Our Story

Where legends are forged through sweat, dedication, and raw strength

Mythralen Stronghold Team

Built From the Ground Up

Back in 2018, I was training out of a cramped garage with rusty bars and some bumper plates I'd scored off Craigslist. Nothing fancy, just pure work. But man, that's where it all clicked for me.

I'd spent years bouncing between commercial gyms where nobody really cared about YOUR progress - just your monthly dues. Watched too many people get hurt doing movements they weren't ready for, or worse, give up 'cause they felt lost in the crowd.

That's when I knew Vancouver needed something different. A place where functional strength wasn't just some marketing term, but the actual foundation of everything we do. Where coaches actually know your name, your goals, and what you lifted last Tuesday.

Started with five members in a 1200 sq ft warehouse space. Now? We've got a full facility and a community that genuinely shows up for each other. Not gonna lie, some days I still can't believe this is real.

We're not here to sell you a fantasy transformation or flood your feed with motivational quotes. We're here to put in the work alongside you, day after day, rep after rep.

Marcus Thorne

Founder & Head Coach

CSCS, USAW Level 2, FMS Certified

Our Mission

What We're Actually About

Look, there's enough gyms out there promising miracle results in 30 days. That's not us. We're about building real, sustainable strength that carries over into your actual life.

Whether you're hauling groceries, playing with your kids, competing in CrossFit, or just wanting to move better - that's what functional strength means. It's not about looking good in a mirror pose (though that's a nice bonus), it's about being capable.

What Drives Us

Real Progress

No smoke and mirrors. We track actual metrics that matter - your lifts, your movement quality, how you feel. Results you can measure and feel.

Community First

You'll know everyone's name within a week. We celebrate PRs together, grind through tough sessions together, and yeah, grab beers together sometimes.

Coaching That Matters

Our coaches aren't just certified - they've been in the trenches. They've lifted, competed, failed, and come back stronger. They get it.

Long-Term Thinking

We're not chasing quick fixes. This is about building a foundation that lasts years, not weeks. Sustainable strength for the long haul.

How We Got Here

2018

The Beginning

Started in a 1200 sq ft warehouse with five members who believed in the vision. Just bars, plates, and a whole lot of determination.

2019

Finding Our Groove

Launched our first Olympic Weightlifting program. Word started spreading - mostly through members dragging their friends in to try a session.

2021

Leveling Up

Moved to our current Granville Street location. 4500 sq ft of proper training space. Added nutrition coaching 'cause you can't out-train a bad diet (trust me, I tried).

2023

Competition Team Launch

Started our competitive athletic program. Had members placing at regional and national meets. Pretty surreal watching them step onto those platforms.

2025

Today

Over 200 members strong, three full-time coaches, and a community that still feels like family. We're just getting started.

The Coaching Team

Every coach here has walked the path. We're not reading from textbooks - we're sharing what we've learned through years of lifting, competing, and coaching hundreds of athletes.

Coach
Sarah Chen

Performance Coach

Former college athlete turned strength nerd. Specializes in getting people stronger without breaking them.

Coach
Jake Morrison

Olympic Lifting Coach

Competed nationally for 8 years. Now he's all about teaching the snatch and clean & jerk the right way.

Coach
Priya Kapoor

Nutrition & Recovery

RD who actually lifts. Helps you fuel performance without obsessing over every calorie.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Come check out the facility, meet the team, and see if we're the right fit. First session's on us.

Book Your Free Session