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Gold's Gym Honors Paramus Owner, Schwarzenegger

PARAMUS, N.J. -- Gold's Gym has inducted Mike Epstein, who operates the company's Paramus franchise, into its Hall of Fame along with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Mike Epstein, Arnold Schwarzenegger

Mike Epstein, Arnold Schwarzenegger

Photo Credit: COURTESY: Mike Epstein

The inductions occurred during a 50th anniversary convention attended by hundreds of franchise owners, gym managers, corporate leaders, fitness celebrities and vendors in Dallas, TX, where Gold's Gym's global headquarters is located.

Schwarzenegger, whose role in the 1977 documentary "Pumping Iron" brought bodybuilding -- and Gold's -- to international attention, "helped catapult fitness into the mainstream," company President Aaron Watkins said.

Epstein, who is a past president of the Paramus Regional Chamber of Commerce, "has played an integral role within the brand’s success for the past 23 years," Watkins added.

While still in college, Epstein and his University of Delaware roommate, Art Carril, made the cross country trip to visit the "The Mecca" -- the original Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach.

Inspired by what Epstein said was a "sense of community and dynamic atmosphere," the two set out to bring Gold’s Gym to the East Coast.

Gold’s Gym Paramus contributes to the local community, winning the prestigious Tour de Cure fundraising award several years in a row.

“I strive to take care of people and give back to others, as well as make a difference in the world and my community," Epstein said. "When I first participated in the Tour de Cure, my team started with 12 people from our local gym.

"Over the last 20 years Tour de Cure has now become a global commitment for Gold’s Gym,” he added. “I’m so humbled by this award.”

MORE INFO: www.goldsgym.com

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