Information about Forge Fitness Powered by CrossFit Shades

Old Columbiana Rd 2301
35216, Birmingham
+1 205-569-1874

Opening hours

  • Monday: 5:15 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 5:15 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 5:15 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Thursday: 5:15 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Friday: 5:15 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

CrossFit training in Birmingham, Alabama can help you get in shape and improve your overall fitness. The workouts are intense and challenging, but they are also a lot of fun. You will be able to work out with other people who are trying to improve their fitness, and you will be able to push yourself to reach your goals.

The members of Forge Fitness enjoy having access to a clean and modern exercise facility. The facility is equipped with men’s and women’s locker rooms as well as a kid’s area. The equipment in the facility is simple and the space is clean.

Prices

Forge Fitness Powered by CrossFit Shades has not yet filled in its description.

Services, Machines and Guided Classes

CrossFit

Forge Fitness Powered by CrossFit Shades: Opinions

5/5 (55 Opinions)
Top Rated Gym
Matt Mogle 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: 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.

Clarisse Jackson 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: 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!!!

Brandon Simmons 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: 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.

Lesley Hendon 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: 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!

Leslie Parrish Gattuso 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: 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!

Max White 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: The place to be!!! …most likely the box with the best overall package in terms of community (just wow!!), programming, coaches,equipment and location! Programming made me progress remarkably, although I was only able to stay here for just a few weeks due to my work abroad. Thanks for the great friendsgiving (thanksgiving) experience !!! Purcy‘s question of the day -> big yes!

Trevor Wells 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Great box! Great people! Love the beer on tap!

Chris Schmidt 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Incredible facility, top notch coaches! I dropped in from CT and was amazed to find this gem.

Alicia Mondragon 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Amazing place and amazing people!! If your in the Birmingham area this is the place to go!! Will definitely come back again. Came here for military duty and found a gem!!

Wesley Korn 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: I have been to quite a few gyms, and this one was one of the best. I would absolutely suggest this gym to anyone!

Nick Quinn 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality Forge Fitness is more than a gym, it’s a family! This is the most professional well kept gym that I have ever been a part of! Their coaches are very knowledgeable and they have top of the line facilities. You cannot go wrong with this gym!

Whitney Potts 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Let me tell you that Forge Fitness is the place for you! Last year I scheduled a visit and did a WOD while I was there. I instantly signed right up. It was easy to see that everyone from the coaches, owners and members, all were welcoming plus the facility was very clean! Well, now that it has been a year I can truly say I chose well. The coaches are so understanding to your workout needs, I have to modify the workouts a lot. And the community, I love going into this gym and actually know people. It makes it way more fun when you workout with friends. PLUS they let you bring your dogs. I mean really the best gyms are the ones with dogs.

Giselle Hollie 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: I’ve been a member at Forge Fitness since 2017! Since the first day I dropped in to check out what CrossFit was all about I’ve been impressed with the professionalism and enthusiasm displayed by the coaches and owners and the sense of community. The owners are awesome and I even got my tire changed by Rich one time! I now have a 13 month old and since he was 6 weeks he’s been going to the gym with me and everyone has been awesome around him! During the pandemic the gym took extra precautions to keep staff and athletes safe. Equipment was cleaned daily, athletes had designated spaces, and when everyone was at home the coaches took videos and sent us At Home WOd’s to keep everyone motivated and moving. I’ve grown so much as an athlete at Forge and I’m stronger and fitter than before I joined. I’m glad to be part of this special community!!!

Hannah Grant 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: If you are looking for a gym that will take you in as you are and motivate you, this is the place. I am going on 8 months with this bunch and its hands down the best choice I could have ever made! The second you walk in the door on day one you are greeted with friendly, helpful, smiling faces. You will quickly NOT be a stranger! The members and coaches of Forge do not care if it is your first day ever in a gym, first time trying Crossfit, if you are a scaled or RX+ athlete, new mother getting back on your fitness journey, whether you're in your 20's or 50's, you will always get cheered on, coached, and pushed the same the same every single day in the best, positive way. With some of the best programming around, the coaches make it easy to be a better you. They meet you where you are based off your bodies needs whether that's doing 1 rep or 15. Your gym friends quickly become your gym FAMILY that you stay after class with, and share laughs and good talks with. It becomes the best part of your everyday routine. Forge Fitness also features recovery shop options, sauna, childcare, cardio room, basketball court, soccer field, and track. There's a place for all members of your family here. I have been a member to multiple gyms across Eastern-Central Alabama, and you won't find another home gym like this!

Reagan Walls 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Positive: Quality The gym is so welcoming! I had such a great time while I was there! They have so many learning opportunities and equipment to have those opportunities! Great gym, great people!

Stacie Jackson 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality Forge is a wonderful place that we look forward to every day. The programming is amazing, the staff is kind, caring and encouraging. The facility is amazing. The members are supportive of every fitness level. I also love the recovery room! I would highly recommend Forge Fitness!

