Gold's Gym San Marcos — Attraction in San Marcos

I've been a member for almost 6 months. I was really happy at first. The staff is nice, it's fairly clean, and they fix broken equipment pretty quickly, but I should have figured sooner or later the lack of equipment and space would become an issue. First, parking is now almost non-existent, even as far back as behind the optometrist/coffee shop. Next, and I can only speak for the women's locker room, people have started putting their stuff in lockers and not locking it up. You open a locker and it's got something in it. Open another one, same thing until you find an empty one. Good thing I'm not a thief. Once you've finally found a place for your stuff, if you have plans for a workout, you can pretty much nix them. Not enough free weights, only three squat racks and two Smith machines, and everything is so close together if you do find the dumbbells you need, you aren't going to find a place to set up and use them without being in the way. Also, this has been bugging me to no end: when I do finally get in on a squat rack, several men have come up to me and asked when I'm going to be finished and not even batted an eye at the men at the other two racks. This is especially annoying because others are frequently on their cell phones or walking away from the equipment they're supposed to be using and taking extended breaks, but then I'm there with my sets planned taking minimal rest sets and I'M the one you walk up to to ask if I'm almost done? The first few times I just thought it was weird that they only asked the woman or that maybe I just seemed more approachable. Now I'm fairly certain it's sexist and it's infuriating. There seem to be enough treadmills, but nothing else. Only two rowers on the floor and only one spin cycle. The heavy bag is under the power rack which creates difficulty when people want to use both. Not enough stretching or functional training space for the number of people. Pretty much if you have a regimen be prepared to change it or learn to love the treadmill. Monday and Tuesday: just expect to not be able to do anything. The other days you might be able to stick to your plans, and definitely on Saturday and Sunday, so you'll need to cancel your weekend activities and change your rest days (that's what I'm going to do until I find a better situation). I'm really disappointed, but I'm finding I'm having to change what I need to do too much to justify continuing to pay for this gym. It's a shame it's just too small. I tried a few of the premium classes when I first signed up and they all seemed great. The package that includes them is way too expensive, though. If you can afford the class package, you might have a better experience since they have designated equipment and space they use. Slim pickings for the rest of us. I even tried going at 6 in the morning for several days and there were still more people than I ever saw at that time at previous gyms I belonged to. It wasn't worth rushing to get to work when I still didn't know if I'd be able to work a particular muscle group that day due to equipment (un)availability. Anyway, no need to go on, and it's great their membership is increasing; it's just not in line with the real estate they currently have.

Update: The canned Gold's response to my review got me thinking about what I would email the manager if I did (which I might). I would love it if they turned that Cardio Cinema that almost no one uses into a women's-only weight room (lifting - only; no cardio equipment). I really think that cinema area is a huge waste of valuable space and a women's-only weight area could alleviate some of demand on the other free weight/squat rack area as well as provide a place to get away...

