Gold's Gym — Attraction in Colonial Heights

I am writing this review to congratulate Gold's Gym for having one of the best instructors/employees I have experienced in my 20+ years utlizing fitness facilities-- Hannah Mills. The day you meet Hannah you become her friend. She has an open, kind, and enthusiastic personality. She is fun to be around whether she is working the front desk and assisting customers or instructing. Hannah represents "the" face of Gold's Gym. She is in shape, knowledgeable in regards to fitness, safety, and healthy eating/living habits. You can go to Hannah w/any fitness or diet question/ issue and she will have an answer; even if it's "you need to do cardio and watch your diet...it's about your lifestyle." She is going to give you healthy advice, not tell you what you may think you want to hear. You better be prepared, when planning a visit to one of the many different classes Hannah instructs, for a muscle screaming, heart pumping workout. Obviously the classes are well choreographed, but Hannah always knows the routines, enthusiastically maintains a constant pace, which is so important, and provides positive encouragement to all class members--those who may be in good shape and those who may be taking a class for the first time. Hannah focuses on each person as an individual and makes each person feel like she actually cares about their fitness goals, personal struggles, and overall health and life; I actually think she DOES CARE! I love Gold's Gym Colonial Heights in a large part because of Hannah. I like the atmosphere she creates in the gym. I like seeing her face at the desk and taking her classes and just chatting w/her in general. Even at her young age she presents herself as a positive role model physically and mentally. 20 years ago gym employees worked as trainers. Now, you are pretty much on your own unless you hire Compel Fitness. Not everyone can afford the extra expense so having a fitness professional on staff like Hannah benefits not only the club members but Gold's as well. Members are more likely to recommend Gold's to their friends and family if they feel like they are welcomed and accomplishing their goals. Shout out to the other great instructors at Gold's. We are fortunate in the Instructor arena. Also to Romeo and Candice...two more of my favorite people...

Been a member there a couple times and had bad experiences with each. I used to go early in the morning about 3am, and saw attendants sleeping at the desk, not available for questions, help, or security of who was coming in and out of the facility. Additionally, I called to see how much it was to bring my military spouse in to workout and was given a price of $10 on the phone, but then had to pay $20 when he showed up. I explained I was told $10 and no apology was given, no exception….. after the fact I was told he’d be discounted for being military. That’s a shame being so close to Ft Lee. I left for a while to try out other options which DID better suit my family, however, now I will be moving and golds is the closest to my home. I considered going back despite the previous experiences I’ve had and immediately chose to not do it after the phone conversation I had today. I explained I was thinking of rejoining, however I’d need childcare…I explained to the associate that I had a socially limited child who I’d need child care for, and I wanted to come in and see if he’d even entertain the idea of going into the kids club before I committed to a membership there again. My request wasn’t unreasonable, currently a member at the ymca, and they were happy to let my child explore the kids area to make sure he was comfortable BEFORE I began spending my money on something that possibly wouldn’t work for my family. I was quickly told “no”….. which was surprising but only confirmed what I’d long known about this gym——- they are not a family oriented gym, the children of members are not a top priority, and they clearly cater to more heavy lifters, power lifters and body builders than any other kind of member. If you are looking for a family oriented gym that provides correct information to members, is sensitive to different types of children that may attend their kid centers, and cares about all members equally, try the YMCA, AMFAM also does a pretty good job too if you’re willing to pay that price. Very disappointed in the overall experience I’ve had here. I did not feel secure respected or cared for at this location. Think before you commit.* Because they DO NOT make it easy to cancel your...

My daughter" best friend, who is like a daughter, tried to cancel her membership prior to her April payment coming out of her bank account. She was told she had to speak to the manager who works 10-6. It was between 10 & 6 but the manager wasn't there. She was told to come back in an hour. She went back in an hour and he still wasn't there. This continued multiple times through April, May, June, July and into August. She always went during the manager's work hours and the manager was never there. Each month she was charged $20 for a total of $100. She tried three times between August 1 and August 16, each time being told the same thing. The last time, she called and spoke to the manager and he said "I'm here." She showed up two minutes later and was told the manager is not available. I called and spoke with the manager. He was the most arrogant, cocky person I have ever spoken to. I deal with people everyday, all day. If I owned the company and I knew how arrogant he was to the public, I would fire him on the spot. He told me he is there 50 hours per week (or 60 depending on which time he said it) and if she had been coming up there, they would have crossed paths. She basically called her a liar. I don't know if he says how much time he spends incase it is his boss calling or someone that knows the boss, but the man is literally NEVER there, at least EVERY TIME she went up there. He said I am here right now" so I called and told her to turn around to go back to Gold's Gym. We will see where this goes and if he refunds her money.

Rates are good, but management is very unprofessional and it almost seems as though they purposely avoid customers who want to cancel their membership. I most definitely would find...