Steel Gym — Local services in Palm Springs

It's important to keep in mind the setting: This is Palm Springs, and Palm Springs has a long and storied history of shallow physical vacuousness, cruel standards of beauty, and look-ism. We're fun that way.

The pressure to look good is enormous. This is a place where people come to show off their plastic surgeries, work on their tan lines, and have sex -- we've been having sex for years here in Palm Springs, you should try it. But first, go the World Gym and maybe take a cycle class. I'm just suggesting.

It must be tough to run World Gym in a town filled with oodles of rich people who have their very own full-stocked gymnasiums at home, staffed with personal trainers, dieticians and people paid just to say "you look great!" over and over -- but that might actually be why World Gym has remained so consistently terrific for all these years. It's always clean; the machines and equipment are always attended to and always work; the classes are full without being cut-throat. It's a well-run machine staff by a group of people who by now have become -- there's no other word for it, I'm sorry -- beloved by visitors and locals alike.

It's important to know what to expect. If you are visiting Palm Springs, you may not be used to seeing old people who are sexy and can kick your ass; you might be laugh at that 74-year-old guy in the short-shorts until you realize he looks hotter in them than you ever could. It's generally busy from the minute they open until they close, but never so much to annoy or cause a murderous rage -- a good thing, given how many of the members are taking testosterone.

There are subtleties to be discerned if you keep your eyes open: Does everyone look like Rachel Maddow? It must be Dinah Shore Weekend. I have a friend who can tell you everything about the current state of gay porn just from observing the Saturday morning Zumba class. There is a core group of trainers who work out of World Gym as independent contractors, not for the gym as employees; each has his or her own training and techniques, but they are all certified, insured and quite busy. It shouldn't need pointing out that any trainer who can swing it in an atmosphere like Palm Springs is already better than 90% of his or her peers found elsewhere: these are people who promise results and deliver.

Finally, know that you can be comfortable here if you are older, female, gay, and even -- yes! -- fat. If you are the kind of person who feels inexplicably drawn to the gym when you are on vacation, you'll feel welcome. If you've just moved here and need a quick primer on being a local and feeling like you belong, mention my name because I get a free month for referring you. And remember -- keep it...

World Gym Palm Springs is a great gym. Spacious and not crowded, unless on specific weekends which I will get to later. The gym equipment has a nice array to get you a specific body workout if the machine you seek is currently being used. Its neither the most advanced equipment or the most recent, however its good. If a machine needs service due to padding, cabling, handles, there can be a wait time before it is fixed. The gym runs hot for me however some of the members are wearing long sleeve hoodies and full length sweats. I would not need to. The mens locker room is ok. It can be full and several men in the locker room who are less accommodating with regard to their belongings, meaning, some will use the entire bench when getting ready. Getting ready for some of the men take lots of time so make getting dressed in and out no nonsense. There is a mens sauna and steam. The music at the gym is not typical to most gyms. You will want to bring your earbuds, unless you like disco and dance. You'll find a most eclectic clothing wear by the men at this gym so be prepared to see gym clothing styles not elsewhere seen. You'll find that the gym is primarily male and 18+. I workout early morning hours so the gym is not too busy. However I have made different time of day trips and it can get busy. Now there are certain yearly events that the city of Palm Springs hosts and getting to the gym seems impossible without any parking. You'll want to plan your gym time accordingly when events occur such as White Party, Pride, and Leather Pride, to name a few. Sometimes three day weekends such as Labor Day and Memorial weekends can be very busy on the holiday weekends, especially in the morning. The staff are very kind and very friendly. There is a juice bar and a small selection of beverages for pre and post gym workouts. There is a small clothing shop which will have both clothing for gym and specific to the genre who workout at that location. The gym is clean, and equipment seems to be clean. The main gym bathrooms are clean. There isn't as much vocal grunting and groaning at this gym in the free weight area as other gyms. There is a large selection of cardio equipment, not the most advanced or newest. There are televisions throughout and the lighting of the gym is bright. There is a yoga type studio where cardio classes run throughout the day. Schedules are posted. There is a wide selection of personal trai ers, one being a former Mr Universe. My experience with gyms in Palm Springs is only World Gym, in LA Golds Gym at Fig and 7th, Powerhouse Gym Colorado and 24 Hour Fitness Colorado. I enjoy and like World Gym Palm Springs in comparison to my own personal...

I recently visited World Gym to work out, and while there were some positive aspects, there were also some significant drawbacks that left me feeling quite conflicted about my experience there.

Starting with the positives, I must say that the gym's air conditioning was exceptional. With the intensity of the workouts, it was a relief to have a comfortable environment to exercise in. Additionally, the presence of multiple TVs throughout the gym provided some entertainment and distraction during my workouts, which was a nice touch. Furthermore, it was heartening to see friendly and supportive people working out alongside me, creating a welcoming atmosphere for new members.

However, my overall impression was dampened by several disheartening experiences. First and foremost, the rude behavior of some staff members was a significant concern. As a customer, I expect to be treated with respect and courtesy, and unfortunately, this was not consistently the case during my visit. Rude staff can create a negative atmosphere and impact one's motivation to return to the gym.

Another serious concern was the gym's apparent lack of LGBTQ+ friendliness. I am deeply saddened to hear about your transgender daughter being singled out. Discrimination and intolerance have no place in any establishment, especially not in a gym, which should be an inclusive and safe space for everyone. It is crucial for gyms to foster an environment of acceptance and diversity, where all individuals can feel comfortable and free from judgment.

Additionally, cleanliness is paramount in a gym setting, considering the high foot traffic and shared equipment. Unfortunately, it appears that World Gym fell short in this regard as well. A clean and well-maintained gym is not only essential for health and hygiene but also contributes to an overall positive workout experience.

Despite these drawbacks, I can understand your hesitation in giving the gym a second chance. It is commendable that you are willing to consider this option, hoping that your daughter can have a more positive experience in the future. I would encourage you to share your concerns directly with the gym management so that they can be made aware of the issues and have an opportunity to address them.

In conclusion, World Gym showed promise with its excellent AC, entertainment options, and friendly members. However, the negative experiences with rude staff, lack of LGBTQ+ friendliness, and cleanliness issues were deeply concerning. I hope that by expressing your concerns, the gym can take steps towards becoming a more inclusive and welcoming place for all members, including your...