We have moved to Iron Forge Gym, Unit 1, Forge Works, Mill Lane, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2QG

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Iron Forge Gym, in Alton, Hampshire, UK, is a strength and conditioning gym geared up for those who are serious about getting results

Previously Bridge Road Barbell

Powerlifters

Strongmen

Athletes

You

LATEST

‘Buy Local’ – Why you should reject big chain gyms in favour of supporting small local gyms.

Added: September 27, 2024

You could choose to train in a big chain commercial gym with no sense of community where you will remain anonymous and the staff will not get to know you. You could train in a big chain commercial gym where you will struggle to get on equipment, no one will be willing to ‘work in’ […]

Gaining Traction On The Bench Press

Added: January 25, 2024

Gaining Traction on the Bench Press This is, despite what you might think from the title, not an article about breaking plateaus.   Instead I am speaking literally and want to discuss in this article the matter of maintaining shoulder positioning on the bench without sliding or slipping. Maintaining ‘grip’ on the bench pad seems […]

Phil Horwood: Week 3 of Powerlifting Competition prep

Added: January 25, 2024

Day 1 (Raw bench training and upper accessory) Warm Up Cable Internal / External Rotation (2 sets) Cable Rear delt flyes (single arm) (2 sets) Prone Dumbbell Y raises (2 sets) Dumbbell External Rotation (2 sets) Barbell Guillotine Bench Press (3 sets) Up to 60kg for 6’s. A. Raw Bench Variation – Reverse Grip 3 […]

The gym has been set up to cater for Powerlifters, Strongmen, Athletes of all kinds, and members of the public looking for something more interesting and effective than their commercial fitness gym can offer.

You won’t find rows of treadmills or cross trainers, but what you will find are prowler sleds, tyres, dragging sleds, ropes, chains, bands, chalk, power racks, benches, plyo boxes, platforms, pulley systems, kettlebells, and a good selection of strongman equipment. All of these can be used by absolute beginners to exercise, all the way through to serious competitive athletes.

NO FRILLS

This is not a health spa with a juice bar and saunas and steam rooms, (as nice as those things may be). This is a dedicated facility to improving people’s strength, speed, power and general physical performance. Our members vary from those looking to improve body composition, gain some muscle, and lose fat, all the way through to elite level competitive athletes looking to fine tune their performance in their given sport. 

Regardless of your goals or ability level, however, so long as you enter the gym with a mind to work hard and learn from those around you you will always be welcome. From total beginners to highly advanced individuals we welcome all. 

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OPENING HOURS

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

6:45am-9pm

6:45am-9pm

6:45am-9pm

6:45am-9pm

6:45am-9pm

7am – 3.30pm

10am-1pm

Get in touch
I’ve been a member of BRB for 7+ years. Signing up to this gym has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I would not want to train anywhere else. This is a very strong gym which is a fantastic environment to learn and grow and perfect whether you are a novice lifter, experienced lifter or athlete. All members are friendly and approachable. In my opinion, the choice of speciality equipment (which is constantly being added to) cannot be matched by any other gym in the area. You will not be disappointed by moving your training here.
Steph Skeggs
Upon arrival at Bridge Road Barbell I knew this was place for me. Phil was enthusiastic about every aspect of the gym and the training that could be done in such a facility.

If you are serious about sport, serious about training or serious about results Phil Horwood is the man to train with down at Bridge Road Barbell.
Lewis WattsAmerican Football, Farnham Knights & Great Britain Lions
I decided just over two months ago that I needed to improve my strength and conditioning. I had been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and needed to go somewhere locally that wasn’t a massive over the top gym, where you are friends with the instructors and you don’t necessarily get results.

The great thing about the gym is it’s a no nonsense place, there is no TV’s with mtv playing and loads of treadmills. It’s weights, sledges and benches basic simple stuff that get’s results.
Adam CollinsBrazilian jiu-jitsu and Body-composition
I’ve known Phil for 7+ years. He is a good friend and coach. He has coached me through many Strongwoman Competitions and also into Powerlifting. I cannot thank him enough for all the help and advice he has given to me over the years. He is very experienced and knowledgeable and could talk to you for hours explaining different aspects of training. He has always been very honest with me regarding my training and goal setting. I trust him 100% as a coach and as a person. If you want real, honest and constant progress then please contact Phil.”
Steph Skeggs
Phil Horwood's gym is one of the best places I know for athletes, powerlifters, and strongmen to train. The selection of Prowlers, strongman equipment and other high end equipment, such as Glute-Ham raises and various bars, is second to none. Those training for health and body composition can also benefit hugely from the variety of equipment, and from Phil's expert guidance.
Jonny ReesCertified Personal Trainer, 2 sport international athlete, PICP Coach and & Biosignature Practitioner
People are there to make serious progress, and the atmosphere makes this happen. It ranges from having 5 guys spurring you on to break your PR, or guys coming outside just inspire you to finish that last prowler sprint. I can not recommend Bridge Road Barbell and Phil highly enough to anyone who wants to improve themself and take their training to a whole new level.
Kevin KeohaneAmerican Football, Offensive Lineman, Great Britain Lions & Farnham Knights American Football Club
After six years of Phil's guidance and many competitions and team sessions my old 'lifetime' goals are now part of my warmup. From just the last fortnight of training I've squatted 272.5kg, deadlifted 260kg, and benched 180kg. Even with these increases I'm still at the weaker end of the gym, and still chasing the really big numbers my training partners put up daily.
Rob HunterCompetitive Powerlifter in the ABPU
I've been training at BRB for about a year now and i can safely say it is the best gym I've been to. The bars are all competition standard, there is all the kit you could possibly need including a monolift. Phil is very knowledgeable and is always willing to help out with your training, whether it's training tips or programming. It's a great gym if you want to get strong.
Marc BarnesCompetitive GPC Powerlifter
When I finished playing rugby I needed a new challenge. I had lifted Olympic style before to help with my rugby but had no knowledge of power lifting techniques. Phil has introduced me to great techniques to increase my lifting to levels that surpass my lifts from 10 years ago and I am still improving! Also the strongman equipment is second to none in the area which enhances the training.
Rob WalkerEx Professional Rugby player
Phil has created an exceptional training environment at BRB - the right combination of motivation, coaching, equipment and a membership who don't take themselves too seriously!
David SinclairBritish Powerlifting Competitive Lifter
It's a breathe of fresh air training in a facility where the equipment is extensive and respected and the gym floor is tidy with a well thought layout. I genuinely feel inspired to be surrounded by such strength and commitment.

