Forge Fitness

Negative experience: Don't buy a day pass or inquire about one. I bought one on Sunday and nobody let me into the gym or called me back. I was sitting outside the gym like a dumbass waiting for someone to let me in for 40+ minutes. The day pass says they will give you a access code- they don't send one (there is nowhere to even enter one on the doors). Since then, I've called 4+ times and nobody answered me. I even went as far as sending multiple emails as well- no response. I had to go to Chase bank and dispute the charge in order to get my money back. Very poor communication on their end.

Negative experience: Don't buy a day pass or inquire about one. I bought one on Sunday and nobody let me into the gym or called me back. I was sitting outside the gym like a dumbass waiting for someone to let me in for 40+ minutes. The day pass says they will give you a access code- they don't send one (there is nowhere to even enter one on the doors). Since then, I've called 4+ times and nobody answered me. I even went as far as sending multiple emails as well- no response. I had to go to Chase bank and dispute the charge in order to get my money back. Very poor communication on their end.

Fantastic experience: Great gym, rugged but has all of the equipment you'd want or need.

Fantastic experience: Amazing i got the family bundle and its been amazing so far! Clean and amazing.

Fantastic experience: Amazing small business to support

Fantastic experience: Great place love the atmosphere people are friendly. Employees are knowledgeable. Equipment has recently been fixed as soon as parts came in.

Fantastic experience: Overall great place to train! Great equipment with a friendly non judging atmosphere.

Negative experience: Not a fan. Poor costumer service, never answers the phone, Too crowded for its sized at all hours, worn equipment, teenagers sneaking in and definitely not clean. Now I kept doing day passes, but there’s no way this is just bad luck of when I went. My two cents- This gym needs upgrades in managing.

Fantastic experience: Great place, good environment very eazy to communicate with staff. Has showers

Fantastic experience: Best gym ever!

Fantastic experience: This is a great gym. It is definitely a great place to visit if you want a good workout. Owner/staff are very inviting and they have just about all the equipment you need. Definitely will be going back soon.

Fantastic experience: Great place to work out! Owner Mike is amazing totally recommend this place.

Fantastic experience: Awesome gym. Tons of equipment and friendly staff.

Fantastic experience: I love going to Forge! I never wait for weights and the owner is a super knowledgeable guy.

Fantastic experience: Forge is the real deal- nice old school feel that you won’t find anywhere else. Truly a place where you can feed off the atmosphere. 10/10 all day

Fantastic experience: Good clean facility! Appreciate the tour and the owner's time!! ;)

Fantastic experience: This place rocks. There are open 24/7 and have everything you need.

Fantastic experience: Great gym has everything you need.

Negative experience: They keep charging my card even tho we’ve cancelled membership a year ago lol. You call and no one answers. So yeah great place

Fantastic experience: i haven't seen any other gym nearby with the equipment that forge provides, definitely recommend!

Fantastic experience: Being new to the area, I knew I needed to find a gym that gets the job done. This is it. Simply put, it’s a gym that has everything I need. Great place to workout!

Fantastic experience: Great gym, great atmosphere, more than enough equipment and is always open. Highly recommend this gym.

Fantastic experience: Forge > Planet Super neat spot. Way better than my old gym. Best part is it doesn't smell like 25 sweaty dudes hudled in a portapotty

Fantastic experience: This gym reminds me of my uncle who talks about the old days, drinks too many budweisers and binges Yellowstone, but in a good way. Do I actually have an uncle like that or is it just me?.... anyways, in all seriousness this is going to be my gym for awhile.

Fantastic experience: Mike and Ericka are outgoing and attentive. You will feel welcomed the minute you enter. Best deal for the vast amount of equipmemt available to you. This gym is for the serious athlete as well as a novice. Open 24/7 to accommodate any schedule.

Fantastic experience: Great gym! Everyone was so friendly, staff and members! Great equipment and plenty of space

Fantastic experience: Best gym in the area for weightlifting. Plenty of benches, squat racks, and free weights. I have never had to wait for a station to be free, one is always open.

