Talk:Gold's Gym/Archives/2013

Tidying
I did a fair bit of tidying on this article. I think my edit summaries are pretty self-explanatory, except that I wanted to elaborate slightly on the bits that I simply removed.

I deleted additional details about Joe Gold except for the facts directly related to Gold's Gym. The deleted info is already included in the article about Joe Gold.

This article still needs fleshing out to become something other than a stub. Future stuff to include might include:


 * More info on business model
 * A photo of a typical Gold's Gym
 * A well-documented criticism section

Twisted86 00:09, 14 August 2006 (UTC)

Removal of $ symbol
I removed the $ symbol from the sentence: "It was acquired by TRT Holdings in 2004 for approximately $158 million dollars". There are only two correct ways of putting it: $158 million, or 158 million dollars. Having both the $ symbol and 'dollars' written after it would essentially be duplicating the word dollar when reading it out loud.Davez621 (talk) 22:00, 21 August 2008 (UTC)

Criticism section
An IP keeps deleting the criticism section, in the latest case saying things have changed at Gold's gym. While that may be true, it needs to be shown in citations and exactly what has changed needs to be spelled out. Some of the very negative reviews on the citations given for the criticisms are very recent, so I suspect valid criticisms remain. Further, even if certain problems are fixed, the more glaring ones should probably remain mentioned in the article as sketchy things Gold's "used to do". TastyCakes (talk) 15:42, 19 November 2008 (UTC)

The situation has NOT changed with Gold's Gym. Their practices need to be thoroughly documented and brought to light.

I know that the unethical practices are still current as I am right now a victim of their dishonest practices and am having to spend a lot of time and effort battling the even more dishonest and unethical collection agency they hired to harrass and extort me.

Apparently the person above me is dealing with the same collection agency and very dishonest Gold's Gym Corporate office that I am currently dealing with. ( 10/13/09 ) Today I received the first of many calls from the collections agency about my Golds Gym account from 2005. The claim states that I failed to cancel my contract effectively. However, the truth is that I joined the Marine Corps releasing me of my obligations to the contract which Gold's Gym backs me on that but still are fighting for 1300.00 dollars in cancelation fees? I will never go to another Golds Gym and recommend careful consideration before joining there scam! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.27.37.194 (talk) 00:46, 14 October 2009 (UTC)

I will be monitoring this page. The truth about Gold's Gym's business practices will remain, and will be filled out with citations and further detail. Businesses should not get away with this sort of conduct. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Owensellwood (talk • contribs) 00:21, 14 January 2009 (UTC)


 * Please follow the no original research policy. &mdash;ADavidB 13:09, 14 January 2009 (UTC)
 * The external link guideline may also be helpful. &mdash;ADavidB 13:16, 14 January 2009 (UTC)

I deleted the last line of the criticism section regarding fitnes assessments because it is untrue and opinionated. Most fitness assessments in fact are free of charge and the claim that they are "of dubious value" is opinionated and, frankly, wrong. Gym staff assess your physical and medical history, discuss your goals with you and recommend a fitness plan that's right for you. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Dbr4653 (talk • contribs) 16:47, 10 November 2009 (UTC)

Criticism Citations
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/fromcomments/107570.php

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/health_clubs/golds.htm

http://www.complaints.com/2006/august/20/Gold_s_Gym_membership_cancellation_scam_10538.htm

http://www.measuredup.com/review/Golds-Gym-Rip-Off-3020

This is relevant. If this section disappears from the talk page it will be reinstated immediately. Consumers need to know about Gold's Gym practices up front and a factually accurate description in this article is the best pathway. Sorry. The Criticisms Citations was supposed to go on the discussion page. I only put it on the main page by accident... these are meant to be "worked into" the document so it can be a good encyclopedia entry. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Owensellwood (talk • contribs) 16:43, 14 January 2009 (UTC)

That is one total bullshit criticism section. You can find complaints like these about any company on the internet. And the fact that they convince people to come in to the gym to sell them memberships seems like a good thing. It gives customers a chance to check it out themselves. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.70.30.45 (talk) 02:46, 7 December 2010 (UTC)


