Victor Martinez lists his top five least favorite gym chains – and you may be shocked to see Gold’s Gym make the list
In the latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, pro bodybuilder and host Victor Martinez covered everything from testosterone cream and viral social media behavior to sponsorship controversies and Breon Ansley’s transition into the Men’s 212 division. Victor Martinez also shares his list for the worst gym memberships you could possibly have – surprisingly including Gold’s Gym.
Here’s a brief overview of the topics discussed in this episode:
- Victor Martinez names the top 5 worst gym memberships to have… including Gold’s Gym
- Is testosterone cream worth it?
- Victor Martinez reacts to Adrien Broner’s viral alcohol-fueled videos
- 24 beers and steroids every day – what could possibly go wrong?
- Victor provides insight into the Gentile Lifts sponsorship drama
- Victor’s take on Breon Ansley’s Men’s 212 plan
- Kamal Elgargni airs out dirty laundry with Andrew Jacked in public – was it the right move?
You can watch the full episode of the Generation Iron Podcast above. Keep reading for a more in-depth breakdown of the episode discussion. Let’s dive in!
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Victor Martinez Names His Top 5 Worst Gym Memberships
An episode highlight circled around a lighter but still brutally honest segment where Victor Martinez ranked his least favorite gym memberships:
- Planet Fitness
- 24 Hour Fitness
- LA Fitness
- Gold’s Gym
- Retro Fitness or Anytime Fitness (tie)
At the top of his list was Planet Fitness, which Victor jokingly renamed “Planet Shit-ness.” He said he would never willingly train there.
Next was 24 Hour Fitness, which Victor criticized for poor cleanliness. He explained that he has only trained there while traveling and lacking other options.
LA Fitness also made the list due to Victor’s dislike for large corporate chain gyms in general.
One of the more controversial entries was Gold’s Gym. Victor clarified that he was not referring to the famous Gold’s Gym Venice location (known as The Mecca of Bodybuilding), which he still respects. Instead, he criticized how the broader corporate Gold’s Gym brand has changed over the years.
Finally, Victor grouped Retro Fitness and Anytime Fitness together, saying they are essentially “the same thing in different places.”
Victor’s overall message was simple: private gyms usually provide a better environment, stronger culture, and superior service compared to large commercial gym chains.
For serious bodybuilding and training, Victor believes private gyms remain the best option whenever possible.
Victor Martinez Gives His Thoughts on Testosterone Cream
One fan asked Victor Martinez about testosterone cream and whether it can be a worthwhile alternative to testosterone replacement injections.
The fan specifically mentioned hearing that testosterone cream works best when applied to the scrotum twice daily and wondered whether it could provide muscle-building benefits without the pain or inconvenience of needles.
Victor did not completely dismiss testosterone cream, but he made it very clear that he is not a fan of it. According to Victor, testosterone cream is what he calls a “why bother cream.” While he understands why some people prefer it over injections, he believes the overall effects are too limited to justify relying on it seriously.
Victor pointed out that dosage consistency can become a major issue. Unlike injections, which deliver a measurable and reliable amount of testosterone, creams can vary depending on absorption, sweating, skin contact, and even how much rubs off after application.
Ultimately, Victor argued that anyone expecting dramatic muscle-building results from testosterone cream will probably be disappointed. If someone is looking for a natural performance boost without injections, he suggested sticking with supplements like creatine instead.
Victor Reacts to Adrien Broner’s Viral Drinking Videos
Another fan asked Victor about former boxing champion Adrien Broner and his recent viral livestreams showing heavy drinking and reckless behavior.
Victor admitted that he does not personally know Broner, but he has seen the clips circulating on social media. From what he has observed, Broner appears to be drinking excessively.
Victor summed it up with a simple warning: “It’s all fun and games until it’s not.”
While he acknowledged that Broner is entertaining and charismatic, Victor questioned whether the alcohol itself has become part of the performance. He wondered how much of Broner’s personality is genuine versus how much now depends on intoxication for entertainment value.
Victor even said he hopes Broner is secretly drinking water during some of the videos because the alternative could seriously damage his long-term health.
Victor Martinez Reveals Drug-Fueled Public Access Show: ‘TV High’
The conversation also led Victor into reminiscing about an old project from before his bodybuilding career. He talked about a public-access television show called TV High, which he filmed with friends before social media existed.
Victor described walking around the streets carrying 40-ounce beers and blunts while interacting with strangers. They would ask random people whether they liked drinking or smoking, then offer them a drink or a hit on camera.
At the time, the footage aired on public-access television instead of online platforms. Victor laughed about the memories but also recognized how different media culture has become in the social media era.
