Personal Training in Vancouver

Build strength for the activities you love

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Young man in athletic clothing performing a bent-over kettlebell swing exercise outdoors.

I'm Robert Tanner, a kinesiology graduate with over 10 years of experience in personal training and strength coaching. I work with busy working individuals who want to build functional strength for the things they love. From Skiing in Whistler, to Hiking on the North Shore or Playing with their kids without wrecking their back.

I'm not here to sell you extreme diets or unsustainable workout plans. My approach focuses on foundational movement patterns backed by research in the strength and conditioning field. The goal is a stronger, healthier version of yourself that fits into your life.

Strength Training & Functional Fitness for Vancouverites

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Personal Training Options

Group workout, social distancing during covid but keeping active
  • Personal training sessions tailored to your specific goals. Whether you're training for ski season, working through an injury, or building general strength, we'll create a program that works for you. Sessions available primarily at our East Vancouver gym but I also operate in Kitsilano or I can travel to you in your home.

    Starting at $100/session

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  • Small-group training (max 10 people) at East Van Barbell in Hastings-Sunrise. Barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, bodyweight. Real strength training in a supportive environment. Not your typical bootcamp. Sunday mornings.

    $25 (First class free)

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  • Custom programming delivered through the Hevy app. Weekly check-ins, video feedback, programming adjustments. For people who want structured training but can handle the gym on their own.

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Who I work WIth

🎿 Weekend Warriors

Skiers, hikers, runners who want to perform better and stay injury-free.

💪 Post Injury Recovery & Fitness Beginners

Getting back to training after time off, an injury, or years away from the gym.

💼 Busy Professionals

Desk workers dealing with back pain, tight hips, and not enough time.

🏋️‍♂️ Home Gym Owners

People who invested in equipment and need programming and accountability.

  • Every exercise has a purpose. I train movement patterns, not muscle groups. Squats, hinges, pushes, pulls, carries. The same patterns you use hiking a trail, picking up your kid, or shoveling the driveway. Gym strength that transfers to real life.

  • Getting stronger requires challenging yourself consistently over time. I track everything. Every session builds on the last. Small, sustainable progress adds up to serious results over months and years.

  • No crash diets. No 6-week transformations that disappear by week 8. I work with people for the long haul. Building habits and strength that stick. Most of my clients have trained with me for years.

  • No intimidation. No judgment. No one yelling at you to push through pain. I meet people where they are and build from there. The gym should be a place you want to show up, not a place you dread. My clients laugh during sessions. That's the point.

My Training Philosophy

Empty CrossFit gym with weightlifting barbell on blocks in foreground, various kettlebells, dumbbells, and fitness equipment along the walls, and banners on the walls.
Young man in a blue shirt and black shorts performing a kettlebell exercise outdoors on a grassy field.

Why Train With Robert

10+

Years Training Clients

SFU

Kinesiology Degree

5★

Over 30 Five Star Google Reviews

What Coast Athletics Clients are Saying

“I've had a fantastic time working-out with Robert over the past 2 years! I receive Personal Training from him twice weekly at his East Vancouver location. He makes our sessions very comfortable with an easy-going feel, but knows how to push me to reach my fitness goals using his impressive knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology. 10/10 would recommend to friends and family!”

— Danny Vidal

“Working out with Robert is so rewarding! I've been joining group sessions for the last year and it's been such a refreshing training experience. He's incredibly knowledgeable and provides a level of 1:1 support that leaves you feeling confident to push yourself knowing he's checking your form and there to coach you through the moves. I always leave feeling strong, empowered and confident. Highly recommend Robert for all your training needs!”

- Liz Sperandeo

“I’ve been training at Coast Athletics on Sunday mornings with friends, and it’s honestly the best workout experience I’ve had. The workouts are dynamic, challenging, and tailored to push you while keeping things fun and engaging.

If you’re looking for a great training environment with expert guidance, I can’t recommend Coast Athletics enough!”

— Andrew Gillingham

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. I work with people at every level, from complete beginners to experienced lifters. We start where you are and progress at the pace that's right for your body.

  • In 1-on-1, you have my full attention for the entire session. In 2-on-1, you train alongside a partner—you'll still get individualized programming, but the session is shared, which makes it more affordable per person.

  • I travel throughout East Vancouver, Commercial Drive, Mount Pleasant, and surrounding neighborhoods. If you're not sure whether your location works, just ask during the consultation.

  • We'll talk about your goals, training history, and any injuries or limitations. Then we'll do a movement assessment so I can see how you move and where we need to focus. You'll leave with a clear picture of what training together looks like.

  • Most clients train 2-3 times per week. That said, Everyone’s life is different. I recommend working 1-on-1 at least once a week.

Coast Athletics demonstrating a box jump in east vancouver for power and strength

Book your Free CONSULTATION Today

Your BIG CHANGE starts here. Don’t waste any more of your money or time on generic online training programs. Leave your message in this contact form and let’s start your unique, tailored fitness experience!