Written by Tyler DiGiovanni | BSBM
Fact checked by Sam Coleman, Co-founder
FACT CHECKED
Alright, you've finally done it. You've committed to yourself that this is finally the time when you will take your health seriously. Now, all you need to do is find the right gym.
While there are most likely a few smaller gyms in your area, there are two gyms that have a massive presence throughout the entire country: Gold's Gym and LA Fitness. They both are popular but cater to some different fitness goals. We'll cover the history of these two gyms and break down what it's like to lift in each one so you can make the most educated decision before committing to a gym.
What is Gold's Gym?
Opened in Venice, CA, in 1965 by Joe Gold, Gold's Gym was one of the original indoor gyms for serious lifters. Consisting of homemade exercise equipment, Gold's became a favorite of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Franco Columbu, just to name a few.
In 1977, when the bodybuilding film Pumping Iron came out, Gold's Gym in Venice Beach became the most popular gym in the world. By 1980, Gold's had begun franchising and developing gyms in several countries. Currently, there are 61 company-owned gyms and 600 franchise-owned gyms throughout six continents!
In every location, you'll find a large free-weight area (with dumbbells that top out over 200lbs), along with dozens of strength training machines. There is no doubt about what the main focus of these gyms is. That's not to say that's all there is, with many locations offering group fitness classes such as Zumba, yoga, step aerobics, and kickboxing. A lot of what's offered will be location-dependent.
Like the fitness classes, the amenities at Gold's Gym locations will vary. You expect to find some or all of the following:
- Group Exercise
- Personal Training
- Cardio Equipment
- Cardio Cinema®
- Free Weights
- Functional Training Areas
- Resistance Machines
- Group Cycle
- Basketball Courts
- Pools
- Mind & Body Studios
- Women-Only Workout Areas
- Circuit Training
- Racquetball Courts
- Boxing Areas
- Spas
- Saunas/Steam Rooms
- Running Tracks
- Pro Shops
- Kids Club
- Smoothie Bars
- Locker Rooms
- WiFi
- GOLD'S AMP™
- GOLD'S FIT®
- GOLD'S CYCLE™
- GOLD'S BURN™
- BOOTCAMP
- GOLD'S 3D™
That is a lot offered, so it must cost an astronomical price, right? Not necessarily. Pricing is dependent on where your gym is, with membership costs ranging from $15/month up to $40/month and beyond. You'll have to double-check at your area's gym to get an exact number.
What is LA Fitness?
LA Fitness was started in 1984 in Los Angeles (shocker) by Chinyol Yi and Louis Welch. It started expanding through southern California by purchasing underperforming fitness clubs. Currently, there are more than 550 clubs throughout North America, offering over a dozen different group fitness classes, with some including water workouts in junior-sized swimming pools at multiple clubs. LA Fitness views its locations as sports clubs where people can adopt a healthy lifestyle rather than just a gym.
LA Fitness offers free weights, cardio machines, and strength training machines in all of its locations. As mentioned before, many of its clubs contain swimming pools, and some have sports courts for racquetball and basketball. Group fitness classes are the bread and butter at LA Fitness, with 18 different classes offered.
Many of the same amenities offered at Gold's Gym are available at LA Fitness. With a complementary fitness assessment, you can be sure to start off on the right path and make the most of your gym membership.
Regarding pricing, there are a couple of options to choose from.
- $29.99/month with a $99 initiation fee and $59 annual fee
- $39.99/month with $0 initiation fee and $59 annual fee
Gold's Gym vs LA Fitness: What Are The Biggest Differences?
Let's compare these two gyms to see which is a better fit for you.
Atmosphere and Culture
1. Gold's Gym:
Do you like picking up heavy objects and putting them down? Are you striving for a superhero-esque physique? Gold's Gym might be the place for you. Expect to hear weights slamming around and some loud guttural noises as background music in your workouts. Some people thrive in this environment, while others feel downright uncomfortable.
2. Crunch Fitness:
If you fall into the latter camp, LA Fitness might be a better fit. While it still is a serious gym, it has a more casual, inclusive vibe. Are you looking for some casual lifting? Maybe a little saunter on a treadmill? LA Fitness might check the box you need.
Workout Options and Classes
If you had compared these two 20 years ago, this would look a lot different. As it stands now, both gyms offer a wide range of fitness classes, from traditional strength training to Zumba to Pilates and everything in between. You would really need to check at your local gyms to see what classes are offered at each and decide which fits your needs better.
Equipment and Facilities
1. Gold's Gym:
As far as equipment goes, Gold's Gym is going to have what you need to pack on serious muscle, and LA Fitness is going to help you get beach body ready. That's not to say you can't be a serious lifter at LA Fitness, but Gold's has built its reputation on the backs of serious bodybuilders.
2. LA Fintess
While LA Fitness is well known for its Aquafit pool workouts, some Gold's locations also offer water fitness options. If you're looking for more consistent extra facilities other than strength training areas, LA Fitness does tend to have more options available.
Membership Cost and Contracts
Although we've touched on the price for both gyms, we know this might be your deciding factor, so here's a deeper look at the financial impact each gym would have on you.
1. Gold's Gym Pricing:
Membership Cost:
- Standard Membership: This generally starts around $25 to $30 per month. This fee often covers access to core gym facilities and equipment. Start-up fees can range from nothing to $99, depending on the promotions offered.
- Premium Membership: Approximately $35 to $50 per month, including benefits such as access to premium classes, pools, and specialized training areas.