Uggghhh....I hate to even write this review because of the inconvenience. I even started a review months ago and didn't have anything nice to say at the time so I decided to give it more time so the “new gym” could work out the kinks. I now write this review in the hopes that others will learn from my experiences since it will almost be a year since this gym has opened. I was so excited when I heard this location was opening and could not wait for my membership. Initially super impressed with all the equipment available and classes offered. That has changed significantly. Cleaning was a huge issue initially and while it has improved, there is still significant room for improvement, at least in the mornings. There is always hair all over the floors in the GGX room along with toilet paper and paper towels on the floor in the women’s dressing room. Spray disinfectant is scarce if the bottles are even there and working. The one area that is the most frustrating is the free group classes. Again, initially, there were multiple classes and lots of options, when the instructors showed up. Well, now the instructor issue has been remedied but they have eliminated a huge portion of classes. If you like to work out in classes early in the morning, this is not the place for you. My previous gym, Texas Health and Raquet, had a 5:15a class every day of week no matter what. Instructors showing were never a concern and if there were only 6 people, I never had to worry there would not be a class next quarter. In speaking with management, there is a minimum of 15 people to really maintain a class. While I agree that people need to show to continue offering a class, it’s a 5:15a class and there are a lot of people who don’t want to work out that early. It is unfair, however, that the consistent 6 or 7 people who do show regularly are punished for more people not showing. The couple of weeks right before holidays, there are even less people and that is when they will eliminate even more classes for people not showing. This all may seem like I am making dramatic conclusions, but take it from the person who is at 99% of the 5:15a classes. One other issue that may change your mind about this location is their inability to open the facility on time. For those of us with jobs, the 5:00a opening is crucial. I have lost count as to how many times this facility has not opened on time. ONE PERSON has a key to this CORPORATE gym and if that ONE PERSON does not show, the remaining staff have to wait until someone can get a hold of the amazing Tyler who will usually get up and come open the gym. Thank you Tyler for always being up early? Or whatever circumstance leads you to being able to open the gym for us. I would have missed many a workout if it were not for you.  Although I and others have spoken with Jeremy, the manager of this location, and we were told they were working to fix that situation, it apparently has not changed anything as it happened again this morning….Happy New Year! As a side note, the front staff, trainers, and group class trainers who work at this location are stellar and amazing. They always try to communicate with you regarding scheduling, they are friendly and seem like they really love what they do.

1-30-17 Once again, I am left standing outside with all the other people waiting for them to open. Once again, 1 person has a key for this entire gym. I get that there are things that happen and a person can't get here but relying solely on one person to open a gym is rediculous. Still frustrated and still wouldn't recommend this gym to another soul. Very disappointed. Too bad there are no...

This is complaint about the customer service my husband and I received from Zach Farmer at Gold's Gym in San Marcos, Texas. On October 31, 2024, we arrived at the gym, and I requested a manual check-in. Mr. Farmer responded harshly, questioning, “You don’t know how to use an app?” Taken aback by his tone, I responded that we were educated in technology but I asked what the procedure would be if the system was down. After repeating the question multiple times, he finally mentioned that they would manually enter and cross-reference check-ins once the system was back up. However, I’ve witnessed on previous occasions that when their system is down, they simply allow members in without any check-in or accountability. I then mentioned that I had forgotten my phone and membership card. He responded by stating there was a $10 fee for manual check-ins. When I attempted to clarify the policy, he rudely asked if I was “this cynical all the time” and told me I was “wasting his time” and that he was "busy"—although he was merely standing at the front desk just watching people check in. The front desk staff is frequently unengaged, often standing around talking to each other, rarely greeting customers, and seemingly inattentive to customer check-ins. Mr. Farmer’s attitude was unprofessional and dismissive, showing no willingness to resolve the issue or offer an apology. Due to his behavior, I requested the cancellation of my membership and I mentioned to my husband that I would not return until I received an apology from the management via phone call or a letter of apology from Mr. Farmer via email. Gold’s Gym should prioritize customer service by ensuring respect and professionalism, particularly from staff who interact directly with members. I would appreciate a response detailing how Gold's Gym intends to address this issue to provide a more positive experience for all members……………………………………………This is my reply to Zach’s answer………………………………………………My husband returned to the gym the same day to address the incident and have a conversation with Zach. However, instead of engaging in a constructive discussion, you provided him with a cancellation form. My husband came there to discuss the incident but you were rude and told him that you were not interested in having me return to your gym. My husband approached you calmly and respectfully, yet this was your response. I would advise against fabricating statements to justify your actions. An owner should never treat clients in such a manner. We have already canceled our membership and have no desire to be associated with your establishment due to the poor customer service we experienced. Additionally, despite your decision not to welcome us back, our account continued to be charged. We had to reach out to someone else to ensure our services were canceled again, as the charges persisted. How convenient for you. At this point, it’s clear you got what you wanted. We are no longer clients, and you’ve managed to take extra money from us. There’s nothing...