Essentials of Athletics

Expérience négative: This was by far the best gym in the city and it unexpectedly closed on July 29, 2023 with no word to its members. I went to the gym after a couple days of no one answering their phone and the app (used to book a squat rack for 1-1.5 hours) had a couple of weeks unavailable to book. Upon arrival, the gym was closed. A legal Notice of Termination and Notice To Quit was posted on the door. A quick read of this notice will tell you that there was some lease dispute between the owner(s) of EOA and the landlord. It would seem that EOA failed to pay their rent on time. It is now August 14, 2023 and there has still been no word from the owners - no email or phone call. I paid for my second annual membership around November 2022, but it seems I won't get to keep using the facilities I have paid for. EOA had posted a short update on their Instagram (containing no real information). This post had many similar comments asking for details as people had heard nothing from EOA — it has since been deleted. I still hope that the gym reopens and I would return in a heart beat because of the community and facility, but since it has been complete radio silence from EOA, I can only assume the worst. I feel for EOA's employees whom have, no doubt, unexpectedly lost their jobs. I was proud to be an EOA member, but it has seemingly come to an unfortunate end.

Expérience négative: Closed due to no rent paid then still continuing to change the monthly fee?

Expérience fantastique: Awesome gym with great coaches and lots of power racks (that can be even booked in advance). Highly recommend!

Expérience fantastique: My wife and I have been members of the gym and of the small group training classes since they've been at this location. The personal trainers are very knowledgeable, with a great eye for proper technique and developing a periodized training program.

Expérience fantastique: Great gym if you’re looking group training and personal training. Excellent coaching and one on one attention

Expérience fantastique: Best training facility in the city!

Expérience fantastique: The staff there is great. They're friendly and helpful. The place is kept clean, their equipment is well kept and other members are usually very friendly.

Expérience fantastique: This is the best gym in town if you’re serious about getting in shape and just getting shi*t done. Sure, it doesn’t have fancy showers, towel service or $15 smoothies for sale, but it does have amazing trainers who are all down to earth and are committed to achieving results. I lost around 12lbs of fat and gained 8-9lbs of muscle. Their daily progressive programs and classes drive results and they adjust based on your level and experience. I can’t say enough about the trainers, Ror, CJ, Alysha - all first class. At first I was intimidated by all the squat racks, but after learning the basics in their EOA classes, I’ll never join another commercial, mainstream gym again where I find myself to be waiting and watching more than moving and working!

Expérience négative: Great gym. Just the price increase is insane. First year I signed up I just missed the $530ish 1 year membership price. I ended up paying $660.=$55/month (June 2021). Come June 2022 Price increased to $830= $69/month. now I get a email saying its going to be $1100= $99/month(sept 2022). I get they added classes and painted the place but it doesn't justify $99/mon for only having a squat rack, free weights and a cable machine. $1100 a year I can buy my own squat rack. Now I have to find a new gym.

Expérience fantastique: Great gym and friendly staff. Love the open space and range of equipment.

Expérience positive: Update: Sept 2022 After 2 plus years, I have decided to leave the gym for 2 big reasons. The first is monthly membership has doubled and the value for price is just not there anymore. Compared to other gyms you aren't really getting good value for example other gyms at this price point would have towel service, suana, multiple showers, air conditioning etc. The second reason I have decided to leave is the direction of the operations. When I joined I was referred and the process was pretty straight forward no pressure come try the gym if you like sign up, no contracts everything simple. Recently I referred a couple of friends because they wanted to join a gym. Unfortunately they were put through a "time share" type of presentation and attempted to be sold a personal training package. They were told for safety reasons they needed a personal trainer, which I guess makes sense but at the end they were told if they paid a big joiners fee they could bypass the personal training, which threw the safety explanation out the door. That turned them and myself off. They joined another gym. I think they have shifted to more personal training and group fitness stuff so people looking for a gym to work out alone or with friends will find better options. It's unfortunate to have to leave. It was great while it lasted! Better late then never. Been training here for 2 years. GREAT GYM if you are a newbie to a pro, great staff and members, non intimidating for the new members. Personal Squat Racks, Sled, balls, everything you need for functional training and health! They also have a rehab clinic side as well! Hands down better then a commercial Gym if you just want to get the work in!

