Gold's Gym is one of the oldest and best known gym chains in the United States.
I recently visited a Gold's Gym with a friend of mine to see if the membership was worth it.
So is it worth it to be a member of Gold's Gym?Signing up for Gold's Gym is worth it for most people, but I don't recommend it for powerlifters or competitive powerlifters. For everyone else, Gold's Gym offers a variety of cardio and strength training equipment, as well as group classes and personal training that can help you reach your goals.
By the end of this article, you can determine whether or not a Gold's Gym membership is right for you.
In this article I will talk about:
- How was my experience training at Gold's Gym?
- The pros and cons of training at Gold's Gym
- How much does a subscription to Gold's Gym cost?
- What kind of equipment and amenities are available at Gold's Gym?
- Whether personal training at Gold's Gym is worth it or not
- What are Gold's Gym's policies?
- Tips for New Gold's Gym Members
- Common Complaints About Gold's Gym and Other Gym Alternatives
My experience training at Gold's Gym
Since I came out as a guestThe reception staff were friendly and helpful at check-in.. They made sure I was comfortable using the equipment and didn't push too hard to sign me up as a member.
I went late in the morningSo the gym was not too crowded.. But like most gyms, I've heard that the busiest times are at night when people finish working out. Based on some research I did I found thisEven at the busiest times, there is still plenty of gear available., and rarely have to wait to use a machine.
when i was trainingI found other members mostly reservedand adhere to social distancing guidelines. While I was there, I saw many different types of people, from people just using cardio equipment to people using weight machines and free weights. There wasa good mix of young and older adults.
while i was thereThe members didn't seem to be doing anything wrong or violating the gym rules.But based on some of the questions I've asked the staff, I'm confident they'd step in quickly if someone did something against gym policy, like losing weight, which I'll detail below.
The Gold's Gym I attended seemed efficient and safe.Each piece is positioned so you don't have to go back and forth from one area to another to perform different exercises.
Although I have my own gym at home, I would seriously consider joining Gold's Gym. my location is40,000 square feet, has many machines and offers many member benefits. Coming from a lifting and CrossFit background,I also like that they have a good selection of functional fitness and strength training equipment..
Based on the gym's social media activities, I can tell that the members really enjoy working out there. Although Gold's Gym is more expensive than other gyms in the chain,Prices are reasonable for the number of courses, equipment, and services you have access to..
It's important to note that this was my experience at the Totowa, NJ location. Other places may have different policies, equipment, and cater to different people. If you have specific questions about where Gold's Gym is located in your area, I encourage you to call or stop by to speak with someone.
Gold gym: pros and cons
Each gym will have its pros and cons. Below are some of the positives and negatives I noticed while training at Gold's Gym.
Benefits
- The place I visited was clean and had new equipment.It was impossible for me to use all the equipment while I was there, but from what I could tell, all the machines were in good condition and working properly. It also seemed that the staff take cleanliness very seriously as the gym was practically spotless on my day. They also sanitize the entire gym after hours and I've heard of some places closing for an hour or two in the middle of the day for cleaning.
- The staff is friendly.I had many questions during my visit and the employee who checked me in was patient, knowledgeable and helpful.
- You can connect to the gym wifi.This was a nice feature as I didn't have to waste any data doing it.listen to music.
Disadvantages
- They do not allow chalk.If you like to use chalk for moves like deadlifts, pull-ups, or kettlebell swings, Gold's Gym will disappoint you because they don't allow their members to use chalk. you can usebeltand gym basements, and I think you can get away with liquid chalk as long as you're careful.
- You should never drop your weights.The staff made it very clear that weight loss is not allowed. If you're a powerlifter looking to train at a Gold's Gym, make sure you only lift weights you know you can handle, or use a spotter so you don't worry about losing weight.
- Not all places have specialized machines and equipment, such as hyperreverse, deadlifts, or trapezoid bars.Neither is essential for most gym-goers, but if you like to use different types of dumbbells, Gold's Gym is not the gym for you.
How much does a subscription to Gold's Gym cost?
I did a lot of research on Gold's Gym locations in the US. They all have different pricing options, but to give you a general idea of how much a Gold's Gym membership costs, here are the plans available at the Totowa, NJ location:
Gold's Gym EFT 12 month subscription at half price
This is an annual membership. Subscribing to this plan reduces the subscription fee from $99 to $49.
