Golds Gym Venice - Arnold Disowning It?

[legbreaker]

This is really a sad day.... I always thought that Gold's Venice would be immune to the changes of the rest of the company, but this doesnt appear to be the case at all.

Bodybuilding has degenerated to the point where we dont even have a flagship gym anymore.

Im at a loss for words.

M!

Even though I don't like the trend of bodybuilding the past 15 years or so, I don't know if it really has degenerated, like you say.

When I first began training, 82 at 13 years old, it seemed the gyms were mostly filled with guys that wanted to be bigger, stronger, athletes and bodybuilder/powerlifter types with very few women.  

Sometime in the 80s women started getting more and more into the class' at Jack LaLanne and Lucielle Roberts.

As a matter of fact the gym I trained at, mr Americas, was a bodybuilding type gym...  Around 86 or so the owner sold the gym because he found out a gym was opening across the street that offered Aerobic classes and had lots of cardio equipment.... Within a couple years the Mr Americas gym shut down.

Today it isn't just guys like us that train...This thing has evolved tremendously...Now a big percentage of people are doing some form of exercise, from youth to senior.

I don't think it's BB becoming less popular as much as it's exercise becoming more popular...Marketing to the masses and not just a little group, relatively speaking.

I've been BB since age 13, competing since 15 until my last show 3 years ago.  Since then I've become disgusted with the gyms in and around my neighborhood that I just went to the paper and bought some equipment and have been training at home or in the wrestling gym, but NOT in the "fitness centers" anymore.

Last time I was there I had a guy walk right between me and the rack during deadlifts, hahha...ya can't get upset with them they just don't get it, although common courtesy should have prevented it, although ettiquette is rare around south florida, haha.

[Tamer Razor]

The new owners(TRT holdings) of Gold's Gym have no understanding of the fitness industry and its history. None of the top executives even work out, some probably never even step in a Gym before. What separates Gold's Gym from the others brands its unique heritage. Golds use to be a place her all the top athletes in the World go to. The kind of serious fitness and intensity is part of professional sports. Magic Johnson use to train at Gold's Venice even though he had part ownership of 24 Fitness. It is sad to see the destruction of the Mecca and part of the History of the fitness Industry.

[G o a t b o y]

"Gold's Venice...  the place where He Who Almost Died for You Bitches took his Advil!"

[donrhummy]

I do. But it's a misconception that Arnold has anything to do with this. It's Gold's Corporate (see the article a few posts back) calling the shots.

And for the record, Jerome Ferguson was doing everything he could, including spending his own money, to save that World Gym location. He knew Joe Gold for years and felt he owed it to Joe's memory to save that place. No such luck.

I guess my advice to everyone who's never trained there would be to get out to Marina del Rey before July 12th and train on the equipment Arnold and the boyz use in Pumping Iron, before it's gone for good.

Joe Weider or Arnold could save it if they cared. They've got enough millions of dollars that I'm sure the owner would let them buy the place and all the equipment.

[willie mosconi]

yeah, it is a bit of a shame, but what is really the big deal? Bodybuilding has been declining for over 10 years, so this shouldn't be a big surprise. Venice Gold's still has a vast array of equipment and you can still get a great workout there. Yeah, I'd rather it stay true to its "roots", but life goes on- nobody or no industry should live in the past. Also, it's not like the place is totally bereft of big name pros or photo shoots.

Last night I was training there and saw some she-male working out there. She is some "famous" pro, but I can't remember her name. That is just a small example of what is wrong with modern bodybuilding. I mean, she looks completely hideous.

[Triple-H_2005]

Patronizing another "hardcore" gym really isnt a choice...there arent any left!

There are a few.  Virginia Beach, VA...Flex Gym on Bonney Rd.  If you're ever in the area, check it out.

Hell, this gym is the biggest reason I've stayed in this geography!

