Raw, Uncut,

Back to Basics

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Raw, Uncut, Back to Basics

"The Yard" is an elite training facility in Vancouver, BC, where professional athletes, business executives and your modern day Waylon Jennings' "Ramblin' Man" alike are all welcome. This is raw, uncut, back to basics training. Our coaching staff will provide the expertise, passion, commitment and genuine enthusiasm to improve your performance and overall well-being on the field, in the boardroom or on the dance floor. Using systematic, science-based training methods, Yard Athletics aims to be your home turf for a customized strength and conditioning environment fuelled by hard work, harder hitting beats and relentless tenacity in the pursuit of excellence.

There is no one size fits all, 24 hour fix, short term investment for long term gain. It is a journey; you are the driver and we are the vehicle. If you commit yourself to us, we will commit ourselves to you. We provide you with the tools necessary to hit the nail on the head…

Yard Hard

Come in and have some fun with our strength and conditioning sessions! Book your free consultation with us TODAY and get a taste of The Yard community.
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The Workouts

Testimonials

The At Home Dumbbell Program and the group classes... have become an unexpected highlight of my week during the pandemic, and your approach and attitude is a big part of it.

I'm a Masters Swimmer, and my team went back into the pool this week. ... Not only did I swim 17KM this week, I managed to swim 100m freestyle repeats at a 1:30 pacetime. Not only is that fast, that's exactly where I was in March 2020 when we shut down. Nothing's changed. I'm stunned.

Thank you for providing me an outlet to test myself, try new things, occasionally make a fool of myself, and NOT lose my mind while the world kinda ended.

Y'all are great. Looking forward to seeing you in the studio.

Chris Hallamore

A long time personal goal was to qualify for the Boston Marathon. After completing 10 marathons and with gradually slower times, I figured my fastest races were behind me. Shortly after working with Ilan and Sam I ran a qualifying time in Chicago in 2016, much credit due to the tailored regimen they put me through.

Marty McNish
34, Portfolio Manager

I decided to go into the Yard after quite a while out of the gym and lifting weights. And it was one of the best decisions I have come to make. Not only were Ilan, Joce and Sam extremely open and welcoming they have helped me regain confidence and lift weights heavier than ever before. Each one of them knows what they are talking about and will do everything they can to help you achieve any/all of your goals.

Not only has Yard athletics and it’s incredible staff given me back my excitement for the gym they have also given me an incredible and diverse community to be a part of. Couldn’t recommend any place better to start hitting those goals.

Delaney MacNeil
21, Student

I started going to Yard about 2 years ago when I was looking for a new gym and trainer to help me achieve my fitness goals. After my first session with Ilan, I was hooked. Since then I have trained with most of the trainers there and I can honestly say each of them truly care about their clients. They listened to my goals and carefully crafted each session so I can achieve my goals without once making me feel defeated or intimidated. The trainers will also push you outside of your comfort zone, work on your weaknesses, and kick your behind into gear. Don't hesitate to sign up and uplift your fitness journey to the next level.

Disclaimer, going up the stairs after a session will suck! But well worth every step =).

Pei Chai
37, Yoga Instructor

Yard Athletics is the best personal training gym that I've experienced in my 20 years of working with a trainer. After having worked under many trainers and "strength and conditioning coaches" during my time playing national level rugby, I can confidently say that the group of professionals at Yard are some of the best in the business.

Ilan and his team are professional, organized, reliable and fun to be around. Additionally, the technical expertise and attention to detail has been critical in allowing me to reach new heights in my training and overall fitness. This formula is unique and makes coming to the gym and working hard a pleasure.

Lastly, they have the best "merch" in the game!

Mike MacKay
Development

I started with Ilan and the crew at The Yard to build back my confidence in the gym and pushing weights after coming back from injury. The team is knowledgeable to work with me and help push my goals through the past year. Successfully pain free workouts and now looking for more top spots on the leaderboards. Always look forward for my sessions and the dynamic workouts.

