Warhorse Barbell Club

Fantastic experience: I LOVE this place. I have been doing the IGNITE classes for a little over a month now--the programing is aimed at being strong and lean--its working! I have tried crossfit, spinning, yoga and everything else in the past but this is really the most ideal gym l have found for total body fitness/lifting/toning. The gym atmosphere is very welcoming and friendly. Chris( the lead trainer of Ignite) gives each member of the class the individual attention they need to improve their form and get stronger--he's the BEST! They offer a free 3 day class trial--its 100% worth it!!!!!

Fantastic experience: Since I've lived in the city I've been trying to find my ideal gym. I've done yoga, Philly Sports Club, Planet Fitness and even Muay Thai. They all have their pros and cons but after joining War Horse it's hard for me to find any cons at all. The trainers are extremely experienced, the classmates are friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is empowering. I've noticed the biggest change physically since I've started here. I would recommend this gym to anyone looking to shed weight and build lean muscle and love doing it.

Fantastic experience: I've tried some Cross Fit gyms in the past, and ended up with a neck injury, and tendon tear that required surgery. THIS place is NOT a Cross-Fit gym; they provide group fitness classes, called Ignite which combines weight training and cardio without trying to kill you. I walk out of each class feeling like I had a great workout, not that I need 1200mg of Advil, and I'm seeing results. The owners, Jacklyn, Chris, are amazing people, they make you feel like family, they care about you, and want you to succeed; they adjust your workout based on YOU. The place is clean, great equipment, a great vibe at the gym.

Fantastic experience: The warhorse crew creates an environment that is both challenging and extremely supportive. I've been around the block with a few gyms and as a newly realized beginner I've never payed attention to form and how to do exercises properly, only to load up the bar and put it up. Within the ignite classes form is the most important part of your workout, not how much weight you can put up but how well you are doing the exercises. Chris is extremely mindful of everyone's goals and prior injuries ( it seems a majority of us are broken misfits) and knows when to change the exercises for you to still strengthen those muscles but not to stress them. I've had more improvement with my shoulder, lower back injuries, and posture in the past 3 months than i have had with physical therapy in the past 2.5 years. All around best experience, excellent gear, and awesome staff.

Fantastic experience: I've worked out in many different gyms with many different styles of training and this is by far the best. I am able to push myself much farther than I would going to a gym with my own routine. Sometimes at my old gym I would miss reps or skip a set because I didn't have that extra motivation and atmosphere that warhorse brings to the table. My results of working out have greatly improved since joining and attending.

Fantastic experience: awesome gym, amazing program, great operators and coaches. i've been through the gauntlet of cross-fit, HIIT training, barry's, personal trainers, strength training on my own, etc. warhorse is an excellent approach and hybrid of personal training, strength training, HIIT, and self-motivated exercise. they have a great program that is customized to each individual, gives you just the right amount of oversight and guidance, but also allows you to push yourself and build your own flavor. i had completely underestimated how effective of a program it was until i got into it. my only regret is having moved far enough away that it's not feasible for me to continue going there. huge props and kudos to the warhorse team. they're all in and i highly recommend anyone who is serious about their fitness to check them out!

Fantastic experience: For the 11 months I was living in Northern Liberties, I spent 10 of them regularly visiting and training at Warhorse. As a fitness professional and NASM certified personal trainer, I can say with tremendous confidence that the Coaches at Warhorse are exactly who you want to be working with if you are looking to increase your strength and health. The Coaches are extremely knowledgeable and while it's a 'team based' gym, every program and exercise is personalized for each member. Warhorse is designed to help its members find success through their programming and hands-on coaches who are always present and offering modifications/amplifications for different lifts. Most importantly the Coaches prioritize their members health and safety -- setting realistic goals and realistic, yet challenging milestones to achieve them.

Fantastic experience: This place is great! The worst part about moving was having to leave this place! It’s one of the friendliest places I’ve ever been, and that goes beyond a gym. Top of the line equipment and tailored coaching. You’ll make great strength gains here!

Fantastic experience: I can’t say enough great things about Warhorse. Before I came here, I had lifted a few times here or there, but mostly did group fitness classes. I was very intimidated by barbell work and nervous, but quickly realized that I had no reason to be. All the coaches there are so welcoming, accommodating, and truly take the time to work with each member during the session. They offer helpful advice and any modifications you may need based on your fitness level. They are are encouraging and push you (in a good way) to do things you thought you couldn’t ever do. The space is clean, well maintained and has a variety of equipment. Chris and Jaclyn, the owners, know each member by name so it definitely has a community feel. They have truly created an amazing place and it will make you fall in love with strength training. I cannot recommend this place enough, it is truly the best gym in Philadelphia.