Fantastic experience: This is my second home, has been for over 5 years. Mike the owner is awesome, they have equipment you can’t find in commercial places. 2 sets of Dumbell racks in separate rooms. The places energy is unmatched. I’ve been to many gyms in my life. Trust me this gym is it. Don’t trust me just go in and take a look.

Fantastic experience: Great environment, No commercial gym vibes

Fantastic experience: The service is highly qualified and courteous. I highly recommend this gym.

Fantastic experience: Great gym great environment

Positive experience: My son works out almost every day after school was part of a workout group. He enjoys it and is getting good results.

Negative experience: I used to love this gym. It was a great place and great environment but lately it’s been hard to even workout there between all the broken equipment, mirrors and lack of hygiene. The place looks like it hasn’t been cleaned in weeks, every mirror is either cracked, cover in spit and hand prints. Their is chalk and dust covering most the floor, and the staff is hardly there anymore causing for their to be a bunch of random kids sneaking their friends in at all times. Extremely disappointed with the direction the gym has been going.

Negative experience: I got a rash in that god damm place due to the poor hygiene in the facility. The staff has been rude lately, is there any moral to demand people to keep the place clean and put equipments away ? No way ! HORRIBLE! They got clients because it was the only place opened during the pandemic.

Fantastic experience: Friendly team, impressive range of equipment, and a great neighborhood vibe!!

Fantastic experience: Awesome service. Will be back.

Fantastic experience: A very good place to exercise. I am genuinely delighted.

Fantastic experience: The service is highly qualified and courteous. I highly recommend this gym.

Fantastic experience: Really cool bodybuilding/strongman/athletic focused gym.

Fantastic experience: Great place to workout! Has all the equipment i need and it is well maintained. The staff is friendly and make you feel welcome.

Fantastic experience: Lots of equipment and plenty of space. Organized nicely and everyone is focused but friendly too.

Fantastic experience: The people who use this gym seem to be pretty cool for the most part, and they have a good supply of equipment. Fully recommend!

Fantastic experience: i was a member on three seperate occasions. this is by far the best gym i have gone to. the equipment here is amazing and it has everything you need

Fantastic experience: This gym is for the big guys. While it caters to both big and small guys and several women we can all get a very good workout. Very busy when I was there but did not wait on equipment.

Fantastic experience: A very good place to exercise. I am genuinely delighted. They have a lot of good quality equipment. Everyone cares about the equipment they use and brings them back to their place. The service is highly qualified and courteous. I highly recommend this gym.

Fantastic experience: Went to this gym while visiting in town, if I still lived in the area I would definitely sign up here! Great equipment, great atmosphere, open 24/7 for members, & they have gym dogs! What else could you ask for!?

