Walking into Golds Gym Hollywood was like hooking up with an old lover that I didn’t realize I missed, and it feels amazing. Surprisingly, it’s even better now because his body has gone from good to freaking amazing. I know the process of the gym remodel was not great for regulars trying to get that workout on, but the result is pretty amazing.
I am a Golds Gym fan for at least 20 years. I worked out there when I lived in San Francisco in both locations. I moved to L.A. on a Sunday about 13 years ago and that first Monday morning I was in Gold’s Gym Hollywood signing up. About eight years ago I moved to West Hollywood and held onto my Gold’s membership for a year as I loved the place, but eventually cancelled it when I realized I just wasn’t going to get in the car when I have a gym I can walk to in two minutes. Today I am rethinking that lazy choice.
The place is amazing now, and the energy is high. I walked in and immediately felt like I was in a playground and I wanted to ride all the rides! I ran into my friend and old workout partner Daniel (@mrdanielmartinez amazing men’s groomer and hairstylist) who had this to say: “I love the variety of people who come together here. You get the downtown creatives, old school Venice-beach-style bodybuilders,and trainers. It’s a trainers’ gym. I love to watch what they are doing and get ideas. Everyone here is high focus. the collective focus is fierce!”
Another old friend and trainer said it with a little more humor: “This place is a sh-thole but it has vibrant energy. Testosteroney energy! (not a word but it was what he said and it was hilarious). I’ve been training here for years and I would never want to train anywhere else. You go to Equinox, you don’t have the energy. You walk in here and you want to jump into it!”
I agree with the both wholeheartedly. I worked out while I looked around and I felt more pumped to push myself than I have in a while. The energy’s infectious and people are pushing themselves in creative ways. If you are looking for inspiration, this is a great place to work, and you can pick up some great ideas by watching others.
The gym itself has all the old school machines for lifting, and they are well placed to fit as many machines in as possible without being cramped. Just looking at the leg set alone ,there are four leg press machines, three Smith racks (cage to do squats), and two assisted Smith racks. On top of that there is an entire functional fitness area with cages on the wall if the Smiths are busy. In that area there are all of the boxes for box jumps, medicine balls, ropes, etc. There are three double-cable machines and a ton of other options on the main floor as well.
Upstairs is huge cardio room with rows and rows of treadmills, stair masters, ellipticals and a few other varietals. I’m sure there is almost always something open if you are in a hurry, even during rush hour. The locker room and showers have been majorly upgraded and expanded so there is a lot more room to move and more showers, so less time to wait.
I was there at 10 a.m., not rush hour after work, so I can’t comment on how busy that gets. But I talked to another friend who said the people in the morning were awesome and it had a cool vibe then. Overall, from what I can see I give it a perfect 10. Old lover, I hope we are reunited again soon.
XO
This video is masterpiece, thanks for sharing.
Hi Monte! We are thrilled that you enjoyed your visit! Can you contact me with an address to send you some fun Gold’s gear! We appreciate the kind write up!