About Forge Fitness

We’ve walked the path from pain to
Strength—now we help others do the same.

Coach Zac’s Story

At 16, a life-changing diagnosis nearly stopped me in my tracks. But through the healing power of movement and the support of family, I discovered what true strength means. That journey led to the creation of Forge Fitness in 2018—a community gym built on resilience, transformation, and support.

When a near-fatal health crisis hit, Forge didn’t stop. Chris stepped in, proving that fitness is more than physical—it’s a support system. Together, we rebuilt stronger than ever.

Today, Forge stands for more than workouts. It’s a home for anyone chasing a personal transformation through fitness. This is your place to grow, push limits, and be part of something real.

Our Mission

At Forge, our mission is to empower individuals to build lasting strength, confidence, and resilience through expert guidance, proven methods, and unwavering community support. We meet people where they are and help them reach their full potential—one step, one rep, one breakthrough at a time.

We Envision

We envision Forge as the leading community where anyone, regardless of starting point, can unlock their full potential through strength, resilience, and unwavering support. A place where hard work transforms lives and confidence is built to last.

MEET THE CREW

ZAC SPINOSA

CEO

CHRIS DEFREITAS

PERSONAL TRAINER

AUSTIN WOODHAM

PERSONAL TRAINER

MARTIAL ARTS COACH

RYAN SKYE

"Martial arts and fitness transformed my life—building not just my body, but my mind and confidence. At Forge, I share that same discipline and passion to help others make lasting changes."

RYAN’s Story

  • My name is Ryan Skye, and I’m the Martial Arts Coach at Forge. Growing up, I faced challenges throughout high school and my teenage years. I knew I needed to make a drastic change in my life—and when I stepped into the gym at 21, I never looked back. Through discipline and consistency, martial arts and fitness didn’t just build my body—they strengthened my mind, boosted my confidence, and gave me direction.

    In 2018, I began personal training at Forge with Zac, which sparked the start of something bigger. I invited him to train in martial arts with me, and together we grew a shared passion that eventually became Forge Martial Arts. Today, our mission is to share those same life-changing benefits with others.

    Martial arts teaches discipline, builds both body and mind, develops self-defense skills, and provides a powerful outlet to clear your head while building lifelong friendships. If you’re ready to make a change, just step through the doors—I’ll help you with the rest.

“What began as uncertainty became confidence, growth, and purpose. Forge gave me direction, and today I’m proud to lead our Powerlifting Club and expand the sport in our community."

CHRIS’STORY

  • Living in Toronto, I felt stuck—unsure of what I truly wanted for my future. When Zac offered me the chance to join him at Forge Fitness, I took the leap and moved to Welland. That decision changed everything. Forge didn’t just give me a job—it gave me a sense of direction.

    Surrounded by driven people and introduced to the world of powerlifting, I discovered a passion that reshaped my goals and how I saw myself. Today, I’m proud to serve as the Head Coach of the Forge Powerlifting Club, where I’m committed to growing the sport in our community and welcoming new faces into powerlifting.

    What began as uncertainty transformed into confidence, growth, and a clear path forward—both personally and professionally.

"Fitness started as a way to change my appearance but became a passion that built strength inside and out. Now I help others discover their own transformation at Forge."

AUSTIN’S STORY

  • From a young age, I struggled with how I looked and was never satisfied with my body. That changed the day I walked into Forge Fitness. Right away, I could tell this was a different kind of gym—the community and support made me feel like I belonged.

    Under Zac’s guidance, I started with a simple goal: to change my appearance. But what I discovered went far beyond that. I learned to love the process of getting stronger, pushing my limits, and building confidence—not just physically, but mentally too. Over time, fitness shifted from something I wanted to do into something I needed—a passion that drives me every day.

    Through that journey, Zac became both a mentor and a friend, and eventually invited me to join the Forge team as a trainer. Now, I get to give back to the very place that changed my life—helping others discover their own strength and guiding them toward transformations they never thought possible.