Gold’s Gym reflected on its 2016 growth as the global company looked ahead to its expansion plans for 2017. Fueled by a growing demand for fitness, an influx of new franchise partners and the global recognition of the heritage gym brand, the company opened 66 new locations around the world in 2016.

In addition to signing 18 development commitments in the U.S., Gold’s Gym planted flags in countries such as India, Japan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Australia. The company expects this momentum to carry into 2017 with 47 new locations scheduled to open before the end of the year and aggressive plans to expand in countries like Germany, Africa, and South Korea.

“2016 was a banner year for Gold’s Gym as we continued to focus on expansion, innovation and delivering a one-of-a-kind member experience,” said Brandon Bean, CEO, Gold’s Gym. “In addition to building state-of-the art facilities around the globe, we’re helping more people than ever reach their potential through fitness.”

Founded in 1965 in Venice, CA, Gold’s Gym now has 720 locations in 38 states and 23 countries around the world.

Also in 2016, Gold’s Gym was “ranked highest in customer satisfaction among national health and fitness centers for the second year in a row,” according to the J.D. Power 2016 Health and Fitness Center Satisfaction Report. The annual report measures customer satisfaction with health and fitness centers.