This “Gold’s Gym” business is competing for worldwide honor

This “Gold’s Gym” business is competing for worldwide honor.

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Orangeburg’s Gold’s Gym is going for the gold as the most improved Gold’s Gym in the world.

The former Brickle Street Muscle Beach fitness club received a new birth of sorts two years ago when it became Gold’s Gym.

Now the club is one of two finalists — along with Gold’s Gym Japan East Tokyo — for the coveted most improved Gold’s Gym globally.

The gym was named a finalist from among 110 gyms that qualified for the title. There are 1,500 Gold Gym’s in the world. The winner will be announced during Gold’s Gym annual convention in Dallas on Aug. 23-27.

“It is an accomplishment in many different ways,” owner Ramon Rodriguez said. “Gold’s Gym has never gone to small markets. They are always in big markets. Orangeburg made it possible for them to go in the small market. We showed them Gold’s Gym could work in a small market.”

Muscle Beach fitness became Gold’s Gym in October 2013.This “Gold’s Gym” business is competing for worldwide honor

As a result of the transition, Ramon and his wife Dr. Asha Rodriquez were required to renovate and upgrade the entire facility to meet the Gold’s Gym standard. More than $1 million was invested into the facility.

“We are elated and humbled and honored,” Asha said. “It would not have been possible without the support of Orangeburg. The people here really opened up and embraced Gold’s.”

The interior of the building was expanded by 35,000 square feet and all-new Cybex equipment was purchased. The upgrade included renovation of the men’s and women’s locker rooms (including a saunas, steam rooms and jacuzzis) and the front lobby area.

Some of the stationary cycles even have personal televisions providing exercisers a place to watch their favorite programming.

The club has an indoor walking track, juice bar, kid’s club, swimming pool, a cardio theater, cross-training arena, massage chairs, tanning beds and cyberbody slimming machine among recently added amenities. There are also workout opportunities for seniors as part of the club’s Silver Sneakers program.

A nursery with three babysitters is also provided.

The club has spinning, cycling, cardio, water, zumba, as well as body boot camp classes. It has two raquetball courts as well as a several aerobics rooms.

An attached restaurant — Fit Street — is open to the community. In the near future, a chiropractor’s office will also locate in the same vicinity.
Even the parking lot was upgraded with new fencing, lighting and paint.

The criteria Gold’s Gym used for most improved gym included the types of renovations and equipment added between March 1, 2014, and March 31, 2015.

The award looks at choices in layout, equipment selection, branding, overall look and feel.

Orangeburg’s Gold’s Gym is open Monday through Thursday from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. The gym is located at 1223 Brickle St.

The club currently employs 18 and has approximately 3,000 members.

Established in Venice, Calif., in 1965, Gold’s Gym has more than 650 locations in 37 states and 28 countries.

The gym has nearly 3 million members worldwide.

For more information, call 803-347-8525 or visit goldsgym.com/orangeburg or email goldsorangeburgsc@outlook.com.