Contracts:
- Commitment Options: Gold's Gym offers both short-term and long-term memberships. Short-term memberships provide flexibility but may come at a higher cost.
- Cancellation Policy: Gold's Gym often allows month-to-month cancellations with a standard notice period of 30 days. Annual contracts may involve early termination fees, which are outlined in the membership agreement.
2. LA Fitness Pricing:
Membership Cost:
- Standard Membership: This typically starts around $29.99 per month, with a $99 initial fee. It often includes access to most locations and basic gym amenities.
- Premium Membership: This membership costs around $39.99 per month and may offer additional perks like access to group fitness classes, pools, and other specialized facilities.
Contracts:
- Commitment Options: LA Fitness usually offers both month-to-month and annual contracts. Month-to-month memberships often come with a higher monthly fee but offer greater flexibility.
- Cancellation Policy: Members on month-to-month plans generally face no long-term commitment and can cancel with a notice period, usually 30 days. Annual members may incur cancellation fees if they terminate their contract early.
Virtual Tours
Want to take a peek at what could be waiting for you when joining one of these gyms? You’re in luck, below are video walkthroughs of a Gold’s Gym and LA Fitness. It should be noted that these are just representations of what could be in your local gym. Set ups will vary by locations.
Gold’s Gym Virtual Tour
This video comes from a franchise rather than the official Gold’s Gym YouTube channel, so keep in mind there may be some amenities that your local gym will or won’t have.
LA Fitness Virtual Tour
This video, on the other hand, comes directly from the LA Fitness YouTube channel. They do note that amenities and layout may be different in your local gym.
Gold's Gym vs LA Fitness Reddit Opinions
One of the best places to source real opinions on any given topic is Reddit. We’ve browsed through the forums to find out what redditors are saying about each gym.
Reddit Reviews of Gold’s Gym
A redditor posed the question: What makes Gold’s Gym such a great gym?
Here was the top response:
The last sentence of that review is a sentiment that has been repeated a lot when talking about Gold’s Gym.
u/deadweights asked:
u/Barbarian805 complained:
Unfortunately, when it comes to Reddit, Gold’s Gym does not have a positive reputation. Although, it is a generally accepted concept that people are more likely to be vocal when they have a complaint versus praise.
Reddit Reviews of LA Fitness
The general feeling on Reddit toward LA Fitness is overall more positive. With one user, u/xoxoalexa giving their review:
There were a fair share of people complaining about the canceling process, but there was also a decent amount that said they had no problems whatsoever when they decided to end their memberships. Experiences tended to vary based on location, which is something else to keep in mind.
Who is Gold’s Gym For?
If this wasn’t made clear enough in the previous sections, Gold’s is geared towards serious lifters who want to train in a gym that’s connected to bodybuilding history.
Casual or beginner lifters may find the environment somewhat intimidating. Expect to see bodybuilding tank tops, some physiques that seem a little enhanced, and big weights being moved. Those interested in Olympic and powerlifting will find the equipment and atmosphere to help push you to hit new PRs.
Who is LA Fitness For?
LA Fitness is a more accessible gym for people who are novice to intermediate lifters. That’s not to say experienced lifters wouldn’t feel at home there. There is more of a sense of people trying to better their health however they can, versus people trying to move as much weight as humanly possible.
For gym-goers that want to be able to do a few sets on the dumbbells, play some racquetball, and then finish off their workout with some laps in a pool, this is the place for you. The vast amount of group classes also create an environment of camaraderie, especially when you start seeing the same faces over and over in them.
Gold’s Gym vs LA Fitness FAQs
What is better, Gold’s Gym or LA Fitness?
There’s a few different factors when it comes to this question, such as: your fitness goals, your budget, proximity to the gym, etc. There are going to be some Gold’s Gyms that are in pristine condition, and some that are not. LA Fitness in general has a more constant standard when it comes to the upkeep of their gyms, but if you don’t really care about that and want to move some super heavy weight, then Gold’s is still a great choice.
Why is Gold’s Gym so popular?
Gold’s Gym was brought into the public eye with the commercial success of Pumping Iron. Since then, Gold’s Gym has been considered a haven for bodybuilders, both aspiring and professional. The popularity of Gold’s increased even further once they started selling merchandise with the brand’s logo on it.
Do Gold’s Gym and LA Fitness have Personal Training?
Yes! Personal training is available at both gyms, for an added cost. The exact costs will depend on the gym, frequency of sessions, and type of services required.
Wrap-Up
If you wanted to compare these two gyms, that tells me you’re ready to get serious about your health. LA Fitness and Gold’s Gym have been huge names in the fitness industry for decades. Gold’s Gym, a household name since Pumping Iron came out in 1977. The Venice Beach Gold’s is still referred to as the Mecca of bodybuilding, showing how much impact it’s had in the lifting world. Offering some group classes and various amenities depending on which gym you frequent, Gold’s does offer some options for people that aren’t looking to compete in a bodybuilding competition. If you’re a hardcore lifter who wants to be surrounded by like-minded people, you’ve found your home.
Conversely, LA Fitness offers a plethora of group classes, sports courts, a pool, and a weight training/cardio area that is targeted to the more casual gym-goer. People lifting up the equivalent of an elephant and yelling are not the norm there.
Both gyms offer somewhat flexible membership options, but their target markets are fairly different. It’s going to fall on you to figure out what your goals, and make your selection based on which one is going to help you be successful. No matter what you pick, always give it your all!
More head-to-head gym comparisons:
Tyler DiGiovanni
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