 * Far from it. In fact, given the borderline criminality of some of Gold's practices, I'm surprised the section isn't more extensive. Gold's requirements for cancellation are uniquely onerous, very poorly explained to new members, and deliberately designed to extort money from people (especially young people and students), who have long since moved away or otherwise stopped using the facilities. — Aldaron • T/C 02:58, 30 March 2011 (UTC)

New Facts and Information on Gold's Gym
Hello,

My name is Dave - I work at Gold's Gym's corporate office and noticed that there are areas of the page that are a bit outdated. I've included updates below as well as some new content with citations for your consideration.

Thank you for your time.

Updated/expanded information: •	Gold's Gym International is the largest full service co-ed gym chain in the world with more than 700 locations in 43 states and 30 countries [1]

- In October of 2009, Jim Snow was named President of Gold's Gym International, replacing James Weaver.

•	Gold's Gym has a membership of more than three and a half million, split almost equally between male and female patrons [1].

•	Gold's Gym's membership had included such notable personalities as Jodie Foster, Morgan Freeman, The Rock, Hilary Swank, Keanu Reeves, Tiger Woods and Jessica Alba, among others [1].

•	Since Gold's Gym opened its first international location in Canada in 1985, the company has expanded its global franchising program to include nearly 180 international gyms including operations in Russia, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, Egypt, Mexico, India and Peru [1]. In 2009, the company opened it's first locations in Spain, Poland and Venezuela.

•	In 2004, the company introduced the Gold's Gym Fitness Institute to serve as a think tank on critical health and fitness issues. The Gold's Gym Fitness Institute's members includes Dr. Belisa Vranich, Robert Rheames, Mike Ryan and Ramona Braganza, among others [3].

. Gold's Gym operates a national corporate wellness program. Clients include Wal Mart, the U.S. House of Representatives, American Airlines and American Express.

•	In 2004, Gold's Gym became a national fitness sponsor of the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure. In 2006 the company became a National Strategic Partner of the American Diabetes, the ADA's highest designation for a corporate partner. Since their relationship began, Gold's Gym has raised more than $2.5 million to benefit diabetes research, education and awareness [3] [4]

- In 2009, Gold's Gym partnered with video game manufacturer Ubisoft to launch "Gold's Gym Cardio Workout" video game for the Nintendo Wii Fit. The game received postive reviews [5} New content:

•	To this day, the original Gold's Gym in Venice is considered a sports landmark and is recognized by ESPN.com on its list of the 100 most important sports venues [2].

•	Today, the Gold's Gym logo is considered among the most recognized logos around the world. The brand holds a 75 percent unaided awareness level and a 95 percent aided awareness level with consumers [1].

•	Gold's Gym locations are equipped with cardiovascular and strength training equipment and offer group exercise classes such as spinning, pilates, Latin dance, yoga and stretching through the company GGX (Gold's Group Exercise) program [1].

- Gold's Gym was one of the first companies to introduce the "Cardio Cinema" concept, which is an actual movie theatre inside the facility with treadmills instead of seats. Gold's Gym now has more than 50 cardio cinemas accross the U.S., more than any other competitor.

References 1.	Smith, Stephen P (2005). "America's Greatest Brands, Volume IV" 2.	Caple, Jim (September 19, 2008) "America's 100 Most Important Sports Venues" ESPN.com 3.	www.goldsgym.com (2009) 4. www.diabetes.org 5. www.amazon.com —Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.18.3.5 (talk) 17:58, 14 October 2009 (UTC)

The "notable personalities" is supposed to be for celebrities and we have updated the language to reflect that. We have also deleted the referrence to the 9/11 hijacker as this is unfounded and uncited. 66.18.3.5 (talk) 20:07, 26 July 2010 (UTC)Gold's Gym Corporate


 * "We"? — Aldaron • T/C 20:13, 26 July 2010 (UTC)