Sandcastle Recreation Center

This is my kind of gym. They have a large main section with weights/​machines/​cardio sh*t, a big fitness studio for yoga and whatnot, squash courts, saunas and even a private woman’s section. The staff are awesome, always very friendly, helpful and it seems to be family run. One young gent is usually hanging out in the weight room ready to help load up barbells or spot for anyone that needs it. Many of the clients know each other, and chat about training routines and stuff. The best part is: no contracts! Suck on that every other gym in greater Vancouver. They also don’t have annoying personal trainers running around trying to sell training packages to people, unlike all of the horrible chain gyms in the area.
The only complaint I have about the place is that there are only 2 power cages in the main weight room (yet there are 3 smith machines -.-), this usually isn’t an issue at all except during peak times when you might have to wait 10 minutes for one.
Bottom line: this is a great gym for people of all fitness levels, and they definitely have a higher range of power lifting equipment. The staff treat you like a human instead of a wallet with legs!