Forge Personal Training

Joining this gym was the best decision I’ve ever made. Their attention to detail and genuine care set them apart. I’m healthier than I’ve been in years, and even my old injuries have improved significantly. I can’t recommend them enough.

Summary:
Good (but nothing spectacular) group training, lack of said "community", and transactional nature.

Detailed review:
I have been a client of Forge for close to 3 years before switching to personal training. At the time, I trained with Jack who was attentive to my concerns and goals before- understandably- switching more to the business side. Then came what I considered significant decrease in lack of accountability from a coach. Add to this, it was increasingly difficult for me to get the time slot I wanted. This is not Forge's fault per se but it was not conducive to those who need flexibility for travel / work arrangements.

I then switched to private training elsewhere. It is not fair to compare group vs. private training so no comment there. However, when I left Forge, it was clear I was just another number at Forge and they could care less. The departure was choppy and it left me disenchanted.

Fast forward to now, my personal trainer moved and I contemplated going back to Forge again. I've sent a note and it was not acknowledged at all. Instead, I was immediately referred to the co-owner to set up a call about pricing. The price went up - again understandable and in my budget - but it was so transactional and a déjà vu of my departure. Really? I expected a little bit more respect to be honest.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Ultimately I decided not to return out of principle.

Additionally, the promised "community" was not there at least for me during my time slot. It was nothing more than the small pleasantries you'd expect anywhere else.

Again, the training was not bad but I can't say life changing either. So, if the value proposition was the coach and community and I had neither, I cannot justify the $500+ monthly. I rather pay more elsewhere and/or use ChatGPT to put a routine together.

I continue to wish them well but want to be transparent about my experience and feel others should know, especially if they are only seeing high reviews.

I’ve been with Forge for 5 years and it has changed my life. I’ve seen myself get stronger, more confident and achieve my fitness goals. I used to shy away from the gym and go straight to the cardio equipment because I was intimidated to join those in the weight section. Now when I’m traveling and in public gyms, I walk right over and work through my personalized program - often receiving compliments for how hard I am working / the weight I am pushing. I owe this to the amazing coaches at Forge. They are all knowledgeable, approachable and accessible. Your plans are tailored to your goals. The checkin’s with your coaches help identify if anything needs to be modified and on more than one occasion, has helped hold me accountable and get me back on track if I’ve strayed from my goals. The discipline cultivated through my time here has affected every other part of my life positively - work, yoga, nutrition, etc. Walking into Forge 5 years ago was one the best decisions I’ve ever made. I moved from the West Windsor area in 2024 and have been getting my tailored plans from my coach even though I no longer use the facility. If you’re looking to truly make a change and prioritize your health and fitness , this is the place to go.

This post is for anyone who has tried on their own but couldn’t quite get the results they wanted. I’ve done programs, joined gyms, and bought equipment to work out at home, but I struggled with engagement, progress, injury, and commitment.

Forge Personal Training has changed all of that for me.

I was hesitant at first, but after my consultation with Coach Ryan, I left excited about what he and his team offered. I joined that same day, and I have no regrets. I truly feel like I’ve joined a community.

You show up to work out, and there is always a coach on the floor providing guidance, feedback, and encouragement. This is great for me, as I thrive on feedback. It keeps me engaged, helps with advice if I feel discomfort during a particular movement, and gives me that extra motivation when my energy is low.

I also appreciate being assigned my own coach—Coach Morgan! She has been instrumental in helping me better understand and work toward my goals.

So if you’re like I was and thinking, “Should I?” let this review help you decide.

I started at Forge in the spring & am already seeing changes. I’m stronger & have way more energy, particularly in the afternoon. As someone who used to workout regularly, but fell off due to…life…and some health issues, I’ve found the coaches’ mix of encouragement, advice, and positivity to be spot on. They give great cues to help me make subtle changes that increase the effectiveness of the exercises I’m performing. The holistic workout program builds core muscles that have improved my ability to do exercises I’ve performed for years, like the push up and plank. But the coaches also don’t let me overdo things by reminding me to “leave a little in the tank”, which means I’m not so sore that I give up and never come back.
Another selling point for me - I’ve had a tough time finding gyms with classes that fit my work schedule. I’ve always like the camaraderie of working out with other people, but my schedule doesn’t line up with most of my friends. I appreciate the plenty, varied times I can workout at Forge and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know my fellow trainees.

For me, Forge Personal Training is the perfect combination of personal, customized training with all the benefits of group fitness!