About Us
The Cold Iron Bodybuilding Mission
At Cold Iron Bodybuilding Corp, we believe transformation is possible for anyone willing to put in the work. We’re more than just a gym—we’re a community built on discipline, support, and dedication. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced lifter, we’re here to help you reach your goals.
Our name, Cold Iron, symbolizes resilience and strength. Every piece of equipment, every plan, and every session is built around one mission: to help you sculpt the body and life you want.
We understand fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why our approach focuses on real results through customized nutrition and training that meet your unique goals.
Meet the Co-Founder: Thomas Aldrich
Owner/Bodybuilding Competitor and Coach:
My name is Thomas Aldrich. I grew up in Pawnee, Illinois. For almost my entire young adult and adult life, I was extremely overweight and struggled with weight loss for many years. My weight had become so severe that I was becoming diabetic, losing my vision, and experiencing extreme problems with my heart and kidneys.
When I went to the doctor, they wanted to prescribe me all sorts of medications—and that’s when I decided I needed to change my life. I spent every waking minute studying nutrition, bodybuilding, and body sculpting. I decided to become a certified nutritionist and trainer and start my journey.
Throughout this process, I lost over 226 pounds of fat and gained about 48 pounds of muscle over the course of two years. I have dedicated my life to bodybuilding. 2025 will be my first year competing, and even though I want to see how far I can push myself, my main reason for doing it is to inspire others—to show people that you don’t have to be anything special to change your life. With hard work and dedication, anything is achievable.
I decided to open my own bodybuilding gym and pursue my dreams: A Cold Iron Bodybuilding. We are here to help at whatever level you’re at—beginner to expert. Our gym is full of a community that is kind, dedicated, and like-minded. I hope to help many people achieve their dream physique and guide them toward the proper nutrition and health they desire.
I love my job—because it’s not a job to me, it’s a passion. I preach discipline because there’s no such thing as being constantly motivated. You’ve got to show up even when you don’t want to.
If you’re ready to change your life, I can point you in the right direction.
Meet the Co-Founder: Mitch Aldrich
Owner/Trainer
Hello, my name is Mitch Aldrich. I grew up in Pawnee, IL and still currently live in the area. After graduating from Pawnee High School in 2011, I enlisted in the Army National Guard and left for basic training in January 2012. Joining the military was the biggest decision I had made at the time, and after graduating BCT/AIT with the MPs in Fort Leonard Wood, MO, I thought I had made it. I thought that was it—it was all downhill from there. I quit working out, ate poorly, and did the bare minimum to get by. Fast forward six years of the same poor choices, and after finishing my contract with the military, I was at my heaviest: 260 lbs. I knew something had to change. I got back into the gym and lost 20–25 pounds. But once again, I had that same thought I’d had years before—I got this; I can do and eat whatever I want now.
Then I met the love of my life, Brittney, and her son. We got married, bought a house, had beautiful twin girls in 2019, and welcomed another beautiful girl in 2020. Life continued, jobs changed, and I fell back into poor eating habits and no exercise. I was numb to the fact that I was slowly killing myself.
In September 2024, my wife told me, “I’m pregnant again.” For some reason, this pregnancy announcement hit me differently than the others. It really made me sit down, think, and reflect. I started holding myself more accountable and looked into my health once again. Weighing 270 pounds in the fall of 2024, I knew that if I didn’t make some drastic changes, I wouldn’t be able to keep up with my kids for much longer.
Our Purpose
A Gym for Every Level
Cold Iron Bodybuilding welcomes everyone—from total beginners to seasoned competitors. Our facility offers a motivating, ego-free space where people support each other and push themselves.
We offer structure, tools, and community support for any goal: fat loss, muscle gain, improved health, or competition prep.
More Than Fitness—A Way of Life
True transformation starts with your mindset. That’s why we emphasize not only workouts, but also nutrition, habits, and lifestyle.
We believe in discipline over motivation. Motivation fades, but discipline keeps you moving. This principle guides everything we do and helps our members stay consistent and accountable.
Helping others become their best selves isn’t a job for us. It’s a calling.
