Gold’s Gym

I love going to the gym. So just know that before you read any further. Corporate gyms–and big corporations in general–get a bad rap in Austin, but I think there are some real benefits to chains like Gold’s and the like. In fact, I love Gold’s Gym. And here’s why …

… Tons of locations. I frequent three Gold’s Gyms enough to be recognized by the staff at all three: the one at downtown at 6th & Congress, on Ben White, and at 183 & Mopac. The downtown one is the closest to me, but you have to deal with parking there. It is also small, but rarely too crowded to work out, which is nice. The Ben White one is the biggest and newest, I think, with one of those silly tracks around the weight area. I like it though because it’s open and airy. And the 183 & Mopac one grows on me, though I initially didn’t like it because it seemed like one of those gyms where the guys are kissing their biceps in the mirror. It has a funky layout, but it’s workable, and there’s some pretty good scenery … when they’re not admiring themselves.

… Tons of locations everywhere. When traveling, there’s always a Gold’s Gym in the city you’re visiting, and it’s super easy to work out in the other cities’ gyms.

… Social scene. Yes, I’m mostly there to workout. And I get annoyed when I’m in the middle of some lunges and a dude tries to talk to me. But I also like getting out of the house/office, seeing new people, familiar faces, etc. Gold’s has a friendly but not pickup-y atmosphere, from the staff to the gym-goers, and I like that.

… Cheap. Because it’s corporate, they can offer cheaper memberships than other gyms. Plus, stand your ground–or flirt a little–and they’ll always lower the rates.

… Basic classes. I don’t do group fitness classes often, but the offerings at Gold’s are pretty basic and easy to jump into at any time. They’re fairly consistent across locations too, so you never feel lost no matter where you go. They seem to do a really good job of hiring and keeping instructors, too, so if you find one you like (Allan!! 6pm spin at downtown Gold’s on Tuesdays), you get to keep working out with them!

So I’m a gym junkie. Even if you’re not, though, Gold’s Gym is an easy gym for beginners and hardcore lifters alike, so I think it’s totally worth joining.