Marcus Thod - Founder & Head Coach
Yeah, I'll be straight with you - this whole thing started in my mom's garage back in 2017. Just me, some beat-up kettlebells, and a dream that probably seemed ridiculous at the time.
I'd spent years competing in CrossFit regionals and coaching college athletes, but something was missing. The usual gym scene felt... I dunno, soulless? Too many people going through the motions, zero connection to what their bodies could actually DO.
Started training a few folks who wanted real results, not just Instagram photos. Word spread. Before I knew it, we had 30 people showing up to that cramped garage at 5 AM, pushing sleds down the driveway, flipping tires in the yard. Neighbors definitely hated us.
Fast forward to now - we've got this incredible facility on Granville, but that garage mentality? That's still here. Every rep counts. Every person matters. No BS, just work.
What We're Really About
Look, we're not here to sell you some fantasy six-pack transformation in 21 days.
We're about building athletes - and yeah, that includes you. Don't care if you've never touched a barbell or if you're training for your third Ironman. An athlete is just someone who shows up, puts in the work, and respects the process.
Our specialty's high-intensity functional training because that's what actually transfers to real life. Picking up your kids, carrying groceries, playing weekend sports without throwing out your back - that stuff matters way more than how much you can leg press.
"We built this place for people who're tired of feeling like they're just taking up space. You'll earn every inch of progress here, but you won't do it alone."
How We Got Here
Started with 5 people and equipment I bought off Craigslist. Pretty sure half of it was held together with duct tape and hope.
Moved into a 2000 sq ft warehouse. Felt massive at the time. Had 40 members who became more like family.
Yeah, that year. Took everything online, did parking lot workouts, whatever it took. Lost some members but gained perspective.
Found our forever home. 8000 sq ft of pure training heaven. Olympic platforms, proper rig, recovery area - the whole deal.
Brought on Sarah Chen, who's basically a wizard with meal planning. Training's only half the equation, y'know?
Still grinding every day. Still learning. Still believe the best workout's the one you'll actually show up for.
What Makes Us Different
Small Group Focus
Max 12 people per class. Your form matters more than the number of members we pack in.
Real Progressions
We track everything. You'll see actual strength gains, not just "feeling the burn."
Competition Optional
Wanna compete? Cool, we'll get you ready. Just here to get strong? Also cool. Zero pressure either way.
Recovery Matters
We've got mobility work, stretching protocols, even a recovery lounge. Training hard means recovering smart.
