Is Gold's Gym a good gym?

Welcome to your definitive guide about Gold's Gym! We put together our wealth of knowledge right here, making sure you have a comprehensive understanding of this popular gym chain.

162
Total Locations
Average Size (square ft)
Gyms in
0
States
Gyms in
0
State
3.87
Average Google Rating

Amenities offered at Gold's Gym

Gold's Gym is one of the largest, longest running gym chains in the country. We think of them as the classic, OG strength building gym. But—while much has changed, much also remains at Gold's. What do we mean? You'll still get all the classic essentials (free weights, machines, cardio equipment), but know that they also have:

  • Pools at 1/5 of locations
  • Turf/functional workout areas (a little over 53% of gyms)
  • Hot tub, tanning, and baketball!

You can see how they've branched out a bit, moving away a bit from the old 'muscle-bound' attitude in years past. Some amenities you won't find at a Gold's though:

  • Pickleball

Of course, all your standard gym offerings are there:

  • Cardio machines (treadmills, stair-masters, ellipticals)
  • Strength machines of various sorts
  • Free weights with benches
Amenities
These amenities are available at some locations
Personal Training
Group Training
Sauna
(
15
Locations
)
Swimming Pool
(
2
Locations
)
Basketball
(
1
Locations
)
Childcare
(
45
Locations
)
Steam Room
(
74
Locations
)
Tanning
(
5
Locations
)
Open 24-hours
(
12
Locations
)
Spa/Hot-Tub
(
24
Locations
)
Racquetball
(
12
Locations
)
Pickleball
(
2
Locations
)
Cold Plunge
(
0
Locations
)
Tennis
(
0
Locations
)
Squash
(
0
Locations
)
Retail
(
117
Locations
)
Wi-Fi
(
50
Locations
)
Women-only Workout
(
30
Locations
)
Smoothie/Shake Bar
(
35
Locations
)
Equipment
This equipment is available at some locations
Cardio Machines (treadmills and more)
Weight Training (free weights & machines)
Locker Room
Shower
Restroom
Cardio Cinema
(
5
Locations
)
Towel Service
(
5
Locations
)
Massage Chairs
(
7
Locations
)
Olympic Lifting
(
10
Locations
)
Functional Turf
(
14
Locations
)
Unavailable

These amenities are not offered at any Gold's Gym location.

Sauna
Pool
Childcare / Daycare
Basketball
Steam
Open 24-hours-a-day
Pickleball
Tanning
Spa/Whirlpool/Hot-Tub
Massage Chairs
Racquetball
Cardio Cinema
Functional Turf
Towel Service
Olympic lifting
Tennis
Squash
Retail Area
Wi-Fi
Women Only
Workout Area
Cold Plunge
Smoothie/Shake Bar
Fast Facts

Gold's Gym was founded in Venice Beach, California, United States, in 1965. As of now, the current co-CEO's are Danny Waggoner and Brian Warne. 

This is some text inside of a div block.
Download a free pass ๐Ÿ™Œ

What time does Gold's Gym open & close?

No Gold's Gym locations are open 24/7.

Awesome! 12 of their clubs are open 24/7!

The ones that aren't? Exact hours vary at all clubs, but the most common we've seen for them:

  • Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Gold's Gym by the numbers

162

Total Locations

The total amount of locations we're tracking from this fitness chain.

3.87

Average Review Rating

The average rating of all their clubs combined.

Average Gym Size

Room for activities! Average square footage of their gyms.

36.00

Average Monthly Membership Cost

How much you can expect to pay for the entry-level membership every month

0

Total State Count

Find a Gold's Gym in this many cities.

Here's what we love about Gold's Gym

One of the pioneering fitness chains in the nation remains committed to providing excellent service to its members. We're impressed by how they've evolved and expanded their brand, offerings, and facilities to align with contemporary fitness trends.

  • The heritage, culture, and philosophy of the brand. Gold's has stood the test of time, earning a solid reputation as the go-to destination for achieving real results.

  • We were pleasantly surprised by the extensive range of amenities and services available—something we didn’t anticipate. Although not every location features them, this chain provides enticing options like saunas, steam rooms, swimming pools, childcare services, basketball courts, tanning beds, racquetball courts, turf areas, and even a cardio cinema!

  • Gold's is among the rare gym chains that still provide towel service, a convenience that has been discontinued by most others. This thoughtful feature is a much-appreciated bonus after an intense workout!

Here are the things we wish Gold's Gym would improve

Gold's Gym offers a wide range of amenities and services that are sure to delight many fitness enthusiasts. However, there are still a few aspects we would like to see improved or modified.

  • Only 16 of their gyms operate around the clock, which accounts for less than 10% of their total locations. Given the high demand for information on all-night gym options, it’s clear that Gold's doesn’t provide many alternatives.

  • Currently, we have just two locations offering massage chairs and services, which seems a bit low (or even inaccurate, to be honest). We've been searching for a more reliable answer, so please refer to the information below!

  • They would definitely improve their website. No joke! Trying to navigate their sluggish and slow site can be frustrating. Additionally, there’s a significant shortage of photos for each location, which makes it challenging for us to share the best information about Gold's Gym with you, our dedicated readers.

How much does it cost to join Gold's Gym?

Did you know that Gold's Gym is operated as a franchise? This aspect is significant because the diverse ownership leads to varying membership costs. And trust us, the price range for membership can be staggering. 

