The Yard FAQs
You've got questions and we've got answers. Take a look below at some of the most frequently asked questions about Yard Athletics.
If you can't find the answer to what you are looking for, feel free to contact us.
TRAINING AT YARD
Prior training experience is beneficial before attending a Small Group Training session. If you are new to training, our Introductory 3 Session 1:1 Personal Training Trial for $190 is a cost effective way to build a foundation and gain confidence weight training before your first Small Group Personal Training session!
Anything is better than nothing, however we recommend 3+ days a week to see the most progress!
Yard Athletics delivers approachable, effective, back to basics strength & conditioning. We cater to all experience levels from beginners to professional athletes. Collectively, our coaching staff has nearly 100 years of combined coaching experience, working in a breadth of realms within the fitness industry, with all client types. Our training philosophy is simple, scientifically proven, and systematic in approach; so as to ensure appropriate progression. We are dedicated to making Yard Athletics a home away from home for our community. We care about your health and fitness goals and take pride in the product we deliver to help achieve them.
We are typically busiest in the facility during peak training hours, which include: 6am-8am, 12pm-1pm, 5pm-7pm. If you are looking to join a Small Group Training class, the registration numbers can be viewed on our Yard Athletics mobile app!
You can read all of our coach’s bios HERE to gauge who is the best fit for you. Book an in person consultation with any of our coaches, or book training sessions with multiple coaches and see who’s style works best for you! Our coaching staff is in constant communication regarding our clientele so as to ensure appropriate progression through your training program in the event you work with multiple coaches.
Yes! We offer Small Group Training for up to 16 people. This offering is provided 6 days per week with both morning, midday, and afternoon/evening options. Check out our schedule HERE!
Yes! 2:1 Personal Training Sessions can be booked HERE. We recommend our 3 Session 2:1 Personal Training Trial as it allows you the opportunity to see if this type of training is the right fit at a highly discounted rate. It is important to note that training partners are not provided for 2:1 Personal Training and all clients must purchase their own pricing option!
If your desire is to increase fat free muscle mass, and gain weight, this is achievable. If that is not your objective, it is completely avoidable while following a consistent weight training protocol. There are multiple factors that go into increasing fat free muscle mass. Nutrition habits, sleep quality and stress management are larger variables. Additionally, the intensity, frequency, and duration of training history will dictate the amount of fat free muscle mass which you accumulate over your training career. Strength training 3x/week will not result in excessively abnormal physical adaptations.
If your focus is to increase the musculature of your traps, this can be achieved. However, excessive physical adaptation of your traps will NOT be one of the major adaptations which you experience as a byproduct of a well programmed, full body strength training program similar to those implemented at Yard Athletics.
Training attire, clean training shoes (not your outdoor shoes please!) , a water bottle, and a phone if you wish to utilize our training app TeamBuildr to record and track your progress. We provide a complimentary towel service and 2 water filters are located within the facility. Be sure to come with an open mindset, willingness to learn, have fun, and achieve your goals!
YES! All of our Small Group Training classes have a waitlist function. If a class is full, feel free to join the waitlist. Waitlist members will be automatically added to classes as capacity becomes available up to 12 hours prior to the scheduled class time. In the event openings arise within 12 hours, we will reach out to you to inquire if you would like to be added to said class. You are also welcome to come to the facility, or get in contact with us via phone or email prior to the session to see if last minute openings arise. Ensure that you have all text and email notifications turned on your MindBody profile so that you do not miss any notifications regarding having been added from the waitlist.
Our Small Group Training sessions are a taste of what you can experience at Yard Athletics. These intimate groups of up to 16 participants allow for detail-oriented coaching and structured programming in every training session. Whether you are new to weight training, an ex-crossfitter, or a professional athlete looking to remain in-game shape, these are an excellent and economical option for all.
The Bone Yard is our bread and butter, and the foundation of what Yard Athletics was built on. Working through various planes of motion, these workouts consist of 2-3 full body complexes followed by conditioning. Our coaches will lead you through variations of the squat, hip hinge, pressing and rowing patterns. All experience levels are welcome and modifications can be made to suit your needs.