Expérience fantastique: Excellent facility for those looking for professional, yet open to any level fitness. Their focus is on small group classes (under 10 people), personal training, and specialty programs, such as body transformation, or maximal strength, or sports specific. They also give you access to the whole gym anytime, unlike all the other group class places like Orange Theory, CrossFit, F45, etc that only allow you to be in classes. This means I don't need 2 memberships. I also love that they add in FREE classes like the Barbell Club for free, and have a number of seminars and educational workshops all the time. I've seen a few recent disgruntled reviews on here from former members who are upset that this gym with 23 SQUAT RACKS! TURF! TIRES! HEAVY BAGS, TONS OF SPACE, and all the FREE workshops and classes raised their prices after a certain pandemic, BUT they are obviously missing the EXTREME amounts of value that is now there. If you don't come to the monthly FREE workshops, the FREE classes, or FREE events like their recent Sauna & Ice Bath, and instead just want to come in with your hat down, earphones in, and not be part of a bigger community, you probably do belong at a cheaper community center or save your $20-30 and go to a gym where if you're lucky you get 3 racks, or 2 benches. I for one, LOVE the equipment, accountability, coaching, community, and education I get here. Not to mention, they even have their own professional podcast, NO OTHER GYM I HAVE EVER SEEN ANYWHERE DOES THIS.

Expérience fantastique: Best gym in town, hands down. Great staff, great equipment, well designed layout to give you lot of space to perform your workout. I love their advance booking feature to make sure you always have your rack ready and distribute the traffic. They also have great trainers and my favorite is Damian. Damian has great knowledge about mechanics of all exercises and takes time explaining how and why. He teaches great fundamentals first and then builds on top of it to make sure you can make continuous progress on your own. He never tracks his time and goes above and beyond to make sure you get great workout in. The only down side, he is a Warriors fan ;).

Expérience fantastique: Equipment: 22 squat racks, extra barbells, loads of plates, sufficient cardio machines (about 15), tons of dumbbells up to 100lbs, kettlebells up to 50lbs, a whole batting cage, and a turf 6x60 foot runway and very spacious inside the gym floor. The flooring is very grippy and most of the equipment is kept clean except for sometimes the medicine balls are worn out but still usable. Price: Its a limited contract membership (30 day grace period for cancellations) which is great. Just remember to actually confirm you are cancelling by giving them proof through e-mail to cancel, not just asking the front desk For students its $50 a month and for regular members its around $60 I believe. There is a $25 bi-annual facility improvement fee. There is an initiation fee which I believe was somewhere around $50 to $80 but I cant remember. That basically just includes a free personal training sessions with one of the trainers Personal Training: I am not sure, I am more of a independent type of gym goer, so I would look at other reviews for that one. What I did notice while in the gym that all the trainers were very lively and happy to accommodate any needs a person may have. They seem to work within your capabilities and not make you do things that have little benefit or could possibly do harm. Environment: The atmosphere is good. The speaker system just got updated but it kind of projects towards only one side of the gym. At least the music they play is gym worthy in my opinion (pop, hip-hop, edm). The times I go which is around 4:30 pm on weekdays and in the afternoon on weekends have few people in the gym. At most, there has probably only been around 20-24 people max at one time. And since there is only 22 squat racks and a limited number of machines otherwise, that makes sense. The gym-goers are friendly and nobody really seems to judge anyone which makes it easy to focus on my personal goals. Also, you can drop the weights and nobody will care because 95% of the plates are bumpers. Just try not to grunt too loud because people will care about that. Bathrooms/Changerooms: There are 2 pretty tiny washrooms. And the bigger one is kind of worn down. There is a shower in one of the washrooms but I would not be using it anytime soon and the toilet has a water leakage beside it I think... (there is always a puddle of water underneath the trash can beside the toilet sooo). If you can, try and come to the gym changed and ready to go. If that is not possible, try and use the bathroom on the south side of the gym, it is nicer but smaller. Gym Hours are decent. I mean, if you work a standard work schedule during the day, there should be no issues. However, someone who can only workout late at night (10pm or later) or early in the morning (6 am or earlier) would want to find a different place. There are not really any amenities. But they are in the same building as East Vancouver Sports and Rehabilitation Clinic. I have heard only great things about that clinic, so give them a try while you are at it. Travail also runs out of the batting cage attached to the gym. Good luck finding a time where the batting cage is not being used by them. Luckily that is why the main gym has a very long turf runway for any movements your heart desires. This gym is place where you come to focus for 60-90 minutes, do a workout, and leave. But for some people like myself, I do not mind that. The booking system is not the best. However, if you can manage to book the day before, it will make everything easier. Some racks seem to always be taken because of persona trainers. If you want a rack 90% of the time, look for numbers #18-22 because they are have less features than the other ones, but do the job well enough. Overall this gym is very detail oriented and they genuinely care about their customers well-being and health. If there are two things they could do better, it would be updating their washrooms and possibly getting more of those northern lights bumper plates instead of the yorks because the yorks take up a LOT of space on the barbells.

