Gold's Gym

05/19/06

Beware! MUCH better gym choices in Austin

by larrydshaw at Citysearch

Equipment often broken despite recent renovations in some clubs, equipment isn't being upgraded. Wireless system for listening to TV programs on your portable FM radio no longer work at five clubs we've been to recently. Requests to fix this problem have been totally ignored for past four months. Managers seem unconcerned and iritated when told about problems. So forget catching up on the news or watching that favorite TV program doing aerobic exercise.

Most aerobic machines are malfunctioning in some manner. If you want to check your heart rate or calculate the number of calories your burning there is a good chance that function is no longer working. Most of all it's the attitude of staff, especially management, that clearly doesn't care that is most frustrating. Management is really more interested in signing up new members than taking care of current members. You'll find much better service elsewhere.

Despite its Hollywood connections, this franchise's focus is on pumping iron, not newfangled razzle-dazzle.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
The Terminator and the Incredible Hulk (aka Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno) lifted weights at the gym's Venice, California, flagship years ago, but even today, customers frequenting charter locations are bound to encounter serious muscle. Take note: The boys with bulging biceps are the mascots, not the majority. Gold's generally offers Spinning, aerobics and kickboxing classes, yet weight-training remains the core of the program. Dumbbells and barbells, not spa-like amenities, are the attractions that draw the beef-heads in droves.

01/28/08

Gold's S&*%s

by gmhoffmann at Citysearch

I only use the downtown facility, but I cannot agree more with what the first reviewer said. The staff could care less. I've tried complaining to corporate, too, but they're even further removed. A few months ago, corporate brought in an adult manager (i.e, he looked old enough to vote, unlike the other "managers," who, btw, rotate out like Paris Hilton's boyfriends) to supposedly straighten things up. He got a lot done in the way of repairs, etc. but was gone in three months. I tell everyone: you get what you pay for, and this is the cheapest gym in town.

• Pros: cheap membership
• Cons: it shows; staff are less than caring; broken equipment; poor facilities; no space in dressing rooms; showers broken for two years