About Us - Jandrix Citadel Fitness | Forge Your Strength, Build Your Fortress

THE BEGINNING

How the Citadel Was Built

Look, I'll be straight with you - I didn't start this place 'cause I read some business book or saw a gap in the market. I started Jandrix Citadel 'cause I was tired of cookie-cutter gyms that didn't give a damn about real results.

Back in 2018, I was training clients out of whatever space I could find - park benches, garage gyms, you name it. Saw too many folks getting burnt out on programs that looked good on Instagram but didn't actually make 'em stronger or healthier. That's when I knew we needed something different here in Vancouver.

The name "Citadel" isn't just some tough-sounding word we threw on the door. It's about building something solid - your body, yeah, but also your confidence and your community. A fortress you can rely on when life gets heavy.

We opened on Powell Street with beat-up equipment and a handful of members who believed in what we were trying to do. Now? We've got a crew that shows up for each other, pushes through tough sessions, and actually enjoys the process. That's the real win.

- Marcus Jandrix, Founder & Head Coach

Our Journey So Far

Every milestone represents the people who trusted us along the way

March 2018

The Doors Open

Started with 800 sq ft, six members, and more dreams than equipment. First week was rough - but everyone showed up.

November 2019

First Competition Team

Took eight members to a regional Olympic lifting meet. Nobody placed first, but everyone PR'd. That's what it's about.

June 2020

Pandemic Pivot

Closed down but didn't quit. Ran outdoor sessions in the rain, programmed home workouts, kept everyone connected through Zoom check-ins.

January 2022

Expansion & Renovation

Doubled our space to 1,600 sq ft. Added proper platforms, more barbells, and a dedicated mobility area. Members helped paint the walls.

September 2023

Nutrition Program Launch

Brought on a registered dietitian 'cause we realized you can't out-train a crap diet. Game changer for our members.

October 2025

Today

Over 200 active members, five full-time coaches, and a community that actually gives a damn. Still learning, still growing.

The Coaching Team

Not just certified - we actually know what we're talking about

Marcus Jandrix

Head Coach & Founder

CSCS USAW Level 2 FMS Certified

Been coaching for 12 years, competing in Olympic lifting for 15. I've thrown my back out, learned the hard way, and figured out how to train smart AND hard. Here to make sure you don't make my mistakes.

Sarah Chen

Strength & Conditioning Coach

CSCS Precision Nutrition L2 Mobility Specialist

Former varsity athlete who got real tired of "no pain, no gain" BS. Focused on sustainable training that doesn't wreck your body. Big believer in mobility work - it's not sexy but it works.

Devon Rodriguez

Olympic Lifting Specialist

USAW Level 2 CSCS Kinesiology Degree

Competed nationally in weightlifting for 8 years. Now I'm all about teaching proper technique so you can lift heavy without getting hurt. Obsessed with good positions and solid foundations.

Jamie Kowalski

HIIT & Conditioning Coach

CPT-NASM CrossFit L2 Kettlebell Certified

Former college soccer player who loves making people suffer (in a good way). My classes are tough but scalable. Don't care if you're a beginner or a beast - you'll get a solid workout.

Dr. Amanda Patel

Nutritional Coach

Registered Dietitian Sports Nutrition MSc Nutrition

Not here to sell you supplements or make you eat chicken and broccoli forever. Real talk about nutrition that fits your life, supports your training, and doesn't make you miserable.

Thomas Wright

Rehab & Mobility Specialist

DPT CSCS Rehab Specialist

Physical therapist who works with athletes getting back from injury. Helped me realize we should be preventing injuries, not just fixing 'em. Runs our mobility programs and keeps everyone moving right.

Real Members, Real Results

These aren't stock photos - this is what actually happens here

"I'd tried other gyms before but always felt like just another membership number. At Citadel, Marcus and the crew actually remember your name and what you're working on. Lost 45 pounds over 10 months, but honestly the best part is I can keep up with my kids now. My back doesn't hurt anymore either, which is huge."

Michael Torres

Member since 2021 | Down 45 lbs, Deadlift PR 385 lbs

"Never thought I'd be the person doing Olympic lifts, but here we are. Devon's patient teaching got me hooked on proper technique. Started barely squatting the bar, now I'm hitting 185 for reps. The group classes pushed me way harder than I'd push myself. Plus the other members are genuinely cool people."

Rachel Kim

Member since 2020 | Squat 185 lbs, Lost 30 lbs

"Blew out my shoulder playing hockey and thought my lifting days were done. Thomas worked with me through rehab, and Sarah modified everything so I could keep training around the injury. Eight months later I'm back to full strength and smarter about how I train. These guys know their stuff."

James MacDonald

Member since 2019 | Recovered from shoulder injury, Bench PR 275 lbs

"Working with Amanda on nutrition was a game-changer. No crazy diet, just real food and smart timing around my workouts. Combined with the strength program, I've added 15 pounds of muscle and actually have visible abs for the first time. Jamie's HIIT classes are brutal but they work."

Nina Guerrero

Member since 2022 | Added 15 lbs muscle, Clean & Jerk PR 135 lbs