Fantastic experience: Best gym in Philadelphia and probably the world. I travel over 35 minutes to workout here in the morning and I arrive to a clean and well lit facility. The trainers are full of energy and are incredibly knowledgeable about their craft. They make excellent roll models for members. I love to escape in the community of outgoing members who truly care about you. This gym has everything you want in a gym. I highly recommend this gym and encourage you to give it a try. You will not be disappointed.

Fantastic experience: From the moment I stepped into WarHorse and met Chris and Jackie I knew this place was special. The WHBC staff made me feel welcomed and treated my goals like they were their own goals. In today's world, it was so refreshing to walk into a building where everyone treats each other with respect and is friendly. Experienced or in-experienced, you don't have to big a life-time lifter to feel like you belong here or to fit in. If you are looking for a gym, want help with your personal goals, are looking for accountability or just want to make some new friends, I can't recommend WHBC enough!!! Walking into WHBC is one of the best parts of my day. Thank you Chris, Jackie, Caolyn and Marta!

Fantastic experience: I worked with Kaylin and Chris. This place is 100% worth it if you can afford it and live in that part of the city. Chris is awesome! If I hadn't moved I'd still be going there.

Fantastic experience: Great facilities and coaching. I've made incredible gains in my time here.

Fantastic experience: I was a member at Warhorse for 2+ years and I can confidently say that the experience will forever change how I approach the gym. Chris and Jaclyn have created such an incredible space that not only teaches its members but allows for people that are new to lifting to feel comfortable figuring it out. I grew up running and was always really comfortable with cardio, but I had no experience or willingness to learn how to lift. It always something that didn't feel accessible or comfortable for me. Going to Warhorse completely changed my outlook on lifting and strength training. Not only do I now feel comfortable navigating a gym, but I have been taught the fundamentals of what to do and how to do it. Everyone at Warhorse supported my learning, provided valuable critique, and taught me what does and doesn't work for my body. I've since moved out of Philly and one of the things I will miss most is Warhorse. I'll miss the people, I'll miss the gym, and I'll miss the community you feel when you walk through those doors. If you're thinking about signing up...DO IT!!! I guarantee you won't regret the decision.

Fantastic experience: This is the place to go if you want to get strong. I’m convinced that strength and muscle are the keys to fitness, regardless of your goals (athletic, aesthetic, overall health, etc.) No gimmicks, just a great group, tons of steel, and a positive, friendly attitude. Locally owned, Jaclyn and Chris are there to answer any questions and give you personal attention and pointers. My favorite all time gym!

Fantastic experience: Chris and Jaclyn are AMAZING. When my gym on 5th and Spring Garden closed, I was looking for a a new gym. I found Warhorse. And it was everything i needed and more. The perfect combination of personal training, and still working out on my own. Always having a coach and spotter floating around. Focusing with you one on one is ideal, especially when you’re not paying “personal training” prices. Great gym. Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: I have absolutely loved being a member at Warhorse. Every time I’ve walked into the gym, I’m guaranteed two things: 1) I’m going to be challenged and 2) I’ll learn something new. I’ve been a member of several gyms over the years, and the attention to form at Warhorse is unparalleled. Not only have I not had a single injury the entire time I’ve been a member, but adjustments to my form have reduced existing muscle strain while I’ve continued to progress in my lifts. As I’m leaving Philly, Warhorse will be one of the places I miss most because of the community and constant motivation that the entire team provides. Thanks to the Warhorse team, it’s been so fun and I’m astounded at how much stronger I’ve become.

Fantastic experience: There are almost no words to describe the positive impact this place and it’s people have had on my life. With minimal strength training experience, I came in for my evaluation and first class feeling very intimidated and not up to the challenge of a barbell club. I could never have imagined the welcoming atmosphere and companionship I would build there. I’m now stronger and more confident than I’ve ever been, and I’m still progressing. Owners Jaclyn and Chris are overall amazing humans: down to earth, friendly, and knowledgeable. I could never have gotten to the place that I am in my journey without the unwavering support, encouragement, and overall great coaching of Chris, Jaclyn, and the rest of the crew.

Fantastic experience: I'm a former collegiate athlete who has spent decades pushing my physical limits. Post college, I joined Equinox and lost most of my strength and all of the enjoyment that comes with working out in a community setting. Meeting Jaclyn, Chris and Warhorse Barbell completely changed all of that. Joining their gym was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I'm in the best shape of my life and genuinely look forward to my time with everyone there. If you care about feeling and looking great there is nowhere better than Warhorse.