Expérience fantastique: Good place for real athletes. One day I met there Brenden Dillon (NHL).

Expérience négative: Great gym, horrible administration. I used this gym for months, even befriended some of the staff. When I went to cancel my membership because I was moving they told me it was done. But surprise surprise they charged me for 2 more months because I hadn't sent an email. Moral of the story, send an email if you want to cancel the account, otherwise they will screw you over.

Expérience négative: Really good gym, the staff is friendly. Really! But..! The APP for booking is a complete garbage. It was the reason i left this gym. Just couldn't bear it anymore...

Expérience fantastique: great gym and friendly staff. very spacious and pleasant ambience. highly recommended!

Expérience fantastique: Awesome gym with 20 squat racks, staff is great - special shout out to Katie she is awesome! Also fantastic physio here, Justin Mazzai helped me so much pre and post ACL surgery. 5 minute walk from Renfrew station as well, highly recommend this gym.

Expérience fantastique: Great place to work out.

Expérience négative: The gym is amazing.... The app you use to book is awful. You have to go through and try and book each rack before you can see what time it's available. Instead of picking what time you want to go, and seeing what's available. Spend more time trying to get a rack booked than I do working out. Until it's fixed I can't recommend getting a membership here and I will probably cancel because it doesn't seem like they're going to fix it.

Expérience fantastique: Not a gym, a proper S&C facility! Calling it a gym is an insult to this AMAZING facility.

Expérience fantastique: Prime facility, very friendly staff

Expérience fantastique: LOVE THIS GYM!! Great owner! See him every time we go in. They are very safe during this hard time! The owner asks everyone questions in regards to COVID to make sure his business stays safe! The staff are awesome! And the gym it self is great! There are tons of racks and enough space to do any kind of workout! My brother and I go 4-5 times a week and it’s always a great time! Definitely recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expérience fantastique: Clean organized and one of the best gyms around! We're visiting family from out of town and their monthly price is perfect for a gym away from home.

Expérience fantastique: Love that you can book an appointment thru the app and have a rack all to yourself for the allotted time! Lots of space and distancing which is great.

Expérience positive: Excellent gym. Everything is new, well maintained, and clean. Could use a little bit more airflow on the hot day in the summer.

Expérience fantastique: Been to plenty of gyms in my day- no need to try any more. This place is well set up, has ton of room, and has 20 something squat racks so not issues there. Dean and his team are very friendly and helpful and I've been impressed with the measures taken to keep things worry free during COVID.

Expérience fantastique: good value for the price

Expérience fantastique: I’m soooooo close to converting...I just need to ask the staff some questions first. Love this place, it’s a like a play place for everyone at every age. The possibilities are ENDLESS!

Expérience fantastique: The coaches are great!

Expérience positive: We attend for baseball training and the facility, though a little tight, is well utilized by the coaches. Place is always clean.