This subscription plan costs$39.99/mes(without taxes) and includes:
- Unlimited hands-on group classes
- 1 free trial of personal training
- 1 free personal training session
- Unlimited use of Boxing Studio
- Unlimited use of the basketball court.
- Gold's Gym International Travel Pass Privilégio
- Access to over 700 Gold gyms worldwide
there is also a$59 club upgrade feeYou will be billed 60 days after signing up and once a year on the same date. This fee is used to upgrade equipment, build new facilities, or hire additional staff when necessary.
This location was offering a $10 registration deal when I visited. Before checking into a location near you, I recommend calling or checking their social media channels to see if they have any specials.
Gold's Gym is fully paid for 1 year
This is another annual subscription, but with this plan there is no subscription fee and you have to pay the full amount. The plan costsa one-time fee of $499(excluding taxes) and includes the same benefits as the previous EFT plan.
This plan costs about $42/mo, but when you add tax to the EFT plan above, it comes to about the same amount of money per month.
Automatic monthly renewal No commitment No registration
This is a monthly plan with no additional charges. You don't even have to pay the club's annual expansion fee. This plan costs$54/mesand can be canceled at any time with a 30-day notice period.
With this plan, members have access to the following:
- Unlimited hands-on group classes
- Unlimited use of Boxing Studio
- Unlimited use of the basketball court.
- Gold's Gym International Travel Pass Privilégio
- Access to over 700 Gold gyms worldwide
Additional Fees, Free Trials, and Membership Freezes
At the Totowa, NJ location, Gold's Fit classes are available for a separate fee. While all other group classes at this location are included in your monthly subscription, some other locations charge additional fees starting at $35 per class.
Gold's Gym offers free trials for anyone who wants to try out the gym before signing up. You can enter your information on the website of the location closest to you and receive a sample card by email.
Looking for a gym that offers free passes or free trials? Check out our detailed guide:.
Free trials include access to group classes and all cardio and strength equipment, but do not apply to anyone who has been a Gold's Gym member in the last 6 months.
If you wish to discontinue your membership, you may be required to provide a medical certificate showing that you have suffered an injury or illness that prevents you from training.
If you are a student, membership fees may be cheaper. Check our articleThe best gyms with discounts for students.
gym equipment
The resistance machines in Totowa, New Jersey were a mix of Hammer Strength, Icarian, and Cybex. I know of a few places that have TechnoGym equipment. Although I've never used them, they look great as they have QR codes that you can scan to record the weights you've used on your phone.
The My Gold's Gym location also had a mix of cardio equipment from Precor and Octane Fitness. Most spin bikes I've seen are Star Trac. I know some places have Concept 2 rowers as well.
Gold's Gym sells its own line of plates, dumbbells,Russian weights, and other equipment. Some locations use them, while others, like the one I was at, use a mix of Gold's Gym, Hammer Strength, and Rogue products. If you're a powerlifter or weightlifter, I doubt you'll find equipment from Eleiko, Ivanko, or any other major manufacturer.
The Gold's Fit area in Totowa, NJ features many non-traditional machines such asVela TRX, battle ropes, sleds, medicine balls and plyo boxes. While school is out, anyone can come in to use the equipment.
For me, Gold's Gym even has a Buffalo bar. I didn't get a chance to use it, but it was nice to see that they had unique equipment, because I've heard that not all places have them.
Hat Gold's Gym Squat Racks?
The Gold's Gym I went to had squat racks in the main area, where the rest of the free weights and resistance machines were. There were also some squat racks in the Gold's Fit area where they do their functional fitness classes.
Does Gold's Gym have deadlift platforms?
The Gold's Gym I went to has two deadlift platforms. None of them were busy when I was there, but depending on how many platforms your location has, you may have to wait to use one if you go at a busy time.
If there are no Gold's Fit classes, you can still deadlift there, but you can only wear skid plates in that area.
Features and amenities
Of all the commercial gyms I've been to recently, Gold's Gym is one of the chains that offers the most amenities. For most gym goers, Gold's Gym has everything you could want in a gym.