Fantastic experience: I've trained at many different facilities and Forge has the right feel and layout for almost any type of routine. There isn't a lot in terms of CrossFit equipment, but that's not how this gym markets itself anyways. One of the best features of this gym is it's key fob entrance, which for someone with whacky hours is a godsend and really gives a lot of flexibility. Another very good features is the owner doesn't require masks to train here, tho not discouraged. I have asthma and have a very hard time breathing with a mask on, so finding a gym that allows me the liberty of training without one is all I can ask for. The gym is two separate office spaces that have been combined into one larger space; upon entering the cardio equipment is store facing and has a solid variety to choose from, then directly behind is the primary weight lifting machine space followed by a typical dumbbell space with leg machines intermingling along the sides. After reaching the back of the primary building, there is a wall that's been knocked out and turned into an entry into the freeweight / barbell space. Plenty of squat racks (I think there's 7 in total) each equipped with bumper plates as well, and a dedicated deadlift platform as you reach the end of the second space. There's also a second dumbbell area, though smaller and with weights not exceeding 100lb, but this means there's a lot of space to find a place to do what you need. The bathrooms are clean, there are lockers, a shower, and a sauna in the men's room. Not sure about the women's, but I'd assume the same. I believe there is a second bathroom in the second half of the gym, though I've never used it so I'm not 100% sure. I've only had to wait a few times to use what I need and it's usually the more specific equipment. It doesn't get so crowded it's hard to move around, but there's definitely no shortage of people enjoying the facility and everything it offers. Staff is friendly, owner has been nothing but helpful and has immediately fixed any issues I had. The equipment is kept relatively clean, with the help of disinfectant wipe stations in most areas you'd be in. Surprisingly almost everyone I've seen there uses the wipes after they're done which should tell you that they respect the facility enough to keep it clean of their own volition. Should also mention the music they play isn't too loud and has a fairly good variety. The only complaints I can muster are that the parking can get pretty congested and you may have to walk a bit to get in some days depending on when you go, and this is only really a problem on very cold days. Any gym I've ever been to that gets busy is like this though, there simply isn't any avoiding it. Not something I see as a con, masks aren't required but aren't discouraged so plan accordingly should that be something important to you. Something else some people may find to be unappealing is it has a "gritty" atmosphere. The equipment is well used and it shows that it's had plenty of love over the years from it's dedicated gym goers. That's not to say it's not all in excellent, functional condition and there is definitely some newer equipment, but if you want new equipment and a day spa feel, I'd say this may not be your first choice. I personally love iron dungeons as it is much easier for me to get my head into my training and the equipment simply feels more inviting.

Fantastic experience: The best gym in Crystal Lake. Forge Fitness has unique equipment and everything you’ll need. The showers and sauna are super clean. The atmosphere is motivating. The owner is so awesome and has super cute dogs!

Fantastic experience: Tons of power racks, a reverse hyper, rogue barbells, and a ton of other great equipment. Great gym.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely LOVEEE this gym! Owner is awesome and super nice. Everyone that works out here is very respectful of each other. They have a lot of different machines to choose from. Their is So much freedom here and I absolutely loveee it. There is a sauna in the woman's and men's locker room. There's a good amount of lockers. Bathrooms are always very clean too. They have pretty good music that plays why you work out and they have a lot of squat machines you can choose from. I highly recommend this place. Pricing is not too bad either, super affordable. I like that they also support our military. Definitely come check this place out. I wish I found it sooner.

Fantastic experience: A lot of equiptment that's here you cant find at other gyms. Some great people and the owner is a freind.

Fantastic experience: The gym is absolutely phenomenal. Mike the owner is a really great and personable guy and will talk to all of the people in the gym. Considering this is probably the best bang for your buck gym in the area and all the people are non judgmental. Everyone going to forge is there to better themselves and to help others along the way. I've never felt any kind of malice of judgment while going here, and plan on staying for a while.

Fantastic experience: Would highly recommend if your real serious about body building or power lifting or strong man. Many different hammer strength and cybex atlas. Classic stuff and lots of good bars. There is a monolift, deadlift platform and competition bench. Along with some strong man stuff. Place is huge also

Fantastic experience: Best gym in Crystal Lake hands down. I would say one of the top gyms in Illinois.

Fantastic experience: Best Place Ever!!!

Negative experience: Tried calling and no one ever answers nor is anyone at the facility.

Fantastic experience: Wide variety of equipment and helpful staff

Fantastic experience: Awesome people and place to get in one's workout zone!

Positive experience: Great place to go for a workout. Sometimes a little crowded and takes awhile to use equipment you might want to use. But overall great place to go.

Fantastic experience: I just joined Forge after some time at Planet Fitness. I love the variety of equipment. Although smaller than Planet Fitness there is an abundance of equipment if not more than PF. Excellent variety of free weights. A true gym atmosphere not a social club. Best workout in over a year. Love the 24/7 access. Spent 2.5 hours there getting a fantastic workout. Love the place and so happy to have found it.

