Dallas, Texas—August 2007—Gold’s Gym is expanding its U.S. presence with a new category of investors who are giving the world’s number one fitness franchise a workout. The most recognizable name in the health club industry, Gold’s Gym has more than 600 locations in 30 countries around the world and is now attracting experienced, well capitalized, franchise entrepreneurs to continue the growth and expansion of the brand.

Gold’s Gym’s aggressive franchise development plan aims to add another 200 locations by 2010. The new locations will increase Gold Gym’s franchised locations in the U.S. from 465 to more than 650. Calling for new locations in large and small markets across the United States, Gold’s Gym’s expansion will occur both through multi-unit franchise agreements and single location openings.

“Gold’s Gym is turning heads in the franchise investment community,” said Keith Albright, Senior Vice President of Franchising for Gold's Gym Franchising, LLC. “Consumer demand for our gyms is exploding. We have become the gym of choice for millions of American’s who are becoming aware of the benefits of fitness in their lives. It is an exciting time to invest in a Gold’s Gym franchise location.”

With more than 40 million Americans holding gym memberships, and that number projected to increase to 50 million by 2010, investors can open their own Gold’s Gym in virtually any U.S. market—urban, suburban and rural. And, while the exploding fitness market has ballooned to a nearly $16 billion industry, still more than 85 percent of the U.S. population has yet to join a gym – indicating the potential for further investment in the segment. 

“There is little doubt that this is the right time to invest in a Gold’s Gym,” Albright added. “And, while the demand we are seeing from the franchise investment community is remarkable, we are very selective when it comes to granting a Gold’s Gym franchise. Gold’s Gym has always been about changing lives by helping people achieve their individual potential – we cannot afford to let that change.”

Gold’s Gym aims to ease the burden of the nearly two thirds of the adult U.S. population and 15 percent of children and adolescents who struggle with being overweight. Plus, with heart disease and diabetes being major concerns in the U.S. and health care providers now beginning to include gym memberships in their benefits, Gold’s Gym is a part of the solution to the nation’s health concerns. 

Offering a solid business model with comprehensive support – real estate, construction, architecture, marketing, operations training, economies of scale – Gold’s Gym provides experienced entrepreneurs from a variety of backgrounds the rare opportunity to invest in one of the world’s most popular brands and have a positive effect on the communities they serve. 

“We treasure our past. And, over the last four decades the ‘Mecca of Bodybuilding’ has also become a fitness destination that offers men and women at all levels of the workout spectrum a well rounded exercise experience,” Albright said. “Our years of experience give us an edge in every aspect of the business – from operations and customer consultation to partnering with some of the most influential wellness organizations such as the American Diabetes Association.”

About Gold’s Gym

Established in Venice, Calif. in 1965, Gold’s Gym is the largest co-ed gym chain in the world with over 620 locations in 42 states and 26 countries. Gold’s Gym offers the latest equipment and services, including group exercise, personal training, cardiovascular equipment, spinning, Pilates and yoga, while maintaining its core weight lifting tradition. With nearly 3 million members worldwide, Gold’s Gym continues to change lives by helping people achieve their individual potential.