Our Story
More than a gym - we're building warriors
Look, I'll be straight with you. Halrion Bastion Core wasn't born from some corporate fitness plan or franchise model. It started in a garage back in 2018 when a few of us got tired of commercial gyms treating strength training like an afterthought.
We were athletes, lifters, and coaches who'd been through the grind. We'd seen too many people with real potential stuck doing cookie-cutter programs that went nowhere. So we pooled our equipment, rented this warehouse space on Commercial Drive, and built something different.
The name? Halrion's from old Celtic - means "defender" or "protector." Bastion's obvious - your fortress of strength. That's what we wanted to create: a place where you build yourself into something stronger, mentally and physically.
Seven years later, we're still here. Still focused on what works, not what's trendy.
Strength isn't just physical. It's showing up when you don't want to, pushing past what you thought was your limit, and becoming someone you're proud of.
We don't do gimmicks or 30-day miracle transformations. Real strength takes time, proper programming, and honest work. That's what we deliver.
Everyone who walks through our doors is part of the tribe. You'll train alongside people who genuinely want to see you succeed - because they've been where you are.
Whether you're chasing a PR or just want to feel better in your body, we build programs that progress logically. Small wins compound into big changes.
Coaches who've walked the path and know what it takes
Founder & Head Strength Coach
Former collegiate wrestler turned strength coach. Been coaching for 15+ years and competed in powerlifting nationals three times. I started this place because I wanted somewhere that actually respected the iron and the people lifting it.
Athletic Performance Director
Ex-track athlete who specialized in sprints and explosive training. Now I work with athletes across all sports to build speed, power, and bulletproof movement patterns. Recovery and mobility are just as important as the grind.
Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach
Lost 80lbs myself before becoming a coach, so I get it. No meal prep shaming here - we build nutrition plans that fit your actual life. Real food, sustainable habits, no BS detoxes or magic supplements.
These folks put in the work. Results speak louder than promises.
18 months | Lost 45lbs, Deadlift 405lbs
"Came in barely able to squat the bar after years of desk work. Marcus and the crew didn't judge - just gave me a plan that made sense. Now I'm pulling four plates and feel like I'm 25 again. Worth every session."
12 months | Competed in first powerlifting meet
"Always intimidated by the weights section. Sarah taught me proper form and actually listened when I had concerns. Competed this year and hit PRs in all three lifts. This place changed how I see myself."
8 months | Vertical jump +6 inches
"Needed to get faster for basketball season. The athletic performance program here is legit - not just random drills. Sarah's programming got me explosive and kept me injury-free all season."
24 months | Lost 60lbs, gained confidence
"David's nutrition coaching plus the group classes were game-changers. No quick fixes, just sustainable habits. Two years in and I've kept the weight off. The community here keeps me accountable."
Month-to-month memberships. If we're not earning your business every month, we don't deserve it.
Competition spec power racks, calibrated plates, specialty bars. We've got the tools serious lifters need and beginners can learn on.
Even in group settings, we modify and scale for where you're at. Your goals aren't the same as the person next to you, so your program shouldn't be either.
Want to train solo with a solid program? Cool. Prefer coaching and community? We've got classes. Mix and match however works for your schedule.
First session's on us. Come check out the space, meet the coaches, and see if we're the right fit.