based on 42 reviews
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... More
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. Less
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.
I just started at Refuge a few weeks ago and was terrified to try something new at my age. Not only was it new, it was intimidating. Really fit people do CrossFit, right? I was just eating a bag of Cheetos while watching Bridgerton the night before joining, you know? Turns out anyone can actually do CrossFit; large muscles are not actually a pre-req at all. The 1:1 time was invaluable, and the pe... More
I just started at Refuge a few weeks ago and was terrified to try something new at my age. Not only was it new, it was intimidating. Really fit people do CrossFit, right? I was just eating a bag of Cheetos while watching Bridgerton the night before joining, you know? Turns out anyone can actually do CrossFit; large muscles are not actually a pre-req at all. The 1:1 time was invaluable, and the people in class have been so encouraging. It’s an investment in my health and for the first time in a really long time, I’m excited about life again. If you’re nervous, just go. Just try it. Just walk in the door and try it. They will welcome you, like they’ve welcomed me. It has only been the start of my third week there, and every day I’m still nervous walking into the doors (like…REALLY nervous) but, I walk in, and get ready and once I’m moving, it feels good. The nerves leave and I’m doing it. I’m DOING CrossFit things. So, if you’re looking to try something new, but are nervous that you’re not the ‘CrossFit’ type, take it from me, you can be the CrossFit type. Less
Incredible atmosphere, competitive, family oriented, and great coaching. I love this place. It is truly a refuge from the mundane life!
I started personal training at Refuge about 3 weeks ago. Its amazing what some guidance and encouragement will do for your mindset! Every session I go in thinking there is no way I can do this workout and every time I walk out feeling stronger and proud of myself for showing up. This place is a true "refuge" Everyone is so welcoming and encouraging from the Coaches to the Members and Physical The... More
I started personal training at Refuge about 3 weeks ago. Its amazing what some guidance and encouragement will do for your mindset! Every session I go in thinking there is no way I can do this workout and every time I walk out feeling stronger and proud of myself for showing up. This place is a true "refuge" Everyone is so welcoming and encouraging from the Coaches to the Members and Physical Therapists! I had not worked out in a very long time and Cory was able to adjust my workouts to push me (man was I sore) but not hurt me, giving me the confidence boost I needed to come back! If you have been curious about CrossFit or Personal Training, don't hesitate on this gym! I contemplated for months out of fear of not being able to do a workout or feeling self conscious around "fit" people. That is so not the case here. I am so glad I had the courage to walk through the front door and meet the amazing community on the other side 😊 Less
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 mindf... More
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 Less
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 els... More
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! Less
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 els... More
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! Less
I love this place, the coaches, atmosphere, and the workouts! Everyone has been so friendly, highly recommend!
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 an... More
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! Less
I’ve always been so intimidated by CrossFit, but Refuge has proven me completely wrong! Everyone has been so welcoming and the coaches are wonderful ☺️
I've been coming to Refuge for about four years now and it's been a fun ride the entire time. Everyone here, from owners, coaches and the members, is amazing and so welcoming. I always enjoy working out with friends here and will recommend Refuge to anyone looking for a new CrossFit gym!
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 an... More
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! Less
Love the feel at this gym. The community is supportive and encouraging. Only wish I lived closer so I could get there more often. Definitely recommend.
I have an excellent workout every time I go in.
Very friendly and welcoming! David Took time to explain exercises to insure proper form and safety. I really appreciate that as a newbie!
Insane coaches, will push you to your limits and train you to be so much better than you were the day before. Family environment, very welcoming. Amazing team 🤘🏽🇺🇸
We dropped in for a class and was met by a very welcoming crew and great workout! We will definitely be back next time we are in Palmer.
Love this place. Great family vibe. Awesome setup. Tons of good beards. The Music is delightful. Excellent programming.
I'd never done anything like Crossfit and to be honest, never felt like I could walk into a gym, confidently. I came to Refuge to challenge myself to get strong and take risks. From day one, I had support from the coaches and other members. The coaches are consistent and encouraging. When I question my abilities, they've been there to safely give me a push. I believe anyone, at any level, can wal... More
I'd never done anything like Crossfit and to be honest, never felt like I could walk into a gym, confidently. I came to Refuge to challenge myself to get strong and take risks. From day one, I had support from the coaches and other members. The coaches are consistent and encouraging. When I question my abilities, they've been there to safely give me a push. I believe anyone, at any level, can walk in and find their place here. Recently had surgery that will keep me out for a bit. After letting one of the coaches know, she brought me some meals! Have you ever experienced that level of support at any other gym? Less
The classes and coaching at Refuge CrossFit are meeting the needs of motivated people of all ages. Even Grammy (that’s me) is improving fitness. And I am chasing my aches and pains away!
I have never been to a more family friendly, inspiring, and encouraging gym than Refuge CrossFit. Talk about a place that feels like family!! David, Emily and their staff are excellent in coaching adults and working with kids.