I would say to any potential new member who thinks they needs to “know what they’re doing” before joining BRB... you DON’T!! It’s the perfect place to gain knowledge, experience and confidence.
Sue JohnstoneExercise Instructor and fitness enthusiast
I've been training at bridge road for about 3 years now and the level of equipment available is amazing. The atmosphere is positive, encouraging and supportive. No one cares how much you can or can't lift, they only care that you are making progress and will help if you have any questions. This was a big thing for me as most gyms can be very intimidating, but everyone who trains there is friendly and are always happy to help if you ask. Phil is a fountain of knowledge and again is always happy to help. Whether that's a quick technique check or answering a question about training methods or even contest preparation. There no gym like it in the area.
Anthony ShawPart -time personal trainer and strength enthusiast
From the intense atmosphere to Bronson the bulldog, it is to date the most complete strength and conditioning facility I have ever encountered. Without the continued help and support of the BRB Team and the gov’na himself Phil Horwood in particular, I doubt I ever would of made as much progress or enjoyed the process as much as I do now. Phil’s knowledge of strongman, powerlifting, grip sport and athletic performance training continues to amaze me to date; in particular his knowledge and insight into the conjugate training method. Without a doubt my experience of Bridge Road Barbell has been one of immense joy and satisfaction and I wouldn’t change any of it for the world. I hope the gym, its ethos and the strong brand Phil has created continues taking the strength community by storm.
Jon VinceCompetitive Powerlifter in the ABPU
A great gym, loads of equipment for powerlifting and strength training. Very friendly environment, everyone knows each other, much more of a club feel to it, that’s very welcoming to newcomers. Phil, the owner, is very knowledgable, he put together a personal program for me that delivered outstanding results after just 3 months.
Dan Ainsworth
Phil inspires people to train harder and is very enthusiastic about training. There are days when you may be tired but he pushes you through the barrier to train harder.

Over the years I have trained with a handful of trainers and Phil stands shoulders above with his knowledge on training plans, diet/nutrition and supplements. He is always willing to answer any questions you have and give good advice. The membership he offers is flexible so there are no tie-in’s; thus there is no reason for someone not to try it. Bridge Road Barbell – a great place to train and better yourself.
Jason KnightBrazilian Jiu Jitsu athlete and PT client
Bridge Road Barbell is quite simply one of the best unheard of gyms in England.

Not only is there access to a vast variety of equipment that is simply not available in most gyms, but you have access to Phil Horwood who is in my opinion one of the best and most knowledgable personal trainers I have come across and who is always willing to help and offer advice no matter your goal.

Michael ChallisSports and Occupational Physiotherapist
I have been training at Bridge Road with Phil for over 6 months now. I couldn't ask for a better equipped gym, training environment & knowledgeable coach. I have a tailored programme written by Phil which takes the uncertainty out of my training & has seen me make great progress with my strength & fitness goals. In this time I have increased my Squat, Bench & Deadlifts by 10kg, 15kg & 15kg respectively, as well as increasing lean muscle mass by ~4kg. My time at Bridge Road has also seen me compete in my first Powerlifting and Strongman competitions.
George Higgins
Great Gym
Laurence ShahlaeiMultiple time World’s Strongest Man (WSM) Finalist, and 2 time Britains Strongest Man.
Excellent Gym
Delroy McQueenCommonwealth Weightlifting Champion and Multiple GPC World Record Powerlifter
Great gym and I really enjoyed my visit
Brian Shaw4 x World’s Strongest Man
Such a great and friendly gym with all the equipment you could ask for. You will smash PR’s in this gym!
Ian CoullCompetitive Powerlifter

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01483 962991
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Address:
Iron Forge Gym, Unit 1 Forge Works, Mill Lane, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2QG

Phone:

01483 962991
07788268672

Email: 
info@ironforgegym.co.uk

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