Emily Ledet 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: I joined Forge about a year ago as a brand new crossfitter. The coaches and more experienced athletes were more than willing to help me out every step of the way. I have never experienced such a supportive community! We truly are a family. I have grown so much as an athlete due to the top notch coaches and programming and I have met some of the best friends I have ever had here. I can't give this gym enough praise!!

Brittany Shellhouse 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: This CrossFit affiliate is absolutely amazing and stunning. You will not be in need for anything equipment wise. Just prepare to be amazed.

Leigha McLendon 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Family owned and operated, and they make you feel like part of the family. For me, a great deal of the attraction to CrossFit is the sence community, and none of the other CrossFit boxes I've been to have as great of a community feel as Forge does. The coaches care, are knowledgeable, and always have advise and recommendations on how to scale any movement.

Gena Mueller 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: From the first day I walked through the doors the Forge family has treated me like I one of them. It is hard to find a more welcoming group of people. This gym is amazing.

Armando Guell 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality Amazing facility with a lot of culture in it! Atmosphere is great even when there are no classes going. The owner is a top notch guy, very helpful and passionate with what he does. I will definitely come back here as a drop in!

Pat O'Brien 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: I have been going to Forge since 2017. It's great. The coaches are knowledgeable and the community is fun to be around. It's a family owned business and you can tell. Rich and Patti do a great job of keeping things fun but also professional. I have seen this gym grow over the last couple of years. We get new equipment all the time and the facility is Grade A. I definitely recommend Forge to anyone looking for a gym. I found it doing an internet search in 2017 when I moved to Birmingham and it's been a wonderful experience.

Appachu Palecanda 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: The gym is fantastic and the staff are incredible. The facility is remarkable and the instructors are very knowledgeable and friendly.

Pablo Perea 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: I am absolutely delighted with my choice of gym due to its amazing box, incredible community, and superb coaches.

Amanda Wineman 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: I haven't been involved in competitive sports since high school, but this place is incredibly welcoming and eager to help me out. It's a fantastic supportive atmosphere.

Harris Reynolds 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Holt is an excellent coach, and Rich is alright as well.

Chase Glasgow 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Just finished up my Basics 101 classes with Paula and it was a blast! Forge is the most welcoming gym I've been a part of. The facility is amazing, spacious, and has everything you could possibly want!

ryan peardon 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality Amazing facilities. Amazing coaches. Amazing owners. I’ve been a member for going on 5 months and this place is all around amazing, from the friendly, welcoming, encouraging atmosphere, to the equipment and programming, and everything in between. I’m always glad I joined the Forge family!

Shree Bostick 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Definitely one of the best gyms in the Birmingham area!! I couldn't have pick a better place to call my new crossfit home after moving to Birmingham!! Great atmosphere, people, coaches and owners!! To anyone looking for a great facility to train or get a good workout in at definitely choose Forge Fitness!!!

John Christopherson 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Couldn't say enough good things about Forge! The coaches are awesome and always trying to help you improve. The gym is huge, has great equipment and alway kept clean. The showers and sauna are a plus. And most importantly the members are very supportive!

Katie Lucas 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Forge Fitness is definitely the gym to go to in the Vestavia Hills area. The owners, Patti and Rich, are so personable and friendly. They are always working to help you attain your fitness goals with a refreshing and positive attitude. Great environment, staff, and facilities.

Pilar Rodriguez 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Ive been to many Crossfit gyms before. The level of cleanliness and the resources this gym has is incredible. The staff and members are some of the finest people I have ever met!

Anne True 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Best gym experience in town. Great coaches and fun workouts. Come to get in shape, stay for the community. Getting to Forge after work is the highlight of my day. Thanks for doing what you do!

Chris 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Was in town visiting family and needed a place to get in a workout. Rich, quickly responded to my inquiry online and openly invited me to the gym. They had a large variety of equipment for a good functional fitness workout, it was clean and in good shape. The staff was very friendly, as well as all the members. I will definitely visit Forge Fitness every time I come back in town.

Libby Loveless 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Family oriented gym with the kindest people around. Talented, qualified, and intelligent coaches and administrators who support you and your fitness goals! This is a unique Crossfit gym.

Holly Cross 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: I moved to Alabama alone and not knowing anyone. I had never done CrossFit in my life but these people took me under their wing immediately. My home away from home, truly blessed. Highly recommend!

Haleigh Chastain 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Forge is more than just a gym. It is a community where people come together to workout while forming friendships. I joined Forge 3 years ago when I moved to Birmingham and did not know anyone, now most of my best friends are from the gym. If you are looking for a new gym, I cannot recommend this place enough!