Fantastic experience: I joined Warhorse with my boyfriend in September during COVID as a way to get out of the house. The two of us had never belonged to a gym and never worked out regularly outside of high school sports. I was often intimated by gym culture and had a hard time committing to a workout routine. After my first session with the owner, Chris, all of my preconceived notions were squashed. My boyfriend and I were welcomed the moment we walked into the gym and we quickly found our place as part of the Warhorse community. The strength training program provided a platform for growth and flexibility that helped me to develop a routine that worked with my schedule. Warhorse is the gym for people of all strength levels who are looking to prioritize their health. Working out is now a priority of mine, and that is 100% due to the trainers and community at Warhorse. I cannot say enough good things about this gym and the people who work here. if you are looking for a place to get started or improve, Warhorse is the place for you. I have since left Philadelphia, and Warhorse is the thing I will miss the most.

Fantastic experience: I started at Warhorse 4 months ago with very limited strength training experience. I was slightly intimidated but went in with the goal of decreasing pain caused by a car accident that happened a few years ago. Chris said give it a few months of training consistently, and my pain will decrease. I'm so happy to say he was right! I'm no longer seeing my chiropractor multiple times a week, and my body is no longer feeling chronic pain. It's pretty much gone at this point, which is so amazing. Thank you Warhorse!

Fantastic experience: I've been to my fair share of gyms and personal trainers throughout my life. But, when it comes to Warhorse, nothing compares to their standards and commitment to excellence. I've never felt more welcome anywhere else and the energy is always positive every time I'm there. The trainers and owners are people I can also trust and go to for any advice on recovery and finding the perfect workout for my goals. I've never felt more confident physically and mentally before starting here. If you want to achieve the best version of yourself, it's easy to accompish at Warhorse!

Fantastic experience: I lived in Northern Liberties for 3 years and tried a variety of gyms before Warhorse, and I wish that I had found it earlier! The whole team there is amazing and I reached fitness levels that I never thought I would ever get to. They are well organized and work with you at your own pace, but also push you to take it to the next level. I will miss this place and definitely be back if I am ever in the area.

Fantastic experience: I'm new at this gym, and I'm already psyched about it. The environment is really positive and highly supportive. Chris is knowledgeable about the body, its movements, and overall fitness, and he meets you where you're at to help you become your best fit self. Looking forward to continuing on here!

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality Highly recommend and wish I joined sooner! Awesome programming and workouts can be adapted for any level. All the coaches are extremely knowledgeable and have helped me so much in improving my form and overall fitness goals!

Fantastic experience: I started coming to Warhorse almost 6 months ago and have absolutely loved my time here. Chris, Jaclyn, Caolan, Marta and the entire team are all incredible and supportive. As a runner with a previous knee injury, I was quite hesitant and new to weightlifting; however, everyone has been encouraging and knowledgeable in helping me progress sans any issues. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to continue here due to an upcoming move, but if you’re thinking about joining, please don’t hesitate! It has truly been one of my favorite parts of Philly.

Fantastic experience: By far one of the best gyms I have ever been to. The programs they create definitely will help you reach your fitness goals if you stay consistent. All the coaches are very knowledgeable and can quickly accommodate any adjustments you may need for a particular move. They will help you build your form to get you to where you need to be. This gym is all about growth and allowing you to learn along the way. This is a gym for people of all fitness levels.

Fantastic experience: This seems to be a constant but WHBC is more than a gym it's a community of amazing people who not only teach you about strength and fitness but also about health, nutrition and reaching your goals. Chris, Jaclyn, Greg, and Molly are born leaders and inspiring coaches. If you are motivated to improve your fitness but also like to laugh...a lot, then you have found the perfect gym! WHBC does not disappoint.

Fantastic experience: When I walked into Warhorse, about a month after moving to Philly, I knew I had stumbled upon a really special place. I had tried classes at a few other gyms but nothing was sticking, so I went out on a limb and scheduled time with Jaclyn to come in and meet Chris for an intro assessment. The energy was awesome, and even though I had zero training experience, Chris and Jaclyn created an environment where I could safely and comfortably learn about strength and about my own abilities without worries. Being in the gym is about so much more than the reps for me - it’s the place I look forward to challenging myself mentally and pushing my limits so I can face the rest of my day with a strong mindset. Looking back almost a year later, I can’t believe how far I’ve come from a confidence perspective - and even though we were forced to train remotely because of COVID-19, Chris and Jaclyn built a plan and a support system that allows members to stay strong and stay connected. Between the Minimalist program, the Outdoor Sessions @ Urban Village, and the indoor precautions Warhorse is taking, it’s far and away the best gym in Philly and proved themselves to be leaders who can adapt to changing environments without sacrificing an ounce of quality. 10/10.