Does Gold's Gym have a pool?
The Gold's Gym I went to doesn't have a pool, but there are several places in the US that do.
Do you want our complete list of gyms with swimming pools? Consult our guide:.
Sauna O Gold's Gym tem?
Many Gold's Gym locations have saunas and steam rooms. The place I visited had a sauna, although I didn't get a chance to use it. Some venues may only offer sauna and steam access for certain memberships, so check with your facility if you're interested in using them.
Does Gold's Gym have showers?
Most, if not all, Gold's Gym locations have locker rooms and showers, though the size of locker rooms and the number of showers vary by location.
Do you want our complete list of gyms with showers? Consult our guide:.
Does Gold's Gym have a basketball court?
Gold's Gym by me has a basketball court, but this can vary by location. Based on research I've done for other locations, some have racquetball and tennis courts in addition to or instead of basketball courts.
Want our full list of gyms with basketball courts? Consult our guide:The 7 Best Gyms With Basketball Courts.
A temporary Gold's Gym nursery?
Gold's Gym offers childcare services called Kids Club. The Kids Club is available for children under 11, although some places allow children as young as 12.
Some locations only allow a certain number of children in the Kids Club at one time. So if you're going to the gym during a busy time, you may need to wait for your child to join. The Kids Club at some locations may be closed at certain times of the year for holidays or vacations, so check with your location before bringing your child.
Do you want our complete list of gyms with childcare? Consult our guide:The 12 Best Gyms With Childcare (What To Expect, Rules, Cost)
Gorra Gold's Gym Solarien?
Gold's Gym is one of the franchises in the United States with the largest number of tanning beds. Starting in 2016, some websites began removing them due to the risk of skin cancer. But nearly half of Gold's Gym locations still have them, including the one I visited.
Do you want a gym with a solarium? Consult our guide:Best Tanning Gyms (What to Expect, Cost, Use)
Does Gold's Gym have a yoga studio?
Most Gold's Gym locations have yoga studios. You can use them at any time, as long as there are no courses.
Does Gold's Gym have a shake bar?
Gold's Gym has a smoothie bar. I didn't try it while I was there, but the menu items looked delicious! The Totowa, NJ location sometimes also gives new members a free smoothie upon joining. If your Gold's Gym does something similar, you can try one for free to see how similar it is to yours.
Does Gold's Gym have a boxing area?
Gold's Gym in Totowa, NJ has a boxing ring and I know many other places in the US have one as well. They also have punching bags.
Does Gold's Gym have a women's only area?
Based on my research, most, if not all, Gold's Gym locations have a women-only section. This is beneficial for women who may be intimidated by exercising in front of men, or who simply want to exercise without scary men following or watching them.
I trained in the main area of the Gold's Gym that I frequented and felt completely at ease. I admit that I'm not the most approachable person when I'm in the middle of a workout and I didn't have a tight schedule. But I never noticed anyone (male or female) doing anything inappropriate.
Does Gold's Gym offer group classes?
The Gold's Gym I attended offers daily group classes in dedicated rooms or studios. The only downside is that they don't have classes early in the morning or late at night, which could be a deal breaker for anyone coming back to an office.
For a list of group classes available at your Gold's Gym, I recommend calling or visiting the website for hours and classes offered.
Do you want our complete list of gyms with classes? Consult our guide:The 11 Best Gyms With Classes
Does Gold's Gym have a cardio movie theater?
Select Gold's Gym locations have a Cardio Movie Theater where you can watch a movie on a big screen while you bike, run or row. Not where I was. So if you think you'd like this, I recommend calling or visiting one of your Gold's Gyms to see if they have one.
Gorro Gold's Gym Massagesessel?
Many Gold's Gym locations have massage chairs. Some have HydroMassage tables, while others have Human Touch® massage chairs.
Is Gold's Gym open 24 hours?
Gold's Gym is not open 24 hours. The hours of the place where I was are:
- Second to Fifth: 4:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
- Friday: 4:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Domingo: 7h00 – 15h00
The hours of operation for each gym vary by location, but based on some research I've done at other locations, the hours of operation are pretty similar.
Who is Gold's Gym for?
Gold's Gym is aimed at a wide audience with different training objectives.
