I recently switched from LVAC to Gold's Gym for a few reasons; location, price and overall number of gyms throughout the U.S. I can use when I travel. I noticed that I'm saving over $20 a month from the switch. Oh, I have to start bringing my own towel from home...wow, not a big deal! I find the atmosphere very inspiring including, the exposed cinderblocks, and the wide free-weight section and the pictures of old-school bodybuilders on the walls. I could definitely imagine Arnold, himself, training in this Gold's Gym. I also like the fact that the members seem more serious in their workouts than just looking good at the gym.
The only downside is that the gym gets very crowded at certain times throughout the week. I found that the early afternoons during the week and evenings on the weekends to be the ideal times to go. If I find myself there when it is really busy, I noticed that the other members are willing to have you work in with them during set breaks and motivate you even when you are struggling in your last reps. I feel great everytime I finish a workout there and realize that I need to go more often.