Started here 3 years ago, about a year and a half after having hamstring reattachment surgery. When I started, I was out of shape and felt like I couldn't do anything; lots of movements caused pain due to my surgery. The coaches at warhorse were super patient with me, adapted the workouts to what I could handle. Now I'm hitting all time PRs not just in bench press but also in deadlift and squat! Never thought I would be able to deadlift ever again, never mind hitting all time PRs on a regular basis! It's a very unique set up for a gym. Usually you have to choose between very expensive personal training or generic group classes if you don't want to go solo at the gym. Warhorse is the perfect balance, you get all the support you need when just starting out and when you get more comfortable you can be as independent as you want. The program always gives options to choose from to fit your goals or level. Trainer is always available to answer questions, help pick exercises from the program; help with form or give you a spot for a new PR. And all the trainers here are awesome! read more

I've been procrastinating on starting strength training (55M) for many years - War Horse was recommended to me and it's the best decision I could have made, already can feel the aches and pains diminishing - the trainers are all friendly and take the time each visit to help you understand the work outs and coach you on how to do them. Definitely would recommend this gym. read more

I've been a dancer, runner and cyclist for most of my life. I've never been a gym member. In recent years, my doctor recommended that I start lifting weights given my stage in life. So, in September 2024, I decided to give strength training a try. I'm so glad that I found Warhorse Barbell Club (WHBC)! WHBC is a welcoming, inclusive community. I appreciate the boutique size of the gym. The space is not overwhelmingly large or intimidating. It's really the perfect size! And, my lack of experience with weight lifting didn't matter. Everyone has a place at WHBC! My trainer, Caolan, is absolutely exceptional! He is extremely professional, knowledgeable and attentive. Each day, upon arrival Caolan asks how I'm doing, feeling, etc. and he meets me where I am on that given day...always adapting to ensure that I get the optimal experience best suited to match my level of rest, stress and energy for the session as well as my time constraints. Caolan is an active listener and an astute observer always offering corrections, support and encouragement. I've learned so much from Caolan and am so grateful to have him as a trainer! I didn't expect that I would enjoy strength training as much as I do. It's actually a lot of fun and gives me a great sense of accomplishment! I attribute my excellent experience to Caolan and the WHBC team. They've made my experience exceptional! I highly recommend WHBC! read more

Warhorse Barbell Club is, in a word, superlative. The gym itself is filled with top tier equipment, & continues to be updated, keeping in step with modern exercise physiology. Members sign up for workout sessions via a free, easy to use app, which registers them for one of the many 1 hour training slots available daily. Each of these sessions is capped at 8 people. You can sign up days or even weeks in advance, which means you'll get the block you need for the schedule you have, although peak hours will fill up faster than non-peak ones. I love this sign-up format, & it really helps keep me accountable. The next feature is where Warhorse separates itself from other lifting facilities I've belonged to, & that is the staff. Regular gyms that I've patronized have typically had an employee at the front desk that greets you, possibly asking you to sign in. Warhorse's staff are intra-facility mobile trainers, working individually with members. They often seek you out, preemptively asking if you have questions, & constantly rotate around the gym. And these are not people who received a personal trainer certification after a weekend seminar. These are legit, highly knowledgeable subject matter experts. I've been doing martial arts for 34 years, having recently attained a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Daniel Gracie, & have sustained all manner of physical injury. Exacerbating that, I've been a shooter for the same amount of time, the past 13 years of which I've been a firearms instructor. At any given time, my joints hurt, my shoulders throb, my neck unhappily cracks, & my knees & lower back frequently remind me what a d!&k I've been to them. Despite having limitations to work around, be it muscle atrophy or imbalance, I have NEVER had a Warhorse trainer be unable to modify or substitute an exercise or lift to accommodate where I'm at on a given day. This is my measure of what separates a good trainer from a superior one, the ability to seamlessly modify in real time a movement or lift to accommodate a physical limitation, while simultaneously challenging an individual so they may achieve their goals. The staff at Warhorse nail that, and I TRUST that my personal health & wellbeing is their single highest priority. Another quality that I look for is how clearly & concisely a trainer communicates an exercise or lift. It doesn't matter to me how much you know, if you're unable to convey the information, you're useless & dangerous. I hold myself to the same standard when I'm training my clients. I have traveled all over the country training in combatives, have multiple bachelor degrees, have taught operating room nursing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fundamentals, less-than-lethal & lethal force classes, & I consider myself to be an eternal student. The training that I have received at War Horse is on par with anything training I have experienced, in any discipline, anywhere in the United States. Glowing endorsement? Yes. Written with absolute honesty? Yes, & my integrity would never allow for anything less. read more