[Shawn_Perine]

I'm going to talk to a few people and see, if nothing else, we can at least save that equipment at World that everyone from Draper to Arnold to Lee Priest trained on. Some priceless photos there too that better not find their way to a dumpster.

[americanbulldog]

Gene LaMott was a good operator.  Too bad he isn't with Golds anymore. 

[Pollux]

Some priceless photos there too that better not find their way to a dumpster.

That would be fucked up! 

Put them on eBay or some shit!

[Pollux]

Bodybuilding has been declining for over 10 years

You got no arguement from me there. It's a damn shame. How I wish I could've lived in the days of the "Golden Age" of bodybuilding. 

[shiftedShapes]

I think he has simply become disgusted the way Golds has turned out to be the fag gym it is now..

yeah because back in Arnolds day there were no queers associated with BBing 

[Slintowin]

Arnold will be in venice this weekend for the Muscle classic show

[pumpster]

Arnold will be in venice this weekend for the Muscle classic show

getbig ambush

[shiftedShapes]

getbig ambush

HAHA he's in the gov't so this comment makes you a terrorist.  BRUTAL THOUGHT-POLICE

[BigSexy50]

getbig ambush

This is a business decision totally. When normal (non-lifter) is asked to name a "hardcore gym", I guarantee the first thing out of their mouth is GOLD'S. I am in the gym business, bottom line is that hardcore facilities or facilities that have that reputation make less money than more family oriented fitness centers. The gyms my company owns and operates are really nice, and have awesome equipment, but it lacks an edge that I enjoy when training. In order to make more money we promote a different atmosphere, it against my personal preference, I sacrifice that to have my operations be more successful. Gold's and most other facilities are distancing themselves from bodybuilding because it alienates the normal gym member, all that does is cost you memberships. Unfortunately in this business we need to cater to the masses in order to survive, if we catered to a small segment of BBers or Powerlifters we would lose the bulk of our membership base that we worked so hard to get. Take for example Milos's gym, the place is great, but if he took the bbing element out he would make momre money, he would even tell you that. Can you imagine a soccer mom walking in looking for a membership and seeing a photo shoot in the middle of the place, Armin Schultz and Heiko Kallbach flexing and posing? She will leave scared for her life. She won't join and neither would anyone like her, that negativity travels fast. Even a normal guy training, what if he couldn't get on equipment on a certain day because people from FLEX magazine were there. Not great for business.

You guys are sad because of all the photos and murals coming down? The wall of Olympians is next, all the big portraits if the past Olympians will come down after this year's Olympia. Sad but true.

[Triple-H_2005]

Very sad.
Sad that the insecurities of a sedentary, apathetic public affect those of that give a crap so severely.

The most ironic thing is that 99% of the "intimidating" meat-heads keep largely to themselves when they train and would be the first to offer help or good advice to a novice.
I'm sure all of us have seen some inexperienced person doing an exercise incorrectly and have taken the time to show them the proper execution.  Then there are the countless times we give training and diet advice...

We laugh and poke fun amongst ourselves, but the fact is that we're not intimidating, very helpful and want others to succeed. 

[pumpster]

This is a business decision totally. When normal (non-lifter) is asked to name a "hardcore gym", I guarantee the first thing out of their mouth is GOLD'S. I am in the gym business, bottom line is that hardcore facilities or facilities that have that reputation make less money than more family oriented fitness centers.

All true but only half a loaf; Schwarzenegger, Joe and just a few others are in a position to act individually or collectively to preserve the old Gold's, either of these two gyms and any other worthwhile artifacts including the original gym equipment, without applying the usual business equations. They can either operate them at relatively small loses or find new ways to generate break-even profits or better. For example making the old Gold's into some type of BB Planet Hollywood museum/bar restaurant.

I realize that Arnold's bottom line is always self-interest; on the other hand he is a true BB fan as well and i'm surprised he hasn't done something in any of these cases.

There's still time (hint hint).

[BigSexy50]

Very sad.
Sad that the insecurities of a sedentary, apathetic public affect those of that give a crap so severely.

