Gold's Gym Expands Functional Training
Gold's Gym SoCal installed Escape Fitness' Octagon Load equipment at Glendale and Beverly Center locations, following success at their Fullerton club. The equipment supports diverse workout modalities and group training as part of a broader trend toward immersive, functional training environments.
- The initial installation at the Fullerton club, owned by franchisees Angel and Willie Banos, was a direct response to overcrowding in the gym's free-weight area; the team transformed an underutilized children's club room into the dedicated functional training space. - This "box within a box" model creates a new revenue stream by charging members an additional fee for exclusive access to the specialized training zone, which helps relieve congestion on the main gym floor. - The Octagon LOAD system features five bolt-down stations for specific movements: SQUAT, DRIVE, LIFT, PRESS, and ROW. - A key feature of the equipment is its use of high-tensile resistance bands in combination with traditional weight plates, a design intended to promote continuous muscle engagement throughout a movement. - All exercises on the Octagon LOAD are performed from a standing position, which is designed to activate the entire kinetic chain for a more comprehensive, full-body workout compared to traditional isolated movements. - The expansion aligns with the rise of functional fitness, which was ranked as the ninth most influential trend in the ACSM's 2025 industry survey and focuses on training the body for real-life activities. - In October 2025, shortly after this expansion, the Gold's Gym SoCal franchise group was largely sold to EōS Fitness, including the Beverly Center and Glendale locations. - Escape Fitness has also engaged in other partnerships to create specialized gym zones, including a collaboration with recovery technology company Hyperice to create dedicated wellness and recovery "pods."