Thomas Kopec 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: I joined last summer (2018) and haven’t been able to be as regular as I would like- but even after not seeing me for a very long time the owner (Rich) recognizes me and stopped what he was doing to have a conversation with me to catch up. Those kinds of experiences really make you feel like you are pet of a family. The coaches have all been wonderful, as well! They are very personable and interested in your individual fitness goals. They have been helpful with technique and suggesting scale (alternate) exercises when necessary also. Finally, the other members have all been very welcoming and friendly, which again helps foster an inviting atmosphere. The facilities are fantastic (they have showers so you can get back to work after a class), and I love being a part of Forge Fitness! No complaints! Come try it out! They let me attend a few classes before deciding if it was a fit for me or not, so come try for yourself!

Lindsay Sport 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: I have been involved in many Crossfit gyms throughout my years in fitness. The quad facility, the forge Crossfit community, and the equipment is the best around! From the moment I stepped foot in forge I felt nothing but welcomed. If you want to come learn from some of the best at their trade and train in nice, clean, and welcoming environment- then you have found the place.

Dalton Roberts 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Friendly place where the people you work out with become your bestfriends. Have felt at home since the first day I walked in. Very encouraging people at Forge to help you be your best self. Classes all day to benefit your availability. Saturday morning Olympic lifting class and Partner WOD. Let Forge be the best part of your day.

Aaron Scroggins 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: I have been going to Forge for many years, so I obviously enjoy it! I’m in sales and travel for work. I get to go into many CrossFit gyms and none of them compare to the facility we have at the Quad. If you are in town visiting or looking for a change please come and drop in for a WOD.

Mela Donoso 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Being new to Alabama and not knowing a lot of people was a bit hard, but since starting at Forge I’ve met some awesome people who have made Birmingham feel like home now! Even my kids love coming along with me, owners are awesome and so are the coaches and all members! Truly a family/community feel to this gym!

Robert 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Forge Fitness did an excellent job of getting me back in the game. I also was able to learn best practices for recovery by having their recovery center available with my membership. You feel apart of a family as soon as you walk in.

Brooks Gant 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Cannot say enough good things about Forge Fitness in Vestavia! Coming from a cycling and running background, I was burnt out and looking for something new and challenging. After speaking with several crossfit gyms in the area, something just felt "right" about Forge and so I joined the 101 class. 9 months later I am probably in the best overall shape I have ever been in! From all the coaches who truly care about their athletes, to the positive and encouraging atmosphere, as well as all the great people I have met, if you have ever thought about giving crossfit a try, I highly recommend checking out Forge Fitness.

Jake C. 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: I've been coming to this gym for several years now. Rich and the coaches at the gym are very enthusiastic and have always been incredibly attentive to my needs. Caleb and Conrad always take the time to pay extra attention to beginners or people that need additional instruction and always do a great job leading class and keeping things fun. The gym community is very welcoming to beginners and visitors and the atmosphere is very family friendly. The gym itself is clean, spacious and well-organized. I was spoiled by the fact that it had Heat when I dropped into a few other gyms last winter and nearly froze to death. If you are looking for a superb Crossfit gym to join or just visit while in town, Forge is a solid place to do tough workouts with great people.

Dan Odle 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great gym. Great coaches. Great people. While the workouts are solid and will kick your tail (in a good way), it's the community that makes the difference. We literally build our schedule around our workouts and are thankful for our Forge family.

Chase Meadows 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: 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.

Sophia Hua 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Was visiting Birmingham from Canada for the weekend and wanted to workout. I'm so glad I got a chance to workout here, great sweaty cardio session! Everyone was super friendly and the gym was very clean. Hope to see you guys again in the future!

Shandi White 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Most positive gym experience I've ever had! Forge has a created a family atmosphere with the motivation of your favorite high school coach combined with friendliness of your favorite church. They care about your progress, and they notice when you're not there. They're not just interested in your membership, they're interested in your success! Whether you're new to CrossFit or a regular competitive pro looking for a more positive gym experience, Forge in Vestavia is the perfect fit.

Parker Smith 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: I've been attending Forge for three years and there isn't a better gym in Birmingham! The attentiveness of the staff and the welcoming of its members is second to none! I give all the credit to them for helping me be in the best shape of my life.

Sharon A. Moskowitz 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: 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.

ly walthall 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Really great gym. This is a great CrossFit gym. I've been to several and this one is the best. Great floor plan, tons of equipment so you don't have to wait around for someone to finish to do your WOD. The trainer's are fantastic, they will push you to do your absolute best. Not to mention there are several amenities and concessions; showers, energy drinks, recovery drinks, coffee machine, protein supplements and these killer peanut butter balls that are to die for. If your looking for a place to work out that will actually push you and and has a great community, this is it.

Suzie Spooner 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Forge is not just a gym, it's a community. A community of athletes with different skill levels. A community where athletes encourage each other to give 100% no matter where you are in your training. Forge offers coaches who are knowledgeable about each movement and who want to help each individual attain the goals they have set for themselves. Forge is a community of friends. I wouldn't go anywhere else!!

Stephanie Odle 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great community. Great coaching. Great workouts. Love this Crossfit family. I came to Forge wanting to improve and ramp up my training. Forge has helped me do that. If you're looking for a Crossfit community, you'll find it here.

Jack Eisenhut 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: 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.

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