Global Franchise 10.3

that operator-led DNA remains central to the brand today. “Our longest-tenured franchisees prove something fundamental: fitness succeeds when it’s personal,” Fockenberg adds. “They built true community long before we called it ‘community.’ They live the brand at a local level.” GOLD’S GYM TODAY: ‘THRIVE MODE’ Following its acquisition by German-based fitness giant RSG Group in 2020, Gold’s Gym focused on modernizing its concept while reestablishing a disciplined growth strategy. The result is a brand operating firmly in what leadership describes as “thrive mode.” Today, Gold’s Gym operates more than 500 locations serving millions of members across 30 countries. Over the past 18 months alone, the brand and its franchise partners have opened more than 20 new gyms across North America and Europe, with plans underway for up to 40 additional openings worldwide in the year ahead. International expansion remains a priority, including a 60-location development agreement in Brazil. In the U.S., one move sent a clear signal to the industry: Gold’s Gym recently reopened Southern California to new franchise development for the first time in 36 years. For seasoned operators, the reopening of one of fitness’ most competitive and culturally influential markets wasn’t just an expansion; it was a statement of confidence in the brand’s renewed model. Beyond Southern California, Gold’s Gym is actively engaging franchise partners across key U.S. metropolitan areas, while continuing to scale in high-potential international markets throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. THE NEW MODEL: STRENGTH WITH STRUCTURE Modernizing Gold’s Gymwas never about chasing trends. It was about building a scalable, repeatable club model that honors the brand’s strength- training heritage while meeting the expectations of today’s members and tomorrow’s operators. Today’s Gold’s Gyms are thoughtfully engineered around how people actually train: heavy lifts, long sessions, real work. Drawing from its Venice Beach roots, the newmodel pairs raw industrial character with modern craftsmanship. Open layouts, smarter floor plans, and intentional zones support everything from powerlifting to performance conditioning. The result is a training environment that feels authentic, focused, and purpose-built, shaping not just what strong looks like, but how it feels. “Gold’s Gym owns the origin story of strength, but we continue to push it forward,” Fockenberg says. “We honor the past not by repeating it, but by modernizing it. We protect the ‘why’ and reinvent the ‘how.’” BUILT FOR MULTI-UNIT OPERATORS For multi-unit franchisees and development groups, the question is never “Can I open one?” It’s “Can I open five – and run them consistently?” Gold’s Gym franchise support reduces the guesswork from day one with data-driven site selection, gym design support, award-winning marketing campaigns and onboarding and training through Gold’s GymAcademy. A key operational advantage is the Franchise Business Consultant (FBC) model, which provides franchisees with a dedicated point of contact throughout the lifecycle, from onboarding through day-to-day operations. Beyond operations, the brand also emphasizes retail and merchandise as brand amplifiers and meaningful revenue streams, leveraging the iconic logo and location-based identity that members wear beyond the gymwalls. Right now, Gold’s Gym is targeting qualified partners committed to building long-term, sustainable businesses. That includes: ● Multi-unit operators and development groups prepared to open five to 10+ locations ● Experienced entrepreneurs with strong business skills (fitness, hospitality, retail and service backgrounds translate well) ● Partners who respect the legacy, but are energized by the newmodel ● Operators who believe in the power of community RECLAIMING THE STANDARD Taken together, the brand’s vision, legacy and modernized model point to a clear conclusion. Gold’s Gym is not revisiting its past – it’s defining its future. “We are taking back our rightful place as the world’s leader in strength,” Fockenberg says. “This is not nostalgia. This is a renaissance.” F O R F U R T H E R I N F O R M A T I O N Contact: Dean Giamundo, director of franchise development dean.giamundo@goldsgym.com +1 (214) 296-5026 Established: 1965 Number of outlets: 500+ Locations of units: Global FRANCH I SE OVERV I EW 15 GLOBAL-FRANCHISE.COM GOLD’S GYM