Gold’s Gym has inducted fitness legend Arnold Schwarzenegger into its Hall of Fame as the health club franchise celebrates 50 years in business.

Having started as a small concrete room featuring homemade gym equipment in Venice Beach in 1965, Gold's Gym has subsequently grown into a global fitness brand with more than 700 gyms worldwide.

One of the chain’s most famous patrons has been Schwarzenegger, who was this week presented with the special accolade at the Gold's Gym Convention in Dallas, Texas. Schwarzenegger’s famed physique helped him land iconic roles in films such as The Terminator and Total Recall, and the star said Gold’s Gym had been a constant presence in his life-long workout regime.

"When I first came to America, I went to Gold's Gym before I even went to my first apartment. Gold's Gym became my home, it was like a family to me," said Schwarzenegger.

"At the time, physical fitness wasn't mainstream, but look at what we have accomplished in these 50 years, now everyone is working out. Remember that you all are a part of the fitness crusade that we started 50 years ago."

Currently operating in 23 countries worldwide, Gold’s Gym has outlined plans for further expansion into new markets this year. The brand recently signed a deal that will bring Gold's Gym to Mongolia, Jordan and Morocco and it now boasts a presence on every continent except Antarctica.