About Us - Halrion Forgeverse Fitness | Vancouver's Premier Strength Training Facility

Our Story

Look, we didn't start this place to be another cookie-cutter gym. Back in 2018, a couple of us were training out of a cramped garage in East Van, frustrated with the commercial gym scene. Too many mirrors, not enough barbells. Too much posing, not enough pushing limits.

So we scraped together what we had and opened Halrion Forgeverse in a warehouse space on Burrard. The name? Yeah, it's a bit out there - but it represents what we're about. The forge is where raw metal becomes something stronger, something with purpose. That's what happens here.

We've trained everyone from weekend warriors getting back in shape to national-level athletes prepping for competition. The common thread? They all show up, put in the work, and leave everything on the platform.

What We're Really About

Forget the motivational poster BS. We're not here to hold your hand through half-hearted workouts. But if you're serious about getting stronger, moving better, and actually achieving something - then yeah, we'll get you there.

Our approach is simple: functional movements, progressive overload, and consistency. We blend Olympic lifting techniques with high-intensity conditioning because that's what actually builds athletic performance. No gimmicks, no trendy equipment that'll be collecting dust in six months.

The vibe here? It's a bit raw, a bit loud when someone's crushing a PR, and definitely not the place you come to scroll Instagram on the treadmill. But it's genuine. The people who train here become family, and that's not some marketing line - you'll see it the first day you walk in.

Our Core Values

Authenticity over appearance
Progress measured by performance
Community built on respect
Coaching that challenges you
Results that speak louder than hype

Meet The Coaches

Marcus Chen

Head Coach & Co-Founder

Been coaching for 12 years now. Started as a competitive weightlifter, transitioned into strength & conditioning when my knees started complaining. CSCS certified, USAW Level 2, and honestly learned more from trial and error than any textbook.

CSCS USAW L2 Precision Nutrition

Sarah Kowalski

Performance Coach

Former track athlete who found her calling in the weight room. Specialized in speed development and metabolic conditioning. I'm the one pushing you through those brutal HIIT sessions - you'll curse my name but thank me later.

NSCA-CPT FMS Certified CrossFit L2

Derek Thomson

Olympic Lifting Specialist

If it involves a barbell, I'm your guy. Competed nationally in weightlifting for 8 years. Now I spend my time fixing people's snatches and teaching them that the clean & jerk isn't just a funny name.

USAW L3 CSCS Mobility Specialist

Jenna Park

Nutrition & Recovery Coach

The one making sure you're not just destroying your body without rebuilding it. Registered dietitian who actually understands athletic performance. No fad diets here, just real food science and practical advice.

RD CISSN Pn2 Certified

The Facility

We've got 6,000 square feet of serious training space. No cardio cinema, no juice bar with overpriced smoothies. Just equipment that matters.

Olympic Lifting Platform Area

Four dedicated platforms with competition-grade Eleiko bars and bumper plates. Chalk encouraged, dropping weights expected.

Conditioning Zone

Assault bikes, rowers, sleds, and open turf. Where the real suffering happens. Sarah runs most of her sessions here.

Strength Equipment

Power racks, specialty bars (safety squat, trap bar, axle), dumbbells up to 150lbs. Everything you need, nothing you don't.

Group Training Space

Can accommodate up to 20 people for our boot camps and group sessions. Gets pretty intense when everyone's feeding off each other's energy.

Recovery Area

Foam rollers, lacrosse balls, bands, and a stretching zone. Because mobility work isn't optional if you wanna keep training hard.

Our Training Philosophy

Progressive Overload

You can't do the same thing forever and expect different results. We track your numbers, gradually increase the demands, and make sure you're actually getting stronger - not just tired.

Movement Quality

Lifting heavy is cool, but lifting heavy with solid technique? That's what keeps you training for years instead of months. We'll check your form even when you don't ask.

Sustainable Training

We're not about destroying you every session. Smart programming means knowing when to push hard and when to back off. Longevity matters.

Who We Are