Gold's Gym Downtown Moving...

[tufsu1]

and I am sure that someone on this site will say this is also the mayor's fault 

[downtownjag]

I agree to the comments that they should have given members a heads up about the move, that was odd.  I think the gym there may brighten up that side of the landing and will hopefully bring a steady stream of regulars, if parking holds up.... the big IF.  Should that be the case, another business could probably benefit from a stream of regulars, like a small convenience store.  I would also like to know how many times Hooter's gets the ole "which way to the gym" routine as well...

[Steve]

and I am sure that someone on this site will say this is also the mayor's fault 

No, this is not DIRECTLY the mayor's fault.  Here is how I would say it (since you brought it up).

When Delaney Left, everyone had an oar, and it was paddling fairly well.  Then Peyton came in, and gradually, the oars came out of the water.  However, because of momentum, the boat kept going.  Then the Super Bowl came, and provided a gust of wind.  The problem now is that eventually the momentum runs out, unless there are enough paddles in the water.

So, Gold's Gym most likely invested with the thought of the downtown that we could have had had we kept the paddles in the water.  That didn't happen, and now we have this.

[triclops i]

Wait a second, didnt I read in the Regency threads that good use for old dying malls is to convert to lifestyle centers with post office, docters office, ect? Why not a gym? Seems like a great move for both partys to me.

Probably cheaper for the gym and fills space in the mall. Practical, and it must be nice on a treadmill overlooking the St. Johns.

They should of told their members earlier, though.

[tpot]

I went there today.  It is like a sardine box.  They went from 20,000sq ft to 5,000 sq ft.  Yes it is still a work in progress, so I will wait and see what happens

[midnightblackrx]

Damn.  I really liked the space on Forsyth.  All of the open area we had was really nice. Plus, it's going to suck fighting the crowds for parking to workout.

I dont like it.

[Traveller]

Agreed.  One of the things I liked about the Forsyth Gold's was the open feeling, especially compared to the Yates YMCA.  That feeling is completely gone at the new location.  The space feels extremely cramped, and many pieces of equipment have been removed due to space limitations.  Two of the three pullup stations are gone.  At least three of the dumbell benches are gone.  They also removed the only squat rack, but I was told they may bring it back if enough people ask.  I'm not sure if they intend to keep the spin bikes on the balcony once the group exercise room is finished, but I can't imagine an outdoor spin class would be much fun in July.  I was also told the locker rooms would be ready by Thursday or Friday.  Changing next to the urinals was not enjoyable.

Talking to other users of the gym, I estimate the downtown Gold's will lose at least a quarter of its membership as a result this move.  Maybe some will continue to use the Baymeadows or Beach Blvd. locations, but many will switch to the Y or Bailey's Powerhouse.  The thing that disappoints me the most was the push by Gold's management to get members to renew their membership contracts for an entire year during the past couple of months.  If management knew about this move well in advance, I consider such sales tactics to be highly deceptive.

[fsu813]

Jeez people. I don't see what the big deal is.

I was not a member but visted several times. A gym that open is a luxury and not common. It was never full when I went, so losing some equipment and space won't have the same impact as if it was full most of the time. The Landing is still the closest gym to Downtown, in a more scenic location, and offer the convience of a variety of lunch options. The Riverside Y is larger and gets very crowded.....we don't want anymore there. Keep away!

[fsujax]

No more squat rack??? come on! I am defiantely going to complain about that.

[downtownjag]

Have any of you ever had to wait to use any of the equipment there?  The situation may not be ideal but it was probably a survival move on the part of Gold's.  I realize the new place is much smaller but if there were enough members to begin with they probably would not have had to move.  I also loved the old location, but you all have to agree it was always empty.

[tpot]

It's too bad they couldn't have dropped the downstairs in that location and brought what was downstairs upstairs.  The majority of the 1st floor was wasted space.  The second floor would have been a good size.

I was there today, I usually go in the off hours 1pm to 2pm.  I found the fact that they only have one crappy pull up bar and 2 benches for free weights unacceptable.  Those exercise bikes are going to turn to rust in a matter of days sitting outside on that balcony.  Who the hell is going to work out on that balcony the in the summer anyway??  Sure it's January it it feels great outside now but it will be summer here in a matter on months...........  I doubt they will last a year at the Landing.

As far as other gyms downtown.  There is a YMCA in the basement of the Bank of America Tower and another one a short drive over in Riverside............

Oh I love the comment about grabbing a bite for lunch after your workout at the Landing..........the food there is TOTAL crap.  That's like taking one step forward with your workout and 2 steps backward with your lunch at the Landing;-)

[Seraphs]

The Forsyth location was nice, and I agree with many The Landing is a strange place for a gym.  There seems to be little win in getting downtown revitalized.  Just when you think there is some progress albeit little progress, the rug us jerked from underneath.

[aj_fresh]

Until this week, the only riverfront Gold’s Gym in the company’s chain of 650 was in Cairo, Egypt.

Jacksonville now makes two.

On Monday, Jay Kaplan opened his 7,000-square-foot gym at The Jacksonville Landing, taking up the space that formerly occupied Mongo’s Flat Hot Grill restaurant. Kaplan closed his facility at 100 N. Laura St. to make the move into the Landing.

http://jacksonville.com/business/2009-01-28/story/golds_gym_opens_facility_in_the_landing

[fsujax]

I spoke to both the owners last night. They are seriously committed to Downtown and moved to the Landing as a last resort effort to keep Gold's Downtown open. They have the rights to acquire the downstais space is the demand warrants it. Also, parking is free for the first two hours in the Landing parking lot. I will be there tonight.

[copperfiend]

Oh I love the comment about grabbing a bite for lunch after your workout at the Landing..........the food there is TOTAL crap.  That's like taking one step forward with your workout and 2 steps backward with your lunch at the Landing;-)

At this point, I think the entire Landing is crap.