The Iron Fortress Gym — Local services in Columbia Township

6/30/2018: Been working with IFG and Nathan in particular for two weeks now. I was looking specifically for someplace that would be welcoming for a newbie to lifting, care about making sure I've got proper form, and not break the bank. Couldn't be happier with my choice!

As someone who had never lifted before, I was a little intimated to walk in to IFG and get more information. But reading the reviews that were available, I decided to give it a shot. Everyone said it was welcoming, after all. And, they were spot on.

Both of the owners are down to earth, good humans, who genuinely care about each and every person who walks through the door. And you can tell they attract equally good people to work out there - from spotting one another or just welcoming smiles or a nod to a new person.

I'm participating in the 11 weeks of personally training and am so happy with it. I shopped around for trainers/gyms before deciding to go with IFG. I was looking for the most "bang for my buck" without compromising the quality of the experience. I also wanted to find a trainer/gym that was would help me learn and fall in love with working out as a long-term life style vs.just paying someone to get me in "shape" for X number of weeks.

So how is IFG measuring up? From being able to get "homework" on the days in between training sessions, to having support, accountability, and someone available through text to change training times or answers questions (shout out to Nathan for being awesome!!), IFG has been better than I expected it to be. I look forward to what I'll learn each time I go, and am eager to practice at home or in the gym in between sessions.

Excited to see how much I learn in the next 9 weeks of training!

UPDATE: 3/4/2019 Well, so much for thinking I'd only sign up for 11 weeks of training, hah! What can I say, I drank the kool-aid and have fallen in love with lifting. IFG is amazing, folks. If you're looking for a gym that is laid back, low-stress, and a family. This is the place for you.

A special note for the LADIES out there, if you're new to lifting (or a complete and total novice like I was) then I cannot say enough about getting some one-on-one training for Nathan or Zach. They are both incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and amazing coaches. They will go out of their way to make things work for you, your schedule/life style/preferences, etc.

Need some concrete examples: I travel for work and therefore have an unpredictable schedule from week to week. This has not kept us from being able to progress. My workouts can be tailored to what's available in a hotel room. Additionally, last minute changes to when I come into the gym are completely something that happens more regularly than I'd like. Do I have to stress about my trainer being mad at me, docking my time, or anything of the sort? Heck no. It's always no big deal, and we can reschedule. The true flexibility is so incredibly nice.

It's absolutely amazing. I never thought I'd fall in love with lifting as I have, but now I can't imagine not having IFG in my life. What are you waiting...

My 16 year old daughter started lifting in 2022, and this was the gym of her choice. I completely understand why, now! I went to the gym several times and talked to both Nate and Zach - We needed to get a feel for whether my daughter would feel safe coming and going by herself. If you've read the other reviews then you know that Zach and Nate are great, the equipment is great for heavy lifting, etc., but what I love the most is that it's been two years and we have never had a negative or uncomfortable interaction with anyone. That's huge. Also, this gym is not just for power- Iifters and cross-fitters. I, personally, am older and can't lift that much, but I'm doing gentle strength training to increase my mobility and reach my goal of being able to wipe my own butt, and stand up on my afterward, until I die. I thought I would feel like a small fish in a big ocean, but everyone is kind and encouraging. There are those who come in and work out and leave; and then there are those that will chat and offer advice. It's gritty and gorgeous. There's no sleek sheen of neon veneer because they put their money into the equipment and the gym. Come in on an off-time and you get to program the music to anything you like - they'll even...

A year in at IFG, so time for a review! I picked the scariest gym I could (my previous didn’t even have a squat rack) to challenge myself. When I walked in Nate immediately introduced himself to me and explained how the gym worked. I’ve only had online coaches and wanted to try in person. I travel for work and can’t pause the typical online training program when I need to. But Nate has been beyond understanding each time work has taken me away for weeks at a time. Which is why I really appreciate paying for the sessions and not a monthly contract! Nate assured me I’d meet my goals and not to stress about having to travel. And he was right! Through his coaching and motivation I have lost 20 pounds AND added 100 plus pounds to my deadlift. I am the lightest and strongest I have been in my adult life and could not be happier! Joining IFG was a great decision but having an in person coach like Nate was the best gym decision ever! 10/10...