Bodybuilder Joe Gold, founder of the Gold's Gym franchise, died earlier this year without knowing that Tucson's two workout locations had earned the 2004 Best Gym award. The 82-year-old was an early proponent of bodybuilding in America and mentor to an Austrian athlete who recently became governor of California. Concurrent with this year's BOT cinematic theme, Gold's Venice Beach gym was the setting for the documentary Pumping Iron. A lot of iron pumping takes place at Gold's Old Pueblo gyms, where some serious muscles are developed.

Runners up:

2. Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club, 4001 N. Country Club Road, 795-6960

3. Bally Total Fitness, 2475 N. Swan Road, 323-1238; 4690 N. Oracle Road, 293-2330

Vote of note: Jim Kolbe, one vote