Fantastic experience: Warhorse Barbell Club is unquestionably the top training establishment in the greater Philadelphia region. The facility is top notch, kept very clean, there are a plethora of fitness options to choose from and Warhorse has an abundance of up to date, modern training equipment which is essential to the development of its members. The one factor that separates Warhorse from the big box, cookie cutter fad fitness gyms is a strong sense of COMMUNITY. Every member that walks through the door is treated like family by co-owners Jaclyn and Chris. Every member that is a part of the Warhorse community is respectful and welcoming no matter your race, gender, age, sexual orientation etc... I can’t say that for other gyms in the area. And every member that trains at the Warhorse works hard EVERYDAY - be prepared to bring the noise during every training session.

Fantastic experience: Warhorse is more than just a gym. The owners, Chris and Jaclyn, are incredibly passionate about the personal success of every member, in and out of the gym, and they use fitness as their means of accomplishing that. Not only do they personally hold themselves to a high standard, but they pick all of their coaches based on this too. They have been very successful in building a staff that has the same selfless values that they do. They are very knowledgeable in what they do, so you are in good hands. They are welcoming to anyone that walks through their doors, whether you're a world-class powerlifter or you have never picked a weight up in your life. If you come and check the gym out, which you should, you will truly see how much they cater to the needs of the individual in order to boost confidence, rather than just throwing you in. If you come here, you will not regret it. If you are intimidated by the gym scene, you will not be when you come here. If you have a tough time staying consistent with fitness, come here. They create an environment that makes it hard not to come back everyday. If you want to get started, but don't know where to go, come here. It is a pretty easy choice coming to Warhorse. If you are reading this review because you are thinking about trying it out, do yourself a favor and just do it. You won't regret it!

Fantastic experience: I could spend an entire day listing all of the reasons you should have Warhorse Barbell Club on your “Must Visit In Philly” places, but I think the countless number of glowing reviews available here as well as social media have done a pretty good job explaining that already. Suffice to say, you’re going to get stronger and feel better. So instead, I’m going to explain to you why if you are NEW to the Philly area, Warhorse will be your first and most steady happy place. I moved to Philly nearly two years ago and by chance I happened to stumble upon Warhorse with no prior research. Immediately I knew this place would be a sanctuary for me. And it was, for two years, my favorite place to go everyday. Chris and Jaclyn are not just great coaches, but more importantly..people you really enjoy seeing each day. You will enjoy Jaclyn’s dancing and Chris’s absolutely lovable awkwardness as much as you’ll enjoy getting your squat up. You’ll enjoy Coach Jon’s big smile greeting you everyday as well as the other coaches who have all fully bought into what this place is truly about, as much as you’ll enjoy the changes to your body. I’m a big believer that a sense of community is one of the best things for someone who is new to a big city. Chris and Jaclyn have created that in droves at Warhorse. I know we all want to get strong, and like I said, you will get very strong by putting in the work here. To me, though, that’s not just what makes Warhorse special. What makes it unique is that the owners have made it a place you WANT to come to and work hard. Everything is there for the taking for you, all you have to do is show up and give them your best effort that day. Lastly, don’t ever waste your time worrying about if you’re strong ENOUGH to start at Warhorse. This gym has people at all fitness levels, all working toward their individual goals, feeling better about themselves daily, and enjoying the journey..together. You’re strong enough to workout at Warhorse if you’re strong enough to walk through their doors and introduce yourself. Go meet these great people and see for yourself the community that they have created..They will take care of the rest. What are you waiting for?

Fantastic experience: Warhorse is cream of the cop for gyms in Philadelphia. They built my confidence and made my body strong. Their difference is the personalized and sustainable program they build for you. Other workout/gym experiences I'd had left me feeling physically and mentally worn down, and I never saw lasting results. With enough workouts like that, you'll be unmotivated and will begin to believe that being healthy and fit is unattainable for you. Warhorse's program always felt appropriately challenging. I left feeling good about my abilities and that I'd have room to get even better. I saw physical results quickly. After enough sessions of "was that really ME that did that?" my self-perception changed for the better, too. All that kept me motivated. I would highly recommend Warhorse to others. And just for reference, I had very little experience with weight lifting prior.

Fantastic experience: I have been going to Warhorse for 3 years now started in semi privater and now am apart of the ignite program. From day 1 I could tell this was not a cookie cutter gym. 0 gimmicks, 0 bull shit, and 100% percent results driven, and genuine interest in their members/family. Prior to warhorse I was going to Retro fitness and found my self just focusing on my beach muscles, neglecting muscle groups, and trying to run for Weight loss. Chris and the team helped me change around the way I look at weight lifting and get back to my roots as an athlete. I am a former Division 1 Athlete, and now work in Athlete Monitoring. I work alongside Professional and Collegiate strength coaches and the programming is very professional, well thought out, well monitored and as an athlete/member you will be given coaching that will contour to your level of experience. Warhorse is the closest thing I have found to a competitive/professional environment that allows me to grow as not only a person but an athlete. No one judges me for having a personality, working hard daily, or really just being me. I would 1000% recommend this to anyone who is looking to shock the system and try something that has proven results and a proven track record. If you are serious about a life change make one that will genuinely be life changing. Check out Warhorse.