Moving to Philadelphia last year I was looking for a place where I could train hard, learn from knowledgeable coaches, and have a community. War horse has been a fantastic place. The coaches are really knowledgeable on helping you adapt when needed and will push you as well if that is what you want. It has been really cool too seeing gym owners and coaches that take time to not just train clients but that go out of their way to continue widening their knowledge base to better themselves and learn new ways to help us as well. On top of that it is a gym filled with really awesome people that are just genuinely nice, welcoming, and happy to be there. I highly recommend giving war horse a shot whether you have never lifted before or are an elite level athlete. It is a fantastic place to train. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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! read more

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 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 usually hang out a local breweries after Saturday classes. 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. I can't say enough about this gym. Try it out. read more

Great gym that hosts great meets. Warhorse creates a fantastic meet environment for all athletes. As someone who has been to them and helped athletes at their meets, the judging is fair and consistent. If you're a Philadelphia local looking to compete in the USAPL this is a great spot to do so! read more

I'm new to Philadelphia. I have always considered myself active, and lately have pigeonholed myself into running, doing yoga, and doing *some* strength workouts alone at home (with very limiting dumbbell options) rather than going to a gym. Out of a combination of lack of interest in some nearby yoga studios, it being winter and therefore running less, and seeing extremely positive reviews of War Horse, I wanted to try something new, and joined War Horse's intro to strength program. I am *so* glad I did. The gym itself is somehow both relaxing and extremely motivating - I don't feel the stressful buzz of a typical gym - it's a very mindful and intentional place, and people coming here are not just phoning it in. The crowd that attends is super diverse and welcoming. All of the trainers, and especially the owners Jaclyn and Chris, are so helpful (always making sure your form is right so that you don't get hurt), friendly (they remember your name, they get to know you), and care about the community. Not only are the workouts fun, ever-changing, and challenging, but on the days that I come and work out at War Horse, my mentality and productivity are vastly better than the days that I don't. After I finished the intro to strength program (which was really enjoyable and motivating), I opted to join the Ignite membership, and am looking forward to getting to know more people in the community, and continuing to get stronger. read more

I joined War Horse a little over a year ago as part of their semi-private program. I was frustrated and bored with running and had plateaued with weight loss and body composition. I had tried a variety of workouts in the city using a class pass and hadn't found a place where I was ready to make a commitment. As soon as I started my two week trial at War Horse, I fell in love with weight training and the atmosphere at the gym. I'm someone who had obsessed over my weight for most of my adult life - now, I don't weigh myself on a regular basis, I track my body composition by how my clothes fit, and my focus is on my progress in the gym instead of my number on a scale. I eat more intuitively and actually love going to the gym. I go three times per week and rarely miss a session. Jaclyn and Chris have created a supportive, encouraging environment at War Horse, and over the past year, they have gone from being just my coaches to people I consider friends. Thank you both!! read more

The best gym I've ever been too. I came into warhorse with a torn meniscus injury and Chris and Jaclyn were amazing with helping me work around it and knew the proper training and exercises that I should be doing to get my knee feeling better. Everyone in the gym from the staff to the people I am working out with are so friendly and create such a great environment! Thank you guys! 10/10 recommend. read more

