About Us - Cryst Haven Dominion | High-Performance Training Vancouver

Marcus Chen, Founder

Former Olympic Trials competitor, CSCS certified, 12+ years coaching experience

How We Got Started

Look, I'll be straight with you. Back in 2018, I was tired of seeing the same cookie-cutter gyms pop up everywhere. You know the ones - all flash, no substance. Just rows of machines and trainers who got their cert over a weekend.

I'd spent years training competitive athletes, working with physios, and honestly just obsessing over what actually moves the needle when it comes to performance. And I kept thinking - why isn't there a place that brings together serious strength work, proper recovery protocols, AND nutritional science under one roof?

So yeah, I maxed out some credit cards and found this warehouse space on Granville. It wasn't pretty at first - concrete floors, barely any heat. But we had the equipment that mattered and coaches who'd actually been in the trenches.

What started as maybe 20 members who trusted the vision has grown into something I'm genuinely proud of. We've worked with everyone from NHL players prepping for playoffs to desk workers who just wanted to feel strong again. That mix? That's the whole point.

We're not here to coddle anyone or sell you some BS transformation promise. We're here to give you the tools, the knowledge, and yeah - the occasional kick in the ass when you need it. Your dominion is yours to forge. We just make sure you've got what you need to build it right.

500+

Active Members

7

Years Strong

15

Expert Coaches

What We Stand For

These aren't just words on a wall - they're how we operate every single day

Results Over Hype

We're not gonna promise you'll get shredded in 30 days or hit a 500lb deadlift next month. What we will do is write you a program based on actual science, track your progress religiously, and adjust when something's not clicking. Slow and steady might not sell well on Instagram, but it's what builds real, lasting strength.

Community, Not Competition

Yeah, we've got some serious athletes in here. But we've also got teachers, nurses, IT folks - people who just wanna feel capable. Everyone's chasing their own PR, and that's beautiful. You'll never catch anyone here making someone feel small because they're lifting lighter weight. We lift each other up, period.

Recovery Is Training

This one's big for us. You don't build muscle in the gym - you tear it down. Growth happens when you're resting. That's why we've invested heavily in cryo suites, massage therapy partnerships, and education around sleep and nutrition. If you're not recovering properly, you're just spinning your wheels and risking injury.

Education First

We want you to understand the why behind everything. Why we're doing tempo squats this week. Why your protein timing matters. Why we're backing off intensity during a deload week. The more you understand your training, the better you'll adhere to it and the more ownership you'll take over your progress.

Safety Without Compromise

Pushing limits? Absolutely. But doing dumb stuff that'll put you on the injured list for six months? Hard pass. Every coach here has the authority to scale your workout if your form's breaking down or you're clearly gassed. Your ego might not like it, but your joints will thank you later.

Sustainable Progress

We're not interested in 12-week transformations that disappear by week 15. We're building habits and strength that'll carry you through the next decade. That means being realistic about life getting in the way sometimes, and having strategies to keep you moving forward even when things get hectic.

The Facility

We've designed every square foot with purpose - no wasted space, no equipment collecting dust

Olympic Lifting Zone

Competition-grade platforms, Eleiko bars, and enough bumper plates to make some serious noise

Recovery Suites

Cryo chambers, compression therapy, and contrast pools - because recovery is half the game

Functional Zone

Turf, sleds, ropes - get your conditioning work done

Strength Area

Power racks, benches, dumbbells up to 150lbs

Nutrition Hub

Private consult rooms for meal planning sessions

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Come check out the facility, meet the coaches, and see if we're the right fit. No pressure, no sales pitch - just an honest conversation about your goals.

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