Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

One of the biggest fitness franchises caters to more than just bodybuilders.. The Scene
The company logo is a muscle-bound gorilla deadlifting a heavily loaded barbell, but World Gym's focus goes beyond just weights to include a number of fitness options. Joe Gold's first Southern California muscle mecca--the second being the eponymous Gold's--has spawned hundreds of neighborhood gyms everywhere, from Mentor, Ohio, to Taichung, Taiwan. Design and amenities vary from franchise to franchise to reflect the owner and the community as much as, if not more than, the original location.

The Workout
All World Gym fitness centers are required to be at least 9,500 square feet. That means ample room for free weights, medicine balls, treadmills and sundry machines; classes in Spinning, yoga and the like fill out the group-oriented fare.

Doesn't Recommend

aldicks

Joined 9 years ago

Location is only plus for me.... The staff there is horrible and there are few good aerobics classes that are at pretty crappy times. Just like many big corporations, World Gym tries to rip you off at every opportunity. The only reason I'm there is that it is the closest gym to my home. And I keep a close eye on how much money they take out each month!!! Beware: if you sign up for a certain-length contract, you will automatically be transferred to month-to-month once it is up. So don't think you're not getting charged once your "deactivation date" comes up.

Recommends

chicagogreek

Joined 8 years ago

A Good Value. I've been a member since December 2004. Considering the gym's large space and numerous types of available equipment, it's definitely an excellent gym for the self-motivated. It's very diverse, too (i.e. an excellent mix of gay, straight, black, white, asian, latino, male, female, fat, fit, etc. members; everyone seems to feel comfortable here). When I signed up it was a great value (perhaps the best of any large gym found in Chicago's lakefront neighborhoods: $70.37 per month, which includes me AND my spouse, for a 2 year contract), also. There is a renovation planned for the summer of 2006, and a lot of new equipment has already arrived. I imagine the rates may increase for new members, as a result.

Doesn't Recommend

kb8878

Joined 8 years ago

Don't bother. One of the worst gyms I've ever belonged to - in Chicago or anywhere else. Cardio equipment is often broken - takes months in many cases to get them fixed. A lot of the equipment is old or worn down and needs replacing. Definitely wouldn't recommend it - hoping a new gym opens in the area.

Recommends

nil8me23

Joined 11 years ago

Pretty Damn Good!. This place is pretty large. Two floors, plenty of free weights and machines, a ton of cardio, and it's not very busy. The hours are really convenient too. Normally I hate gyms but this one is pretty comfortable to be in. Highly recommended. Sadly, the staff isn't very vocal unless you speak to them. Good people but lack a little energy. Easy to get around it though.

Recommends

xtriguy

Joined 11 years ago

THE BEST!!!. i must say, that world gym is the best gym, i have been a member of.. i have belonged to gyms all over from new york to california & i love this place. 1st off the staff is great, the managers Jason & Letty are great with members, they make each visit a wonderful experience. The free weight area is huge.. plenty of treadmills .... & if you like cardio kickboxing classes, then you have to take Steve's monday night class!!! He makes billy blank's tae bo (however you spell it) seem amaturish!! i highly reccomend this gym, everything about it is great!!