We do not offer a beginner’s class for weight training. However, if you are interested in joining our Small Group Training sessions, and do not have prior weight training experience, we suggest taking advantage of our 3 Session 1:1 Personal Training Trial in order to get comfortable, confident and up to speed on everything involved in our classes!
You bet! If they attend with you, their first class is complimentary. We do have a reward-based referral program as well! All you need to do is turn on your Mindbody notifications, follow the referral program requirements sent via email and notify your friends to receive money off your next purchase!
Our coaches always ensure you will be guided through proper progressions and regressions in order to perform deadlifts properly. The only time you’ll ever find a movement “hurts” is if it’s performed incorrectly. Deadlift should NOT hurt your back!
If you prefer working out on your own, check out our Open Gym Membership to get exclusive gym access! With this membership, you can secure your access to training space and equipment by selecting a time from our available Open Gym slots. Click HERE for more information! Also, be sure to check out our Yard Online Training Series if you require a training program, designed by our coaching staff to follow!
Depending on which service offering and pricing model you choose to proceed with, memberships are NOT mandatory. We do NOT require memberships for our 1:1 Personal Training Services, these operate on a package based pricing model which can be found HERE.
Upon arrival at The Yard, there will be coaching staff present. You can likely expect to be greeted by all staff members, directed to our change/locker rooms if need be, and then you can wait near our lockers prior to your scheduled appointment. If the gym is not too busy, you are welcome to warm up in some open space prior to beginning.
Yard Athletics focuses on fundamental, back to basics, strength & conditioning. Technique and form is of the utmost importance to us. Once an individual has mastered the fundamental human movement patterns and established strong motor competencies, we can then begin to increase intensity, volume, frequency and variation in order to see further progress.
We have worked with Olympians, beginners, senior citizens, youth, rehabilitation clients, pre and post natal, weekend warriors, and everyone in between. Our approach is individualized and systematic.
NO! We have TONS of individuals that attend our 1:1 Personal Training and Small Group Training sessions who did have any experience prior to working with us. If you are intimidated by it, we suggest our 3 Session 1:1 Personal Training Trial as a good way to get acclimatized to the environment, our coaching staff and the various movement patterns, while learning more about your own limitations, abilities, and where to focus your efforts!
Certainly! Learn more about our coaching staff, their respective background and areas of expertise HERE! Feel free to book a Consultation with any of them to meet in person. We suggest training with a variety of coaches to begin, in order to see who you enjoy working with most!
We have trained individuals as young as 10 Years of age. With that being said, these training sessions are focused a lot more on PLAY! Body awareness, spatial awareness, dexterity and learning how to manage one’s own body in space. There is not a large focus placed on external loads, tracking specific metrics, or achieving improvement in specific physical/athletic traits or skill sets.
FACILITIES
There is street parking located on both Homer and Hamilton street. There is also a parking lot located on the corner of Cambie and Pender.
Yes, we have 4 shower/change rooms available. Each individual shower/change room is equipped with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
Towel service is provided!
We do not provide locks to use at our facility, however, you are more than welcome to bring your own for the duration of your session. No overnight locks are allowed, all lockers must be emptied by the end of the day.
A better and more reliable grip! You will often find that chalk helps increase connectedness with the barbell, whether you are deadlifting or stringing together multiple pull-ups. Additionally, the sweatier you get, the more you’ll find you’ll need chalk!
We are open on Sundays, Yes! Check us out every day of the week to get your training in! You can view our full schedule HERE!
Our regular working hours are:
Sundays: 8 am - 4 pm
Monday-Thursday: 6 am - 8 pm
Fridays: 6 am - 6 pm
Saturdays: 8 am - 5 pm.
You can view our full availability HERE.
YES! We have lockers, changerooms, and coat racks for you to palace your personal belongings. Locks are NOT provided, but you are welcome to bring them.
We supply bodywash, conditioner, shampoo, and soap.
Depending on where you are commuting to or from, Stadium - Chinatown, Granville Station, Burrard Station and Vancouver City Center are nearest Yard Athletics.
Unfortunately we do not at this time.
Yes it is! We have an entryway via the alley for those requiring wheelchair accessibility. Get in touch with us via email or phone in order to notify us of when you will be requiring admittance into our space so that we can assist you in getting in!
