Welcome to Fit Force Transformation, your number-one bodybuilding and fitness platform. On this page, you will learn about Gold’s Gym near me and some of the features of the gym house.
Gold’s Gym International, Inc. is an American chain of international co-ed fitness centers (commonly referred to as gyms) originally founded by Joe Gold in Venice Beach, California.
Each gym gives a variety of cardio and strength training equipment and group exercise programs. Gold’s Gym’s headquarters is in Dallas, and it is now owned by RSG Group.
History of Gold’s Gym
Joe Gold established 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 of bodybuilding”, it was often visited by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dave Draper.
In the 1950s, bodybuilding was seen as an anti-social outsider sport dominated by outcasts. Gyms in California, the early home of bodybuilding, were usually set up outdoors. An indoor gym had operated in Santa Monica, but it was shut down by the city in 1959 amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Bodybuilder Joe Gold was dissatisfied with ad hoc gyms, and in 1965, he converted a building he owned on Pacific Avenue in Venice Beach into the first Gold’s Gym. Many bodybuilders soon became enthusiastic clients.
Dick Tyler commented it was “big news for big men”, a location that would become synonymous with the rise of legendary bodybuilders like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dave Draper, Lou Ferrigno, or Franco Columbo. However, despite the spirited reception and Gold’s money-saving measures, such as building his 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 (equivalent to $392,000 in 2023). 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 bought 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.
Gold’s Gym Near Me
There are a lot of Gold’s gyms near one’s residence, but it all depends on where you stay. Below are some of the popular Gold’s gyms nearby that you can make use of:
1. Gold’s Gym SoCal
Gold’s Gym SoCal is a franchise group that owns 23 locations in the Southern California area and is operated by the Banos brothers, who opened their first gym in North Hollywood in 1988.
The group’s president is Angel Banos and Brian Morris is its senior vice president.
2. Gold’s Gym India
Gold’s Gym India has more than 150 locations in about 90+ cities of India. Gold’s Gym began its presence in Mumbai 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”.
3. Gold’s Gym Japan
In Japan, the largest franchise owner is Eiji Tezuka, who has grown Gold’s Gym in Japan to more than 95 facilities across the country.
4. Gold’s Gym Arabia
The franchise group Gold’s Gym Arabia has over 70 gyms in Saudi Arabia. The owner of the group is Batterjee Holding Co. in Jeddah.
The gyms use state-of-the-art Matrix Fitness equipment. Gold’s Gym has become a pioneer in female fitness in Saudi Arabia.