Fantastic experience: I love this gym so much. My wife and I have been going three times a week and we feel so welcomed. We’ve been out of the gym for a year and recently moved to the city. Our first order of business was to find a great gym and we accomplished that in spades! Jaclyn and Chris are fun, friendly, helpful, and are ON IT when it comes to coaching my movements. We did a month of semi-private and enjoyed it, but wanted more community. The IGNITE classes are super fun, fast-paced and tight to the hour. We can get in and out in an hour, which allows me to get to my desk in time for the work day. Bike parking out front is solid. There’s a water drum for refilling bottles. The equipment is solid. We just signed a 12-month contract!

Fantastic experience: Love this gym! I've been a member at War Horse for a few years now and here is my review. The owners (Chris and Jaclyn) are awesome and really make the gym comfortable for all members. This is the starting point for everything great with War Horse. There is no stress signing up for classes or fretting over what the workout will be (They let you know beforehand!). There is a philosophy behind the training and they take it serious. Chris and Jaclyn attend the latest seminars in fitness and training and bring that detail back into the programming. Do yourself a favor and stop by for a session. If weightlifting is your thing, this is your place. All workouts can be scaled according to your needs and ability. They want the best for you whether it is getting back in the swing of things, being a competitive weightlifter, or maintaining, there is something for everyone. There is no pressure to be a community BUT if you want community they have it. Between the ice breakers, local meetups at breweries, great music during class, this is just a fun, comfortable gym with great staff and members. The new trainer (John) was once a member next to me. Now he is leading classes. He is phenomenal and really cares how you do. Only drawback...no Fishtown location (hint hint). I can't say enough about this gym. Try it out.

Fantastic experience: I started at Warhorse a little less than a year ago in October. I had been looking for a gym in the city for a few months and had finally decided to give this place a shot...Best decision I could’ve made. As soon as I walked through the doors I knew this place was for real and the owners knew what they were doing.(Side note: this gym is immaculate - clean floors, equipment and turf). Chris and Jaclyn had me begin with a four week program to gauge my fitness level and help me decide which programming I would like to choose. I decided to go with the Ignite programming which consisted of group classes of no more than 15 people. Don’t let the group size fool you though! They do a great job of monitoring all their members during these group classes to ensure everyone is receiving some 1-on-1 training. Combine that with the amazing programming they offer, you will see results! I absolutely loved the programming and coaching I received during my time at Warhorse. I went to the gym 5 days a week, Monday through Friday and NOT ONCE did my body every hurt (minus muscle soreness) nor did I ever suffer an injury. If you’re looking for a gym that focuses on strength, personal development and community, this is the place to be. If I hadn’t moved out of the city, I’d be a member for life. BEST GYM IN PHILLY.

Fantastic experience: I have been working out at Warhorse for over a year now. I started off with the semi-private class and switched to Ignite a couple of months back. I have been to many gyms before but the motivation never lasted for more than a couple of months and I picked up new injuries every time I tried to push harder. The Semi Private classes were custom designed for my level; Chris/ John/ Jacklyn made sure they were challenging enough for me to move to the next level. The approach where you write down each set, each rep is pretty cool. It's almost like a commitment to yourself to comeback and do better in the next class. As some one who did not have any prior weightlifting experience, I learned a lot about how to lift right and minimize injury. Special thanks to John and Molly for helping me perfect those deadlifts. Ignite is a fast paced group workout which is similar to cross-fit (but not exactly). It took me a couple of weeks to get adjusted to these classes but I am in a good space now. I never thought I would look forward to working out every morning. The joy of hammering out 4-5 sets of well executed deadlifts/ prowler/ squats is my ideal way to start every day. Despite the fast pace of these classes, the coaches gives a lot of attention to detail in terms of posture and movement. It's the motivation and the culture instilled by the coaches which make this place an extraordinary gym. Warhorse has significantly improved the way I look at working out and fitness in general.

