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

STRENGTH SPORTS @ IRON FORGE GYM

ARM WRESTLING AND GRIP SPORT CLUB
POWERLIFTING CLUB
COMING SOON... OLYMPIC WEIGHT LIFTING CLUB
STRONGMAN / STRONGWOMAN

Arm Wrestling and Grip Sport Club

Hands of Hercules Grip Strength Club     

8-9pm Monday and 10-11am Saturday 

A strong body starts with strong hands. A weak grip will be a barrier to developing your strength in all areas. 

A strong grip directly translates to better performance in various lifts and movements. In sports like powerlifting, a solid grip is essential for exercises such as bench press and deadlifts and accessory movements like rows. In strongman competitions, carrying events and lifting odd objects require exceptional grip strength.  Our Hands of Hercules Grip Strength Training Club at Iron Forge Gym, is free for members to join and is a great addition to your other strength training. 

 We have several members who either train their grip to improve another sport or compete in grip sport itself.  We have members winning competitions and setting world records and are adding equipment all the time. We also host grip competitions here as well if this is something you would be interested in.

Our collection of grip equipment is one of the most extensive in the country and there is very little we don’t have. 

If you would like to join our grip sessions, or if you would like some specific 1:1 coaching for your grip strength then please contact Phil (info@ironforgegym.co.uk).

Iron Forge Arm Wrestling  

10am-12noon Saturdays

We have recently added an Arm Wrestling Table to the gym and have a growing number of members who are taking to training for arm wrestling. We intend to move towards some competitions and we are expanding our equipment to train for the sport all the time.  We are building an Arm Wrestling club and each week more and more people are getting involved. If you would also like to try, then please contact us.  It’s for all abilities and can be trained for just like anything else. We are here to teach what we’ve learned and allow people to develop their skills on the table whilst showing everyone how to build the necessary strengths required for the sport. 

Both these sessions are free to members on a standard membership (not incl. in off peak of 1 day memberships). If you are not a member you can still attend on a day pass at no additional cost.

Follow our progress and keep up to date with what is going on on the
 Hands of Hercules Grip Club Facebook Group Page

JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP for Iron Forge Arm Wrestling and Grip Sport

Iron Forge Gym Powerlifting Club

The Iron Forge Gym Powerlifting Club is a sports club which promotes drug free lifting.  We have lifters competing across multiple federations. We promote the following federations, The A/BPU (the British Powerlifting Union, which has both tested and non-tested divisions), British Powerlifting  (Formerly the GBPF / IPF), and the BDFPA (British Drug Free Powerlifting Association).

We have lifters competing at regional, national and international level and also hold both inter-club and official federation competitions. We do however of course welcome those lifting in other federations like the GPC, WRPF etc. All are welcome and while we promote Drug Free lifting, we do not discriminate against those who choose to use performance enhancing drugs within federations which allow them. 

We also hold beginners classes, workshops and competitions for those wanting to get involved in the sport.  We offer coaching and programming to assist lifters of all levels achieve their goal, whether it’s getting started at a novice level, or heading abroad to a world championship.  

We have lots of members, all of which are extremely passionate about the sport and are always more than happy to lend a hand to others in the gym.  Coaching is led by Phil, but we also have several other qulified coaches willing to share their knowledge, skill base and experience in powerlifting.  Online coaching, Programming and 1:1 coaching all available on request. Please email if you are interested or speak to Phil in the gym. 

We have a powerlifting team and hold team training sessions on a regular basis. Our primary team sessions are on Thursday and Friday nights. However several people group together to train on other days/times depending on their individual schedules. 

It is advisable that beginners and some intermediate lifters attend a workshop first before joining the team sessions. We will always do everything we can to make you feel welcome and part of our team. We are always on hand to give a spot and offer advice. 

Please follow our progress and keep up to date on team training sessions and news on our Powerlifting Club Facebook page

 
JOIN THE POWERLIFTING CLUB FACEBOOK GROUP

COMING SOON...IRON FORGE GYM OLYMPIC WEIGHTLIFTING CLUB

WE ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR AN OLYMPIC LIFTING COACH.

We are looking for a qualified olympic weightlifting coach who specialised in this field to be able to offer both group and 1:1 coaching. We are keen to kickstart Olympic lifting back here at Iron Forge Gym but need a specialist coach before this club will take off. Phil is kept busy with the powerlifting, strongman, arm wrestling, grip training, and personal training and would like someone who specialises in Oly lifting.

If you are a weightlifting coach and would like to discuss the prospect of taking some sessions/ workshops here then please email info@ironforgegym.co.uk to discuss further. 

Keep tabs on the clubs progression on our Facebook page 

JOIN THE OLYMPIC LIFTING CLUB FACEBOOK GROUP

Strongman Training at Iron Forge Gym

We have become quite the Mecca for Strongman Event training in the area. With some people travelling up to 2hours to come and use the equipment and to train together with like minded people. 

Tyres, Car Deadlifts, Hercules Holds, Axles, Logs, Sandbags, Atlas Stones, Monster Dumbbells, sled drags, Viking Press, Yoke, Farmers Walk, the list of equipment goes on and on..

We hold a 2hr strongman events training session every Saturday at 8-10am.  

This is not the only opportunity to use the strongman equipment as it is available all week, however its a great opportunity to come down and train with others.  We run multiple strongman competitions each year and many of those who attend our Strongman Saturday session compete in these competitions.

Whether you have interests in competing or if you just fancy something new to try with your training, we accept and welcome all ages and abilities. Every event is scalable to any strength level and we will guide you through the events and technique so you learn how to do them all safely and effectively. Its a great form of training with a load of variety and has pratical carryover to general life and all sorts of sports and activities.  If you’d like to give it a try, email Phil at info@ironforgegym.co.uk or call 07788268672. 

We tend to get a lot of visitors on the weekends by competitive strongman (male and female) athletes looking to get their specialist training in on top of their regular gym training that they do elsewhere during the week.   

We always welcome anyone who wants to get involved and try out strongman and are always on hand to help and advise. 

Olympic Lifting bumper plates and Bars (Again Faster bars)

Full range of Rogue Competition Powerlifting plates

3000kg (approx) worth of cast iron Olympic Plates

6 Texas Power Bars, 1 Rogue Ohio Power bar

2 Ivanko Competition Bars

2 Competition Squat Bars, 2 Texas Deadlift bars

Safety Squat Bars, Cambered Bars (various), Buffalo Bars (various), Axles (various)

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

Atlas Stones 40-180kg

Loadable Shield

Blacksmiths Anvil

Heavy tractor Tyres

Loadable Steel Logs (15-70kg)

Axles

Monster Loadable dumbbells

Farmers Walk handles (various)

Yoke (2)

Sleds (multiple styles)

Ropes

Sledgehammers

Sandbags

Kegs

Car deadlift frame

Circus dumbbells

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

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 and shower

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

VIEW THE GALLERY

OUR EQUIPMENT

Power Cages
0
Deadlift Platforms
0
Squat stands
0
Competition Powerlifting Benches
0
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
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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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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