The legendary Gold’s Gym in Venice is being overrun by homeless during the lockdown induced closure.
As the world crisis continues, more and more business and individuals are suffering due to the nation wide lockdown. While many states have begun the slow process of reopening, Los Angeles is still locked down until potentially July. This of course, affects the legendary Mecca of Bodybuilding, Gold’s Gym.
Currently closed down to the state lockdown, Gold’s Gym appears to have become overwhelmed by homeless citizens who have taken temporary residence on the surrounding block. This information has been brought to light by recent pictures showcasing the extend of the situation.
Photographer Bill Comstock has recently posted on his Facebook page disheartening images of what is happening at Gold’s Gym. The images showcase the true extent of homeless men and women setting up camp in the parking lot and sidewalks outside of the legendary gym. Most likely this new development is caused by the location being empty during the lockdown.
Again, it can’t be overstated that Gold’s Gym Venice has been known in the industry as the most legendary gym in the history of bodybuilding. Their facilities have often been a sort of tourist location for bodybuilding fans. The gym itself has been home to many celebrities both in and outside of the sport. So the visuals depicted in Comstock’s photos are truly a troubling one to behold. It’s a visual representation of the toll this world crisis has put on business and individuals across the globe.
Beyond this one location, the Gold’s Gym brand has also been struggling with the recent announcement of Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Though the CEO has commented that Gold’s Gym is not out of business and they are working hard to find a path forward. The bankruptcy also does not directly effect franchise locations.
Upon the pictures going viral, many bodybuilders and fans have commented on the images. Including legendary bodybuilder Flex Wheeler – who seems to further confirm situation currently unfolding at Gold’s Gym.
“I was told by my close friends Who still train at Gold’s Gym  Venice,  how bad it was over five years ago. But I actually never seen photos. it’s like out of some fictional  horror movie. Humanity is dead, people have just lost all commonsense of helping one another. I can’t believe there’s so many millions and billionaires in California alone that would even allow this to happen. If I was that wealthy I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I knew of such  living conditions all a rock throw away from one of the biggest global companies.
SMH.
Los Angeles. City of dreams and angels. More like city of broken dreams and demons.”
– Flex Wheeler
This comment is just one of many mourning the decline of the Mecca of Bodybuilding. You can check out the full conversation on Bill Comstock’s Facebook post above. Hopefully the situation will improve as the lockdowns begin to lighten – but it will certainly be a long road ahead for Gold’s Gym and many business across the nation.
Stick around the Generation Iron Fitness Network for more bodybuilding news and updates.