Expérience fantastique: I did my pre season training there, first class facility with trainers that have a wealth of knowledge that suits your every need. For me and training for my sport of lacrosse it was important that I have a place to work on my stick skills as well as shoot the ball, EOA has it all!! and is a one stop shop for all sports and all levels of sport. If you are an regular person / elite Athlete / young sport enthusiast or just a regular person looking to better yourself or chosen sport I highly recommend coach Neumann & the rest of his colleagues at EOA.

Expérience fantastique: EOA is a great fitness center. The staff is friendly and helpful, the trainers are enthusiastic and respectful, and the space is incredible. The space is full of squat racks and free weights, not very many machines. Everyone working out there seems to be doing so with a purpose or goal in mind. There's no judgement, everyone is so focused on themselves that you can go and get your workout in without being bothered. There is lots of space for just about any type of workout you want to run and the classes look challenging. This is a great facility to come to and help yourself achieve your fitness goals.

Expérience fantastique: This place is the real deal. Infectious energy, high performing staff and a one of a kind space. Make the call for yourself with a free week trial.

Expérience fantastique: EOA is great! I have been truly enjoying training with these folks over the last several years and have noticed a drop in my sport related injuries since I joined. The gym is spacious and well equipped. Jack is an awesome coach who really cares about getting us strong, fast and springy :)

Expérience fantastique: Being a high level athlete, having the right facility with the right trainers is an absolute must. Essentials of Athletics has just that. The gym itself is spacious, clean, up to date, and has no shortage of equipment regardless of how busy it gets. As for the trainers, each one of them is knowledgeable about what they are doing and enthusiastic about the training. They always have a smile on their face, are ready to answer any questions, and gives advice where it is needed. Thank you EOA for bringing my game to the next level!

Expérience fantastique: This is by far the best the best place to train/workout. Everyone who works there will treat you like you’ve known them for years. If your looking to take your athletic ability to the next level I highly recommend coming here.

Expérience négative: We used to enjoy training at this facility. But I agree with another reviewer that the administration is terrible.

Expérience fantastique: Josh is a fantastic trainer . I have never been this strong and lifted more in my life . He works methodically and able to focus on every body movement to ensure maximum growth . He an excellent motivator with gentle but unyielding, extremely positive encouragement. Bottom line , go see him and it will change your life !

Expérience fantastique: Hands down the best gym I have been to, is has a great atmosphere to workout in and there is never a shortage of equipment. The trainers that work there at amazing. You can’t get a better gym for the price.

Expérience fantastique: My absolute favourite place to workout in Vancouver! Best facility and trainers. Currently working out with josh to get ready for college baseball and he’s the real deal. Already seeing my speed increase. I would highly recommend EOA to absolutely everyone.

Expérience fantastique: Hands down the best training facility you'll find

Expérience fantastique: Since moving back from California to Vancouver two years ago, I had not been able to get into a good routine of working out. I then sprained my ankle and felt even more hopeless. My mom had been raving about her trainers at Essentials of Athletics and I finally agreed to try it. I felt intimidated walking into the gym but immediately was welcomed and greeted so warmly that I felt a part of the team before I had even began working out. Jack assured me that we would ease into things and took the time to assess that my feet needed strengthening first. Over the next few weeks, he got me to the point where I not only felt confident sprinting but was enjoying it. He helped me develop a new relationship with exercise, where I felt excited to go for a run, outside of our sessions ( I have always hated running). He makes fitness approachable and accessible and I am so grateful to be working with him. Not to mention his explanations of how to do things as well as why we do them is on point. My mom, sisters and I have trained with Sean, Josh and Jack and anytime I see any of them, whether I am training with them or not, they always genuinely say hi to me and catch up. I look forward to going to Essentials of Athletics every week because I know I am getting a lifetime of knowledge on how to properly do things I never thought I could (pull-ups) and gaining confidence that is priceless. This is more of a letter of gratitude to Essentials of Athletics, thank you for existing, you are well worth the price!

