OUR HISTORY

THE GOLD'S GYM LEGACY

From fitness pioneer to industry leader.

Today Gold’s Gym is globally recognised as the authority in fitness – but every industry leader had to start somewhere. It’s been an exciting journey to this point and we’re just getting started. This is our brand story

WHERE WE STARTED

In 1965, there were just three gyms for the 7 million people in the Los Angeles area and real strength training was nearly unknown. Enter Joe Gold, a Merchant Marine veteran with an impressive physique and film-extra roles in The Ten Commandments and Around the World in 80 Days.

GAINING MOMENTUM

Perhaps the most famous original member was Arnold Schwarzenegger who helped lead the bodybuilding movement into the ‘70s with Gold’s Gym at the forefront. Quickly, the now iconic yellow Gold’s Gym T-shirts were everywhere, signifying those who wore it were part of something bigger.

In 1977, Gold’s Gym hosted the Mr. America contest and that same year the movie Pumping Iron came out, featuring Schwarzenegger and his friends training for the Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia contests. The movie was a hit and vaulted Schwarzenegger – and Gold’s Gym – to another level of celebrity.

GOLD'S GYM

1965
FOUNDING YEAR
32544
HAPPY MEMBERS
640
CLASSES
4
BRANCHES
golds-gym-woman

A NEW ERA

By 1980, Gold’s Gym ownership had changed hands a few times, landing with Pete Grymkowski, Tim Kimber and Ed Connors. The trio, nicknamed “The Three Horsemen,” set about spreading the core message of the brand to the nation. By 1981, many independent health clubs across the country were converting to Gold’s Gyms and the brand went international in 1985, opening in Canada. By 1993, there were 1 million members and in 1996 came expansion to Europe and Asia.

GOLDS-AMP-

THE LEGACY CONTINUES

In November 2022, Gold’s Gym Aha was acquired by AL SHUAIL GROUP, one of the largest companies in Abha region  – To Continue the legacy & develop it.