Forge Fitness Powered by CrossFit Shades

Forge is the only Crossfit gym that I've been to, and it has so far been quite a positive experience. Proper technique is emphasized which has helped me stay injury free and improve my overall flexibility. I joined with the hope of regaining some of my previous quickness so that I could perform better in tennis and flag football, and it has certainly helped in that regard... You'll obviously only get out what you put into it, but all of the coaches are very knowledgeable and more than happy to discuss proper form, nutrition, supplements, etc. with you as well as demonstrate the correct technique of the different lifts when asked.

CrossFit Shades / Forge Fitness is awesome. I travel to the Birmingham area for work once a month and was looking for a gym/box that has hours on Sunday. I had heard some not-so-great things about a few boxes but I hadn't heard of Forge Fitness/ CF Shades. Not only is CF Shades the only place with Sunday hours, but they were above and beyond wonderfully welcoming when I showed up unannounced during their open gym period. Upon first glance, the gym was very clean, which is not very common among CrossFit and Crossfit-inspired facilities. The owner, Rich, jumped up from a staff meeting and gave me a tour and after learning of my CF history, invited me to use any and all of their space as well as invited me back through my duration of stay while in town. They have an awesome workout space out back with a platform, squat racks and a rig and the running course around the building is super safe. I also met coaches Caleb, Josh and Rebecca who were all very accommodating and friendly. When I returned for a class, Rebecca coached and I really appreciated her attentiveness. I'm a CrossFit coach in Denver and because I move relatively well, I tend to get left alone - but I love being coached when I drop into new places and Rebecca was great. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND travelers and locals to visit. If you're a member somewhere else in Hometown or Birmingham, switch now. I'll be back there for sure when I'm in town next.

Great gym, been to several others, but this place is top level and professional from the moment you walk in. It's everything that anyone could ever want in a CrossFit gym.

Great gym, great people. Dropped in for a class while traveling and had a great workout. Rich and Conrad made us feel right at home. I'll be back next time we're in town.

Great CrossFit experience! Chris Wade is a co-owner and coach at this gym. It was obvious that he is an experienced coach with a passion for what he is doing.They filled the entire hour giving the expected value to each member. The class started with a group warm-up, moved to strength component, then the workout of the day and finally a nice stretch/cool down.Finally, I travel for work and drop into many CrossFit gyms around the country. If you live in Birmingham area, this is a gym you have to look at.

I just started in June of this year with the hopes of loosing the remainder of my baby weight! Chris and Rich are amazing and have made getting back in to shape something I actually enjoy! I have pushed myself so much further than I ever did in a conventional gym and have seen great results. They explain everything in great detail and coach you closely so you learn the correct way of doing things. I was super intimidated of the whole "crossfit" idea but Forge has changed that perception and made it something I truly enjoy!

I went to this gym for over a year, and I'm telling you that there's no better gym in Birmingham. The owners, Rich and Chris, along with all of the other coaches, have a firm commitment to doing things the right and most safe way possible. I left this gym in the best shape of my life and with some of the best friends a person could have. So not only will you get a great workout, you'll also make a ton of great friends. I've since relocated to Tuscaloosa, but try to make it back to Forge as much as possible!

Great gym with a great community. I've been to other Crossfit gyms around the World and this one is special. It's an incredibly encouraging environment and a wonderful place to watch people continue to get better and excel every day. Really cool to see your seasoned Crossfit veterans working out right next to beginners and encouraging one another throughout.

I've never crossFit before and after searching for different gyms, I couldn't be happier to have chosen Forge. The atmosphere, the people and best of all the owners Chris and Rich show true commitment to their members and are able to push you to your limits in the safest way possible. I've tried different classes and exercises but was never constant because I will get bored, well let me tell you; I haven't gotten bored since I started going to Forge, it has been 9 months so far and I don't want to stop. I look forward to my classes and to the people that I've met at the gym. Plus is clean, has A/C and they put great music. So if you are looking into CrossFit in this area, this is the place to be!!!

I just started traveling to Birmingham for business and wanted to find a place in which to work out while I was in town. I came across Forge Fitness on Google and messaged them to set up a meeting when I got in town. I will be going here for the next few months while I am in town. The trainers are knowledgeable, outgoing, and great motivators. The place is incredibly clean and the equipment brand new. Great owners and great members.