalized fitness programs to help everyone from mothers and marathon runners to bodybuilders and movie stars achieve their fitness goals. Gold's original gym in Venice Beach is simply known as "The Mecca" and still is in operation.
Bodybuilding Phenomenon
Joe Gold's enthusiasm for bodybuilding and fitness was apparent in his gym. The performance and goal-oriented environment that Gold's Gym became known for attracted top bodybuilders from around the world. One aspiring bodybuilder in particular helped turn Gold's Gym into the "The Mecca" for lifting weights. The young Austrian, Arnold Schwarzenegger, began training at Gold's Gym and winning high-profile bodybuilding competitions. The 1975 movie "Pumping Iron," starring Schwarzenegger and a young Lou Ferrigno, was shot at Gold's Gym and propelled the company to the next level.
Expansion
Since the opening of "The Mecca" in 1965, Gold's Gym has expanded and now has fitness studios in more than 40 states and more than 30 countries. In total, there are more than 600-plus Gold's Gyms around the globe. Gold ensured that each fitness studio that carried his name was outfitted with a diverse selection of top-of-the-line equipment. Gold also realized that personal training was a service and incentive customers could benefit from.
Fitness Causes
Gold's Gym has made the health and fitness of its customers and the communities it serves a primary concern. The company is a national sponsor of the American Diabetes Association's "Tour de Cure" program -- an effort to fight and seek a cure for diabetes. Gold's Gym also partners with the AARP to promote fitness and health among senior citizens. Many of Gold's Gyms offer customized programs that allow for customers with certain conditions to benefit from fitness.
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