If you are a bodybuilder, I think Gold's Gym is one of the best gyms to join.They have a wide variety of resistance equipment, as well as treadmills, bikes, and stairs. There is also a wide range of dumbbells, plates and benches.
I think non-competitive weightlifters would love to train at Gold's Gym, but I don't think it's the right place for competitive weightlifters.They don't have many squat racks or deadlift platforms and are very careful not to drop weights. Also, you can't use chalk or get up barefoot.
For people with CrossFit experience, I think you would love to train at a Gold's Gym.Some places have separate classes called Gold's Fit that are similar to CrossFit. This includes box jumps, kettlebell swings, and other functional conditioning moves.
Gold's Gym is also a good gym for general gym goers and people who enjoy doing HIIT exercises and taking group classes.Classes vary by location, but you'll typically find yoga, kickboxing, spinning, Zumba, and bootcamp classes.
Gold's Gym also offers individual training.Many sites offer a free personal training session with your subscription when you first sign up, but you'll have to pay an additional fee for subsequent sessions. These can cost anywhere from $60 to $100 per session.
I don't think Gold's Gym is the best gym for beginners.While personal trainers can show you how to use the equipment and create a routine for you, most Gold's Gym locations are huge and the number of machines available can be intimidating for beginners.
However, if you're the type of person who needs the encouragement of a community to change the way you are, some Gold's Gym locations offer transformation challenges throughout the year to help you stay consistent with your nutrition and fitness routine. .
Do you want a gym that accepts children and adolescents? Consult our guide:
Specific information for women
Unfortunately, women in the gym are often subjected to inappropriate behavior and unsolicited advice from others. Because of this, a separate workout area is a respite for women who just want to focus on their workouts without diverting unwanted attention.
The Gold's Gym I visited has a separate women-only area with pre-loaded free weights, pre-loaded EZ curl bars, dumbbells, resistance machines, and some cardio equipment. Not all commercial gyms have this, so it's nice to have the option to work out in an area where crawling is not allowed.
Gold's Gym Policies
Reopening policy and what happens to membership during a closure?
Many gyms have reopened in the US, but their rules and regulations regarding COVID-19 vary. For example, some gyms are running at full capacity, while others are still limiting the number of members that can be in them at one time. You may also need to have your temperature checked before you can exercise.
At the Totowa, NJ location, masks are required for unvaccinated individuals and optional for vaccinated individuals. I checked a few other sites and many of them follow the same policy. But before you get to Gold's Gym, I recommend calling to ask about mask requirements or wearing a mask, just in case.
All Gold's Gym members must sign aCode of Conductbefore you resume training or start training if you are a new member. Guests attending Gold's Gym must sign the Code of Conduct at check-in.
As with most public places, Gold's Gym requests that you not visit any of its locations if you are sick or displaying symptoms of COVID-19.
Some locations have allowed members to freeze their memberships for 90 days during COVID-19. The Totowa, NJ location froze all memberships en masse when the lockdown began in March 2020 and I would imagine they would do it again if we were to go into another lockdown. Other places may do the same or have their own policies.
Politics of dropping weights, grunts and chalk
I asked about losing weight and using chalk when visiting Gold's Gym and both are not allowed. There's even a line in their agreement that no weights can be dropped or thrown. I think using liquid chalk would be fine as long as you don't spill it all over the place and you wipe down the latch when you're done to make sure it doesn't leave any residue behind.
There is no grunt policy per se, but since there will be other people in the gym with different backgrounds and experience levels, I recommend keeping grunting to a minimum. Be courteous to the other people training around you and try not to complain to every rep.
Conditions of cancellation and duration of the contract
The duration of your Gold's Gym contract depends on the type of membership you have contracted. Some memberships are annual while others are monthly. In addition to your regular monthly payment, you may also need to pay for additional courses, and most memberships require an annual club expansion fee.
Unfortunately, like most gym chains, Gold's Gym does not make it easy to cancel your membership. Most places require you to visit the gym in person to cancel. Some locations may allow you to send a certified letter by mail.
If you cancel your membership, you will have to pay a cancellation fee. The cancellation fee is usually around $89, but I have heard that some clubs charge cancellation fees of up to $200.