I moved back to Philly in September and needed to get back into a workout routine after having too much fun over the summer. I'd been following the WHBC account on instagram for a while and went back and forth about joining. I had always been impressed and could tell there was something different about this gym. At first, I was really intimidated about joining. I hadn't done much lifting with barbells and I knew my form needed work. My background in working out was doing lots of cardio because I was too afraid to lift weights (I thought I would get bulky, cringe). About two years ago, I started taking classes at Unite Fitness which incorporated strength training. I enjoyed those classes for a while but ended up plateauing on my strength gains. I decided to sign up for the one month Intro to strength, which they require so they can assess where you are and make sure you have proper form during the movements. I filled out my information online and Jaclyn (one of the owners) emailed me back with information about the gym and I set up my assessment session. Despite being a little nervous, everyone made me feel extremely comfortable. My sessions were challenging but I always left feeling amazing and excited for my next work out. All of the trainers are knowledgable and you can tell they care about you getting the most from your workout. The gym is also never crowded with people, they do small group sessions so you can get the help you need if you're unsure of a movement or need cues. After I finished my Intro to Strength, I signed on for Semi-private training membership (train 3x/week in a small group setting, 4 week training blocks specific to your goals). I can't believe how much progress I've made since September. All of my lifts have improved. My goal for my deadlift when I first started was to hit 200x1, the other week I hit 225x3. This is the first gym membership I've had where I look forward to every session, no matter how tired I am or how crazy my week has been. I love the vibe of the gym, it feels like a small community. You get to know people that come in during similar times as you. Everyone is positive. I also can't speak highly enough of the owners Chris and Jaclyn. When I first signed up, Jaclyn just had her first baby. She still found time to email me and check in. Chris is also always checking in and asking how my session was, even encouraging me to give any negative feedback or critiques so they can improve. You can tell Chris and Jacklyn care about your experience and they take pride in their gym. If you are looking to get strong and really see your body progress in a safe and positive environment, I can't recommend this gym enough. read more

If you live in the greater Philadelphia area and want to learn/improve your strength training, you are wasting your time and money if you go anywhere else beside Warhorse. Chris and Caolan are the ObiWan and Luke Skywalker of strength and powerlifting. They are constantly watching form from different angles and picking up on the smallest cues that make huge differences in technique. You will get the same amount of attention whether you have been there two months or two years. Got me doing things I didn't think were feasible. read more

There are certain decisions you make in your life that set you on a different, better path. The day I first walked into War Horse was one of those days for me. Workout wise, I had always been a lone wolf- attached to the treadmill cranking out miles, and forcing myself through generic weightlifting programs. I dreaded going to the gym even when I was "fit, " and I also had an obsession counting calories and macros. I was struggling after the sudden death of my Mom- this included not taking care of myself in any capacity and self-medicating with food. A year had gone by, and I laid in a pile on my couch that whole time. My clothes didn't fit, and I gained a lot of weight (70+ lbs). I felt terrible and most days could barely convince myself to get out of bed. I used to walk by War Horse on my way home from work every day and would be afraid to look in. I didn't think I would fit in there, or that I wanted to work out with a group of people in class. I wanted to be healthy again, but I knew this time was different and that I needed a bit of help and I couldn't just do it on my own. I filled out the form on the website and heard back from the owner Jaclyn, she listened to all of my concerns and my history and encouraged me to come into a class. I made the appointment for 6 am (WHAT?) the next day. I was feeling scared, and I didn't know anyone, but Chris and Jaclyn made me feel right at home. I was self-conscious of my size but never once did anyone make me feel like I didn't belong. War Horse isn't a judgey atmosphere. If there was a move I couldn't do, they helped me come up with a modification, and never once was I made to feel "less" than anyone else there. Joining War Horse opened me up to a whole new community and a new group of friends. Everyone there encourages each other and celebrates each other's successes. It honestly feels like a big family. I don't dread going to workout anymore; I look forward to it five days a week. War Horse gave me the foundation both physically and mentally/emotionally to start to put my life back together. I started taking care and pride in myself again- I developed a HEALTHY relationship with food by using their Precision Nutrition program as well. I walk lighter and taller down the streets these days, and I owe a huge part of that to Jaclyn and Chris at War Horse. read more

When War Horse first opened in the neighborhood, I (wrongly) assumed that it was the type of place that you wouldn't dare to set foot into unless you were already really into lifting and knew what you were doing. I completely dismissed it until I noticed that one of my coworkers had gone and I figured if she can do it, why not me? I've always exercised, but my regimen of cardio + Bikram yoga wasn't doing much for my limp noodle arms, so I finally decided to go and check out War Horse. You get to attend 3 complimentary Ignite classes before you to commit to joining or not. During those first classes, Jaclyn (co-owner) pretty much stays by your side to show you what to do, and she and Chris (trainer/co-owner) modify the moves for you based on your strength and fitness level. It's a great introduction into the Ignite classes while still having guidance (and trust me, you will need that guidance). Now that I've joined, I still need help, direction, and modifications to a lot of the moves. Chris and Jaclyn are patient and helpful and the other members are encouraging. If you're worried that you'll be the only girl there, don't be. There's a good mix of both men and women in the classes. If you're not strong or haven't really worked out before, don't worry about that either. A lot of people who go to War Horse hadn't ever really lifted before joining. Also once you join, you get 3 complimentary 1 on 1 training sessions. I haven't taken advantage of that yet since I'm still deciding what I need the most help with, but I'm glad I have the option. read more