Expérience fantastique: Remember what it was like to quickly jump out of the car or run up the steps? If you are recovering from an injury or simply trying to get back into shape, Essentials of Athletics is definitely the place for you! As the owner of a dance studio Boogaloo Academy, I employ exceptional teachers who are at the top of their field. I have very high expectations about the quality of education we provide to our students, and that applies to the qualities I expect from my personal trainer. Jack Zhao is exactly that! Thanks to Jack’s expertise, his meticulous, thoughtful and caring manner; which includes consulting with Robbi,(the outstanding physiotherapist on the premises) I am recovering. Essentials of Athletics motto of ‘challenging you to be better than you were yesterday’ has happened for me, and it will happen for you. I most highly recommend Essentials of Athletics as I have to all my family and friends. They join me in saying, “What an incredible difference coming here has made to our lives! Thank you!

Expérience fantastique: I'm glad I have found such a great gym with friendly, helpful coaches. I have a lot of fun when I go there.

Expérience fantastique: Amazing facility and coaching staff!

Expérience fantastique: So I love this place! I have worked with the coaches at EOA for the past 4 years (Sean and Jack in particular, although everyone there is amazing!). As a competitive ultrarunner, I initially started training with them to develop a more solid foundation and prevent injuries, but what amazes me is that even after four years I've barely scratched the surface of their knowledge base. All the coaches are kinesiologists, and training in a private session is like being in class. It's one thing to just have an exercise routine that you do "because", but to actually learn to understand your body mechanics and how to optimize them is what takes EOA training to the next level. Also, their brand new facility in east van is gorgeous and HUGE, with an indoor turf track for as many sprints as my heart desires. They also share the space with their sister facility, the East Van Sports and Rehab clinic, which means that when you see a physio there they can walk into the gym with you and tell the trainers exactly what you need to work on... it's a pretty awesome combo.

Expérience fantastique: This place is awesome!! Massive space to train and rehab in my case. My coach Damian has brought me back to life after a recent injury and taking a training hiatus after 2 kids. Coming from a very competitive sports background with previous training experience, I thought I wouldn’t need a personal coach/trainer but I’ve learnt so much on how to properly train to maximize every exercise. It’s such a benefit to be surrounded by educated and caring people who really care about making sure you and your body are in tune. The combination of rehab with Robbi, and Performance coaching with Damian is starting to get me back on track! I highly recommend this place to anyone and everyone, they’ll totally take care of you

Expérience fantastique: This gym has it all! From the sprint track, to the 3000 square foot turf field, to the 21 squat racks this gym allows me to do everything I need and train the way i need for athletic and rehab purposes. Having worked with all of the strength coaches I trust everyone one of them, whether your injured, in a rut, or have performance needs this space is the place to be.

Expérience fantastique: This is a great facility with lots of space and lots of weights rack (and a whole bunch of other equipment). The coaches are really supportive and they know their stuff. Whether you're looking for fitness classes or a gym I recommend checking out EOA.

Expérience fantastique: Amazingly large space with lots of equipment. Educated coaches who are enthusiastic about their work. Super positive, friendly atmosphere with a wide variety of athletes training out of this facility. I have been training with Josh Neumann on a weekly basis for just over a year now and could not be more pleased with what we have been able to accomplish!! Love coming to train here. Highly recommend!

Expérience fantastique: I have been involved with sports throughout my whole life, playing at a high level in hockey brought me to many different gyms and training facilities over the years. I can confidently say that Essentials of Athletics is by far the best gym I have gone to. It provides you with many different workout options that you may want to do, the equipment is all new and top of the line, staff is very friendly and will to assist you with any questions you may have about an exercise. For the past month that I have been going here I leave the gym feeling that I have worked my body to the fullest, and that’s a feeling I haven’t been able to reach since I stopped playing competitive hockey years ago.

Expérience fantastique: I am not a national nor professional athlete and I am not a player of sports, (although I yearn for that and will). However, I am a human who thrives on human optimization and functionalism. I am a person whom appreciates compassion, smiles, comfortability, fun, progress, push, warmth et cetera. What lies between those walls: the ground, the space within, the high ceilings, the people who work there but also change lives. I feel lucky everyday knowing that I have the best trainer whom I've ever had in my life, (Josh), also knowing that everyone else who works there makes me feel like a friend. It is one of my havens. I am lucky, I am lucky. They are phenomenal, they are phenomenal. BIG gratitude to all. x

Expérience fantastique: I can't say enough good things about this place. Such a great facility, awesome equipment, super spacious, but most importantly, the trainers are super knowledgable and really care about your progress and fitness goals. Having just finished our first 8 week group session, I feel stronger and am so happy to have made the move to EOA.

