Gold's Gym inducts Arnold Schwarzenegger into Hall of Fame to mark 50th anniversary

Gold’s Gym has inducted fitness legend Arnold Schwarzenegger into its Hall of Fame as the fitness club franchise celebrates 50 years in business.

Having started in a weightlifting shop using homemade gym equipment in Venice Beach, California in 1965, Gold's Gym has subsequently grown into a global fitness brand with more than 700 gyms in 23 countries.

Marking its 50th anniversaty at the Gold's Gym Convention in Dallas, Texas, USA this week, Schwarzenegger, one of the chain’s most famous patrons and supporters, was presented with the special accolade.

A mulitiple winner of the Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia titles, Schwarzenegger’s famed physique boosted a movie career in films such as The Terminator and True Lies.

Speaking after his induction into the Gold's Gym Hall Of Fame, Schwarzenegger said that the gym had been a constant presence in his life-long workout regime.

He stated "when I first came to America, I went to Gold's Gym before I even went to my first apartment.

"Gold's Gym became my home, it was like a family to me.

"At the time, physical fitness wasn't mainstream, but look at what we have accomplished in these 50 years, now everyone is working out.

"Remember that you all are a part of the fitness crusade that we started 50 years ago."

Gold's Gym President Aaron Watkins added "as we look ahead to our future, we are positioning Gold's Gym to continue its legacy of strength through domestic and international growth that will allow the iconic brand to reach and change even more lives.

"It's our hope that 50 years from now, everyone in the world will have access to the first-class fitness experience and elite personal trainers that only Gold's Gym can offer."

The Gold's Gym Convention saw Gold's Gym Australia named as the top international master franchisee.

The franchisee currently has clubs open in the ACT suburbs of Fyshwick and Gungahlin, with other franchises set to open in Cairns, Townsville, Wollongong and Miranda in Southern Sydney.

Images (courtesy Facebook): Arnold Schwarzenegger enters the Gold's Gym Hall of Fame (top), Gold's Gym's promotion of the event (middle) and the Gold's Gym Australia team with their international master franchisee award (below).

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