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August 2023 by Michelle Burgess
I joined Iron Fortress a few years ago having absolutely no idea what I was doing, but knowing I wanted to get strong. Started off doing personal training with owner Nate to learn the basics, thinking I would maybe transition into a regular membership after a few sessions, but I quickly found that his wealth of knowledge and ability to troubleshoot and adjust for personal goals were absolutely invaluable. I decided to continue with sessions and ended up getting hooked on some strongman, particularly natural stone lifting (so much fun)! I also had a baby last year, and Nate was able to adjust exercises for me in such a way that I could continue to lift safely and effectively all the way up until the week of his birth. I absolutely credit my smooth postpartum recovery to having been lifting. Beyond that, the atmosphere at Iron Fortress is so friendly, welcoming, and supportive, and the owners are super nice guys. You won't regret joining!
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August 2023 by Jools Pulcher
I’ve been doing strongman and coming to IFG for over a year now and honestly it’s one of the best choices I’ve ever made. I’ve had a lot of problems getting back into fitness because of anxiety and other stuff going on, this place puts all of that at ease. Everyone is super helpful and chill and most of my best friends are at IFG, if you’re looking for a gym, especially one that’s really good for new lifters, powerlifters, or strongman stuff, you should definitely check out IFG.
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July 2023 by Jonathan Starnes
Best gym around! Has all the powerlifting and strongman equipment you need. Open 24/7 which around here is hard to beat. Great group of people that all support each other. Nathan Weaver is an amazing coach (and co-owner) that will answer anything on the way to your goals. I’ve personally seen my strength sky rocket. Trust the process with one of the most knowledgeable people I know!
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July 2023 by Sally
A year in at IFG, so time for a review! I picked the scariest gym I could (my previous didn’t even have a squat rack) to challenge myself. When I walked in Nate immediately introduced himself to me and explained how the gym worked. I’ve only had online coaches and wanted to try in person. I travel for work and can’t pause the typical online training program when I need to. But Nate has been beyond understanding each time work has taken me away for weeks at a time. Which is why I really appreciate paying for the sessions and not a monthly contract! Nate assured me I’d meet my goals and not to stress about having to travel. And he was right! Through his coaching and motivation I have lost 20 pounds AND added 100 plus pounds to my deadlift. I am the lightest and strongest I have been in my adult life and could not be happier! Joining IFG was a great decision but having an in person coach like Nate was the best gym decision ever! 10/10 will lift again.
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July 2023 by Cole Thornton
Dropped in for a day pass. Really cool powerlifting and strongman gym. Everything you need and more and super nice owners. Never seen that many atlas stones in my life.
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June 2022 by J TX
Plenty of implements for the strongman or fitness enthusiast. It’s rare to find all these in one place. Owner was super cool. Other lifters were friendly and willing to show me how to use a squat cage I wasn’t familiar with.
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January 2022 by Tyler Reaves
Pros:- Great equipment for powerlifters- Very kind and strong community (plenty to look up to)- 24 hour access- Laid back ownersCon:- Place is filthy, which most people are indifferent to. But seriously, borderline health code violation. Reeks of mildew upon entry, especially in the summer.- Music is also entirely too loud the majority of the time considering the reverb of the warehouse-esque design. Has substantially worsened my tinnitus, but most people are indifferent to this.
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January 2022 by Nathanael Weaver
The Ed Coan Said “it’s a great- hardcore place to train.” All I needed lol
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January 2022 by Zac Frye
Top 12 Gyms of All Time.
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July 2021 by Elisabeth Roberts
Iron Fortress has been one of my favorite places in Columbia. It’s got an old school vibe. You’ll find old and new equipment for both strongman and powerlifting, expect to sweat in the summer and wear a hoodie in the winter. I love that when I’m there I feel like I’m in my own garage and that things are laid back. The owners are knowledgeable and kind, and it’s easy to find a time when you can either run into friends or find the gym empty for solitude. It’s been a place of progress for me as well as my stress relief getaway. If you’re looking for a typical cardio machine gallery this may not be your place, but for anyone interested in any kind of strength and conditioning, you can do it here.
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June 2021 by Samantha Gerhardt
This gym is so amazing. Friendly people and a warm atmosphere with the best staff in the world. Zack and Nate are so awesome and extremely helpful, knowledgeable and encouraging.
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April 2021 by Samantha Gerhardt
Awesome place, clean, good equipment and friendly knowledgeable staff that a willing to answer questions.
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January 2021 by hamza thabit
if you are a powerlifter or a strongman you cant justify going anywhere else in columbia
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August 2020 by Steven Sampson
Zach and Nate, have been a great help to me. I would definitely recommend this gym.
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November 2019 by Ty Green
If you are looking to break away from commercial gyms then come down and give the Fortress a shot. Friendly supportive members who will push you to be your best. Heavy weights, loud music, and large array of strongman equipment!!!
