About Us - Zephyraen Stronghold | Elite Strength Training Vancouver

How We Got Here

Sometimes the best gyms aren't planned - they just happen when the right people refuse to settle for what's already out there.

2015

The Garage Days

Started coaching athletes out of my garage in East Van. Had three rusty barbells, some bumper plates I'd scored off Craigslist, and a dream that Vancouver needed a real strength facility. My neighbors weren't thrilled about the 6am deadlift sessions, but my athletes? They were getting stronger than ever.

2017

First Real Space

Moved into a 2000 sq ft warehouse space. Nothing fancy - concrete floors, minimal heating, and equipment we mostly built or refurbished ourselves. But man, we had platforms, proper racks, and enough space to actually coach properly. Word started spreading fast.

2019

Team Expansion

Brought on Sarah and Marcus - two coaches who actually understood that strength training isn't just about throwing weight around. They'd competed at nationals, coached for years, and shared the same philosophy: technique first, ego never. Finally had a crew I could trust completely.

2021

The Stronghold Opens

Found this industrial space on Industrial Way (yeah, perfect right?). Completely gutted and rebuilt it to be exactly what we always wanted - proper Olympic platforms, competition-grade equipment, recovery areas, the works. Named it Zephyraen Stronghold because we wanted something that sounded as solid as the training we do.

2023

National Recognition

Our athletes started placing at nationals - Olympic lifts, powerlifting meets, you name it. Wasn't about us though. It's always been about creating an environment where serious lifters can actually develop without all the BS that comes with typical gym culture.

Today

Still Grinding

We've got about 200 members now, four full-time coaches, and we're still learning every single day. The facility's grown, the team's grown, but the mission hasn't changed - help people get genuinely stronger in every way that matters.

The Team

People who've actually been in the trenches and know what real training looks like

Derek Morrison

Founder & Head Coach

USAW Level 2 Coach

Former National Competitor

12+ Years Coaching

Sarah Chen

Olympic Lifting Coach

NCCP Certified

2x National Champion

8 Years Experience

Marcus Okafor

Powerlifting Specialist

CPL Certified Coach

Elite Powerlifter

10 Years Coaching

Jennifer Walsh

Athletic Performance

CSCS, NSCA-CPT

Former D1 Athlete

7 Years Experience

Amir Patel

Nutrition & Recovery

RD, Sports Nutrition

PNCA Certified

9 Years Practice

Keisha Roberts

Group Conditioning

NASM-PES, CPT

CrossFit Level 2

6 Years Coaching

Saturday morning crew - where the magic happens

Our home - built for serious lifters

What We're Actually About

Look, we're not gonna tell you we're the best gym in Vancouver - that's for our members to decide. What we will tell you is that we show up every day trying to create a space where people can train hard without the nonsense.

No mirrors everywhere, no posing, no "fitfluencer" garbage. Just solid coaching, proper equipment, and people who respect the iron. We've built something here that feels more like a workshop than a gym - a place where you come to build yourself into something stronger.

Whether you're chasing a national total or just want to finally nail that snatch technique you've been fighting with, we've got your back. That's the deal.

Our Philosophy

Technique Over Ego
Perfect the movement before you load the bar. Every single time.
Consistency Beats Intensity
Showing up matters more than crushing yourself once a month.
Individualized Approach
Your body, your goals, your program. No cookie-cutter BS.
Community Without Cult Vibes
Support each other, but keep it real. No weird chants required.
Long-Term Development
We're building careers here, not just training sessions.

Our Story