To quote Ms. Tiffany, "It's a gym. It is what it is". I wanted somewhere I could go to use a treadmill when it's a good 30 degrees above my threshold for running outside, and Gold's seemed to be the best deal. I opted for the $29 membership which allows me entrance into any regular Gold's gym in the region, and it waived the initial fee. I'm not sure yet if the price is going to be worthwhile in the long term, but for now I know it's cheaper than my deductible on calling an ambulance after I've had a heatstroke.
The thing I like about the Gilbert/Mesa location over the others, is the "women only" room. I get a little self-conscious being out in the main gym, and the more intimate women's workout area feels less judgmental. To be clear, the main gym does not foster an environment of judgement, this is simply my own insecurities. When the equipment I'm looking for in the women's area is unavailable, I will happily join the general population.
To address other complaints about outdated equipment, I haven't witnessed that problem yet. The machines I've used seem clean, they work well, and haven't fallen apart under me. I'm hardly an expert, but everything I've seen seems just fine. It may not be state-of-the-art, but I was excited enough to be able to set intervals on the treadmills. I don't need a lot of bells and whistles.