About Us - Rune Bastion Hollow Fitness

How We Got Started

Look, we didn't set out to be some fancy fitness palace. Back in 2018, three of us were training in someone's garage on Bastion Street - just lifting heavy stuff and trying not to die during metcons.

The thing is, we got tired of commercial gyms where nobody actually cares if you show up or not. You know the type - all mirrors and motivation posters but zero soul. So we scraped together what we had, found this old warehouse space, and decided to build something different.

We called it "The Hollow" 'cause honestly, the place was pretty bare when we started. Just concrete floors, some secondhand equipment, and a dream that maybe other folks felt the same way we did about training. Turns out, they did.

Seven years later, we're still in that same spot on Bastion Street. Sure, we've upgraded the equipment and fixed the leaky roof, but the vibe's the same - it's a place where you come to work, not to look pretty doing it.

What We're Actually About

We're not gonna sell you some transformation BS or promise you'll look like a magazine cover in 30 days.

Strength First

Getting stronger changes everything. We've seen it hundreds of times - when you can lift more, move better, and feel capable in your body, everything else kinda falls into place. That's why strength training's at the core of what we do here.

Real Functional Work

We're not about doing circus tricks for Instagram. Functional fitness here means you can help a friend move, play with your kids without throwing out your back, or haul groceries up three flights of stairs without needing a nap after.

No Judgement Zone (For Real)

Yeah, everyone says that. But we mean it. Whether you're hitting a 500lb deadlift or learning to squat with just the bar, you're putting in work. We've got competitive powerlifters training next to folks who've never touched a barbell, and everybody respects everybody.

Community That Shows Up

The people here actually become friends. They spot each other, grab beers after Saturday training, and genuinely care when someone hits a PR. It's not forced or fake - it just happens when you struggle through tough workouts together.

Meet The Team

The folks who keep this place running

Marcus Reid

Head Coach & Co-Founder

Been lifting since high school, got into powerlifting competitions in my 20s, and honestly never looked back. Competed at nationals a few times - did okay, nothing crazy. But I learned more from coaching people than I ever did from my own training.

Started this place with Jamie and Alex because we wanted somewhere that felt like training with your crew, not just paying for access to equipment. I mostly work with our powerlifting athletes and anyone who wants to get seriously strong.

My PR deadlift's 585lbs at 220lb bodyweight, but I'm more proud of the fact that we've helped over 50 people hit their first bodyweight squat. That stuff matters more.

Jamie Kowalski

Director of Programming & Co-Founder

I came to strength training through rehab, actually. Blew out my knee playing soccer and physical therapy introduced me to proper movement patterns. Got obsessed with how the body works and why most people move like rusty robots.

Did my certifications in functional movement and spent way too much money on continuing education, but it's worth it. I design most of our group class programming and work one-on-one with folks coming back from injuries or dealing with movement issues.

My thing's getting people to move better before we pile on weight. Sounds boring, I know, but it's the difference between training for years versus getting hurt in six months. Plus, watching someone finally nail a proper hip hinge after weeks of practice? That's the good stuff.

Alex Chen

Athletic Performance Coach & Co-Founder

My background's in track and field - I was a decently okay sprinter back in university. Started training other athletes on the side and realized I liked coaching way more than competing. Played around with CrossFit for a while, took what worked, left what didn't.

These days I run our athletic performance programs and most of our high-intensity group classes. If you're training for a sport or just want to feel like an athlete again, that's my lane. Also handle our nutrition guidance stuff 'cause I got tired of hearing bro-science in the gym.

I'm the one who'll make you do burpees when you least expect it. Sorry not sorry - they work. Outside the gym you'll find me rock climbing or trying new restaurants around Vancouver. Balance, right?

Sarah McKenzie

Senior Personal Trainer

Joined the Hollow about four years ago as a member, fell in love with the place, and eventually Marcus convinced me to get my coaching certs. Best decision I've made. Before this I was in corporate finance and, honestly, slowly dying inside.

I specialize in working with folks who are completely new to this world - people who feel intimidated by gyms or think they're "too old" or "too out of shape" to start. Spoiler: you're not. I've worked with everyone from 18 to 68, and everybody's got something to work with.

My approach is pretty straightforward - we start where you're at, not where you think you should be. Small wins add up. And yeah, I'll probably make you laugh during our sessions 'cause training doesn't have to be miserable to be effective.

Devon Martinez

Strength & Conditioning Coach

Former college football player who hung up the cleats but couldn't leave the weight room. Spent a few years coaching high school athletes before moving to Vancouver and finding my way here. Turned out I liked working with regular people more than just athletes anyway.

I run a lot of our beginner strength programs and help out with group classes. Got a soft spot for teaching the big lifts properly - squat, bench, deadlift. There's something satisfying about breaking down a complex movement until it clicks for someone.

Outside of coaching, I'm really into cooking (gotta fuel those gains) and hiking around BC. Fair warning - if you train with me, I will try to recruit you for our weekend hiking crew. The mountains here are too good not to share.

Come Check Us Out

Honestly, the best way to know if we're your kind of place is just to visit. We do free trial sessions 'cause we want you to feel the vibe before committing to anything.

No pressure, no sales pitch. Just come lift some weights, meet some people, and see if it feels right. If it does, awesome. If not, that's cool too - there's a gym out there for everyone.

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