Forge Personal Training and Performance

West Caldwell, 42 Fairfield Pl, West Caldwell, NJ 07006 | ★ 5 (51 Review)

📞 +1 862-215-2310

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Personal trainer

About the Club

Here at Forge Personal Training and Performance we believe in transforming lives through building strength, discipline and consistency.
Let Forge take the guesswork out of your strength and conditioning program. Our individualized approach is built on tried and true methods that have produced and sustained results for clients of all ages and levels.
If you’re ready to look better, feel better, build confidence, and take your training to next level, join the Forge family today!

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 Forge Personal Training and Performance
 Forge Personal Training and Performance
 Forge Personal Training and Performance
 Forge Personal Training and Performance
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Reviews

Maria Lewis

★ 5

Matt is an incredible trainer. I personally trained with him for over a year and my daughter who was a student/athlete (tennis player) did as well. Matt is unwavering in his insistence on form and technique which is absolutely imperative to strength training. The building block of any sport (recreational or competitive) is a strong body and if you’re looking for a trainer to help you achieve your goals, look no farther.

Source: Google

Jeffri Dumas

★ 5

My doctor said I needed resistance training to help my bone density. I found Matt’s training in working with senior citizens very helpful. My overall strength and balance is improving after just a few months! I highly recommend him! He very pleasant and great to work with!

Source: Google

Bob Dumas

★ 5

I’m 77 years old and broke my hip back in March. With Matt’s help I’m regaining my overall body strength. The exercises he has me doing has really stabilized my hip. I can’t recommend him enough…

Source: Google

Zayd Mirza

★ 5

Forge is an amazing place to train! Coach Matt is the best — he’s calm, patient, and always encouraging, no matter your fitness level. Even if you’re not the strongest or you struggle with certain exercises, he never makes you feel out of place. He takes the time to explain everything and helps you improve at your own pace. I couldn’t recommend Forge and Coach Matt enough!

Source: Google

Jenny Monico

★ 5

“I been training with Matt and I absolutely love the small group training sessions! The workouts are challenging but fun, and I really enjoy the encouragement and accountability from both the trainer and the group. It feels personalized while still having the energy of a team setting. I’ve noticed great results, and it keeps me motivated to keep showing up. Highly recommend!”

Source: Google

Amy Galarowicz

★ 5

Matt started out far more confident in me than I was. With his guidance and encouragement, after just 3 months, I have already strengthened my bad knee to the point that it rarely bothers me - a huge change, considering I (literally) limped in to my first session! Matt truly just started from where I was - which was pretty low, but then... little by little, he recommended just the right work out each week to slowly get me doing things I'd not thought possible. His innate light and joy spill into our time together and make even hard, 'big sweat' workout sessions seem easy. After having unpleasant experiences with previous trainers (and a few minor injuries) I would highly recommend Matt for whatever your personal training goals are, as he plies his wide range of tools and expertise to adapt to YOUR needs. He's the best!

Source: Google

Kathleen Donadio

★ 5

Matt is the best! He is very knowledgeable, caring and encourages me to work harder. He makes working out fun!

Source: Google

Theodore Sedarat

★ 5

Best trainer I know

Source: Google

Linda Lee

★ 5

I started training with Matt a few months ago. It’s been 5 years since I’ve worked out and was a bit hesitant but my best friend encouraged me to join a group at Forge Performance. Well, I can’t find enough positive words to say about how fantastic, encouraging, positive, patient and supportive Matt Melillo is! He is definitely one of the best trainers you will find. I am so pleased with the progress I’ve made in such a short time. And…not only is he one of the best, he is wonderfully affordable. This was one of my best decisions! I actually look forward to every session!

Source: Google

Peggy Cinque

★ 5

I recently had the pleasure of working with Matt and couldn’t be happier with my experience ..As someone who is a bit older I truly appreciate his patience and understanding. He has a remarkable ability to make each session enjoyable and tailored to my needs .I highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for a trainer.

Source: Google

Timothy Couper · s

★ 5

Matt at Forge is an absolutely incredible trainer. When I showed up the first time, I literally puked from doing a hinge with no weight. He took me from there to deadlifting much more than my body weight, while dropping 20% of my overall weight and gaining tons of muscle.

No matter where you are starting from- injured, overweight, or in shape and looking to hit the next level, Matt is who you want to see.

Source: Google

Patricia Ruggier

★ 5

I love Forge Fitness! such a no judgment great atmosphere I met new people while getting fit with old friends. Matt is knowledgeable and encouraging. Love that he pays attention to safety and correct form.

Source: Google

John Patel

★ 5

Coach Matt is the best fitness coach I ever had, he is always focused on me the entire class and we always train hard and have fun, I would definitely recommend him to anyone wanting to get better at their fitness.