Expérience fantastique: Everything about this place is amazing. The equipment, the atmosphere, the sense of comradery that develops amongst the clients, and especially the coaches. Can’t recommend it enough.

Expérience fantastique: Great place and better people! This will be my go-to whenever I’m in Vancouver!

Expérience fantastique: I have been training here since 2015. I have never found a place with more community, excellent training, researched based technique, individualized programming and wonderful people. This community of trainers have put me back together after three pregnancies and have given me the strength to live pain free; with the skill and ability to be able to do pretty much anything that I want in the athletic spectrum. Highly, highly recommend this place.

Expérience fantastique: Love this place! As a national team athlete, this is my favourite gym to hit up when I’m home between competitions. Plenty of space, and all of the equipment I could ask for. The staff is awesome too, especially my favourite trainer, Alex.

Expérience fantastique: The trainers here are of the highest quality - they are patient, friendly and gives useful advice. Also, an added bonus is that there is a huge artificial turf area where you can work on sport specific technical skills. The whole facility is super clean and nice, a close walk from a nearby skytrain station.

Expérience fantastique: The training experience over the past 5 weeks has been outstanding and directly focused on the athlete. The staff is very enthusiastic, authentic, and helpful at every turn. The coaching staff will develop a good athlete into a great athlete.

Expérience fantastique: Damian is a great trainer and coach. He puts together programs specifically designed for your goals. The space and equipment at EOA is top notch.

Expérience fantastique: The facility is amazing and staff is very professional, personable and extremely knowledgeable. I reconnected with Josh 3 years ago and he completely changed my outlook on what your body needs to do to function at its best. Now that they have added an entire facility for rehabilitation, rmt, physio, and more, they can treat, cure, and get you ready to achieve your goals. They work together to make sure you are completely taken care of. Robbi treated my injuries and helped me recover much quicker. Thankful to have met this group and highly recommended.

Expérience fantastique: Great staff, great equipment and great atmosphere. The staff are some of the most knowledgeable that I've come across. This place is basically a serious athletes dream. With physio and rmt services right on site, a million squat racks and turf there really isn't anything more you could ask for!

Expérience fantastique: Great new location. Been working out with these trainers for several years. They just moved to a new location and the new space is amazing. Very professional and the trainers are always adding something new to their workouts. They have excellent group classes or 1on 1 sessions. Would highly recommend any of there trainers.

Expérience fantastique: Great gym, lots of space, friendly staff, good programs. Best gym I’ve ever been to.

Expérience fantastique: This gym is amazing. Great location, and lots of parking. There are classes for every level of training. The coaches are knowledgeable and actually care about your overall fitness goals. They will work closely with you to achieve your goals. If you are looking for a new gym, this one is for you.

Expérience fantastique: Awesome facility with indoor turf and great coaches. Perfect choice if you don't want the rain and snow to get in the way of speed and quickness training.

Expérience fantastique: Friendly personal trainers and a fantastic gym facility.

Expérience fantastique: I’ve been going to this gym for about 18 months. I originally started training there to overcome 2 slipped discs in my back. It’s been a long process but they have helped me recover. It’s got a great vibe around it. I would highly recommend this gym.

Expérience fantastique: Professional and knowledgeable professional trainers at a great facility. They have really improved my overall fitness after working with them for 2 years

Expérience fantastique: Fantastic and highly knowledgeable trainers who really care about your development. Group classes are a great workout. Not just for athletes - they’ve created a space and community that makes it comfortable for those coming back from injury and people new to the gym.

Expérience fantastique: Super awesome gym! Great for athletes or anyone who's looking to lift weights without the CrossFit side of things.

Expérience fantastique: Best gym, personal trainers and group fitness classes in Vancouver.