I've had a very positive experience with Gold's Gym, I'm only one week into my membership but so far everyone on staff has been very helpful without being pushy.
Dan was super helpful when I was picking out a plan and even though I wound up signing up online when I came in to get my card my boyfriend was so happy with the gym, classes and the staff that he signed up too.
I have my own training program that I'm following so I was apprehensive to ask the trainers for a body fat percentage check without getting the standard sales pitch on personal training. I spoke with CJ who said he could schedule me for an orientation at a different time if I was interested (since he was with a client) but if I wasn't looking to purchase personal training I could just check in with a trainer at any time to have a body fat percentage check and they would help me out.
I've never seen trainers so approachable and willing to help; even in the women's weight room someone stopped a trainer walking by for advice on a particular machine and she was more than happy to stop and help.
I have friends who have been members for a lot longer and state that things have really improved since a change in management. So far I can happily say, these are not LA Fitness people. The administrative staff and trainers alike don't reek of the desperation of commission nor do they treat you like complete crap if you're an independent gym-goer. The positive attitude actually has me willing to consider the other perks they offer even if I'm not interested at this time.