Katie Grudzinski
37, Operations Manager

I don’t always hit the yard, but when I do, I know I’m going to get an incredible level of service, attention and coaching. Every team member cares about giving their clients the best workout they can, and the positive atmosphere adds great energy to each circuit.

Dane Stevens
29, Owner, Cavalier Gastown

I worked out with Ilan aka BIG MAN & Sam at their previous gym. When the Big Man opened Yard I followed him. Yards workouts are precise, greuling and specific. There is no time wasted talking about the weekend, or the hockey game. You can feel and see the results.

John Clerides
62, Owner Marquis Wine Cellars & Numbers Cabaret

Just finished a 12 week "HIIT" program at Yard Athletics. I'm very pleased with the experience and results. I have trained for decades in the "old school" style, 5x5 or 5,3,1 compound lifting and some hill work. Ilan Cumberbirch designed a "high intensity interval training" program for me. I worked out three times a week with Ilan and another Yard trainer, Sam Shaw. The challenge for them was to teach an "old dog" new tricks and convince me that this approach had merit. I had never worked with personal trainers in the past. They did an incredible job demonstrating the various exercises and more importantly, motivating me every session (and listening to me babble on about how we did it in the old days). Results: i lost three inches in the waist and have increased my overall strength and range of motion in many movements.

I highly recommend Yard Athletics.

John Kapp
Commercial Fisherman

After my back surgery in 2013, I was always hesitant of the things I was doing in the gym. My back hasn’t felt this stable in a very long time since working out with Ilan.

Brody Toigo
30, Commercial Banking
Ilan's ability to customize my workouts and accommodate my physical limitations has been great. His approach is technical; he is a problem solver and results driven. He is truly dedicated to his craft and his clients, and he is always on time. I'm a busy guy; time is precious.
Chip Wilson
63, Entrepreneur
I had the opportunity and benefit to train with Ilan for a few summers during my playing career. I found incredible results and growth in my physical performance from the weight training sessions to SAQ and sprint workouts that He put me through.
Ilan’s ability to change up and create new individualized daily workouts along with his energy and enthusiasm made coming to the gym fun.
I would recommend Ilan to anyone from professional athlete to weekend warrior or anyone looking to get a good sweat.
Manny Malhotra - NHL

Thanks Ilan for all the training before the bubble. I had a great experience working with you and your team before the bubble playoffs in 2020. I got stronger and felt great on the ice during the playoffs. Thanks again bro.

Chris Tanev - NHL
I began training at The Yard during the off-season with Ilan, Nick and Matt. They created a great personal development program specifically to improve my power and speed.
After a couple of weeks of training I felt huge differences on the pitch. There is a great atmosphere in the gym and each and every training is as enjoyable as it is beneficial to performance.
Would highly recommend any athlete looking to take the next step to come visit The Yard!
Ryan Gauld - Vancouver Whitecaps

I have worked with Ilan for over 9 years, both as a business partner and as an athlete. Ilan has done an outstanding job developing his training knowledge and building comprehensive programs to work with a range of athletes, from young amateurs to NHL professionals. His off-season programs are very detailed and are broken down into four major phases, each of which are of equal importance. He can adapt any of his programs to each athlete’s age, development level, and injury history. For the professional athletes, he builds a strong base of strength and functional movement first and then adds a strength and power phase. These elements allow them to build their athletic ability and also to handle the intense demands of their season.

Ilan has built a state of the art facility for Yard Athletics. Athletes have access to the best equipment available today and are surrounded by a passionate and knowledgeable staff of trainers. Yard has an energy level that is unmatched in Vancouver and I would recommend it to any current athlete.