Source: Google

Nisha Khubani

★ 5

Matt was very diligent about addressing the problems I had and curated a personal program to help me deal with them. He was understanding and patient but firm that I worked through my routine for every workout. He pushed me, inspired me and I always left the gym feeling much better and progressing a little bit more than when I walked in. I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking to improve their workout routines and enjoy a life of fitness and optimal health.

Source: Google

Susan Gartland

★ 5

Matt Melisso is a wonderful personal trainer. He is patient and caring. He is very knowledgeable and worked on ways for me to strengthen my back and my core. He works with young people up to seniors. He is worth it.

Source: Google

Scott Sokol

★ 5

Matt worked with my teenage son (who wanted to learn about working with weights) and got him going to the point where he loved it so much that he now does some type of weight lifting almost every day. I highly recommend Forge!

Source: Google

Caroline M

★ 5

Matt’s strength and conditioning programs are second to none. As a personal trainer, he is meticulous about technique and building upon each session to ensure goals are met. He is serious about his craft but also makes fitness highly approachable for those who are new to strength training. He will even customize programs to complement other sports such as tennis. My tennis game noticeably improved when I started training with Matt.

Source: Google

Konrad Czyzewski

★ 5

Matt is an excellent trainer who motivates and inspires! He makes me want to come to the gym and be there as often as possible. His workouts are diverse but he can alter to what your goals are. Best trainer I have had hands down.

Source: Google

Shiv Khubani

★ 5

Matt is a wonderful person and fantastic trainer. After training with him for more than 7 years throughout middle school and high school I can say it literally changed my life. The workouts he plans are curated exactly for you, improving your overall health a fitness. Over the months and years I not only saw improvement me in my physical ability, but also my mental side. Not only is Matt positive and fun, but also makes sure you work hard and to the best of your ability. Overall I have nothing but positive experiences and would recommend anybody at any age to train with Forge Personal Training and Performance!

Source: Google

Kevin Silvestrini

★ 5

Working with Matt completely changed my mind set about fitness and exercise. He helps me stay consistent, work around old injuries, and customizes every workout to fit my goals. Highly recommend if you’re looking for knowledgeable and personalized training.

Source: Google

Shazia Hasan

★ 5

Matt has been critical in my journey to health and well-being. It’s been a very long journey to fitness and strength. I’ve never had a great experience with the traditional fitness gurus. Matt is unique in his approach as he provides an individualized and safe environment for his clients. I can’t recommend him enough!

Source: Google

Tylan Ozkuzey

★ 5

Matt is an outstanding trainer! I’ve been working with him for over five years, and his workouts have significantly improved my athletic performance. Beyond his expertise in training, Matt is an incredible person—always supportive and someone I can count on for honest conversation and guidance. I’m grateful not only for how much he’s helped me grow as an athlete but also for the positive impact he’s had on my life.

Source: Google

Katie Pepper

★ 5

I started training with Matt when I was 15 and playing tennis for my high school team. Looking back, I can confidently say that working with him was one of the most impactful gifts I received as a teenager.

Through consistent training with Matt, I not only built strength and coordination, but developed explosive, quick movements that significantly improved my tennis game. Within a few years, I was deadlifting nearly 200 pounds and moving with far more confidence and agility. More importantly, I gained the foundational knowledge and technique to continue lifting safely and effectively throughout college.

Doing personal training at Forge Personal Training & Performance gave me the tools to train independently, maintain proper form, and avoid injury. I learned so much about fitness, discipline, and my own capabilities. I truly cannot recommend Forge enough.

Source: Google

Robert Bleicher

★ 5

Fantastic for seniors as well as youngsters!

Source: Google

Aayush Sharma

★ 5

Matt has incredible knowledge of fitness and genuine care for the people he’s training. He has an emphasis on having proper form over lifting heavy, and is willing to help you with planning workouts outside of sessions with him. Since training with him, fitness has become a key pillar of my lifestyle.

Source: Google

Georgia R

★ 5

I had a great experience training with Matt! He’s super knowledgeable, and always made sure I understood the science of why each exercise he gave me was important. I still apply everything I learned from him about form and body composition to my workouts today. He’s also super friendly and a great person to workout with.

Source: Google

Rhonda Staranka

★ 5

I worked with Matt for a year and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Being in my 50’s, I was nervous if I would be able to do what was expected but Matt met me where I was. He is extremely knowledge and motivating, and always has a positive energy. Matt created a fitness plan for me that was challenging but not overwhelming and I’ve seen results such as improved strength, better endurance, and more confidence. His price points are reasonable and I highly recommend working with Matt!