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 "yo, 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. read more

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!!! read more

I love this place. Chris and his crew are not just muscleheads or hacks - they know the science behind strength training and are passionate about helping everyone achieve their goals. Chris has helped me not only achieve a PR but also National Ranking Status for Bench Press! They're watchdogs for form (I soooo appreciate that!), and provide a lot of individual attention - even when class is full, you will not be ignored. I've checked out a few gyms during COVID and Warhorse has a strict protocol - from mask wearing (suck it up) to cleaning equipment. I feel safer here than walking into a hair salon, CVS or supermarket for sure. Happy to be part of the Warhorse family. read more

I left CityFitness Thrive to come to War Horse Ignite 8 months ago. I really wanted to get under a barbell, which seemed to silently be phased out of Thrive. I was hesitant to switch gyms and programs. I felt like I'd gotten reasonably strong, and was friendly with some people at Thrive. Clearly, I had yet to realize my strength, and I hadn't yet experienced a true gym community. I look forward to my time at War Horse each day I go (which is most), and here's why: Knowledge: The knowledge level and commitment to their continued education that Chris and Jaclyn possess, as well as their commitment to growth and improvement in each of their clients, can't be found elsewhere. Chris and Jaclyn educate their members to lift in a way that focuses on each important detail, beginning with diaphragmatically breathing properly during warm ups. With their guidance, I've learned how to safely and efficiently lift, and lift reasonably heavy. I have a history of bad shoulders, but WHBC has been better for me than any PT program. Chris and Jaclyn let me know when I shouldn't do a particular exercise, and they replace it with something to, instead, improve my shoulder stability. They're both great at reading clients, and knowing to which style of coaching they'll respond best. And finally, I will gladly do Ignite 6 days a week, and never get sick of Chris's programming, which is a great mix of strength and conditioning. Community: I adore the members at War Horse. It's a supportive, fun, and funny group, and we consistently get together outside the gym. War Horse isn't your typical neighborhood gym. You'll find people from all over the city: Roxborough, East Falls, South Philly, Fairmount, Port Richmond, Fishtown, Northern Liberties. The people that go there want to go there. This isn't only a testament to the type of people that are attracted to a place like War Horse, but it's also a testament to what Chris and Jaclyn have built. Self-Improvement: Chris and Jaclyn support my ambitions (both internal and external to the gym), and have pushed and encouraged me to reach goals that weren't even on my radar a year ago, including entering a powerlifting competition. They've disrupted the safe comfort of my gym routine in the most positive way, eliminating any possibility of mundanity, and motivating me to leave no room for complacency. The confidence I've built over the last 8 months in this small space on 2nd Street is incredible. To say that my time inside WHBC has impacted my life outside the gym barely scratches the surface. If you want to get stronger, have your ass kicked, feel like part of a great community, and the intangibles count just as much as the tangibles for you, then War Horse is the place for you. In fact, I'm excited to meet you. read more

If you are at all serious about getting strong and doing it safely, you should really join war horse. The owners allow me to train there as a powerlifter, so I am usually a fly on the wall between sets watching the private sessions/classes. I go to many gyms and I am always impressed by Chris and Jacqueline's coaching. They really play close attention to ensure that every movement is done correctly and with maximum pay off. Even when sessions are not going on, they are discussing programming and how to optimize each members experience. Also, it is a very welcoming environment; everyone is super friendly and I see all levels of fitness and strength. Lifting weights is intimidating to some people, but Warhorse will show you how awesome it is. Now go get strong! read more

Results I've seen: - People start asking for your help because you'll be seen as the strong guy / woman in the room. Moving heavy pots and furniture? No problem. - You'll start to look better with or without your shirt on. Strength really builds muscle and shapes you. - You'll actually look forward to exercising because you'd want to 1-up your previous achievements. Barbells are not boring at all. - Other things in life start to get easier. Pushing yourself to do hard work at the gym benefits the other things that you do. You'll realize that your problems aren't actually that tough. What you'll learn: - Proper warmup. - Proper form. - Proper nutrition. - The right progression and regression based on your current strength. If you put in the work, it's definitely worth every penny. read more

