Founded in 1965, Gold’s Gym originated as a small gym located in Venice Beach, California. It’s since expanded, with locations now sprawled across the globe. “Storied athletes including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Franco Columbu worked out at the original Gold’s Gym in Venice, also known as ‘The Mecca of Bodybuilding,'” a Gold’s Gym representative says to PS. “[They] have inspired generations of future athletes, both on the professional and personal level.”
With that level of well-known clientele, you may assume that Gold’s Gym costs an arm and a leg. But not all Gold’s Gym locations are all that pricey. In fact, many are more in line with what 24 Hour Fitness and Anytime Fitness cost, rather than Equinox and Life Time Fitness. Here, we delve into Gold’s Gym pricing, including how much Gold’s Gym memberships cost and what amenities you can expect at the fitness centers.
How Much Does Gold’s Gym Cost?
There’s no one set membership price for Gold’s Gyms. Worldwide, Gold’s has locations in 23 countries, with over 580 international gyms and over 200 gyms across the United States, according to a Gold’s Gym representative. And each of those locations has their own pricing model, so there’s no straightforward answer to the question of how much a Gold’s Gym will cost — you’ll have to look up your local club and request pricing information.
That said, we looked at the pricing information of various Gold Gym’s across the country to learn as much as we could about Gold’s Gym pricing — and here’s what we found.
Gold’s Gym Membership Pricing
While all locations have their own pricing models, most Gold’s Gyms seem to offer at least two tiers of pricing: a basic membership (that typically allows for access to a single club) and a premium-level membership (that may guarantee access to more than one club, or special classes or training opportunities).
For instance, in Downtown Los Angeles, there are two membership plans advertised. The first is the Single Basic annual plan, which costs $55 per year (with a $59 enrollment fee) and allows for access to cardio and strength equipment at that club only. The second is Platinum Club Access, which costs $59 month-to-month (currently discounted to $55, and with a $1 enrollment fee) and includes access to additional amenities — unlimited group exercise classes, unlimited body composition scans using the InBody machine, access to the pool, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi — and entry into any of the Gold’s Gym SoCal locations.
Meanwhile, in Washington DC’s Georgetown Park location, there are also two membership options. Here, the Platinum membership costs $40 biweekly (with a year-long contract) and the Black membership costs $50 biweekly (but is a month-to-month agreement). Both memberships offer access to 20+ Gold’s Gyms, travel passes to all Gold’s locations, group exercises classes and more — with the Black membership additionally allowing for a guest pass with each visit and access to recovery options.
In Texas, plans range from $35 per month for a year-long commitment to $40 per month with a month-to-month agreement. Other states, like Wyoming and Oklahoma, also have membership prices that hover around that $35 per month cost.
The bottom line: Gold’s Gym membership prices and membership options vary widely. To get the most accurate information, find the location near you using the Gold’s Gym website and navigate to your local club’s offers from there.
Gold’s Gym Enrollment Fees
Something to consider when signing up for Gold’s Gym is that you might have to pay an enrollment fee. In our research, we saw fees as high as $99, while other clubs had none. Regardless, you’re usually expected to “pay your first month dues the day you join, and an annual fee” a Gold’s Gym representative says to PS. “For company-owned gyms, they do not charge enrollment and have 12 month or month-to-month options.”
Can You Try Gold’s Gym For Free?
Yes, you can typically try Gold’s Gym for free using a trial pass. Remember to read the fine print, though, as there may be restrictions, like guests having to be 18 or older or not being able to use a free pass if you’ve been a member or visited as a guest in the past six months. Contact the gym you’re interested in directly to set up your free visit.
Additional Price Considerations
Amenities vary by each Gold’s Gym location, per a Gold’s Gym representative. At most locations, a variety of group fitness classes are offered with the program Les Mills or Gold’s Gym’s own group fitness programming, known as Gold’s Studio. These classes may include Zumba, cycling, bootcamp, or yoga classes. There are also typically recovery amenities, including cryotherapy or compression therapy boots. But access to group fitness classes and additional services is dependent on your club and membership plan.
Most Gold’s Gym locations also have an option to sign up for personal training, and the fee per session varies by location. Gold’s Gym offers an app as well, where members can check-in, reserve classes and find locations nearby.
Jade Esmeralda, MS, CSCS, is a health and fitness staff writer and a strength and conditioning specialist. A lifelong martial artist and dancer, Jade has a strong passion for strength and conditioning, sports science, and human performance. She graduated with a Master of Science degree in exercise science and strength and conditioning from George Washington University.