PROGRAM 01
Barbell Strength
Squat, bench, deadlift, press. A linear progression that puts plates on the bar week over week.
FORGEWELL FITNESS // EST. 2016 // CORKTOWN, DETROIT
FORGE
YOURSELF
00
YRS ON BAGLEY ST
000
MEMBERS STRONG
00
COACHES ON STAFF
00
DAYS / WEEK OPEN
No contracts. No ego. Just iron and a plan.
View Membership →
WHO WE ARE
A BARBELL GYM
A BARBELL GYM
BUILT LIKE A
WORKSHOP
We opened in an old auto-parts warehouse in 2016 with eight platforms and a chalk bucket. We still coach every lift like it matters — because it does.
THE FORGEWELL METHOD
STRENGTH IS
STRENGTH IS
A SKILL YOU
TRAIN.
Every member gets an intake, a movement screen, and a written plan. You won't wander the floor guessing. You'll have numbers to chase and a coach watching your bar path.
12:1
Class member-to-coach cap
48hr
Form-check turnaround
100%
Programs written by coaches
- Coached, never crowdedHard caps on every class so you always get eyes on your lifts.
- Calibrated, competition-grade ironEleven platforms, Eleiko bars, bumpers, and a full rack of dumbbells to 150 lb.
- Real progression, written downTrack every session in our app. Your coach adjusts loads weekly.
- Built for every bodyFirst-timers and 500-lb deadlifters train under the same roof.
4.9★
Avg. member rating
11
Lifting platforms
25+
Classes per week
5a
Weekday open
WHAT WE TRAIN
PICK YOUR
PICK YOUR
BATTLE
Six ways to get under the bar. Class or 1:1, beginner to barbell-savage — there's a lane for you.
PROGRAM 02
Conditioning
Engine work that won't gas your strength. Intervals, sleds, and metcons coached for output, not chaos.
PROGRAM 03
Olympic Lifting
Snatch and clean & jerk from the ground up. Positions first, then speed, then load.
PROGRAM 04
Powerbuilding
The middle path: heavy main lifts plus the accessory volume that actually builds the physique.
PROGRAM 05
Open Gym
Run your own program with a coach on the floor. Full access to every platform and rack.
PROGRAM 06
1:1 Coaching
Private, fully bespoke. Your coach writes, watches, and adjusts every single session.
THE RECORD
WHAT THE
WHAT THE
FLOOR SAYS
Pulled straight from our reviews. No edits, no actors — just people who put the work in.
QUESTIONS
BEFORE YOU
BEFORE YOU
SHOW UP
The things people ask before their first session. Still unsure? Call us — a coach actually picks up.
I've never lifted before. Is this for me?
Absolutely. Roughly half our members started as total beginners. Your first session is a free intake where a coach teaches you the basics, screens your movement, and builds a starting plan. No experience required — just show up.
Do I need to sign a long contract?
No. Monthly Unlimited is month-to-month — cancel anytime with 30 days notice. The annual plan saves you money if you commit for a year, but it's your call. We'd rather earn the renewal than trap you in one.
What should I bring to my first session?
Flat-soled shoes (or socks for deadlifts), water, and clothes you can move in. We supply the chalk, belts, and everything else. Come 10 minutes early so we can get your intake started.
Where are you and when are you open?
1845 Bagley St in Corktown, Detroit, MI 48216. We're open Mon–Fri 5a–10p, Sat 7a–6p, and Sun 8a–2p. Street parking is free after 6pm and there's a lot behind the building.
Class or 1:1 coaching — which do I pick?
Most people thrive in our small-group classes (capped at 12). If you want fully private, bespoke programming — or you're prepping for a meet — 1:1 coaching from $320/mo gives you a dedicated coach for every session. Not sure? We'll recommend a path at your free intake.
/ STOP THINKING ABOUT IT
YOUR FIRST
SESSION IS
FREE
One hour. One coach. Zero pressure. Walk out knowing exactly how we'd build your strength — then decide.