The most ironic thing is that 99% of the "intimidating" meat-heads keep largely to themselves when they train and would be the first to offer help or good advice to a novice.
I'm sure all of us have seen some inexperienced person doing an exercise incorrectly and have taken the time to show them the proper execution.  Then there are the countless times we give training and diet advice...

We laugh and poke fun amongst ourselves, but the fact is that we're not intimidating, very helpful and want others to succeed. 

It sucks, but it is business.

It makes no sense when you really look at it, a small subculture erupts and brings health and fitness to the forefront in this country. And now the people that jumped on that bandwagon are so critical of the same people that they once admired.

Same as I don't understand the concept of women's only facilities. Why are you more worried about people looking at you, than the results you are getting from your training? Besides that, women are more catty and shitty towards other women then men are. Weird.

[BigSexy50]

All true but only half a loaf; Schwarzenegger, Joe and just a few others are in a position to act individually or collectively to preserve the old Gold's, either of these two gyms and any other worthwhile artifacts including the original gym equipment, without applying the usual business equations. They can either operate them at relatively small loses or find new ways to generate break-even profits or better. For example making the old Gold's into some type of BB Planet Hollywood museum/bar restaurant.

I realize that Arnold's bottom line is always self-interest; on the other hand he is a true BB fan as well and i'm surprised he hasn't done something in any of these cases.

There's still time (hint hint).

It's a great idea, but Arnold has no say in what Gold's Gym Corporate wants to do. The front desk staff is lying, Arnold's pictures were taken down because management was told to take them down. The only way these clubs survive is if they are bought by an investor, and run under a different name.

[Triple-H_2005]

The only way these clubs survive is if they are bought by an investor, and run under a different name.

To an extent, I agree.  Gold's is trying to be Bally's.  Unfortunately for them, there are already several large chains that cater to this demographic.  I think they'll be more successful in some areas (more dense population centers) than others.  I have heard that 24-hour Fitness has largely bought Gold's out throughout Texas.

[pumpster]

It's a great idea, but Arnold has no say in what Gold's Gym Corporate wants to do. The front desk staff is lying, Arnold's pictures were taken down because management was told to take them down. The only way these clubs survive is if they are bought by an investor, and run under a different name.

With his name and money, it wouldn't take much to find out what it would take to work a deal before assuming the worst re: the old Gold's, the equipment and possibly the current Gold's & World's. He bought the rights to Pumping Iron for various reasons, could do same here.

[HotRodMan]

There are a few.  Virginia Beach, VA...Flex Gym on Bonney Rd.  If you're ever in the area, check it out.

Hell, this gym is the biggest reason I've stayed in this geography!

Flex is a great gym!  And you won't find too many guys who know more about training than Big Al.

[BigSexy50]

To an extent, I agree.  Gold's is trying to be Bally's.  Unfortunately for them, there are already several large chains that cater to this demographic.  I think they'll be more successful in some areas (more dense population centers) than others.  I have heard that 24-hour Fitness has largely bought Gold's out throughout Texas.

I should clarify myself, they will survive, but to survive as they are they need an outside owner to come in.

[BigSexy50]

I should clarify myself, they will survive, but to survive as they are they need an outside owner to come in.

The only way these more hardcore facilities survive is you need a situation like in Texas, MetroFlex with Brian Dobson. He is not running the place as a business, it is fun for he and his friends, just like Joe Gold ran Gold's back in the 70's. You need a small space, with a dedicated owner that manages it, and that has another career or money to support himself. The monthly expenses too are heavy and keep getting more expensive, larger facilities need more members to offset this, take away the BBing atmosphere, and you end up with more members.

[timfogarty]

It's a great idea, but Arnold has no say in what Gold's Gym Corporate wants to do. The front desk staff is lying, Arnold's pictures were taken down because management was told to take them down.

agreed.  Arnold is a public figure and anyone can hang his picture anywhere.