Fantastic experience: I am not exaggerating when I say that this gym changed my life. And I am also not exaggerating when I never thought in a million years that a gym could do that. In the year and a half that I've been a member at War Horse, I learned how to turn my self-doubts into motivation, how to get to the gym consistently without considering it a chore, how to get physically strong without risking injury, and how to push myself past all the limits I previously set for myself. Chris, Jaclyn and all the coaches at War Horse not only offer their expertise in training but also pay incredible attention to detail and the well-being of every War Horse member. They emphasize having a balance between work, life and training and are constantly reminding us to get enough sleep. They don't promote easy fixes or bogus workouts that will finally get rid of your "problem areas." Instead, they provide the knowledge, support and space for members to work hard and get strong. If all that's not enough, the gym is always clean, has tons of great equipment and two dogs that work behind the front desk, and in general is a great place to hang out. In conclusion, War Horse Barbell Club gets 10 stars out of 5 in my book.

Fantastic experience: War Horse is not your typical gym, and one that's quickly become my home. I'd never really been able to find a sport or activity that I enjoyed doing consistently in the past. So this gym has been an absolute game changer for me both mentally and physically. From the amazing and knowledgeable coaches, to the awesome members and community, I've finally found something that I consistently want to do and enjoy doing every single day. I came to War Horse wanting to get stronger, but I never thought I'd be inspired let alone fit in around a room full of people lifting heavy weights and pushing a heavy prowler. But the thing I've realized is that as long as you want to work hard, fitting in at War Horse is easy! After participating in the IGNITE program at War Horse for about a year, I found that I had fallen in love with the barbell so much that I wanted to change gears and participate in War Horse's powerlifting program. Now I am three powerlifting competitions in, and I have no plans of slowing down. Coach Chris at War Horse has been providing me and other powerlifters with a personalized powerlifting program as well as quality and incredibly smart coaching and support, which has truly transformed lifting into my lifestyle and passion. And it doesn't hurt that I've gotten really strong! The results pretty much speak for themselves. I'm sure I wouldn't have discovered powerlifting without War Horse, and I can't imagine my life without it now. Whether it's IGNITE, semi-private, or powerlifting, what's great about this gym is that we get to work out with like minded people every day with the same goals and who are incredibly supportive of one another. I trust the coaches and the program, and because of that I've learned what I'm capable of and what I know I'll be able to do in the future! Honestly the best gym I've ever joined and has truly changed my life for the better!

Fantastic experience: War horse is the best gym that I have ever been too and I mean it! Ive been to city gyms, crossfit, and university gyms all over the city and this beats them all. The culture of the gym is prevalent but not overbearing. The owners (Chris and Jaclyn) are extremely qualified and personally make sure that everyone is progressing. They make sure form is of top priority and help everyone doing exercises correctly. They really care about you and you can tell. The gym is extremely clean and well located on 2nd street in Norther Liberties. The equipment in the gym is perfect and the flow of gym works very well. I suggest this gym to ANYONE who is trying to lead a healthier lifestyle!

Fantastic experience: Warhorse is a place where an ordinary person goes to become extraordinarily strong, lean, and physically and mentally healthy. Chris and Jaclyn are the true teachers of strength training and conditioning. They know their craft so well that once you workout here, you won’t be able to take any other gym seriously. I’m in the best shape of my life because I stumbled upon this gem. Please move to SF. I NEED YOU GUYS.

Fantastic experience: I love this place. I've been a War Horse member for over 3 years and cannot imagine working out anywhere else. Prior to War Horse, I think the longest I attended a gym was no more than a few months. I've always been active, played sports, etc but never felt totally comfortable in the gym, primarily due to the general atmosphere I encountered in most gyms and my lack of knowledge about strength and conditioning. That all changed when I walked into War Horse. From day one I felt right at home. The owners, Chris and Jaclyn, are two of the nicest people you will ever meet, they are excellent coaches, and they are genuinely committed to helping every single member achieve their fitness goals. I've also met some truly awesome people at this gym and I look forward to seeing them and working out with them every day. Whether you're a newcomer to working out just looking to improve your fitness or a serious lifter looking to get stronger and maximize your performance under the bar, War Horse has customized strength and conditioning programming for people at every level. I turn 40 next month and I'm stronger and healthier than I ever was in my 20s, all thanks to War Horse!

Fantastic experience: I started going to Warhorse over 2 years ago and I don't think I realize how much impact it has had on my life. I was totally new to working out and it was the perfect place as a beginner lifter. Everyone is so friendly and I didn't feel intimidated by knowing nothing about lifting. I learned proper form and little by little started getting stronger and feeling healthier. Now over 2 years later, Chris still writes all my programming, although i lift at a different gym due to location change. I couldn't be happier with the personal attention he gives to me and my programming. He came to my first powerlifting meet (last week) and stayed all day to help me through it and make the day so much less stressfull. Bottom line is that the guys/gals at Warhorse actually care about their clients and spend time learning as much as possible to provide great programming and coaching. You will believe me the moment you step into the gym or talk to anyone there.

