Shawn Ray’s first hand experience with Gold’s Gym – from it’s prime to today.

BODYBUILDING CHRONICLES – dives deep into the most memorable and controversial historical moments in bodybuilding as told by Shawn Ray. Combining Shawn’s impressive historical knowledge of the sport with his own personal insights into major moments, Bodybuilding Chronicles reveals new information and gives the full picture on the bodybuilding industry’s epic history. New episodes air every Monday!

Gold’s Gym is like a beacon of light in the history of bodybuilding. Known as The Mecca of Bodybuilding, Gold’s Gym Venice is in many ways the genesis of bodybuilding as we know it today. It brought together the original legends such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sergio Oliva, Franco Columbu, and more. Sadly, the Gold’s Gym of today isn’t the same (both ideologically and physically – they changed locations since it’s inception). Now the idea of The Mecca exists mostly as legend and inspiration for young aspiring bodybuilders. Corporate America, globalization, and the rise of digital and online media has changed the way bodybuilders socialize, get training information, and evolve as competitors.

That’s why Shawn Ray gives us a detailed oral history of his experience with Gold’s Gym. It may not have been the 70’s Golden Era with Arnold Schwarzenegger – but it was still a moment of a boom for Gold’s Gym. It was a time when the gym was popularized by Pumping Iron – but had yet to lose the intimate spirit that made it such an important place in bodybuilding history. The Gold’s Gym of today will always hold some charm and clout – as it’s name alone still brings in celebrities and talented bodybuilders. But like anything in this world, it’s never the same as that glorious moment when it all happened naturally. Before it’s reputation dwarfed the actual gym itself. The best we can do now is relive those glory days from bodybuilders who were actually there – like Shawn Ray.

It’s the closest we can get to actually living it. And trust us, it will provide more than enough motivation for your next workout. Watch the full episode above.