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| - I couldn't believe my luck when I googled gyms near my friend's house (where I'd be spending a long weekend) and found she lived two blocks from this treasure. I was able to stroll over three times during my brief stay and drop in for $7. This meager sum granted me access to a warehouse filled with fitness equipment of all kinds. Judging by its website, Ford's caters to powerlifters and bodybuilders. One of the latter set, I was thrilled with the sheer number of squat racks and free weights. And eager to try some of the rough-and-tumble tools I haven't had access to at home. Much of the equipment is well-worn (but still perfectly usable); plus, coupled with exposed brick and Arnold posters, pretty much guaranteed to make you feel more badass. The gym is divided into four "sections." The main building has an old-school side outfitted with barbells, dumbbells, older cables, a boxing ring, a few heavy bags, even some giant concrete balls; a new-school side contains newer cable machines, rubber-covered free weights, and cardio machines. Upstairs they host Twisted Fitness (various classes). And in separate building, which I didn't check out, they've got heavy tires, ropes, sleds, and other Cross Fit-sounding stuff. In other words: Any individual at any fitness level can fit in at Ford's. But it wasn't just the equipment that made me feel comfortable... the people made us feel welcome. I couldn't believe how often I seemed to have the place to myself (compared to the big box gym I work out in at home, which is always crowded and requires jostling for equipment). There were only a few other people working out each day. A couple of folks introduced themselves, asked if we were new. Others helpfully pointed out barbell pads when they saw me struggling through some hip thrusts. I felt totally 'at home'. But after the weekend in Madison ended, sadly it was truly time to head home. The set up and culture at Ford's are first-class; I'll miss it, and remain bummed that there's no equivalent where I live!
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