Red Dog Strong Strength & Conditioning — Local services in Wake Forest

Synopsis - Of all the gyms I have ever belonged to, this is my favorite and the people that operate and are a part of the gym are truly the best.

Red Dog is a mixture of traditional gym equipment with specializations in both powerlifting and crossfit. The gym also runs group classes daily to cater to those interested in a more group-focused style of training. When people say there's a little something for everyone here, they truly mean it.

The powerlifting equipment is all top of the line, in great shape, and will check every box you are looking for if in the market for a PL gym. I've been training and competing out of Red Dog for the last two years and it has been a godsend for my progress in the sport. For those interested in Crossfit, the gym is also specialized in that with all of the equipment and materials you need to push that sport as well.

Where the gym is developing the best is in its ability to cater to those looking to lift, train, or get in shape, but not compete in a sport itself. Courtney and Aaron are always looking for things to add to the gym to enhance the experience and in November of 2025 there will be a large number of new machines and pieces of equipment coming into the gym. Couple that with 24/7 access, a well-below typical price for a specialized gym such as this one, and a great group of people who train here and you have the best gym north of the Triangle hands down. There are a number of people who use Red Dog living in Raleigh who drive past countless gyms simply to train here, it speaks for itself.

5 Powerful...

Best CrossFit gym I've seen in Wake County (and around the country). The coaching staff here is engaged and extremely knowledgable. I feel safe and supported every time I step through the door.

Members have access 24/7 to the facility!

The facility is top notch. This location opened about a year ago (Aug 2022) and is HUGE. The CrossFit area is 4-5x most gyms I've visited previously. Plenty of room for every movement imaginable. Lots of equipment (no shortage of rowers, bikes, or dumbbells/KBs). If you're wanting a platform to perfect your Oly lifts, there's four of them! And there are full showers here if you need to head somewhere other than home after the WOD.

In addition (and included in your membership cost), there's a separate weightlifting gym with the most up to date equipment and a separate Kid's ninja gym to occupy the youngsters while you PR your back squat! (there may be a slight charge for the kid's gym)

Courtney and Aaron are running a great spot here. It's definitely worth checking out if you're...

Red Dog is professional and approachable. As someone who was nervous about entering a gym like this for the first time, I was welcomed, never looked down on, and always have been met with patience. I have been pushed to exceed what I thought were my limits. I feel like anything is possible now. I tell all my freinds about it, and even a few have joined with similar backgrounds and have had similar results. The community is always great here too! Theres always someone encouraging me with a "you got this" or a "lets go!" or a fist-bump. Is it more expensive than a 'regular' gym? yes. Though more expensive, the membership here is worth more than a 'regular' gym. Community, tailored training, coaching, scheduling, accountability, goal tracking, high-end equipment, showers, etc... I am glad to be apart of the gym and community. Thank you Red Dog staff for making a positive change in my life that has led to an improvement in my daily quality...