>>Chrome commercial gyms emerged in the 1950s, along with high pressure sales
>>tactics.  <snip>

I'm just happy I was able to get in on a deal ($9/month) a couple years ago at Fitness 19. They aren't as "fancy" as a Gold's or other chain, but they have plenty of free weights, minimal machines, and people with more of a fitness rather than "sculpting" perspective. In fact, I've seen a number of bodybuilding and athlete types working out there rather than paying much higher prices to hang out with the "beautiful people". It's actually quite refreshing.