The world’s most iconic fitness brand reopens its founding market to a new generation of entrepreneurs with an elevated design and focus on its roots in strength and performance

The first Gold’s Gym® opened in Venice Beach, California in 1965 and forever changed how the world thought about fitness. Founder Joe Gold’s approach pushed limits, transformed bodies and made fitness not just a goal, but a lifestyle. Now, 60 years later, it’s once again changing the routine for Southern California and beyond.

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The Austin opening is one of more than 20 new locations created by Gold’s Gym and its franchisees over the last 18 months in the U.S., Canada, Spain and France.

Gold’s Gym announced today plans to reopen the SoCal franchise market for the first time in 36 years, creating an extraordinary opportunity for entrepreneurs to enter one of the most sought-after markets in the world with one of fitness’s most recognizable brands.

“Gold’s Gym has always been a leader in health and fitness, and this decision marks a huge step forward for the brand, our franchisees and our members,” said Co-CEO Danny Waggoner. “In building on our foundation of strength and performance through elevated experiences, new innovations and our continued commitment to our community, we are pushing the brand into a new era while remaining true to our heritage.”

Long-time franchisees Angel and Willy Banos, who have led and grown the SoCal Gold’s Gym market for decades, are transitioning their locations to new ownership. Gold’s Gym thanks the Banos family for their enduring partnership and the strength of the foundation they’ve built. Co-CEOs Waggoner and Brad Reynolds look forward to building on that legacy as Gold’s Gym reopens the Southern California market to the next generation of franchise entrepreneurs.

Gold’s Gym will retain ownership of its legendary Venice gym, known as “The Mecca of Bodybuilding,” and embark on an aggressive plan to bring in new partners sharing the brand’s vision for reimagined fitness centers built from the ground up with the focus on strength and performance.

Members had their first look at such an experience when Gold’s Gym debuted its new location in Austin, Texas gym this past July. The new flagship location showcases the brand’s strength and performance forward approach through elevated gym design, innovative equipment, and amenities for its members and staff.

The Austin opening is one of more than 20 new locations created by Gold’s Gym and its franchisees over the last 18 months in the U.S., Canada, Spain and France. Gold’s Gym also plans to open to 40 new locations globally over the next year, in addition to a development agreement for 60 new gyms in Brazil – all aligned with the brand’s new vision.

“We are excited about the opportunities ahead for the brand, and the continued support of our members around the world,” said Co-CEO Brad Reynolds. “There’s a reason Gold’s Gym is the most iconic name in fitness and we expect, of course, to only get stronger.”

For more information and franchise opportunities, visit https://www.goldsgym.com/franchise/.

About Gold’s Gym

What started out in 1965 as a small gym in Venice Beach, California has since become the most well-known and traditional fitness company in the world – Gold’s Gym. Over the last 55 years, Gold’s Gym has developed into a global brand with over 600 locations spanning 6 continents. Bodybuilding greats such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno and Franco Columbu worked out at the original Gold’s Gym, which went on to become the most legendary gym in the world. In the fitness industry, the brand enjoys cult status and universal appeal with 96% aided brand awareness. In 2020, the RSG Group acquired Gold’s Gym and integrated the brand into its portfolio, making it the global leader in the fitness sector. For more information, visit https://www.goldsgym.com or follow Gold’s Gym on Facebook, Instagram and X.

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