Fantastic experience: I have been going to war horse for about 2 years now. I can still remember the first time walking through the doors. Knowing nothing about lifting or working out in general. Now I am about to enter my second power lifting meet. Some place I never thought I’d find myself. None of that would have been possible without the War Horse. Chris and Jaclyn are amazing people and coaches. They are both extremely welcoming and helpful since day one. From setting up my first goal of just getting my butt through the door to getting me ready for my lifting meets. They have been there to help every step of the way. I could not recommend a better gym for those looking to start their fitness journey.

Fantastic experience: To put it simply, if your goal is to become strong then Warhorse is your gym. I’ve participated in sports through high school and college, and after graduating I tried to maintain an active lifestyle through running, yoga, online training programs, and several commercial gyms. I’ve never been able to say that one of those things “worked”. I never felt like I was getting stronger, and my confidence and determination suffered for that reason. With one goal in mind (to feel strong) I joined Warhorse. From day one my training made complete sense. Even though I was taking group classes, everything that was programmed felt personalized to my needs and abilities. Everything I was asked to do was explained to me, so it was hard not to believe in it. My favorite question frequently asked by Chris is “Where do you feel it?” The coaches take the time to make sure everyone is performing exercises with optimal technique, targeting exactly what it is meant to target and avoiding injury. This was the first time I 100% committed to a strength or fitness program, because it was the first time I saw and felt results physically and mentally. I personally became hooked on seeing what my body could do in the gym, so I decided to begin training as a powerlifter. Now with the goal of competing in a few months, I’m quickly achieving goals and a level of confidence I never dreamt of a year ago. This couldn’t have happened at any other facility, under any other instruction. Chris and Jaclyn are true superheroes. They care so deeply about their mission to share their knowledge and help others become strong that I am sure I will never be able to train elsewhere. It’s quickly becoming a second home, and I would recommend it to anyone who has lost faith in a gym or in his or herself.

Fantastic experience: I always tend to approach things with what I consider to be a healthy dose of skepticism, and such was the case when deciding to give War Horse a shot. My wife and I had recently moved to Philly, and I was in a rut of limited to no physical activity. I did some investigating of places in my neighborhood of Northern Liberties to try to change that, and I kept coming back to War Horse because of how positive the reviews were. I am happy to say that eight months later, with both my wife and I being active members, I can attest that it has lived up to the hype. My experience at this gym began with an initial assessment with owner/trainer Chris of some very basic physical abilities. This lead to a two week trial of semi-private sessions with Chris in order to make sure this was a fit for me. The two week trial lead to two months of semi-private training sessions, after which I felt prepared to join the IGNITE group classes. I've always enjoyed team sports, but even when I was an athlete never enjoyed going to the gym. I now attend IGNITE classes five days a week whenever possible. Each day has a different focus, and exercises are always being varied so that the workouts don't become boring or routine. The support of the staff and your fellow gym members is one aspect of the community that is obvious from the beginning. Classes are relatively small (cap at 15 people), and you never feel lacking for individual attention. The trainers are incredibly focused on making sure everyone is training correctly, so as to not injure themselves, but also so that they can get the most out of every exercise. I joined the gym with a pre-existing lower back issue that bothers me occasionally, and I have always been offered alternative exercises if my back is bothering me. I'm happy to report, though, that I have seen a noticeable reduction in back pain since joining, which I attribute to being stronger than I have been in years, and in the best shape that I have been in since high school. Squats, deadlifts, and chin-ups were never part of any workout routine I felt comfortable with, but through deliberate practice focusing on technique, I can now accomplish all three. War Horse has several fringe benefits as well. They have a partnership with Primal Supply Meat, a butcher specializing in locally sourced meats, and members can join the Butcher's Club to have meat delivered on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. They arrange occasional beer clubs at local breweries, because after all the time spent at the gym it's fun to just hang out and see people in "normal" clothes. They also have two of the sweetest pit bulls, Cameron and Emmitt, that happily greet everyone when they arrive. I've literally never belonged to a gym in my life, and I can't really picture my life in Philadelphia without this one. If you want to get strong, work hard, and make friends, this is the place to do it.

Fantastic experience: I've been going to Warhorse for 5 months now and can't say enough great things about the experience. Jackie, Chris and Felix have created a great a training environment and take a long term and balanced approach to training. It's a great gym and the programming is intelligent, effective and well-planned. It pushes you without relying on brute force or gimmicky/overly intense workouts. Everything feels sustainable and part of a long term plan to stay fit for life. Most importantly, you can tell they all love what they do and have cultivated an incredible community. I'm a Warhorse fan for life.