Jeff Tambellini
The experience was refreshing, the exercises were functional and the program was suited to what we needed. The atmosphere was cool because people were there to work.  Everyone was very welcoming and introduced themselves right away. Definitely, a place I wanna be back at.
Alex Kannok - Leipert - Abbotsford Canucks

Training at The Yard has been hugely beneficial during my rugby off-season in order to make gains to my strength/power and properly prepare for next year. The gym is super well-equipped for all types of training and there’s always great energy in there (+ sweet merch). Couldn’t recommend a better place to get a sweat on. 

Lucky to have found this high quality space to train with such friendly and professional staff. Has everything I need to push me forward in my international rugby career. Always look forward to getting a session in at the Yard!
Lucas Rumball & Ben Lesage - Rugby Canada

The At Home Dumbbell Program and the group classes... have become an unexpected highlight of my week during the pandemic, and your approach and attitude is a big part of it.

I'm a Masters Swimmer, and my team went back into the pool this week. ... Not only did I swim 17KM this week, I managed to swim 100m freestyle repeats at a 1:30 pacetime. Not only is that fast, that's exactly where I was in March 2020 when we shut down. Nothing's changed. I'm stunned.

Thank you for providing me an outlet to test myself, try new things, occasionally make a fool of myself, and NOT lose my mind while the world kinda ended.

Y'all are great. Looking forward to seeing you in the studio.

Chris Hallamore
34, Portfolio Manager

A long time personal goal was to qualify for the Boston Marathon. After completing 10 marathons and with gradually slower times, I figured my fastest races were behind me. Shortly after working with Ilan and Sam I ran a qualifying time in Chicago in 2016, much credit due to the tailored regimen they put me through.

Marty McNish
34, Portfolio Manager

I decided to go into the Yard after quite a while out of the gym and lifting weights. And it was one of the best decisions I have come to make. Not only were Ilan, Joce and Sam extremely open and welcoming they have helped me regain confidence and lift weights heavier than ever before. Each one of them knows what they are talking about and will do everything they can to help you achieve any/all of your goals.

Not only has Yard athletics and it’s incredible staff given me back my excitement for the gym they have also given me an incredible and diverse community to be a part of. Couldn’t recommend any place better to start hitting those goals.

Delaney MacNeil
21, Student

I started going to Yard about 2 years ago when I was looking for a new gym and trainer to help me achieve my fitness goals. After my first session with Ilan, I was hooked. Since then I have trained with most of the trainers there and I can honestly say each of them truly care about their clients. They listened to my goals and carefully crafted each session so I can achieve my goals without once making me feel defeated or intimidated. The trainers will also push you outside of your comfort zone, work on your weaknesses, and kick your behind into gear. Don't hesitate to sign up and uplift your fitness journey to the next level.

Disclaimer, going up the stairs after a session will suck! But well worth every step =).

Pei Chai
37, Yoga Instructor

Yard Athletics is the best personal training gym that I've experienced in my 20 years of working with a trainer. After having worked under many trainers and "strength and conditioning coaches" during my time playing national level rugby, I can confidently say that the group of professionals at Yard are some of the best in the business.

Ilan and his team are professional, organized, reliable and fun to be around. Additionally, the technical expertise and attention to detail has been critical in allowing me to reach new heights in my training and overall fitness. This formula is unique and makes coming to the gym and working hard a pleasure.

Lastly, they have the best "merch" in the game!

Mike MacKay
Development

I started with Ilan and the crew at The Yard to build back my confidence in the gym and pushing weights after coming back from injury. The team is knowledgeable to work with me and help push my goals through the past year. Successfully pain free workouts and now looking for more top spots on the leaderboards. Always look forward for my sessions and the dynamic workouts.

Katie Grudzinski
37, Operations Manager

I don’t always hit the yard, but when I do, I know I’m going to get an incredible level of service, attention and coaching. Every team member cares about giving their clients the best workout they can, and the positive atmosphere adds great energy to each circuit.

Dane Stevens
29, Owner, Cavalier Gastown

I worked out with Ilan aka BIG MAN & Sam at their previous gym. When the Big Man opened Yard I followed him. Yards workouts are precise, greuling and specific. There is no time wasted talking about the weekend, or the hockey game. You can feel and see the results.

