I’ve been thinking recently about what the perfect gym would look like — for me. I’ve been wondering this…because of all that my current gym lacks.
My gym? Gold’s (photo above.) It’s not some rinky dink hole in the wall (though one of those might be preferable, for the reasons below.) This is Gold’s freakin’ Gym! The same name brand Gold’s Gym of Pumping Iron fame!
Background: I’ve been a member of this Gold’s since March, when my old (and much cheaper) gym closed due to some shady financial doings. The Gold’s had just opened, and, because it’s about a 2 minute drive from my house, I signed up…for 18 months (no choice.)
However…
Am I the only one that thinks that Gold’s has left its proud musclehead (in a good way) tradition behind, in favor of the “chronic cardio” crowd?
In the 15 or so years since I was last a Gold’s Gym member (Boston, across from Fenway Park) it seems like they’ve made a departure. Even 15 years ago I remember that Gold’s was mostly iron — at least at the Fenway location. Rarely was there any waiting for equipment, and there was plenty to get the job done.
By comparison, today’s version is woefully inadequate — if you’re looking for weights. Nothing wrong with some cardio equipment…but why so damn much? And why does it have to be at the expense of the weights?
Here are the things I can do without at my fantasy gym:
I don’t need 62,000 treadmills, elliptical trainers, and stairmasters that occupy fully 4/5 of the gym space. I don’t need a juice bar. And I sure as hell don’t need a tanning booth. I can also do without the TV’s.
Here’s what I want:
More space dedicated to free weights, including more than one squat/combo rack, and more than ZERO power racks. (Can you believe there is not a single power rack/cage…at a Gold’s Gym?)
Also, I would like more pullup/chinup stations, rope climb, and more room to “throw” weight around, if the mood strikes — Cross Fit style. While we’re at it, I’d like to have some Westside Barbell chains and bands to really mix things up. Louie Simmons must be doing something right over there — and I’ve sure as hell benefited from his repetition and conjugate methods.
In fairness to Gold’s I’ll admit I know next to nothing about the economics of running a commercial gym. So, to stay profitable and keep shareholders happy they must know what they’re doing — one would think.
Aside from Gold’s there’s really not much else to choose from locally. There’s a Planet Fitness not too far from me, but they suffer from the same “cardio problem” that Gold’s does. Besides, I’m stuck with the Gold’s membership for another year anyway.
I can dream, can’t I?
What’s your perfect gym setup look like? Fire off some comments.
- Mike
Daily Life Wellness
Photo: Me, using my iPhone and the Hipstamatic app.
Tags: Exercise | Daily Life Wellness, fitness, Gold's Gym, gym, health, life wellness, vital wellness
