Gold's Gym San Antonio Alamo Heights — Attraction in San Antonio

I recently joined Gold's Gym, my first time ever joining a large gym, and had a deeply distressing experience on my first day that I feel compelled to share to warn others, especially LGBTQ+ individuals.

During my visit, I encountered the general manager, Warren, who made me feel extremely uncomfortable and discriminated against. While using the treadmill, Warren approached me, introduced himself, and asked my name, which was unusual and intrusive. Later, he kept staring at me while I was doing sit-ups and even followed me into the locker room, continuing to make unnecessary comments and inquiries. This behavior was already highly unsettling.

The situation escalated in the sauna. Warren entered twice, yelling loudly at me and others to cover up more, despite us being fully covered. He aggressively stated that he wouldn't tolerate any inappropriate behavior in his sauna, and directed his anger particularly at me, using harsh and offensive language. His conduct was intimidating and unprofessional.

One of the men in the sauna, who was fully covered, stated this to Warren, only to be met with more yelling. Warren said, "There is no arguing with me, you do as I say. Do you understand me? The stuff (censored words were used here, I can not put in the review) in this sauna is going to stop," while pointing at the man. His behavior was reminiscent of an abusive figure and was completely inappropriate for talking to grown adults who were not doing anything wrong.

I am baffled and disgusted by the assumption that I would partake in something inappropriate in a sauna with strangers just because I’m gay. I have severe anxiety and am autistic, and this incident was extremely troubling to me. I was doing everything I could to mind my own business and keep to myself, as I always try to when I'm in public.

Since this incident, I have spoken to several of my gay friends who have had similar experiences with Warren or have witnessed his behavior towards other gay men. It appears that Warren has made it a habit to treat gay men this way. I also have knowledge that he might be using location-based apps to identify gay men at the gym and then follows and harasses them until they leave. This is unacceptable behavior.

Upon leaving the gym, I asked to cancel my membership. Warren loudly stated "GLADLY!" while slamming down the paperwork and said "sign here." After signing, he said "Yeah, we don’t allow that kind of behavior here." I said, "What are you talking about?" He replied, "You know what I'm talking about." I told him I did nothing wrong and was minding my business, and he repeatedly talked over me to "Have a good day." Warren’s final words to me were that “this gym isn’t for you,” which I believe was a direct attack on my identity as a gay man.

I urge anyone considering this gym, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community, to be aware of this manager’s discriminatory behavior. Your safety and comfort are paramount, and sadly, this was not the environment I found at Gold's Gym.

*EDIT: In response to the other review who is calling me out and saying it was likely justified just confirms that's one of the managers friends he probably asked to review because as you can see the manager isn't going to reply to me here publicly so he is having his friends do it for him. I was in the Gold's Gym for a total for like one hour. I had my headphones in and minded my business the ENTIRE time.

*EDIT X2 having more of his friends come to the defence. Somehow not understanding that I DID NOTHING AND NEVER would do any of what you are describing. I'm aware those things happen, but it has nothing to do with me. Simply being a gay man should not constitute being followed, yelled at, and harassed for simply existing.

This manager is so ridiculous he has his buddies coming on here to...

I have been a proud member of Gold's Gym in Alamo Heights for over two wonderful years, and it has been an incredibly positive and enriching experience. The moment I walk through the doors, I am greeted by the friendly smiles of the staff and the warm camaraderie of fellow members. The sense of community here is truly something special.

Committing to my health and well-being has become a joyful routine as I make my way to Gold's Gym three times a week. The array of facilities and equipment available never fails to impress me. One of my favorite aspects is the dedicated space for free weights. Lifting those weights has helped me build and tone my muscles and given me a newfound appreciation for the importance of stability and balance in my fitness journey.

