How We Got Started
Look, I'm not gonna feed you some polished corporate story. Back in 2018, I was coaching at a big-box gym in Vancouver and honestly? I was tired of seeing people get lost in the shuffle. Cookie-cutter programs, zero accountability, trainers who didn't give a damn once you signed up.
Started Pyrelith Sentinel in a 1200 sq ft warehouse with basically nothing - a few barbells, some bumper plates, and a dream that we could do better. The name came from this idea that strength isn't just physical, y'know? It's about guarding your health like a sentinel, building something that lasts.
We've grown since then (thank god, that warehouse had no AC in summer), but the core mission hasn't changed. Every member who walks through that door gets treated like family. We program smart, we coach hard, and we celebrate the hell out of your wins - whether that's hitting a new PR or just showing up on a tough day.
This place runs on sweat, community, and really terrible gym jokes. If you're looking for chrome machines and smoothie bars, we ain't it. But if you want coaches who'll push you, a crew who'll support you, and results that stick? Welcome home.
What We Stand For
Real coaching, not babysitting. We'll teach you the movements, correct your form, and push you past what you thought possible.
Community over competition. Sure, we love a good leaderboard, but your biggest competition is yesterday's version of yourself.
Results through consistency. No magic pills, no shortcuts - just smart programming and showing up.
The Facility
Main Floor
5000+ sq ft training space
Oly Platforms
8 dedicated lifting stations
Top Gear
Rogue, Eleiko, Concept2
Amenities
Showers, lockers, 24/7 accessMeet The Coaches
Marcus Chen
Head Coach & Owner
Been doing this for 12 years and still learning every day. CF-L2, USAW Sports Performance Coach. Former college hockey player who found his calling after blowing out my knee junior year. I live for those lightbulb moments when someone finally nails a movement they've been grinding on.
Specialty: Olympic lifting, sports performance
Sarah Rodriguez
Lead Programming Coach
CrossFit's been my jam since 2015. Competed regionally for three years before realizing I loved coaching way more than competing. CF-L3, Precision Nutrition certified. I'm that coach who'll make you laugh mid-workout then make you do two more rounds.
Specialty: Functional fitness, nutrition coaching
Jake Morrison
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Came up through powerlifting before transitioning to functional strength work. CSCS, CF-L2. Got into coaching after rehabbing a back injury and realizing most people just need someone to teach 'em how to move properly. Big fan of heavy squats and terrible puns.
Specialty: Strength development, injury prevention
Emma Thompson
Athletic Performance Coach
Former track athlete who went from running circles to coaching 'em. Kinesiology degree, CF-L1, TPI certified. Work a lot with our youth athletes and anyone training for specific sports. Obsessed with movement quality and probably care way too much about your warmup.
Specialty: Youth training, athletic development