I teach cycling there - ( Group Ex). The price is good- lots of machines, free weights cardio machines. It does get very very busy from 4-9. And yes people don't re rack their weights and there are people who sit on the machines forever between sets- 2 of my personal pet peeves. As far as the woman feeling intimidated by others fitness- that is sad. I am a middle aged, overweight, female instructor and I have never felt intimidated by any one at Golds or any other place. I wouldn't say Golds has any more hard bodies than any other gym.
We do have an awesome Group Ex program lead by highly trained staff.
I was a member there long before I decided to teach there so basically
Pros- lots of equipment, inexpensive member fees, Great Group Ex programs
Cons- people don't put their weights/ equipment away, it can get very crowded at peak times, and from the poster above- people can be put off by the fit people working out. 4951