Speaking of balance, the pull-up assist machine has been a game-changer for me. Pull-ups are undeniably crucial for overall upper body strength, yet many struggle with them, especially when starting out. The pull-up assist machine provides the perfect solution, allowing everyone to gradually build up their strength and achieve those pull-up milestones. It's a small marvel that highlights Gold's Gym's commitment to ensuring every member's success.

As I gracefully embrace the passage of time, I've realized that stability is a cornerstone of good health, particularly as we age. The emphasis on balance and control in my workouts has enhanced my physical abilities and contributed to my overall well-being. I firmly believe that as we grow older, our health becomes our most valuable asset, and Gold's Gym is a place that wholeheartedly supports this philosophy.

While the equipment is good, the people truly set Gold's Gym in Alamo Heights apart. The genuine connections I've formed with the staff and fellow members have added an immeasurable richness to my fitness journey. Being a regular at the same time has allowed me to forge friendships with those who share my passion for health. We cheer each other on, offer support, and celebrate each milestone, creating a sense of belonging that delights every visit.

As someone who continues to participate in soccer after an 54 years actively, I can confidently attest to the transformative power of regular exercise. If the benefits of staying active could be packaged into a pill, it would undoubtedly be the best-selling medicine of all time. Gold's Gym, even with its mix of equipment, has provided me with the ideal blend of resources and community to not only keep up with soccer enthusiasts half my age but to thrive alongside them.

In conclusion, Gold's Gym Alamo Heights has been essential to my life, enriching my physical and social well-being in ways I never thought possible. The dedicated staff, the welcoming atmosphere, and the comprehensive facilities all contribute to an environment where health truly is wealth. I am grateful for the friendships I've formed, my progress, and the support I've received on this incredible health journey. Here's to many more years of health, happiness, and success...

This location is clean and well taken care of. First and foremost. Warren the GM is a good guy. A really good gay friend of mine was hired by him and wouldn’t be working for someone who was homophobic, As some of these recent reviews have claimed. Calling this man a homophobe is ridiculous. It’s very clear plenty of the LGBTQ+ individuals workout here regularly with zero issues. The real issue is the individuals who abuse the steam room and sauna rooms. They are really great amenities to have but a handful of people attempt to use this as crusing hub attempting to hook up in steam room and sauna. There are MINORS yes minors, High schoolers that go into this steam room. So yes I have complained to management numerous times about PEOPLE trying to do their inappropriate activities in the locker room. Warren does walk the locker room usually just keeping up the cleanliness of the area as does most of the other male employees, nobody is being “harassed”, of course the manager should be stern if people are engaging in inappropriate activities, but this isn’t the only location dealing with the same issue. If a gym has a steam room and or sauna more than likely your gym maybe dealing with something similar. Again there are minors in this locker room and steam room, and there are some grown men who try to come here with the intent hook up. And the individuals who partake in said activities should embarrassed by their depraved behavior. You care about nobody but your yourself. The thing is too that it’s not just gay men doing such acts, people who identify as “straight” are also using this website called Sniffies which is a cruising website NOT a dating app. so it’s not a “discrimination”issue, it’s a public indecency issue and I emailed the gym with screenshots of the activities being planned by local users who want to take advantage of these amenities at the expense of everyone else in the locker room, not caring who they are exposing themselves in front of. I encourage you other members to report this nonsense also. Just look at this sniffies website, it’s graphic but you’ll see for yourself, it tells you where and when, and people get on there to promote the true nature of their intentions for coming to this gym. I’ve run into a similar issue at Roger’s ranch and the quarry. I use to workout here regularly but now just every once and awhile, because I’m sick of people trying to use these amenities as their own personal bathhouse or something… very weird behavior and I will continue to bring this to managements attention. It’s ridiculous that anyone thinks this is okay and it needs to be stopped. How are the staff members the bad guys for not wanting other members exposed to explicit activity. A private establishment we all are paying for, and should be able to come to the gym without being exposed to explicit activity.

Thank you to management for trying to keep these amenities for what they are intended for, instead of turning a blind eye to it like...