Fantastic experience: Great place to work out. Friendly atmosphere and inexpensive. It allows me to workout whenever I want, being open 24 hours a day, and however I want, offering a wide range of machines and free weights

Fantastic experience: Really enjoyed the variety of strength equipment at this gym. And the owner, Mike, is passionate about ever-improving his facilities and making himself available to all of his clients. If you're looking for a true, old-school strength gym experience, setup and community, then this is your new home away from home.

Fantastic experience: Great gym that has everything you need in a workout. Lots of room, great variety of equipment, and very comfortable atmosphere.

Fantastic experience: Phenomenal staff, clean gym, good mix of equipment and other members have been friendly!

Fantastic experience: Amazing atmosphere, there is motivation everywhere. Without a doubt one of the best places in the county to work out if not the best. From new equipment to new touches to the gym. The owner is friendly and very helpful. This a place where you can tell from the owner to the members everyone tries to help everyone out! Highly recommend! Did I mention there are showers and it's 24 hours!!!!

Fantastic experience: Love this place. Serious lifters and trainers that know what they are doing. Great equipment selection. Not many gyms like this around!!

Fantastic experience: I will have to say this is one of the best gyms I've been to ever! If you're looking for a gym with machines or free weights this is it. And there is plenty of equipment if someone has what your wanting to use. If your just wanting to tone up, bulk up or train for a upcoming competition. Plenty of good people in there. Oh and did I mention that it's 24/7?!? There are trainers for you too if you're needing help. Plenty of options...

Fantastic experience: Great place, awesome friendly staff including the owner who btw constantly makes improvements to the health club for the better of its members. Love the gym vibes from this place, definitely not that "chain" vibe. Definitely more for the serious gym goers so it weeds out the stereotypical douche who hogs the machine for 20 minutes texting or scrolling through social media instead of getting reps in. It's a small community that makes everyone feel welcome regardless of your level!

Fantastic experience: This is not a fitness club. It's a gym. If you want to stand around and chat this is not where you go. I love this place. Little crowded with equipment but, for the price cant beat it!

Fantastic experience: Has everything you need for a great price

Positive experience: Way too small for the amount of memberships. Unless you go at 2am, it's almost impossible to actually get a lift in.

Fantastic experience: Great place to work out. Friendly atmosphere and inexpensive. It allows me to workout whenever I want, being open 24 hours a day, and however I want, offering a wide range of machines and free weights

Negative experience: During the Covid-19 panic he shut his doors and posted on his Facebook that they weren’t going to charge anyone their monthly payment. Then I was charged a total of three months in a row and when I confronted the owner about the situation he kept putting it off for a later date. Truthfully it’s $105.00 and not a lot of money the real issues is not following up with the things you say you’re going to do. I’ve contacted a total of 4 times and even warned of a bad review, but still no action taken. I’m sure that I’m not the only one that was taken advantage of during this crisis and frankly I’m not surprised that I was blown off. One payment out of the three has been made and I’m still waiting for the other two. I hope this helps people get an idea of who they’re dealing with when they try to get a membership at forge. Poor customer service and a lack of integrity, I can’t recommend.

Fantastic experience: Very fun gym for large lifters. Great equipment and encouraging environment

Fantastic experience: Not only is their a high amount of diversity in terms of equipment, but the environment is incredible. Many people all around motivations you to work harder. And when you get to meet those people they are nothing but kind and helpful.

Fantastic experience: 24:7 access and awesome equipment

Fantastic experience: Great gym, have everything and then some. Open 24 hrs which is nice.

Fantastic experience: No Frills, no bells and whistles, just great weights and lifting. There are stair machines, treadmills, bikes...and the people are great.

