Some interesting information on opening and owning a Gold’s Gym Franchise. I found this the most staggering number, “While Gold’s is proud of its muscle-bound past, it cannot sustain its gyms with bodybuilders alone in the $17.6-billion fitness club industry.” A decent article and insight on the direction Gold’s Gym is headed. This was published in the Detroit Free Press: Gold’s Gym, made famous in the cult film “Pumping Iron” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno, plans a major expansion in metro Detroit. Plans are in the works for 20 new locations and at least $40 million in investment, said Keith Albright, director of development for the Dallas-based fitness chain. The chain plans to add 200 locations by 2010 for a total of more than 650 U.S. locations. The bulk of Gold’s Gym locations are owned by franchisees. Michigan gyms are now in Ann Arbor, Howell, Battle Creek and New Buffalo. Albright plans a Detroit meeting in January to introduce potential franchisees to the brand. A Gold’s Gym franchise takes a substantial investment, he said. The gyms are a minimum of 20,000 square feet and require a $2-million investment to build and equip. The company requires its franchisees to have…