Refuge is a great place to do CrossFit. Nicely located right in Palmer. If you’re interested in crossfit, please check them out. David Reiman is an amazing coach. Also check out the other Crossfit gyms in the area. Each has its own personality and specialized offerings. Cheers.
I totally would recommend RCF. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. David took a lot of time with my boys and me making sure we were getting our form right. If we lived out here in Palmer this would be my gym of choice....but will probably be getting at least a punch card for the times I am out here ☺️
From the first moment I stepped in the building, I felt welcomed and not judged. I was offered a free session to see if it would meet my needs. Came in, worked out, and even made a new friend. It’s very family friendly.
I tried CrossFit for the first time last night with David and Emily! It was awesome! Everyone was super friendly and David was super helpful for us newbies. My kids played and had a blast! I will definitely be back. I have been intimidated to try because I always thought that it was for super fit people, but we all were at different levels and the class functioned all together super smoothly! It ... More
I tried CrossFit for the first time last night with David and Emily! It was awesome! Everyone was super friendly and David was super helpful for us newbies. My kids played and had a blast! I will definitely be back. I have been intimidated to try because I always thought that it was for super fit people, but we all were at different levels and the class functioned all together super smoothly! It was awesome 10/10 WOULD RECOMMEND. 🤗 Less
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The community here is what makes running this place the best job in the world. Our athletes are absolutely second to none. Amazing people.
I dropped in for 19.2, thank you David and Emily for hosting me. Really nice gym and awesome community vibe. I will for sure drop in anytime I am in the area.
Completed my FIRST crossFit WOD! Totally surprised me that I could finish. Thanks David for your support and motivation. If I can do this anyone can. looking forward to the next one.
Fantastic environment, excellent coaching, friendly, accepting,and encouraging people. Can’t beat that! Love my new CrossFit home. Thank you David and Emily.
Crossfit is often misunderstood and it seems that a common deterrent is intimidation....many assume that they need to be at a certain level of fitness to even set foot in the door of a box. The truth is that Crossfit is the most inclusive athletic endeavor that I have experienced. You can enter a box with almost any physical limitation and leave feeling empowered by your coaches and community. Re... More
Crossfit is often misunderstood and it seems that a common deterrent is intimidation....many assume that they need to be at a certain level of fitness to even set foot in the door of a box. The truth is that Crossfit is the most inclusive athletic endeavor that I have experienced. You can enter a box with almost any physical limitation and leave feeling empowered by your coaches and community. Refuge Crossfit embodies this ideal at the highest level. The coaching is attentive and intelligent. The community is uplifting and accepting. The assault bikes are brutal and I lovehate them. All the stars for this business and culture...Palmer has it’s box. Less
I’m a CrossFit newb and I’m so glad that I found this gym. The coaches and community are so welcoming and patient. The kids area is great as well! So glad to come to Refuge.
Awesome place great people I love being gone for two or three years and being welcomed back like family. They push you to do your best David and Emily are wonderful great people and I am so happy I am back at it.
kiddo LOVED the play area. instantly felt at home in this place and with these people and thats saying something because im pretty shy and uncomfortable almost ANYWHERE. Appreciate the practical application constantly discussed. Helps keep your mind on how to improve your day-to-day with what you learn in the box. Cant wait to spend more time here - its a truly wonderful place.
David & Emily have created a very welcoming space & atmosphere. As a newbie to CrossFit, the intimidation factor is the biggest hurdle, & they shoved it aside for me at my first class. They spend time breaking down moves, suggest weights, & positively reinforce my form when I get it right. I love the relaxed mood blended with the drive behind the workouts. Big big bonus is the ability to bring my... More
David & Emily have created a very welcoming space & atmosphere. As a newbie to CrossFit, the intimidation factor is the biggest hurdle, & they shoved it aside for me at my first class. They spend time breaking down moves, suggest weights, & positively reinforce my form when I get it right. I love the relaxed mood blended with the drive behind the workouts. Big big bonus is the ability to bring my kiddos who have an amazing time & can’t wait to go back. Less
David and Emily are amazing coaches who generously share both their knowledge and passion with others. The kids room is great: more of an area where the kids can workout, rather than just play with toys! 🙌🙌
Great Drop In Experience I had a great first experience at Refuge CrossFit last night! The coaches (David and Emily) were very friendly and accommodating. They really make you feel welcome and took the time to explain everything. The members were fantastic and the atmosphere was sociable so I didn’t feel intimidated, which made the experience that much better! An absolute awesome environment to ... More
Great Drop In Experience I had a great first experience at Refuge CrossFit last night! The coaches (David and Emily) were very friendly and accommodating. They really make you feel welcome and took the time to explain everything. The members were fantastic and the atmosphere was sociable so I didn’t feel intimidated, which made the experience that much better! An absolute awesome environment to do a workout in! The perfect combination of nice people all around, great coaches and a superb workout! I will definitely go again, and highly recommend a must try to everyone else! Less