Welcome to world gym franchising
HISTORY
A Legacy of Strength
In the early 1960’s, one man set out on a mission to change the world by improving people’s lives through fitness- and that he did. What started out as a small, single location in Los Angeles, California, has exploded to become an iconic, globally recognized gym brand that has fueled the modern fitness industry for decades. During this time, World Gym has produced some of the most legendary and iconic bodybuilders; has shaped and sculpted the Hollywood elite; has inspired millions of workout enthusiasts to lead an active lifestyle and transform their bodies; and it has welcomed all who were serious about improving their health and fitness.
Today, World Gym is an iconic, globally recognized gym brand with over four decades of experience helping people get fit, feel good, and live better. A serious gym for serious workouts, our sprawling gym floor offers the best in free weights, cardio equipment and strength training machines. We also offer indoor turf training areas, amazing group fitness classes, personal training, wellness and recovery options and more. Please check your local World Gym for a complete list of amenities.
Our story is more than 47 years in the making and we’re continuing to set the bar high when it comes to fitness innovation. Even if you’re just starting the first chapter of your personal fitness journey, our legendary path to greatness can be an inspiration to you, like it has to so many others.
1960s | Before World Gym
Joe Gold, the Founder of World Gym and known as “The Father of Bodybuilding”, had a strong passion and vision for bodybuilding. He was trained as a machinist with the US Merchant Marine and developed his skills with machinery during that time. With a lack of training equipment in the market and little awareness of bodybuilding, he constructed much of his own training equipment. His innovations revolutionized the sport, enabling people to exercise more easily and efficiently with machines.
1970s | Santa Monica Beach
World Gym and the modern fitness revolution can be traced back to the glory days of Muscle Beach in Los Angeles, California. In 1976, Joe Gold opened a small gym filled with custom-made equipment. Before long, World Gym was the fitness destination for celebrity bodybuilding greats such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Dave Draper.
1980s | The Fitness Revolution
By the early 1980s, World Gym was firmly established as a global fitness icon. The brand expanded with franchise locations across the United States and abroad. The personal fitness revolution was now in full swing, fueled in large part by convenient, World Gym locations.
1990s | Rapid Change
The 1990s saw a rapid change in the fitness industry. World Gym was at the forefront of this change by providing cutting-edge equipment, 1-on-1 coaching, and the best workout environments possible. While Joe Gold recovered from health issues, Arnold Schwarzenegger spent three years as World Gym’s CEO, guiding the brand through this time of change.
2000s | A Rich Legacy
World Gym continued to grow, with a culture formed by the Muscle Beach lifestyle. Joe Gold passed away in 2004, leaving behind a rich legacy of fitness excellence. His innovations and his values continue to drive the brand today.
2010s | Seriously Fun Fitness
The Cammilleri family acquired the World Gym brand and set their sights on bringing seriously fun fitness to all corners of the globe. World Gym has grown to more than 225 locations across six continents and continues to expand. With over 40 years of knowledge and experience, we’re poised to remain a powerful leader in the fitness world!
2022 | The Future is Now.
After emerging from a global pandemic stronger than ever, World Gym holds their first Annual Convention in over 3 years, outlining its plans for the future. Focused on setting new trends, with the launch of two new gym models, the innovative Studio X and a lifestyle apparel line, World Gym has positioned itself to build the next generation of legends for the next 47 years and beyond. While our journey continues, your pathway to achieve legendary greatness begins right here, right now. Just click the button above to get started.
Open a New Gym or Convert Your Existing Business
Starting a New Business
If you’re looking to open a new business and bring the World Gym experience into your community, we will help you with every step of the process. Our support includes:
- Financial start-up resources and budget forecasting
- Territory analysis
- Real estate representation
- Facility layout and design support
- Pre-construction and build-out guidance
- Exclusive World Gym franchisee equipment discounts
- Multiple online and in-person revenue streams
- Marketing/PR, national advertising, and sales support
- Leadership development and ongoing business coaching
- Monthly workshops and seminars across all core areas of the business
- Peer-to-peer networking and the annual World Gym convention
Convert Your Current Business
If you’re a current gym owner, we can help you take your business to the next level by converting it to a World Gym franchise. When you join the World Gym family, you’ll have access to unrivaled resources and support. This includes marketing and advertising services to help get more members through your doors.
When converting a current gym to a World Gym, there may be upgrades to the equipment needed. To get a better idea of the number of upgrades World Gym may require, please contact us below.
Tell Us More About You
We can’t wait to learn about you, your experience, and your vision for building a gym that will make an impact on your community. Whether you’re looking to open a new gym or convert your current business, we want to hear from you.
Fill out our contact form and a member of our franchise development team will be in touch shortly!
World Gym is a globally recognized fitness brand, offering top-tier equipment, training programs, and a supportive community to help members achieve their fitness goals.
Quick Links
Get In Touch
Telephone: 833-820-5823
Headquarters:
1901 Ave of the Stars
Suite 1100
Los Angeles, CA 90067
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