Gold's Gym also requires 30-day notice, so you'll be charged an extra month even after you cancel your subscription. And if you move to a location where there is no Gold's Gym nearby, you must prove that there is no Gold's Gym within 25 miles of your new residence.
Guest Policy: Can you bring a friend or wife/husband?
Most Gold's Gym locations offer a "Bring a Friend" program that allows you to bring a friend or family member with you for free. However, the free guest passes for individual locations are different. Some are valid for a single visit, while others are valid for 7 days.
Some individual gyms also offer promotions throughout the year that allow you to bring a guest for free until a certain date. Some Gold's Gym locations also offer referral programs where you get one month free if you refer a friend or family member. You can even receive a family discount if you share the same address with another Gold's Gym member.
Pet Policy: Can you bring your dog to training?
Dogs are not allowed in Gold's Gym unless they are certified service animals.
Are Gold's Gym memberships transferable?
Each site has its own rules for transferring subscriptions to another person, but some allow it. You may need to pay a transfer fee, which can cost up to $200 depending on your location.
If you are moving and would like another Gold's Gym to be your primary location, please speak to one of our employees.
Does Gold's Gym membership work anywhere?
While Gold's Gym membership plans say they include access to over 700 clubs around the world, that doesn't always seem to be the case. I have seen some complaints from members in NJ who were able to go to other Gold's Gym locations within the state but were not admitted to facilities in other states.
As a security measure, if you are traveling internationally or abroad, you may request a Home Gym Passport to present at the front desk of another Gold's Gym. Passports are valid for 14 days. I would also recommend calling the gym you are traveling to and making sure they take it as some places don't.
Is there a dress code?
The dress code at Gold's Gym varies by location. I asked the staff at the Totowa, NJ location and was told shirts, shorts or pants and shoes must be worn at all times.
So if you're a woman who likes to work out in just a sports bra and shorts or leggings, Gold's Gym may not be the gym for you. However, there were quite a few women wearing crop tops when I was there.
If you are a weight lifter who likesBarefoot squats or deadlifts, you may want to look elsewhere. The local Gold's Gym wouldn't let me just deadlift in socks, and I suspect they might even have a problem with that.deadlift shoes.
Can my child train at Gold's Gym?
Most Gold's Gym locations require you to be at least 18 years of age to become a member. For some places the minimum age is 12, but minors must be accompanied by an adult.
If you want to take a child under the age of 11 or 12 to the gym, most Gold gyms offer childcare services called Kids Club so your children can play under the supervision of a qualified staff member while you work out .
¿Vale la pena Gold's Gym Personal Training?
If you are interested in working with a personal trainer, you can sign up for sessions with a trainer at Gold's Gym.
Whether you're new to exercise or have never trained in a commercial gym before, working with a personal trainer can help you become familiar with different machines and styles of training.
A personal trainer can also help you with your weight loss goals, break through a plateau, or teach you new ways to exercise when you're bored with your current routine.
All Gold's Gym personal trainers must have certifications from an organization accredited by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA). These include the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the International Sports Science Association (ISSA), and the American Council on Exercise (ACE).
Of course, just because someone has a personal training certification doesn't mean they are a good personal trainer. But from what I've seen, the personal trainers at Gold's Gym have a good reputation.
With that in mind, I would only recommend signing up for personal training at Gold's Gym if you are a complete beginner, need guidance towards a specific training goal, or need to train under the supervision of a qualified professional.
Do you want our list of gyms with personal trainers? Consult our guide:The 9 Best Gyms With Instructors (and How Not to Get Ripped Off)
Tips for new members
1. Read your membership agreement carefully
Regardless of which gym you attend, it is important that you read your membership agreement carefully. Gym chains have been known to hide additional fees and strict policies in their agreements. You do not want to do anything that could compromise your membership.
2. You don't need to take advantage of the free personal training session that comes with your subscription.
While a personal training session is beneficial for people who are new to exercising, you probably won't need it if you have some fitness experience.
If you register in person, staff may ask you to schedule an on-site, face-to-face training session. Even if you make an appointment, you are not required to keep it. You can call them before the appointment to cancel it.
3. Despite its size, Gold's Gym is known for its friendly atmosphere and helpful staff.
Of all the chain gyms in the United States, Gold's Gym has one of the best reputations for its customers and employees.
