Not every bodybuilding icon is a big fan of some of the best-known gym chains worldwide. On a recent podcast with Generation Iron, bodybuilding veteran Victor Martinez shares his picks for the worst gym chains in the world. Astonishingly, Gold’s Gym made the list, turning quite a few heads among gym enthusiasts.

Gold’s Gym is a legendary name in fitness. It began in 1965 as a modest Venice, California studio created by former bodybuilder and U.S. Marine Joe Gold as a training space for himself and his friends, before evolving into a globally recognized brand.

However, Martinez clarified that he still respects Gold's Gym in Venice, which is known as The Mecca of Bodybuilding. He added that he was referring to the other corporate locations of the chain.

Martinez still puts the Venice location at the top, which was Arnold Schwarzenegger's "second home."

"60 years ago, in 1965, I was beginning my bodybuilding career, winning the European championships in Germany," as Schwarzenegger wrote on his primary online writing platform. "At the same time, a visionary named Joe Gold opened the doors of his gym in Venice, and Gold’s became my second home."

As mentioned in the Instagram post by Gold's Gym, it has opened over more than 600 locations in more than 30 countries. Martinez referred specifically to the chain.

The other gym chains mentioned by Martinez include Planet Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, LA Fitness, and Retro Fitness or Anytime Fitness (tie). His list, however, had nothing to do with brand recognition, equipment or trainer quality.

Martinez's argument was based on other important aspects. These included restrictive gym policies, poor cleanliness, and a focus on corporate culture rather than client satisfaction.

For instance, 24 Hour Fitness found itself on the list due to poor cleanliness. Nonetheless, he admits to working out there every now and then when other options are not available.

Victor Martinez Talks about One of His Favorite Gyms

It is clear that Martinez holds some strong opinions about large, corporate gym chains that he does not like. However, during the Kai Greene Effect podcast, he mentions one gym that stands out for him above the rest.

Calling it the “East Coast Mecca,” Martinez fondly talked about Bev Francis Powerhouse Gym in Long Island. Martinez admits that he does not get to visit it as often as he would have liked to due to family responsibilities and other logistics.

Since the “Dominican Dominator” is focused on gaining lean muscles, he typically follows a high-volume training program.

“I learned to train the right way, lifting through a full range of motion and never using a weight that I couldn’t handle,” he says to Dr. Workout.

Martinez generally trains each muscle group proportionately. However, he sometimes has to train a muscle group 2 to 3 times a week if he is falling behind.

Do you agree with Martinez’s picks for the worst gym chains in the world? Let us know about your experience in the comments.

Read more at Bodybuilding Bros.

Written by

Avantika Das

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar