About
Built different.
FORGE was founded in 2019 by former professional athlete Jake Marsh with a single belief: fitness should be challenging, coached, and communal. No mirrors. No egos. No shortcuts.
The idea for FORGE came from frustration. Jake spent a decade in professional rugby league surrounded by world-class coaching, structured programming, and a team that held him accountable. When he retired from sport and walked into a commercial gym, he found none of that.
FORGE was built to bring elite-level coaching to everyday people. The studio in Deansgate Mews was an empty warehouse when Jake found it in 2018. By January 2019, the first class ran with 8 members. Today, the FORGE community is over 1,200 strong.
Every class is programmed by qualified coaches. Every session is designed with progressive overload, periodisation, and recovery in mind. We do not do random workouts — we follow programmes. That is how you get results.
Values
What we stand for.
Coaching Over Counting
Our coaches teach movement, correct form, and programme intelligently. We do not just count reps and shout.
Community Over Competition
The person next to you is your teammate, not your rival. We push each other — we do not tear each other down.
Consistency Over Intensity
Three sessions a week for a year beats seven sessions for a month. We build sustainable habits.
Results Over Hype
No gimmicks, no fads, no nonsense. Proven training methods, qualified coaches, measurable progress.
The Space
6,000 sq ft of purpose.
Main Studio
Open-plan training floor with lifting platforms, rigs, assault bikes, rowers, ski ergs, and heavy bags
Ride Studio
Dedicated 30-bike dark room with Keiser M3i bikes and concert sound system
Recovery Zone
Stretching area with foam rollers, mobility tools, and cold plunge pool
Changing Rooms
Premium changing rooms with rainfall showers, Aesop toiletries, and GHDs
Founder
Jake Marsh
Former professional rugby league player turned coach. Jake founded FORGE in 2019 after a decade training elite athletes.
"I wanted to build the gym I wished existed when I retired from sport. Somewhere with real coaching, real programming, and a community that holds you accountable."