As with any gym, you'll see a crowd of people, many of whom will be fully focused on their workouts. But if you don't know how to operate any equipment or have questions about the gym, you can always find someone willing to help you. Just make sure you don't interrupt anyone in the middle of a set, and be courteous to those around you.
Gold's Gym Complaints
Despite its many advantages, Gold's Gym has some shortcomings in its operation. Most of these stem from how they handle membership agreements and cancellations, although you'll find similar complaints about most commercial gyms.
Recently, some members complained about not being able to freeze or cancel subscriptions during the COVID-19 lockdown. However, these complaints are not indicative of the blocking policies of all websites.
Another common complaint about Gold's Gym is that the music tends to be too loud, but I think you'll find that at most chain gyms. You can always use headphones and listen to your own music if you don't like what's going on in your gym.
Some members have also complained that certain Gold's Gym locations are dirty and have broken equipment, but that doesn't seem to be the norm.
Alternativas a Gold's Gym
As I mentioned in this article, Gold's Gym is a great gym that has a lot to offer, but it's not the best gym for everyone. Below are three alternatives to Gold's Gym to consider.
1. Snap-Fitness
Snap Fitness is an ideal gym for anyone new to fitness. It's smaller than Gold's Gym and you won't see many expert athletes there. Monthly costs are similar to Gold's Gym, but Snap Fitness has a more family-friendly atmosphere.
take a look at ourFull review of Snap Fitness.
2. Planeta-Fitness
Planet Fitness is another good option for beginners or anyone who doesn't mind lifting heavy weights. Planet Fitness's monthly cost is a bit cheaper, so it's also a good alternative for those who don't want to spend a lot of money on a gym membership.
take a look at ourfull review by Planet Fitness.
3. LAFitness
LA Fitness is another great gym with a wide range of strength and cardio equipment, but it tends to have amenities like a pool that not all Gold's Gym locations have. An LA Fitness membership is also a bit cheaper than Gold's Gym.
take a look at ourfull review of LA Fitness.
Other gym reviews
- Is it worth it to be a member of Goodlife Fitness? (honest review)
- Is a lifetime fitness subscription worth it? (honest review)
- Is it worth it to be a member of Anytime? (honest review)
- Is it worth it to be an Equinox member? (honest review)
- Is it worth it to be a member of the YMCA? (honest review)
- Is a 24-hour fitness membership worth it? (honest review)
- Is it worth it to be a member of F45? (honest review)
- Is it worth it to be a Fit4Less member? (honest review)
- Is it worth it to be a member of World Gym? (honest review)
- Is it worth it to be a member of Blink Fitness? (honest review)
- Is it worth it to be a member of Workout Anytime? (honest review)
- Is it worth it to be a member of Onelife Fitness? (honest review)
- Is it worth it to be a member of Crunch Fitness? (honest review)
- Is it worth being a member of Youfit? (honest review)
- Is it worth it to be a member of Orangetheory? (honest review)
World Gymnastics Comparisons
- World Gym vs Gold Gym
- Gold's Gym contra YMCA
- Gold's Gym versus Life Time Fitness
- Gold's Gym contra Planet Fitness
- Anytime Fitness vs Gold's Gym
- Gold's Gym x LA Fitness
- Gold's Gym vs Fitness 24 horas
final thoughts
While I think Gold's Gym is a great gym and I was impressed with the one I went to, I don't think it's the gym for everyone.
Beginners will likely find Gold's Gym too intimidating, while competitive powerlifters and powerlifters will be disappointed by the limited number of squat racks and deadlift platforms.
However, bodybuilders, people looking to lose weight, and people who enjoy joining group fitness classes or doing HIIT and cardio can benefit from a Gold's Gym membership.
About the Author
Amanda is a writer and editor in the fitness and nutrition industry. Raised in a sports-loving family, she learned early on the importance of staying active. She started CrossFit in 2015, which led to her interest in weightlifting and powerlifting. She is passionate about helping women overcome their fear of lifting weights and teaching them how to properly energize their bodies. When she's not working out or working out in her garage gym, she often drinks coffee, walks her dog, or eats too many chocolate bars.