  • Firstly, unlike many gyms that offer standardized membership levels like "Basic," "Premium," or "Elite" to clearly indicate access and amenities, Gold's Gym lacks a consistent national membership structure. 
  • Secondly, the disparity in pricing among these various membership tiers is quite pronounced. This means that enrollment fees, processing fees, initial dues, and annual fees differ significantly among the six locations we examined. Additionally, the lengths of contracts are inconsistent, making it challenging to compare a 12-month contract from one Gold's Gym to a month-to-month plan at another. Let's not forget one group that opted for a bi-weekly payment schedule instead of monthly.
  • Lastly, while amenities are generally similar, some franchises may charge premium prices for a more basic membership that offers limited features. 

Why does this matter? It complicates the assessment of whether Gold's Gym as a whole—or even just your local location—offers a good value. Here’s what we discovered:

  • Monthly memberships can range from $14.95 to $60 across most Gold's locations. This typically includes standard gym features like free weights, machines, and cardio equipment.
    • For instance, at the Anaheim Town Square location, the starting fee is $14.95, but enrollment comes with a $99 cost, plus first and last month dues upfront, along with a $49 annual fee due 45 days after starting.
    • In contrast, at the Gilroy, California location, the cost is $60 per month with a $169 enrollment fee, currently on promo for just $1, though access is only granted to six local gyms. Additionally, there’s a $69 processing fee and a $69 annual charge that's due 90 days post-enrollment.
  • For a second-tier membership, expect to pay between $39.99 to $55.98, which typically includes unlimited group fitness classes. For example, at the Highlands Meadows club in Texas, this tier operates on a month-to-month basis with no initiation fee. Some franchises may also offer multi-club access, along with amenities such as pools and saunas.
    • The Daytona Beach, Florida location stands out with a fantastic $35 monthly membership option. It features a 12-month contract with no enrollment fee and only a $1 charge to get started. Plus, it includes multi-club access, unlimited classes, and a complimentary kids club.
  • Full membership plans paid in advance, ranging from $420 to $450, are available but not universally. This option appears more frequently at East Coast Gold's locations. For instance, Daytona Beach offers 12 months of membership plus 3 additional months free for $420, while Long Island has a $450 option for just one year. 

It’s quite a confusing situation. If Gold's Gym is on your shortlist of potential gyms, we suggest comparing it side-by-side with competitors. It’s crucial to scrutinize the differences in membership terms, initial costs, annual fees, and any “hidden” charges.

  • Gold's Gym offers annual fees ranging from $49 to $69, which may be billed 45, 55, 60, or even 90 days post-signup.
  • Initiation fees can vary significantly, ranging from $29 to $169. However, many gyms frequently offer promotional deals, resulting in fees as low as $0 or just $1. It's important to note that while some gyms require both first and last month’s dues, others may only charge the last month or even prorate the first month’s payment.
  • Gym prices got you stressed out?ย Start with a free trial instead.
    Download a free pass ๐Ÿ™Œ

Frequently asked questions about Gold's Gym

Top amenities offered at Gold's Gym

All the gym essentials

Cardio, strength machines and free weights!

15 saunas total

Warm up in the hot heat before your workout.

Get your swim on at 2 pools

Enjoy various aqua activities at Gold's Gym.

Practice your shot at their 1 courts

Less than 7% of gyms in the country have basketball!

45 different locations with childcare

A hard to find amenity: Less than 10% of gyms in the USA have childcare.

12 gyms that are open all night long

Yep, you can workout anytime of day here!

Functional turf workouts at 14 gyms

The perfect spot for bodyweight and functional training workouts.

24 hot tubs FTW!

Unwind in the super heated water in their hot tubs.

74 steam rooms FTW!

Relax and soothe in the super heated steam.

7 locations that offer massage

Ace your muscle recovery or simply enjoy the massage.

Get your tan on at 5 gyms

Experience a healthy golden glow anytime of the year.

Additional info about

Final thoughts โ€” Is worth it?

Gold's Gym stands as one of the most renowned fitness brands globally, making it a solid choice for anyone focused on health and wellness. Our mission here is to equip you with comprehensive information about various gyms, including amenities, services, customer reviews, photos, and pricing, to help you make an informed decision. However, we must admit that Gold's Gym presents some challenges due to the complexity of their membership pricing. The inconsistencies and lack of clarity in their plans make it difficult for us to definitively say if "Gold's Gym is worth it." 

But let's focus on the positives we’ve observed: 

  • Each location features a diverse array of amenities. Depending on the gym, you might find a pool, sauna, unlimited fitness classes, racquetball courts, or even a cardio cinema. They have much more to offer than just weightlifting!  
  • Nearly half of their gyms include steam and sauna facilities, which are incredibly popular amenities requested by our readers. Many smaller gym chains often lack these options.  
  • Also available at many locations are childcare services, basketball courts, and round-the-clock access!

With so many locations across the country, it’s definitely worth checking what your nearest Gold's Gym provides. In conclusion, we appreciate how Gold's Gym has expanded beyond its traditional hardcore image to offer a wider range of options. Whether Gold's Gym is the right fit for you? That’s still up for debate!

Download a free pass ๐Ÿ™Œ

See all 162 Gold's Gym gyms near me

In the search bar, find a gym by city, state or gym name.
โ€
For best results, search by ZIP code and we'll show you all gyms within a 10 mile radius.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.