Our Story

Built from blood, sweat, and a whole lot of heavy lifting

How We Got Here

Back in 2017, I was tired of the same cookie-cutter gym experience. You know the type - rows of treadmills, judgmental mirrors everywhere, and nobody actually pushing themselves. Started Zephyrix Fortress in a barely-heated warehouse with some bumper plates and a dream.

2017
The Warehouse Days

Started with 8 members and equipment I bought off Craigslist. We didn't have AC, heat was sketchy, but everyone showed up ready to work.

2019
Adding Combat Sports

Brought in proper MMA mats and cages. Turns out people wanted to hit stuff AND lift heavy - who knew?

2021
Expanded Facility

Moved to our current spot on Industrial Ave. Finally got proper ventilation and enough space so you're not waiting for equipment.

2023
Youth Program Launch

Started working with young athletes. Nothing beats watching a 14-year-old hit a PR they didn't think was possible.

2025
Today

Over 300 members strong. Still the same gritty approach, just with better equipment and way more chalk on the floor.

What We Actually Stand For

Look, we're not gonna feed you some corporate mission statement. Here's what matters to us every single day:

No BS Training

We don't do gimmicks or trendy workouts that'll be gone next year. Just solid programming that actually works if you put in the effort.

Real Community

Everyone from accountants to pro fighters train here. We leave the ego at the door and help each other get better.

Safety First

Yeah, we push hard, but we're not idiots about it. Proper form, smart progression, and coaches who actually know what they're doing.

Results Over Everything

Your progress is what matters. Whether that's dropping weight, adding muscle, or finally nailing that technique you've been working on.

Intensity With Purpose

Every workout has a reason. We're not just making you tired for the sake of it - there's method to the madness.

Long-Term Health

We want you training here when you're 70. That means building strength and conditioning that lasts, not just quick fixes.

"This isn't about looking good for summer or hitting some arbitrary goal. It's about building a version of yourself that can handle whatever life throws at you. That's what we do here."

- Marcus Chen, Founder

Meet The Coaches

The people who'll push you harder than you thought possible (and won't let you quit)

Marcus Chen
Certifications
  • CrossFit Level 3
  • USAW Sports Performance
  • Precision Nutrition L1

Marcus Chen

Founder & Head Coach

Been coaching for 12 years. Started as a competitive weightlifter, now I'm more interested in helping regular people become absolute animals in the gym.

Sarah Rodriguez
Certifications
  • BJJ Black Belt
  • Muay Thai Instructor
  • Pro MMA Record 8-2

Sarah Rodriguez

MMA & Combat Coach

Fought professionally for 6 years. Now I teach people how to punch things properly and not get punched back. It's therapeutic, trust me.

Dev Patel
Certifications
  • USAW Level 2
  • CSCS
  • National Competitor

Dev Patel

Olympic Lifting Coach

Competed at nationals three times. Love teaching the snatch and clean & jerk because they're hard and most people quit - but not my athletes.

Jamie Thompson
Certifications
  • NASM-CPT
  • PN Level 2
  • FMS Certified

Jamie Thompson

Personal Training & Nutrition

Former college athlete who got real tired of bro-science. I focus on what actually works based on science, not Instagram trends.

Alex Kim
Certifications
  • CrossFit Level 2
  • CrossFit Gymnastics
  • Regionals Competitor

Alex Kim

CrossFit Coach

Competed at Regionals twice. I'm all about making functional fitness accessible without dumbing it down. You'll work hard but you'll learn the right way.

Megan Foster
Certifications
  • IYCA Youth Specialist
  • CSCS
  • Kinesiology Degree

Megan Foster

Youth Development Coach

Spent 8 years working with young athletes. Nothing's better than watching kids realize they're way stronger than they thought. That confidence carries everywhere.

Ready to Start?

Stop thinking about it and just show up. First class is free - see if this is your kind of place.

Get Started Today