Business Details
18 Years
experience
Strength Training & Powerlifting Gym in Alton, Hampshire
Iron Forge Gym, established in Alton, Hampshire, is a strength-focused facility dedicated to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals of all ages and abilities. Our mission is to empower members through expert coaching, cutting-edge equipment, and a community-driven atmosphere that prioritises progress over pretense. With over 15 years of experience, we specialise in powerlifting, strongman training, grip sport, and arm wrestling, offering tailored programmes for both novice lifters and elite athletes. Our owner, Phil Horwood, brings decades of expertise in biomechanics and sports science, ensuring members receive evidence-based guidance to achieve their strength and fitness goals.We pride ourselves on maintaining an 'Old School Iron Culture' that values hard work, camaraderie, and tangible results. Our state-of-the-art equipment, including competition-standard bars, strongman apparatus, and grip training tools, is unmatched in the region. Whether you aim to compete, build muscle, or enhance overall fitness, our gym provides the resources and mentorship to help you succeed. We are committed to continuous improvement, regularly updating our facilities and hosting workshops to elevate our members' training experiences.
Services
Powerlifting
Strongman Training
Grip Sport
Arm Wrestling
Olympic Weightlifting
Personal Training
Group Classes
Workshops
Competitions
Online Coaching
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We offer expert coaching in powerlifting, strongman, and grip sport with decades of experience.
- Our gym features extensive, high-quality equipment unmatched in the region.
- We foster a welcoming, community-driven environment for all fitness levels.
- Personalised training programmes are tailored to individual goals and progress.
- Flexible membership options accommodate diverse training needs and schedules.
What people say
Expert coaching
Extensive equipment
Supportive community
Tailored programmes
Measurable progress
Services
Powerlifting
Our powerlifting programme focuses on building maximal strength through squats, bench presses, and deadlifts. Expert coaching ensures proper technique and progression for all skill levels. Members benefit from competition-standard equipment and tailored programming to achieve personal bests.
Strongman Training
Strongman training develops practical strength using tyres, sleds, and atlas stones. Sessions cater to competitive athletes and general fitness enthusiasts, enhancing power, endurance, and mental resilience in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.
Grip Sport
Specialised grip training improves forearm and hand strength using unique equipment like pinch blocks and thick bars. Designed for athletes and competitors, this programme enhances performance in lifting and combat sports.
Arm Wrestling
Arm wrestling sessions build upper-body power and technique through structured drills and sparring. Coaches provide biomechanical insights to optimise leverage and muscle activation for competitive and recreational participants.
Personal Training
Customised personal training plans address individual goals, from muscle gain to competition prep. Phil Horwood and certified coaches deliver science-backed strategies, ensuring measurable progress and long-term success.
People
Phil Horwood
Owner & Strength Coach
Phil Horwood is a Level 3 Personal Trainer and specialist in strength sports with over 15 years of experience. He holds world records in grip sport and has coached athletes to national and international competitions. Phil combines academic knowledge in biomechanics with practical expertise to deliver results-driven programmes.
Questions
What types of training programmes are available?
We offer powerlifting, strongman, grip sport, and arm wrestling programmes, along with personal training and online coaching tailored to individual goals.
Is the gym suitable for beginners?
Yes, our welcoming environment and expert coaching cater to all experience levels, ensuring safe and effective progression.
What equipment is available?
We have competition-standard bars, strongman apparatus, grip training tools, and functional fitness equipment for diverse strength disciplines.
Are there group classes or workshops?
Yes, we host strongman sessions, powerlifting workshops, and grip sport clubs, fostering community engagement and skill development.
Can I visit without a membership?
Day passes are available for non-members to experience our facilities and training environment before committing to a membership.
How does coaching work?
Coaching includes one-on-one sessions, group classes, and online programming led by Phil Horwood and qualified trainers, focusing on technique and goal achievement.
Reviews (5)
Ewan Tippett-Malcolm
Nov 01, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality
After debating joining here, coming from a commercial gym, I have never looked back and is certainly worth every penny! The people, environment and equipment are of the highest quality. If youre looking to take your training to the next level this is the place.
After debating joining here, coming from a commercial gym, I have never looked back and is certainly worth every penny! The people, environment and equipment are of the highest quality. If youre looking to take your training to the next level this is the place.
Zak Davies
May 28, 2021
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Serious gym, all the equipment anyone needs any level of training but has the equipment for world class strongmen/strongwomen and powerlifters
StrongAF Ljg
May 04, 2021
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Fantastic powerlifting and strong man gym! With a wide range of equipment to suit all, lots of different bars and all the strong man equipment this gym is a strength athletes dream. Its clean and ran well with an owner who walks the talk. Passionate and knowledgeable about training, he's usually training in the gym himself and always happy to help and answer questions.
Matthew Coleman
Nov 20, 2018
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Best gym in the local area. I like being able to get on the equipment when I need. A proper non-commercial gym for hard workers.
Paul Lovell
Jul 08, 2016
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Started training At Bridge Road Barbell Just doing there Power-lifting classes now joined as a member, Great gym Even Greater people
would recommend to anyone
would recommend to anyone
