For several years, while I worked in North San Jose, I went to the Gold’s Gym “Airport location” by 101/San Tomas.  When my job changed, and I was no longer going to North San Jose, I moved to the Gold’s Gym in Campbell, also near San Tomas.  One evening, I was leaving the Campbell gym and noticed a bum walking around inside the gym.  I know for certain he is a homeless bum because I’ve seen him on the streets pushing his buggy many times before.  After that, I never went back to Gold’s Gym, and I canceled my membership shortly thereafter.   

I began looking for another gym, and ended up at Club One Santana Row.  The membership dues were about $15 more per month, but the amenities are a lot nicer.  Gold’s Gym is all business.  At Gold’s Gym, the only fragrances are sweat and more sweat.  The only signs on the wall are instructing members to not throw the iron around, and I think there are a few posters of professional body builders (including Arnold Schwarzenegger).  The locker room is tired, dark and dingy looking, but clean and well kept.  There are no steam rooms, “luxury” shower stalls, saunas, endless supply of clean towels, child care, or spa services like massages and facials.  There are no treadmills with personal TVs and personal fans.  All of which they do have at Club One. 

All that said, I absolutely LOVE Gold’s Gym (Airport location).  The amount of weight training equipment is probably 10 times what they have at Club One, and it is much easier to use and more comfortable.  The other people who are working out at Gold’s Gym are there to work out.  Not to be see and be seen by others (not a meat market).  And, Gold’s Gym knows you’re there to work hard, so they keep it very cool inside.  Club One keeps a comfortable temperature for watching TV, not working out! 

So, yesterday I “re-joined” Gold’s Gym, and I am so excited about getting back in the gym.  I only wish I could go more than 2 days per week!