Wayfinder Fitness & Nutrition - Palmer, Alaska

Brooke Cochran

It’s hard work. THAT’S why I love it… it may not be a popular opinion, but the coaches and class members really do push you to do *your* best. And *your* best may be way different than *someone else’s* best, but it’s still *progress*. There a real sense of community & accomplishment, especially for this mom in the trenches trying to find her space in the fitness world again… it’s been a long road. Thank you, Wayfinder. I/my family needed you more than we knew.

ryan kennedy

I'm a long-time crossfit athlete, and I did a month membership at Refuge while visiting Alaska. The programming was fantastic, the coaches were top notch, and the members were very welcoming. The gym was also very clean. I'm definitely looking forward to going back.

Lissa B

I've been with Wayfinder Fitness (previously Refuge) since 2020. Every moment with this amazing community has been wonderful. Not only are all of the coaches so supportive, the members are awesome! If you ever are looking to try CrossFit or if you've been doing it for years, Wayfinder is the place for you. They will welcome you with open arms.

Luke Matzen

Refuge is extremely welcoming and has a great community. I've been doing CrossFit on and off for almost a decade at various gyms in many states as I traveled for school and work. Refuge is a highlight, from the owners to the coaches to the members, everyone is great. Exercising alongside others and having a program provided each day/week/month is the most enjoyable and efficient way to get fit and see results each month. I also love that they offer nutrition coaching and personal training! The physical therapists who work/treat inside the gym are always available to help too, which makes it more accessible for beginners!
There are folks from all different professional and lifestyle backgrounds, and every type of fitness level from total beginner to very experienced. There's no way you won't make a couple friends at Refuge. There's also no way you won't get more fit, and I promise you'll have fun!

Charlotte Alcock

I heard about Refuge CrossFit from a friend and joining was the best decision ever, right from the beginning I was welcomed like I was part of the CrossFit family. I always thought CrossFit was just body building and competitions and yes it is that but there is so much more. It is helping me to build strength through out and accomplish more than I could of imagined. The instructors are very mindful of each individual and their limitations, they know when to push/encourage you further. Thank you

Jacqueline Renner

I started my CrossFit journey at Refuge 2.5 years ago. In that time, I’ve found the coaches to be attentive and invested in helping their athletes to reach their goals and potential. They are careful to help push you when you need the extra challenge and boost of confidence. They are also helpful to provide modifications and scaled options to ensure safety and to make the most out of your time and effort spent here, no matter what skill level you are at.

This box has helped me immensely improve my overall fitness, endurance and stamina. Most of all, it has helped me to believe in myself and my capabilities as well as strengthen my mental toughness!

Their community as a whole is family friendly, warm, supportive and are each other’s biggest cheerleaders! We are friends in and out of the gym and we love seeing each other reach our individual goals. This place is truly special and joining this CrossFit box has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for my health and well being!

Vanessa Williams

My husband and I moved from GA to AK a few months ago and one of our goals was to find a CrossFit gym we love… Refuge CrossFit is that place. The coaches and members are the best and always super helpful with movements and more. The atmosphere is always welcoming, the gym and equipment are always clean and ready to be used. I really like the challenges , programming, limitless opportunities, and community that is Refuge. If you are looking for a CrossFit home or just an awesome gym to drop into this is the place!

Dustin Renner

I hurt my low back really bad when I was 27 and struggled with it for many years. I had a number of periods throughout my life where I spent months sleeping on the floor, was not able to sit in chairs, had constant leg and back pain and numbness. I saw chiropractors literally thousands of times, learned to adjust my own back to a certain extent, tried lots of physical therapy and everything else I could find but was solid in my commitment to avoid surgery. I had to quit my favorite sport, Brazilian Jiu-Jutsu and stopped running for over 30 years. I kept myself in shape over the years by walking and hiking a lot, carrying heavy backpacks, and doing fairly light exercises but was always worried about re-injuring myself and avoided most weight lifting and all gyms. I forced myself to keep moving and continued to hunt and fish and live my outdoor dreams but was always in pain and worried about the next time my back would go down. I carried heavy packs, hunted goat/sheep and everything else in Alaska but as I got older it got harder and harder to do. I realized I had to make some changes and figure out how to keep myself in shape as what I had always done was not enough.

Then I started to go to Refuge CrossFit….

I have almost completely removed low back pain from my life, lifted lots of weights, including things like dead lifts and types of weight lifting that I was certain would make me much worse. I run a lot now, do pull ups, burpees, jump rope, and so much more. I have become much stronger and can still able to do the things I want to do but with much more confidence and ability than before.

I cannot recommend Refuge CrossFit enough. I know this review is long but I could keep going and write a lot more about this gym. I’ll leave it at this and say at 49 years old I feel good, I’m in shape, I can still carry heavy packs and go into the mountains and I’m very grateful for what Refuge CrossFit and their amazing community has done for my life.

Come check us out. You are never too old and even if you are fighting real pain and physical challenges, Refuge provides the coaching, environment, and atmosphere for you to gain better physical fitness and more control over your physical life!