Dundalk Patch Readers' Choice: Gold's Gym

Dundalk Patch readers are passionate about their experiences with two gyms in particular in Dundalk — Gold's Gym on Merritt Boulevard and Inside Out Fitness.

While patrons extolled the virtues of each center in the comments section, the inaugural Patch Readers' Choice award for favorite gym goes to Gold's Gym.

Gold's garnered significantly more votes than Inside Out, with a 39-14 advantage, while comments were evenly split.

Because this poll is not scientific, votes cast are not the sole consideration in choosing a winner.

The winner is determined by the Patch editor, based on poll results, positive comments below and in reviews on each of the businesses' Patch Places directory listings.

In this week's Readers' Choice, reader John Long wrote that Gold's plays an "active part in the community" and works hard to help local non-profit organizations by holding food, clothing and blood drives and supporting many community initiatives.

Ruth Ann Cope, 60, praised the trainers at Inside Out and credited them with teaching her how to strengthen her core muscles, which in turn helped with her balance and ability to climb steps safely.

Coral Hartigan said she has worked out at all five Maryland Gold's locations, but loves the people at the Dundalk gym "by far."

Charlene Osborne, perhaps best known as a former Baltimore's Best Hon, said that Inside Out helped her after she suffered an injury and long illness.

"Inside Out Fitness has given me my life back," Osborne wrote.

A total of 59 votes were cast in the poll this week. Other gyms receiving votes were Planet Fitness (5) and Bally Total Fitness (1).

Next week's Readers Choice: Favorite place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.