Ford's Gym

Overview

Ford’s Gym is an old-school fitness facility in Madison, Wisconsin, renowned for strength training, bodybuilding, powerlifting, strongman competitions, and boxing. It caters to serious athletes and beginners alike, emphasizing heavy lifting, muscle building, and competitive sports. The overall atmosphere is retro and motivating, featuring brick walls, a no-frills setup designed for hard work, clean and professional environment, friendly staff who remember members by name, and a supportive community. Testimonials highlight its ‘hidden gem’ vibe, welcoming newcomers, and focus on results without distractions like excessive mirrors.

Features & Amenities

• Weightlifting and free weights: Full selection for bodybuilding and powerlifting, including heavy barbells and plates.
• Cardio and circuit training equipment: For general fitness and conditioning.
• Strongman implements: Logs, stones, tires, sleds, farmer’s walks – inspired by World’s Strongest Man competitions.
• Boxing area: Dedicated space with ring/facility, handwraps available for purchase ($8).
• Locker and shower rooms: Modern facilities for convenience.
• Powerlifting setup: USA Powerlifting friendly gym with platforms for bench, deadlift, and squats.
• Physical therapy on-site: Via Physical Therapy for injury recovery and performance enhancement.

Services

• Memberships: Standard access to all equipment; free week pass for new local residents over 18 (printable, expires Dec 31, 2025; excludes boxing).
• Personal training: Certified trainers like Ford Sheridan (bodybuilder/powerlifter) and others; tailored programs for weight loss, gain, or firming; initial consultation includes nutrition plan.
• Boxing classes: Fundamentals (Mon 7-8pm, co-ed 13+), Techniques for Competition (Wed 6:30-7:30pm), Advanced/Sparring (Mon/Wed); 4-week sessions; personal sessions available.
• Competitions hosted: Natural Wisconsin Bodybuilding (INBF/WNBF, drug-tested), Backyard Bench & Deadlift (annual powerlifting), Strongman events like Capital City Challenge.
• Group classes: Circuit training and more.
• Day passes: $10 (noted in testimonials).

Pricing

• Free week membership: New members only, with valid ID (not for extensions or boxing).
• Day pass: $10.
• Personal training packages:
  • 6 sessions: $300
  • 10 sessions: $450
  • 20 sessions: $800
• Boxing 4-week sessions:
  • Members: $32
  • Non-members: $60
• Competition entries: e.g., Bodybuilding $60/division; testing $60.
• Tickets for events: Pre-judging GA $15/VIP $20; Finals GA $30/VIP $35; All-day VIP $50.

Location & Hours

• Address: 2114 Winnebago Street, Madison, WI 53704 (Google Maps: 43.0945117, -89.3538733).
• Phone: (608) 249-4227
• Email: ford@fordsgym.com
• Operating hours:
  • Monday-Friday: 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Notes

• What makes it special: Old-school charm with national recognition (featured in Men’s Fitness as top old-school gym); hosts pro-qualifier natural bodybuilding shows (drug-free 10 years, polygraph/urinalysis); USA Powerlifting affiliated; strong community for competitions (e.g., best lifters celebrated annually); expert coaches like Andrea Nelson (top female boxer, Golden Gloves); beginner-friendly yet elite for pros; on-site PT; retro aesthetic promotes focus and gains without modern gimmicks.