By Erika Maguire
Special correspondent

Gold’s Gym, located in Westchester Commons on Midlothian Turnpike, is now taking the movie experience to the next level, substituting reclining chairs with treadmills and ellipticals.

Known as their cardio cinema, Gold’s Gym is now providing their members with full-length movies during their workouts. The movies, which change everyday, are played in a dimly-lit room filled with various cardio equipment for members’ enjoyment. Yet this feature is only one of the unique amenities offered by the gym, which opened this past June.

Occupying 45,000 feet, the gym features a 75 ft. lap pool, half basketball court, a ladies-only workout area, saunas, tanning, hydromassages, May Physical Therapy and two floors of cardio and weight equipment.

“Here, you can find about 20 different ways to exercise each muscle,” said general manager Jennifer Hummel. “And, you never have to wait in line for any of them.”

The 24-hour facility also features three group exercise studios, which hold a variety of classes from pilates and yoga to cycling and zumba. Though the equipment is only accessible to adults 15 and older, the gym also provides a Kidz Club, furnished with arcade-style games that involve kids both mentally and physically.

Despite the negative stigma most gyms possess — housing only arrogant body builders —Hummel explains that Gold’s Gym is nothing like that, providing each member with a more than enjoyable experience.

“The best thing I have going for me, is my members, who are all so positive and friendly,” said Hummel, adding that egos are non-existent at the facility. “Everyone should be able to use Gold’s Gym as an escape and a way to take care of yourself.”

The gym’s grand opening was held Saturday, June 20. All are welcome to come and tour the facility and experience a gym whose mission is to change not only your body, but also your life.