Workout attire is required to partake in our training sessions for your own health and safety and those around you. Training shoes with a broad toe box, minimal heel rise, and rigid sole are advisable over a traditional running shoe, or other.
Yes, all of our coaching staff are First Aid/CPR certified, possess valid Personal Training/Strength & Conditioning certifications, and Personal Liability Insurance, amongst other certifications and qualifications. Our AED is valid and operational and lives on site in The Yard. Read more about our Coaching Staff HERE!
BILLING & Sign Up
Yes! We have a branded mobile app that can be downloaded for IOS HERE and on the Google Play store HERE. We recommend all clients download the Yard Athletics mobile app to ensure a seamless booking experience. Book and buy classes and appointments from your mobile device, purchase merchandise, and stay up to date with all things YARD so you don't miss out!
You will first need to create a MindBody account! This is the software we utilize for all of our scheduling and billing. You can do that by downloading our Yard Athletics mobile app HERE! From there, you’re welcome to schedule a Consultation with one of our staff members HERE, or you can take advantage of one of our Trial offers for either Small Group Training, or 1:1 Personal Training. Our Small Group Training schedule can be found HERE!
YES! All of our Small Group Training classes have a waitlist function. If a class is full, feel free to join the waitlist. Waitlist members will be automatically added to classes as capacity becomes available up to 12 hours prior to the scheduled class time. In the event openings arise within 12 hours, we will reach out to you to inquire if you would like to be added to said class. You are also welcome to come to the facility, or get in contact with us via phone or email prior to the session to see if last minute openings arise. Ensure that you have all text and email notifications turned on your MindBody profile so that you do not miss any notifications regarding having been added from the waitlist.
Utilizing your individual MindBody profile, you are able to manipulate your account details, bookings, and purchases. You can cancel bookings via the Yard Athletics mobile app, or desktop platform. HERE is our cancellation policy.
We offer a variety of pricing options for our Small Group Training which can all be found HERE! Our Memberships are our most economical from a cost/session standpoint, and also offer the most flexibility. Members are welcome to change memberships at any time free of charge, in order to increase or decrease frequency to their needs and desires. Additionally, all memberships can be cancelled at any time, at free of charge, by providing 5 business days notice before your next billing cycle. Purchase HERE!
Our 1:1 Personal Training prices can be found HERE! We offer a variety of packages varying in size. Our larger packages offer the greatest per session discount, and all packages have a one year expiration from the date of sale. Purchase HERE!
You can update your billing information directly through your Mindbody profile, either via the Yard Athletics app or desktop login. If you are unsure of your login details, email us at [email protected] and we will resend you your login details. Alternatively, you can email us with “Billing Info Update” in the subject line, or speak to your coach before/after your session to have any information updated on your Mindbody account.
Depending on which service offering and pricing model you choose to proceed with, memberships are NOT mandatory. We do NOT require memberships for our 1:1 Personal Training Services, these operate on a package based pricing model which can be found HERE.
Our Small Group Training service offers a variety of pricing models ranging from single session and 10 Session packages, to monthly Memberships that require no commitment!
You likely attempted to cancel your appointment within our cancellation window. All 1:1 Personal Training appointments require a minimum of 24hrs notice to cancel said bookings. Feel free to email us to inquire. You can view our Cancellation Policy HERE!
POLICY
You bet! If they attend with you, their first class is complimentary. We do have a reward-based referral program as well! All you need to do is turn on your Mindbody notifications, follow the referral program requirements sent via email and notify your friends to receive money off your next purchase!
Depending on which service offering and pricing model you choose to proceed with, memberships are NOT mandatory. We do NOT require memberships for our 1:1 Personal Training Services, these operate on a package based pricing model which can be found HERE.
Our Small Group Training service offers a variety of pricing models ranging from single session and 10 Session packages, to monthly Memberships that require no commitment!
Our Cancellation Policy can be found HERE! 12 hours for Small Group Training and 24 hours for Personal Training. Failure to cancel your booking prior to this time period will result in the loss of a session, or the charging of a single session drop in for the applicable service.