Fantastic experience: Warhorse is a breath of fresh air. I might be the Goldilocks of gyms, but I have absolutely found the right fit. Chris and Jaclyn are super attentive and personable with each member of their gym. They scheduled one-on-one training with me before I began squatting, benching, or deadlifting. As most gyms push to add weight and push your limits, Chris and Jaclyn make sure my form is correct, and I am not injuring my body. I have noticed myself getting stronger within 3 months at Warhorse than I have within years of working out at those other gyms :) Ben and Jen are awesome too!!!

Fantastic experience: Pros: Patient, People, Family, Community, Service, Passion, Accountability, Results. Cons: None I purposely waited over 1yr since joining War Horse to give this review because I’ve never lasted longer than 6months at a gym or training facility. The fact that I, someone who consistently failed to train for longer than 6 months, still actively attends Ignite classes is a true testament to what Chris and Jaclyn have built. Early spring 2015 I noticed brown paper covering the windows of the newly constructed building located at 2nd and Brown. I walked by this location many times wondering what would be going into this once vacant lot. One spring evening I finally got my answer – Finally, some new information by way of s small sign that read “War Horse Barbell Club – Coming Soon”. Having never heard of a “barbell club” a quick google search took me to the company website with a ton of information about Open Gym, Ignite and a few other options but still nothing that answered my question – what is a barbell club. I fired off an email around 10pm and received an email back from Chris within minutes – his responsiveness had me hooked. As a former business owner, with a passion for service and customer dedication, I knew this was a ‘gym’ I wanted to join. Chris and I fired off an email exchange over the next few weeks. He talked to me about opening dates, their programs, and the type of environment to expect at his barbell club. As I patiently waited for War Horse to open, one afternoon while walking my dog, I noticed the doors were open during construction so I decided to pop in. I was pleased to be greeted by Chris and Jaclyn. Deep into renovation mode, both Chris and Jaclyn took the time to dive deeper into what War Horse was all about and gave me a quick tour, discussed my personal goals and set me up for a trial membership. June 15 2015. The wait was finally over! War Horse opened less than 30 days before my wedding. I was out of shape, heavier than I wanted to be, and over my current gym (which I dreaded going to) so I decided to take Chris and Jaclyn up on their free trial – after the first class I knew this place was for me. I describe what Chris and Jaclyn have built as a perfect mix of power lifting, high intensity training and agility movements. I have been on and off with gyms for the last 15+ years of my life. I fell in love with a Cross Fit box in Miami Beach only to be turned off by a horrible experience at a box in Philly. I loved to exercise but I could never find the motivation to go on my own and was lost in with all of the magazines, message forums and countless ‘latest and greatest’ exercise trends and didn’t want to have to think about exercising….I just wanted to get in shape, be motivated by like-minded individuals and work with coaches who really care about their clients. Ignite, War Horses strength and conditioning program, is designed to build strength, confident and improve overall health in a fun and friendly group setting. Every class is limited to roughly 15 people ensuring the coaches are always right there watching and providing input as needed. Chris even recognized an old sports injury and was quick to accommodate me with a custom program and even went above and beyond to help me find solutions to my bad back. Every class begins and ends with group coaching, explanations of movements, and stretching – this is an area that many group classes or crossfit boxes fail to do well (or at all). Anyone can open a business but it takes special people that have a passion beyond profits to deliver something truly exceptional. Overall, my experience with War Horse was nothing short of exceptional. In my first 30 days before my wedding I was able to drop 20lbs, improve my confidence, and build strength. In 12 months I have achieved everything the Ignite program promises to offer and I have met people I can genuinely call friends.

Fantastic experience: Since coming to Philadelphia, I knew that Warhorse Barbell Club would be my go-to gym, but I couldn't of been prepared for the experience I've had here. Not only does Warhorse have an amazing coaching staff who know the ins and outs of all fundamental lifts, they also frequently change the workouts to keep your body guessing in a fun and challenging way without ever wasting your time. Additionally, being apart of the gym gets you unique opportunities for fitness seminars and nutrition offers, which is a great plus. But what I think makes this gym so special is the community. Each class forms a bond and everyone cheers their fellow members on with no need for ego. It's an incredibly supportive community and all of these pieces help create an experience you won't find at any other gym.

Fantastic experience: A friend told me for months that I needed to come with her to War Horse. I didn't listen. I had a personal trainer. I was a former college athlete who could navigate through workouts. I was set. I didn't need that. Then one day, I decided to take her up on her offer. Best decision ever! Since Day 1, I have loved the energy, loved the people, loved the workouts, and I love the accountability from strangers who have become friends. I feel stronger. I feel tougher. I feel more confident. I love my new gym family! Thanks for the invite, Kim.