Victor Slams Viral Bodybuilding Experiment Involving Steroids and Alcohol
The podcast also discussed a viral social media stunt involving a man reportedly drinking 24 beers per day while taking steroids as part of a bodybuilding experiment without actually training.
Victor strongly criticized the stunt. He argued that these types of social media challenges encourage dangerous behavior purely for views and attention. According to Victor, destroying your health for internet fame is never worth it.
Co-host Ehsan Farahi agreed and expressed frustration over how audiences continue rewarding reckless content with clicks and engagement.
Victor said he hopes the individual involved changes direction before long-term health consequences begin catching up with him. Rather than becoming another cautionary tale, Victor said he would rather see the person turn things around and build a healthier future.
The discussion highlighted a recurring theme throughout the episode: social media often rewards shock value over responsibility.
Gentile Lifts Sponsorship Drama Sparks Debate
One of the biggest topics of the episode involved influencer Gentile Lifts and the controversy surrounding his reported sponsorship agreements with both MHP and Dragon Pharma.
Victor Martinez revealed that he actually knows Gentile Lifts personally and has trained with him before. He described him as entertaining, funny, and physically impressive.
Victor also acknowledged the ongoing speculation surrounding Gentile Lifts’ claim of being natural. While some fans doubt those claims, Victor said he initially viewed him as a legitimate up-and-coming personality in the fitness industry. That is why the sponsorship controversy disappointed him.
According to the discussion, Gentile Lifts allegedly signed with MHP before later signing another agreement with Dragon Pharma, creating a conflict of interest and violating his original contract.
Victor said this was a major mistake. Rather than immediately reacting based on internet rumors, Victor reached out directly to MHP owner Gerard Dente, someone he has known closely from his own years as an MHP athlete.
After speaking with Gerard, Victor concluded that greed likely played a role in the situation.
Victor explained that Gentile Lifts had originally approached MHP himself looking for sponsorship opportunities. However, after securing the deal, he reportedly accepted another contract from a competing company that offered more money. Victor believes this reflects poorly on Gentile Lifts’ professionalism and integrity.
Breon Ansley Officially Enters Men’s 212
The panel also discussed Breon Ansley officially making the move into the Men’s 212 division, with his debut scheduled for the Korea Pro show in August.
Victor praised Breon as one of the most accomplished Classic Physique competitors of his era. Even at 46 years old, Breon continues competing at an elite level.
However, Victor also stressed how difficult the Men’s 212 division has become. Today’s 212 lineup is filled with extremely dangerous competitors, making the transition a serious challenge for any athlete, especially one moving divisions later in their career.
Victor believes Breon can absolutely remain competitive and even win professional shows in the division. But when discussing the Olympia stage specifically, Victor admitted the challenge becomes much greater.
A major reason is reigning 212 star Keone Pearson. Victor described Pearson as one of the best physiques in bodybuilding today regardless of division. Defeating him will be difficult for anyone, including Breon Ansley.
Still, Victor expressed excitement about seeing how Breon adapts to the new division and whether his experience can help offset the physical disadvantages against younger competitors.
Kamal Elgargni and Andrew Jacked Dispute Raises Questions About Contracts
Another major topic involved Kamal Elgargni publicly accusing Andrew Jacked of failing to properly compensate him for training support.
According to Kamal, there was never a formal contract because both parties trusted each other and operated on a casual agreement. Problems arose later after Andrew Jacked’s competitive success.
Kamal became upset after hearing comments about prize money and charity donations while allegedly still not receiving agreed compensation for his help.
Eventually, Andrew Jacked reportedly gave Kamal $3,000, but Kamal viewed the payment as insulting considering the value he believed he provided.
Victor called the situation unfortunate but also very familiar within bodybuilding.
He explained that disagreements between athletes and coaches frequently happen after major victories when money and recognition enter the picture.
For that reason, Victor strongly believes all business arrangements should involve formal contracts from the beginning, even between close friends.
According to Victor, relying on verbal agreements creates confusion, assumptions, and damaged relationships later on.
Ehsan Farahi added that bodybuilding desperately needs more professional athlete management similar to mainstream sports.
He argued that managers could help athletes navigate sponsorships, coaching agreements, contracts, and prize money arrangements more professionally while preventing misunderstandings.
Victor agreed that contract discussions can feel uncomfortable between friends, but he emphasized that avoiding the conversation usually creates bigger problems later.
Wrap Up
This episode of the Generation Iron Podcast covered a wide range of bodybuilding and fitness topics while also touching on larger issues involving social media culture, professionalism, contracts, and health.
For fans of honest bodybuilding commentary, this was another strong episode filled with candid discussion and memorable takes from Victor Martinez and the Generation Iron crew.
