Iron Fortress: Forged in Community. Built for Intensity.

Iron Fortress wasn't born in a boardroom. It was born in the park.

Our journey as Iron Fortress began in a much simpler form – as a grassroots effort to take strength training to the people via our free weekly group workouts at public parks throughout Colorado. We did not begin by focusing on profit; instead, we began by focusing on the passion of what we were doing. We wanted to create a community where resilience, discipline and grit were the standards of excellence, and not just a bunch of buzz words.

Iron Fortress today is that community, and it has grown from our outdoor workout sessions in the parks to be one of the best hybrid training facilities in the world. We are a state-of-the-art, modern industrial gym for those that will not settle for mediocrity. Whether you are preparing for a Powerlifting Championship, working on developing Streetlifting skills or simply trying to reclaim your health after 30 or 40 years, there is a place for you here.

Sep 2024

The Idea

After a training session at Gold's Gym, Shahzad and Osaid land on it: free calisthenics, strength, and conditioning in Denver's parks. No paywalls, no excuses—just work.

Apr 2025

Built in the Trenches

They take that idea to the streets. As long-time friends and training partners, Osaid and Shahzad launch free weekly group workouts across Denver and start building a community.

Jun 2025

Forging the Brand

That community grows. Iron Fortress becomes more than workouts—custom push-up bars, weighted vests, and apparel turn their shared philosophy into a recognizable brand.

Sep 2025

First Competition

The community gets a stage. Iron Fortress enters its first team competition, the Mile High Classic (USA Streetlifting). Athletes push limits; some go on to represent the brand at the national level.

Nov 2025

Laying the Foundation

To give that community a home, Sarfaraz Mian—Shahzad's brother and long-time business partner—joins Osaid and Shahzad. The trio acquires a Denver property and begins building Iron Fortress Gym from the ground up.

Jan 2026

Iron Fortress Opens

That build becomes reality. Iron Fortress Gym opens its doors in Denver—a purpose-built space forged by training, trust, community, and shared work ethic.

Who we are

Iron Fortress is Denver's premiere warehouse gym for streetlifting, calisthenics, and powerlifting. We built a space where serious lifters can train with competition-grade equipment and zero fluff — with 24/7/365 access coming soon. Whether you're chasing a total, mastering the rings, or building your first pull-up, the floor is yours.

Our Philosophy: Accessible Intensity

We think elite-level training shouldn't be limited to exclusive training centers. We are here to bridge the gap between the "normal gym" and the professional athlete's training center.

Breed Athletes, Build A Community.

Walking into a serious gym can be intimidating. We have removed intimidation from the equation and kept the intensity at Iron Fortress. We are an open, welcoming and community focused gym; however we do expect a lot of effort from each individual. Our mission is to help you test your limits and find ways to exceed them.

The Facility & The Gear

We are the only facility in the area offering this caliber of specialized equipment under one roof. We built Iron Fortress because we couldn't find a gym that catered to all our disciplines properly.

  • For the Powerlifter: We feature Rogue calibrated plates, combo rack, specialty deadlift bars and five squat racks to ensure you will always be able to lift without waiting.
  • For the Calisthenics Athlete: Our facility has a large calisthenics park with a Kenguru Pro rig, pull-up bars and weighted dip belts to elevate your streetlifting to the next level.
  • For the Hybrid Athlete: From cable crossovers to deadlift platforms, we provide everything needed for complete body transformation.
  • Recovery (Coming Soon): Members will enjoy 24/7 access (coming soon) to the facilities and amenities (showers). 2 ice pods (1 person each) and dedicated recovery equipment coming soon.

How We Train

Iron Fortress employs a Hybrid Model of operation. We recognize that everyone's path is different, therefore, we offer two distinctly different paths:

  • Open Gym Access: For the self-motivated "grinder" who requires elite equipment and 24/7 access (coming soon) to achieve his/her goals.
  • Semi-Private & Small Group Training (Coming Soon): Expert-led coaching in Calisthenics, Powerlifting, and Strength & Conditioning. While this may appear similar to a typical group fitness class, this is a highly focused and technically-driven coaching model designed to educate you in the necessary skills to successfully transition into serious training.

The Iron Fortress Elite

For those looking to compete, we offer a pathway to the Iron Fortress Teams. This is for members dedicated to hitting specific performance metrics—whether it's within the sport of streetlifting, calisthenics or powerlifting.

Led by Experience

Our programming isn't guesswork. It is backed by competitive experience.

  • Powerlifting: Led by a state record holder (multiple records) and the President of the largest collegiate club in the state.
  • Endurance: Our run club and endurance programming are guided by Division 1 athletic experience.
  • Streetlifting: Led by multiple athletes who have competed at the national level in USA Streetlifting.

The Team

Shahzad Mian

Co-Founder, Streetlifting Team Lead

Osaid Saszi

Co-Founder, Streetlifting Team Lead

Sarfaraz Mian

Co-Founder

Obayda Zuraiqi

Front Desk

Hussain Shahzad

Front Desk

Hassan Shahzad

Powerlifting Team Lead

Jake Higgins

Powerlifting Team Lead

Bahdon Abar

Run Club Team Lead