Source: Google

Nitya Vyas

★ 5

Matt is an incredible fitness instructor—I’ve been training with him since I was 13, and his energy, positivity, and clear instruction have never changed. He explains things so simply and always brings a smile to every session. During my college recruiting process, I continued working with Matt, and once I got to college, I realized how well he had prepared me. The workouts I do now as a Division I athlete are almost identical to what we did together. He didn’t just train me—he gave me a foundation that helped me thrive at the next level. I’m so grateful for all he’s done for me.

Source: Google

Frank McQuarrie

★ 5

Very impressed. I was rusty and had no idea what I was doing, Coach Matt walked me through the exercises. Quickly put on good weight and felt stronger. Met my wife 3 months after training; I don't think this is a coincidence, I thank Coach Matt every Tuesday for the life I am living now. He has enabled me.

Source: Google

Jon Bleicher

★ 5

I’ve been working with Matt for over a year now, and the difference has been incredible! He’s not only highly effective but also a genuinely great guy who keeps me motivated and actually looking forward to hitting the gym. I can’t recommend him—or Forge Fitness—enough!

Source: Google

Anthony Prezioso

★ 5

Matt one of the best trainer I ever had. Very knowledgeable and cares about your well being. Definitely recommend to check him out👍

Source: Google

Allan Jr Haynes, Jr

★ 5

Matt is the absolute best! He’s a great friend to talk to while making tremendous progress in the gym. I strongly recommend signing up with him!

Source: Google

Frits Schwartz

★ 5

Coach Matt is not only a great mentor for weightlifting and training, but for life in general. Going to see Coach Matt has consistently been one of the highlights of my week since I was a little kid. You’ll never meet such a grounded, humble individual. Aside from personal testimonial, I’ve consistently been ahead of the curve because of the training I’ve done with Coach Matt. I’ve had friends of mine work with personal trainers, and I can tell you from contrasting my gains with theirs that Coach Matt really knows what he’s talking about. He’s taken me from a scrawny kid with no training experience at all, to benching over 275 pounds, and deadlifting 500 pounds, by far making me the strongest person on my team. I’m mentioning these achievements not to brag about myself, but to try to give anyone reading this an idea of what Coach Matt does, because frankly, I couldn’t have ever imagined I’d get to this level when I started working with him.

Source: Google

Rohan Vyas

★ 5

I am a tennis player who has been training with Coach Matt for about 4 years. Not only has Coach helped helped me so much improving by tailoring a training plan to improve my tennis game, but Coach Matt has helped me so much as a person. He really cares for his clients, and gets to know them outside of fitness. Whether you’re a busy mom or a young teenage athlete, I couldn’t recommend Forge Fitness enough.

Source: Google

Shivam Kwatra

★ 5

An amazing trainer who will improve your strength, conditioning, mobility, and discipline.

Source: Google

Andrew Benson

★ 5

I worked out with Matt for a couple years and have grown so much in lifting and athleticism. The community at Forge is also unmatched. Would definitely recommend anyone any age to try.

Source: Google

Dhruv Jetley

★ 5

Matt is an outstanding trainer in every sense. He is extremely knowledgeable, experienced, and can personally connect with each of his clients.

Source: Google

Eric Scalici

★ 5

I started working with Matt when I began high school and his training taught me key skills that I will never forget and helped me build a great body for tennis to become the best athlete I can.

Source: Google

Evan Pratt

★ 5

At Forge, I was able to learn how to lift the right way and without risk of getting injured. I have seen such great progress in such a short time working with Coach Matt after reaching a plateau by lifting on my own. I now feel better informed about how I should function in the weightroom, and I can premium coaching by the best. Some other benefits include the openness of the gym as well as the policy of helping and not judging. It is an excellent place to learn and grow for all ages!

Source: Google

Brandon

★ 5

An excellent way to learn and start working out! Matt really helped me go from zero experience in the gym, to an advanced deadlifter in 8 years. Also because I'm so active with my job I can work and do what I do without any pain or discomfort thanks to his training regimines.

Source: Google

idil bilgin

★ 5

Matt has worked with both of my children now for almost 4-5 years. He is detail oriented, thoughtful and truly builds a strong relationship with them and motivates them to work hard and push themselves to their full potential.

Source: Google

Steven Feldstein

★ 5

I have been working with Matt for over a year, and the transformation in my physical health and well-being is nothing short of remarkable. After suffering a calf-related injury, coupled with chronic nerve damage in my ankle, I was skeptical about recovering. However, Matt has been nothing short of a miracle worker.

From the very first session, Matt took the time to understand my specific needs and challenges. He designed a personalized training program that not only focused on recovery but also on improving my overall stability, flexibility, and strength. The attention to detail and the tailored approach have been instrumental in my progress.

