World Gym

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.

I joined World Gym located at 1001 E. Colorado Blvd Glendale, CA 91205 (818-243-1600) in July 2007. The facility initially appeared clean, though I took a quick tour of the facility with out a representative because they were busy at the time of my visit. The gym is spacious, has great air circulation and offers a variety of classes. I signed a one year contract and agreed to pay $29.00 per month. Though my intent was to attend the gym on a regular basis, I was soon dissuaded by the lack of maintenance. The weight area is always a mess. Plates are left strewn about the floor and barbells lie scattered on the floor whereever they were used last. The different bars and ropes which are used on stationary machines are also left scattered on the floor. Evidently, the members are not sufficiently motivated to clean up after themselves nor do they seem aware that their failure to return things to where they belong, has an affect on other patrons. The staff also does not seem sufficie... Read more

This gym has gone through so many management changes that the staff have no idea what's going on. When I joined I was talked into signing a two year contract, but I was so dissapointed after the first year, that I ended joining another gym (Maryland Farms YMCA is pretty great!) and paying for both. When my two years were finally up, I tried to cancel the membership (because it will automatically go to a month-to-month situation unless you submit something in writing), but in order to do that you have to fill out a paper that the GM (and ONLY the GM) has to sign and fax in to a collection company (apparently they filed for bankrupcy last year). The first time that I tried to cancel, I asked for the manager (I won't say his name), and a man came out saying that he was him. I told him that I wanted to cancel my membership and he gave me a complete 3rd degree about it and was very rude. I filled out the paper, I signed and dated it, he signed and dated it. The next month I noticed a bank ... Read more

Originally I joined Worlds Gym when they first opened their facility and it was great. The equipment really is nice and for the most part looks brand new. They have some descent trainers that really seem on top of things. However when I moved to the other side of town and had to drive 25 minutes to get to the gym I decided to cancel my contract. So I called to ask about it and the man I talked to said it wouldn't be a problem, wouldn't cost anything, all I had to do was fill out and mail some paperwork. I went in to pick up the paperwork and ended up talking to the manager. He said since I signed a 24 month contract I couldn't cancel in any way. I asked him what kind of cancellation fee they offered (I'm willing to pay anything at this point) and he said they don't. He sarcastically said I signed on the blessed dotted line and I can just continue enjoying their fine services. I can't tell you how frustrating and ridiculous this seems!!! No matter what I asked him there was no way, acco... Read more

My wife and I joined this gym as part of a corporate special for her place of work. We were very enthusiastic and optimistic about our upcoming healthy changes. My wife joined their personal training program for 3 months at 2 sessions per week and 9 months at 1 session per week. First of all, my wife had a hard time finding a trainer with whom she could feel comfortable. Secondly, instead of setting up a two part contract, Marty, the head personal trainer at that time set up two contracts both of which were set to automatically renew. After the 3 months were over we were charged for both the 2 session a week contract as well as the 1 session a week contract. But, my wife was only receiving training once a week. As a result, we were overcharged $720 dollars. When I attempted to contact them about this oversight, I learned that there was a new head trainer named Stephen. Stephen at first seemed to be helpful in trying to rectify the situation and told me that he worked it out so that th... Read more

I cannot say enough about how incredible this gym is! The equipment is nice and well cared for, the classes are fun, it is a great value for the money; but the thing that sets this gym apart is the people! I am crazy about the staff; and not just one member, but all of them. From the very start they have been friendly and helpful, encouraging, and they remember my name. I am 37 years old and for the first time in my life I look forward to going to the gym! The people make it fun to exercise! If you are not working out at World Gym you are missing out! Be sure to ask for Grant who is the general manager. He will take terrific care of you. I'll see you there!

I brought in a three day trial pass to try out the gym and was hooked on the first day. Not only has does this club have the best equipment I've seen, it's affordable and has friendly staff and helpful trainers. Since joining I've been training with Chris Rasnake who is the best private trainer ever. I'm getting great results and look and feel so much better. Five Stars

Having been a member at many clubs I cannot tell you what a relief it is to find a health club that FINALLY GOT IT RIGHT!!! The facility itself is state of the art, spaciously designed and immaculately maintained. I've been a member for almost three months, and I have NEVER had to wait or limit my time on a cardio or strength training machine. They offer a free personal training session to help get you started, and their aerobics classes are FANTASTIC. In conjunction with a super friendly staff and relaxed environment, WORLD GYM is IT. I haven't found any place like it.

Nice gym! Bad business! They closed w/out notice & I only used up 2 days out of my 3 month membership! I was cheated! They don't care about their customers!

I was a member of a World Gym in Tempe, AZ...great facilities - but awful business. They run their memberships through a tertiary company in Denver, and once they get their hands on your name and address - watch out. I signed up for a 6 month member ship and paid in full. Even though my gym was closed down four months later, I was signed up for a 35 year membership at another World Gym in a completely different area code without my permission...not even a message in the mail to notify me. They gave me no opportunity to cancel a membership renewal, even though they promised to send me the forms in the mail. Months later, I'm still battling them. Awful, underhanded business practices. Steer as far clear as possible from World Gym.