Fantastic experience: Since I've moved to the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, I have found lot of "gyms" and health clubs. None of them meet my standards for my gym offering. Then I discovered Forge. A 30 minute drive in the wrong direction for me, I was desperate enough to check out this facility. When I stepped through the doors, the place reeked of gainz and greatness. When I saw a real hack squat machine for the first time in the state of Illinois, my pulse was instantly elevated. You will find no dodecagon rubber plates in site here. Instead, you'll find the iron Rogue style barbell plates that you would think would be the standard in all gyms, but as evidenced everywhere else around here, it is clearly not. I've lost track of how many squat racks there are at Forge due to the abundance of them. All types of bars are available for use, deadlift platforms galore and three separate dumbell racks over 100lbs, including one rack up to 175lbs, I believe. There are plenty of free weight benches and bench presses including incline and decline. Machines are a sore topic among other facilities around here. At Forge, you get a variety of equipment from Cybex to Hammer Strength and everything in between. You'll find two seated low row cable machines and the familiar Life Fitness brand seated cable machine. Attatchment variations are plenty. There are several lat pulldown machines, leg presses, calf raise stations, leg extension/curl machines and everything else you'd expect from a place like this. I ignore the cardio area but there is one. There is currently no shower or locker room, which is a little bit of a bummer but I don't measure a gym by its amenities. The members of this gym seem like they are no-nonsense and extend common courtesy to each other. Mike, the owner, seems like a great guy and is looking to add even more space and equipment. He charges a very reasonable price and there is no contract. Gym traffic is steady but I haven't run into any situations where I didnt have enough space or my workout was hindered due to not enough stations. The verdict? Stick with your current gym if you're a puss. If you like to see results and to train in a gritty, motivating atmosphere that's welcome to anybody of any age and fitness level, go check out Forge and get juicy.

Fantastic experience: It's a friendly gym. The owner is extremely friendly and is amazing with people. I recently switched over from my old anytime fitness membership to forge, and it was the best choice I've made this year. There's a lot of equipment. The facility is always open. Just overall a pleasant workout experience.

Fantastic experience: A gym for the serious lifter. As a powerlifter I was so happy to find a gym with a monolift in my area. Can’t be the price for a 24hour gym. Such an awesome place to lift.

Fantastic experience: It hurt me leaving this gym. Mike is a great owner. The other members are great people. I love the gritiness of the gym sold me. My only complaint is the showers and how the bottom area wasn't accessible but the good outweigh (no pun intended) the minor complaints. To those complaining about the equipment, take your weak donkey to planet of the fit ones!

Fantastic experience: Best place to work out

Negative experience: It stinks in there, and they don't really have much equipment!

Fantastic experience: I love it best gym ever

Fantastic experience: No b's, good people, good hours

Positive experience: Great back to the basics gym. Can be real crowded in the evenings, but that's normal for all gyms. Mike, the owner, is fantastic and working to update the place.

Positive experience: Decent place to work out at. Great workout music and not too crowded. Older equipment but plenty of them. 24/7 so one can workout whenever.

Fantastic experience: This gym feels like home. Actually better than home. The owner Mike is an amazing owner. Really cares about his gym, the members, and overall strives to improve the gym consistently. I feel lucky to be apart of this gym.

Fantastic experience: Why spend a fortune and a LifeTime trying to achieve the results you want at another gym? Low rates, great facility, and a no nonsense crowd that goes to workout instead of socializing. What more could you want?

Fantastic experience: Cool crowd, fitness oriented. Great atmosphere and plenty of options for everyone. Can't beat the price either. Better than any big box gym.

Fantastic experience: Great gym that has everything you need in a workout. Lots of room, great variety of equipment, and very comfortable atmosphere. Love the different flags hanging up that represent branches of the armed forces. Very patriotic!

Fantastic experience: Perfect for serious lifters and folks just getting started. It's open enough to get around and see what's in there without feeling like everyone is watching you. Great atmosphere and the owner is awesome.

Fantastic experience: For the price it is a really good gym. Mike is very welcoming. The gym is clean and fully stocked with options to work out. He has enough equipment to keep everyone busy during high traffic times!

Positive experience: No showers.

Positive experience: great staff

Fantastic experience: Great owner, great gym

Positive experience: Well equipped gym from cardio to weights. Personal trainers available; or train on your own.

Fantastic experience: Such a great place to workout! Very friendly employees.

Positive experience: Great machines, great crowd. Friendly environment. Affordable.