John Clerides
62, Owner Marquis Wine Cellars & Numbers Cabaret

Just finished a 12 week "HIIT" program at Yard Athletics. I'm very pleased with the experience and results. I have trained for decades in the "old school" style, 5x5 or 5,3,1 compound lifting and some hill work. Ilan Cumberbirch designed a "high intensity interval training" program for me. I worked out three times a week with Ilan and another Yard trainer, Sam Shaw. The challenge for them was to teach an "old dog" new tricks and convince me that this approach had merit. I had never worked with personal trainers in the past. They did an incredible job demonstrating the various exercises and more importantly, motivating me every session (and listening to me babble on about how we did it in the old days). Results: i lost three inches in the waist and have increased my overall strength and range of motion in many movements.

I highly recommend Yard Athletics.

John Kapp
Commercial Fisherman

After my back surgery in 2013, I was always hesitant of the things I was doing in the gym. My back hasn’t felt this stable in a very long time since working out with Ilan.

Brody Toigo
30, Commercial Banking
Ilan's ability to customize my workouts and accommodate my physical limitations has been great. His approach is technical; he is a problem solver and results driven. He is truly dedicated to his craft and his clients, and he is always on time. I'm a busy guy; time is precious.
Chip Wilson
63, Entrepreneur

I had the opportunity and benefit to train with Ilan for a few summers during my playing career. I found incredible results and growth in my physical performance from the weight training sessions to SAQ and sprint workouts that He put me through.

Ilan’s ability to change up and create new individualized daily workouts along with his energy and enthusiasm made coming to the gym fun.

I would recommend Ilan to anyone from professional athlete to weekend warrior or anyone looking to get a good sweat.

Manny Malhotra
NHL

Thanks Ilan for all the training before the bubble. I had a great experience working with you and your team before the bubble playoffs in 2020. I got stronger and felt great on the ice during the playoffs. Thanks again bro.

Chris Tanev
NHL

I began training at The Yard during the off-season with Ilan, Nick and Matt. They created a great personal development program specifically to improve my power and speed.

After a couple of weeks of training I felt huge differences on the pitch. There is a great atmosphere in the gym and each and every training is as enjoyable as it is beneficial to performance.

Would highly recommend any athlete looking to take the next step to come visit The Yard!

Ryan Gauld
Vancouver Whitecaps

I have worked with Ilan for over 9 years, both as a business partner and as an athlete. Ilan has done an outstanding job developing his training knowledge and building comprehensive programs to work with a range of athletes, from young amateurs to NHL professionals. His off-season programs are very detailed and are broken down into four major phases, each of which are of equal importance. He can adapt any of his programs to each athlete’s age, development level, and injury history. For the professional athletes, he builds a strong base of strength and functional movement first and then adds a strength and power phase. These elements allow them to build their athletic ability and also to handle the intense demands of their season.

Ilan has built a state of the art facility for Yard Athletics. Athletes have access to the best equipment available today and are surrounded by a passionate and knowledgeable staff of trainers. Yard has an energy level that is unmatched in Vancouver and I would recommend it to any current athlete.

Jeff Tambellini
The experience was refreshing, the exercises were functional and the program was suited to what we needed. The atmosphere was cool because people were there to work.  Everyone was very welcoming and introduced themselves right away. Definitely, a place I wanna be back at.
Alex Kannok-Leipert
Rugby Canada

Training at The Yard has been hugely beneficial during my rugby off-season in order to make gains to my strength/power and properly prepare for next year. The gym is super well-equipped for all types of training and there’s always great energy in there (+ sweet merch). Couldn’t recommend a better place to get a sweat on.

Lucky to have found this high quality space to train with such friendly and professional staff. Has everything I need to push me forward in my international rugby career. Always look forward to getting a session in at the Yard!

Lucas Rumball & Ben Lesage
Rugby Canada

Press & Media

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