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

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OUR CLUB

Iron Forge Gym (formerly Bridge Road Barbell)  has, over the last fifteen years, forged a reputation for becoming the epitome of  what a strength and power gym SHOULD really be. Don’t let the hard exterior fool you though, this is one of, if not THE most friendly, welcoming and community based gyms in the South. 

This gym is not just for high level competitive strength athletes and we welcome everyone, whether its your first day ever lifting weights or you are preparing for an international competition with many years experience.  All ages, all abilities, male, female, everyone is treated  with the same respect and support.   I cannot stress enough, that this gym may appear scary from an outsiders perspective, but you’ll find on stepping through the door that everyone is friendly helpful and encouraging and is the best place to start your strength training journey. 

No frills, No Gimmicks, No fads. We are reviving the Old School Iron Culture.

We forge and stoke an atmosphere to bring out the best in anyone who trains here.  We cater for all types of gym goers, be your goals strength, power, muscle size / definition, or fitness orientated. 

We specialise in Powerlifting, Strongman, Weightlifting, Grip training and more recently Arm Wrestling, but many who train here have personal goals to simply get stronger, fitter, build muscle, lose weight etc and we welcome all those with a desire to achieve a goal, no matter what it is. 

Through innovation and practice, the gym is always improving and evolving to become one of the leading strength gyms in the country.  

MEMBERSHIPS
VIEW THE GALLERY

OUR TRAINERS

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phil

Phil Horwood

Phil prides himself on learning and implementing knowledge in the fields of biomechanics, physics and sports and exercise science to teach people appropriate technique and execution of lifts, correct muscle activation and appropriate programming to help people achieve the best possible results. Technique is often an individual thing and different methods for teaching must always be adopted because everyone learns in a different way. Over the last decade, Phil has dedicated himself to becoming an effective and knowledgable strength coach and is committed to furthering his and the gyms already excellent reputation.

MORE ABOUT PHIL

Whilst you are welcome to put headphones on and train by yourself, we encourage and especially welcome those who want to become an integrated part of the club . Our members actually speak to each other, rather than just staring at their phones between sets.  Many long lasting friendships are formed here through a shared respect and appreciation for dedication and hard work.  You will find our members, as well as the owner Phil, will jump in to help spot you and many are only too willing to share their advice and help. When possible I highly recommend that you try to work in with others at the gym and form groups to train in as this has proved to excel peoples progress significantly. 

We have an ever growing powerlifting club and invite anyone keen to join, and are hoping the newly formed weightlifting club will follow on with equal success.   We run strongman classes for those wanting instruction as well as welcoming groups of strongman athletes to come and simply utilise our wide range of specialised kit.  We also  run workshops and seminars on a regular basis, and are always looking to pass on as much information as possible to help members develop their skill level and understanding. 

OUR EQUIPMENT

4 Power Cages
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Deadlift Platforms
0
Squat stands
0
Competition Powerlifting Benches
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2 Monolifts
45degree Back Extensions
Cable Machines
Dumbbells fixed 2.5-60kg loadable up to 90kg
Reverse Hyper
Glute Ham Raise Machines
Lat Pull Down
Kettlebells 4kg-60kg
Belt Squat machine
Roman Chair
Leg Extension
7 utility benches including a Fat Pad Bench and ladders etc
Leg Press
Plyo boxes, hurdles and ladders
Plate load row machines
Bands and Chains

Olympic Lifting bumper plates and Bars (Again Faster bars)

Full range of Rogue Competition Powerlifting plates

4000kg (approx) worth of cast iron Olympic Plates

6 Texas Power Bars, 1 Rogue Ohio Power bar, 2 x EliteFTS Iron Cowboy Bars

2 Ivanko Competition Bars, 1 Texas Bench Bar (25kg)

3 Competition Squat Bars (Westside Bulldog, AOA and Texas), 3 Texas Deadlift bars, One Kratos Deadlift Bar (10ft)

Safety Squat Bars, Cambered Bars (various), Buffalo Bars (various), Axles (various), Kabuki Transformer Bar, Giant Cambered Bars

Football Bar, Swiss Bar, Cambered Bench/Row Bars, Bamboo Bar, plus multitude of other speciality bars.

Atlas Stones 30-180kg

Loadable Shield

Blacksmiths Anvil

Heavy tractor Tyres

Loadable Steel Logs (15-70kg)

Wooden Log (85kg) (loadable)

Axles

Monster Loadable dumbbells

Farmers Walk handles (various) + frame

Yoke (2)

Sleds (multiple styles)

Ropes

Sledgehammers

Sandbags

Kegs

Car deadlift frame

Circus dumbbells (20-78kg)

Hercules hold

Viking Press rack attachment

…. plus much more

Hubs

Pinch blocks

Adjustable thick bars

Axles

Horne top

Grenade grips

Fat grips

Meat hooks

V bars

Grippers

One arm lift handles

Rolling handles (various)

Europinch apparatus

Stub and coin grips

Climbing grips

Replica Donnie stone apparatus

Pick axe lever

Rolling thunder handles

Circus dumbbells

Arm Wrestling Table and training attachments

Rowing machine and Spin Bike

Indoor Multi-purpose Astroturf area for warm up / conditioning / strongman event training / classes etc.

Foam rollers and SMR equipment including Body Tempering equipment.

2 toilets

2 Changing areas

Kitchen / drinking water

Lockers (some available for semi permanent hire if requested)

Onsite Parking

Drinks and protein supplements available for sale at reception.

Weighing scales available.

Coaching (1:1 and Group)

Classes

Programmes

Competitions

Workshops and Seminars

Day passes available

Memberships

Online / Remote Coaching

OUR RULES

View the rules of the gym, general behaviour / gym etiquette, equipment usage, memberships and more…

VIEW THE GYM RULES
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
07788 268672
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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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