Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Bodybuilding & Powerlifting Excellence
Established in 1970 by Ron Ball and Pete Vickery, Forest Gym has been a cornerstone of bodybuilding and powerlifting excellence in Crawley for over five decades. Our facility, located in Tilgate Forest, offers state-of-the-art equipment tailored to the rigorous demands of competitive athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Under the leadership of Harold 'Big H' Marillier, a seasoned IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, we have cultivated a reputation for delivering expert coaching, personalized training programs, and comprehensive nutrition guidance. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our meticulously maintained free weights, custom-built machines, and dedicated aerobic zones.Over the years, we have supported hundreds of members in achieving their fitness goals while maintaining affordability through cost-effective management. Our team's expertise extends to competition preparation, with athletes traveling from across Britain to benefit from our specialized knowledge. We pride ourselves on fostering a community that values dedication, discipline, and continuous improvement, ensuring our members receive both technical expertise and motivational support to excel in their fitness journeys.
Services
Personal Training
Bodybuilding Programs
Powerlifting Coaching
Nutrition Guidance
Competition Prep
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of combined experience in competitive bodybuilding and powerlifting
- Our team includes IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Harold 'Big H' Marillier as head coach
- Tailored training programs for both recreational gym-goers and competition athletes
- Specialist equipment meeting Olympic and professional standards
- Proven track record preparing athletes for national and international competitions
Services
Personal Training
Expert-led personal training tailored to individual fitness goals. Our certified coaches develop customized workout and nutrition plans. Clients benefit from hands-on guidance and progressive program adjustments to maximize results.
Bodybuilding Programs
Specialist bodybuilding programs focusing on hypertrophy, definition, and competition preparation. Training incorporates periodization techniques, nutritional support, and recovery strategies. Designed for both beginners and advanced athletes seeking structured development.
Powerlifting Coaching
Comprehensive powerlifting instruction covering squat, bench press, and deadlift techniques. Programs emphasize maximal strength gains through progressive overload, form refinement, and performance tracking for competitive lifters.
Nutrition Guidance
Personalized nutrition advice supporting training objectives. Services include macronutrient optimization, supplementation strategies, and meal planning. Focus on sustainable dietary practices for improved performance and body composition.
Competition Prep
Specialized competition preparation covering 12-16 week transformation programs. Includes contest-specific training, posing instruction, and psychological preparation. Backed by proven success in UKBFF and other major bodybuilding events.
People
Harold 'Big H' Marillier
Co-Owner & Head Coach
IFBB Pro Bodybuilder with 40+ years' experience. Former competition winner and mentor to multiple UKBFF champions. Specializes in advanced training methodologies and contest preparation.
Peter Vickery
Co-Owner
Original founder with extensive background in cycling, bodybuilding, and powerlifting. Competitive trophy winner and gym operations specialist. Focuses on facility management and equipment standards.
Karen Marillier
Nutrition Consultant
Expert in sports nutrition and supplementation. Provides dietary guidance for competition preparation and general fitness. Works closely with athletes on contest-specific meal planning.
Questions
What are The Forest Gym's opening hours?
We're open Monday-Friday 10:30-21:00, Saturday 15:00-18:00, Sunday 8:00-10:00, and Bank Holidays 15:00-18:00. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Do you offer personal training services?
Yes, we provide expert personal training with certified coaches specializing in bodybuilding, powerlifting, and competition preparation. Sessions can be booked in-gym or via our website.
What equipment does the gym have?
Our facility features Olympic-standard free weights up to 75kg, custom-built resistance machines, and dedicated aerobic zones with Tunturi and Life Fitness equipment.
Are there competition preparation services?
Yes, we offer specialized 12-16 week competition prep programs with proven success in UKBFF and other major events. Services include training, nutrition, and posing instruction.
Where is the gym located?
We're at Unit 26 Tilgate Recreation Centre, Crawley, RH10 5PH, nestled in Tilgate Forest with easy access from the A23 and M23 motorway junctions.
