I've been going to golds gym for 3 maybe 4 years when I first started it wasn't so packed but if you stay away during the peak hours like 5 to 630 it's not that bad I go at 10 am and 7pm so I miss the crowds most people can't. If you want a gym to just mess around at go to la fitness I'm sure they have plenty of room for you. If you want to train with heavy weight and build actual muscle go to golds