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. read more

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 don't need to balance on a ball and barbell press 100#. 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 and Jay, 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, not some workout woman's name. The place is clean, great equipment, a great vibe at the gym. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

First: my weight lifting and athletic history is...checkered. Previously, I had signed up for a Crossfit Intro package outside of the city and decided that it wasn't the environment and type of training for me. Ended up meeting with Chris to run through an assessment and begin a set of three trial classes. Short story short: that remedial history translated to starting from scratch with basic form development and progression for the primary compound lifts War Horse works around. Completely not a problem, by the way. I was (am?) a novice so I appreciated that I wasn't being encouraged to sacrifice my body for the sake of my ego (see the first paragraph). I hooked up with a couple of evening classes and a Saturday morning session as part of the trial and jumped right in. Each class was (and continues to be) structured with a bit of time on group dynamic stretching followed by a core compound movement (e.g. bench press, squats, deadlifts) and then finally a conditioning component where Chris adds in accessory work that complements the muscle groups hit in the earlier part of the class. I think it took me nearly two weeks to get through all three trial classes because my body was smoked for days after each one but after that third class, I signed up for a membership later that night and I've been hooked on it going in 5 days a week for coming up on a year soon. Bottom line is that the classes are crazy fun, there's a method to the programming, and there's absolutely no bar in place that says anyone walking in the door has to be of a certain athletic aptitude to get started. The fact that I can roll out of my house and jump into a class a minute later is just gravy. I definitely wish I had that initial drive to get started with weight training much earlier but the Ignite class format, Chris' class designs, and his oversight are exactly what it took for me to finally get motivated and into the gym. read more

This club is excellent! The coaches, Jaclyn, Chris, and Felix are knowledgeable, motivating, and all around great people. After only a little over two months I feel the effects of the training. I am stronger, healthier, happier and ready to attack the the day. If you're looking to add a spark to your life, then you should stop in and see what War Horse has to offer. read more

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. read more

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. read more

I can't say enough great things about Warhorse and the owners + trainers. Jaclyn and Chris are extremely accommodating for all different fitness levels and individual goals. If you're looking for a balance between customization, direction, and autonomy in your fitness routine, Warhorse is an awesome choice for a local, neighborhood gym. They keep things fresh and are always looking for new ways to challenge their members. Highly recommend checking them out and doing a trial if you're in the NoLibs area! read more

When it comes to gyms, War Horse stands alone! The coaches are not only very personable but they know what they're talking about. Chris coaches dozens of people yet can still remember what weight you lifted last week or physical limitations you may have, he truly cares about your success. I've tried going to a "regular" gym, Zumba, Cross Fit and a few others. Nothing kept me motivated and excited until I found War Horse. I now get up at 4:30am Monday-Friday for the 6am class and am happy to walk in each morning. In the past even just the thought of waking up that early to go to the gym would have made me laugh, not anymore! I can now deadlift just over two times my bodyweight. If that doesn't excite or interest you (yet), I will be 30 in a few months and have abs for the first time in my life. You'll meet some awesome people and two rescue dogs will greet you from behind the desk each time you walk in. Give it a try, you won't regret it! read more

I have been training with Chris since he was a trainer at another gym. I watched him build his dream and followed him to the most amazing, supportive gym I have ever been too! When you walk into War Horse Barbell Club, your first thought may be, "Oh This is not for me!"-Completely opposite. I have done both ignite and one on one training for over a year now and it just keeps getting better. Chris has the patients of a saint as do all the coaches. All workouts are built off of 3 main exercises-Dead Lift, Squat and Bench Press-3 things I wasn't really great at. You will see results almost immediately. You will lift weight you have never thought possible. Some days I am amazed after a workout with the weight I have lifted. Everything is completely tailored to your level of fitness. You will grow in ways you never thought possible. Everyone who works out at War Horse is amazing. You will be drawn in by the feeling of community-Not a cross fit cult community but a group of people that are all there for the same reason and want you to succeed. If you are looking for a place that you will be pushed (in a very supportive/positive way), War Horse is for you. In the past working out for me was something to do to just stay fit-After working out at War Horse it has been something I look forward to every week to see myself grow both physically and Mentally. I highly recommend checking this place out-You will be hooked after 1 Ignite Class. read more

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! I've also made a huge amount of progress since joining the gym. What's great about this gym is that I get to work out with like minded people every day with my 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! read more