What I appreciate most about Matt is his patience and encouragement. He's always been there to push me when I needed it and to support me when I felt discouraged. His expertise in injury rehabilitation and his deep understanding of the human body have been invaluable. I have seen significant improvements in my mobility and strength, and I no longer experience the pain and discomfort that once held me back.
His knowledge, professionalism, and genuine care for his clients make him top in his field.

I highly recommend Matt to anyone looking to recover from an injury, improve their physical health, or simply achieve their fitness goals.

Source: Google

Indu J

★ 5

Matt is an excellent trainer. My son has received excellent help by him showing the steps to get stronger and get more confident. He helps him through every lesson and makes him engaging by talking about his interests to make him feel more comfortable. Best trainer of all time.

Source: Google

Maninder Singh

★ 5

Matt has been training our family for over 6 months now. Our kids love him for the effort he spends on them to get them better in their Sport. He's extremely knowledgeable, personable in his approach which makes training fun with him. He's surely made a big difference in getting us fitter and efficient

Source: Google

Lynne DiGiacomo

★ 5

Matt has helped me in so many ways. I love his way of motivating me to continue to work out. Matt’s professionalism is top notch

Source: Google

Glenn Radler

★ 5

Matt is an excellent trainer. He has been helping me with my mobility, form and overall strength. Great results over the past year and a half! Highly recommend...

Source: Google

Vineet C

★ 5

Simply put, Matt is excellent at what he does. He is delightful to work with and his passion for helping you achieve your goals is obvious. I particularly appreciate the attention to detail when it comes to technique - these sessions have taken me from clueless to confident, even when working out alone. Regardless of your fitness goals, I cannot recommend Forge enough!

Source: Google

Michael Todisco

★ 5

Over the last two years, I have had the privilege of working with Matt and Forge Personal Training and Performance on my health and fitness journey. I have worked with a number of personal trainers over the years but nobody has has met the quality of service and support that Matt provides. Matt took time in the beginning to understand my health and fitness goals, my lifestyle/interests (tennis) and understand physical limitations I had through prior injuries to my back. Matt understands that no two people are alike and hence no two workouts are alike. He tailored a detailed program to fit my goals and what I needed and even worked to align the recommendations of my PT as I was dealing with my back injury. Matt is not just focused on "doing the exercise" but making sure you understand the "why" behind it, how it aligns to my fitness goals and how we focus more on the technique instead of just throwing the weight around. Matt finds the right balance of encouragement/support but holds you accountable for doing the work and doing it right. Matt ensures that he keeps the exercises new and even with small changes, you can bet you will feel it the next day (in a good way)! In my two years, I have seen tremendous improvements in my overall fitness and have really addressed many of the bad habits I had contributing to my back pain. Where I have seen Matt really excel is working with my son. My son (now 13) started working with Matt about a year ago. We wanted to introduce him to fitness as he is an active tennis player. I also wanted to ensure he was supported with someone who could teach him the right way instead of trying to learn how to exercise in his junior high school gym. Each week my son looks forward to working with Matt and getting to see his progress week to week. The smile on his face when older kids in the gym watch him and his growth always puts a smile on his face and that is thanks to Matt helping build his confidence. I know he is in good hands under Matt's guidance and supervision.

If you are looking for someone to help get you started (or even restarted) on your fitness journey, I couldn't recommend anyone better than Matt and Forge Personal Training and Performance!

Source: Google

Ian Snieckus

★ 5

My experience with Forge Personal Training has been extremely positive. Matt is an incredibly knowledgeable and attentive coach, and has been very flexible with my training goals and when sports injuries have set my training back. I work with him fully remote through the app, and his feedback is always timely and constructive. Highly recommended!

Source: Google

Daniel Guerriero

★ 5

Worked with Matt to improve my strength and overall fitness. With his guidance and expertise I was able to reach personal milestones for my weightlifting. He’s incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and a fantastic motivator. You can’t go wrong working with him!

Source: Google

Lorraine Lee

★ 5

I cannot speak highly enough of Matt Melillo. Working with him has had a very positive impact on my health and fitness. As a middle-aged woman with bone density concerns, I approached strength training with some hesitation. But with his guidance, patience, and deep knowledge, l've made progress I never thought possible - all without injury.

Matt has helped me significantly improve my strength, mobility, and stamina which are key qualities needed in the veterinary profession. What I like about working with him is his dedicated attention to proper form and his personalized approach, always adapting exercises to ensure they're safe and effective for me. Matt both encourages and challenges me while still being mindful of my limitations, which has been key in helping me build confidence and stay consistent.

I train with Matt privately once a week and am now confident enough in my abilities to workout on my own using his fitness app. He creates personalized workouts and monitors my progress so we can build on what I’ve done at our next workout together.

I'm genuinely proud of what l've accomplished with his training and support, and I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone — especially those looking for a trainer who truly understands how to train safely and effectively at any age.

Source: Google