Tacoma, WA · Veteran Owned
Move Better.
Live Better.
Tacoma's premier strength & conditioning gym. Expert coaching, programming designed by an in-house Doctor of Physical Therapy, and a community that shows up for you — at every age and skill level.
Who We Are
Fitness Designed to Improve Your Life
Armor Athletics is a veteran-owned strength & conditioning gym in Tacoma, WA, and the home of CrossFit South Tacoma. What sets us apart is that every workout is designed by an in-house Doctor of Physical Therapy and taught by experienced coaches, so you learn functional movement safely and at your own pace. Our programs include strength & conditioning, Olympic weightlifting, personal training, movement & mobility coaching, nutrition coaching, and a beginner-friendly Pursuit bootcamp.
We welcome all ages and skill levels — from first responders and busy parents to retirees, teenagers, and competitive athletes. You don't have to be fit to start; every new member begins with a free intro and a personalized On-Ramp, then chooses the membership that fits their goals. Join us, and let us help you become the best version of yourself.
Learn More About Us
The Armor Difference
More Than a Workout
Move Better
We're dedicated to keeping you healthy, strong, and moving efficiently. We work around previous injuries and help prevent future ones.
Have Fun
We help you find your 'why.' You should have passion in everything you do — you'll wake up excited to move and look forward to training.
Celebrate Success
We're on this journey with you. We don't just guide you toward your goals — we celebrate every victory along the way.
What We Offer
Programs for Every Goal
Backed by Science
Programming by a Doctor of Physical Therapy
What sets Armor Athletics apart from other Tacoma gyms is our in-house Doctor of Physical Therapy. Since 2013, Dr. Zach Rynders, DPT, has published research and presented to healthcare professionals and coaches on movement evaluation and injury prevention. He designs our programming and trains every coach, which means the person watching your squat understands not just how to push you, but how your body is meant to move.
In practice, that means we can work around previous injuries, resolve nagging pain, and scale every workout to the person in front of us. Each program is engineered to keep you healthy and deliver measurable, repeatable results — so you can train hard for decades and enjoy a higher quality of life, in and out of the gym.
Movement & MobilityOur Facility
Everything You Need
Our 6,000 square-foot facility houses everything you expect in a serious gym — plus a dedicated Olympic weightlifting area with custom platforms and Eleiko barbells. We're less than five minutes from I-5.
- 6,000 sq ft of training space
- 6 custom Olympic lifting platforms
- Eleiko barbells & competition plates
- Squat racks & pull-up rigs
- Assault bikes & rowers
- Dumbbells, kettlebells & wall balls
- Climbing ropes
- Less than 5 minutes from I-5
Your Team
A Team of Expert Coaches
Our coaches are dedicated to helping you safely and effectively reach your goals. Each has completed an extensive internship designed to take full advantage of the knowledge of our in-house Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Joe Stewart
Owner & Head Coach
Samantha Stewart
Owner & Coach
Jess Kimball
Coach & General Manager
Zach Rynders, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Molly Yoshikawa
Coach
Anthony Valenzuela
Coach
Reviews From You
It's Like a Second Family
“I joined because of the level of professionalism and credentials of the owner and staff. I enjoy the level at which they explain the why & what for every movement. I've learned that at 47, I have the strength and vision to take on new challenges like Olympic weightlifting. Go check out other facilities, then come to Armor to see the difference.”
Bobbi I.“I really enjoy the camaraderie, friendly competition, and great support between members. It's like a second family. I've learned that I'm a lot stronger than I thought, and that it's possible to keep working out while rehabbing an injury with coaches who can help you heal and progress.”
Marc H.“I joined because I had such a great experience in On-Ramp and the gym had a great vibe. I feel great physically and have a positive experience every time I come to Armor. I've learned that everything is easier when I quit overthinking it.”
Stephanie G.“The camaraderie in the gym is great, and everyone supports each other. I found that I truly can continue to get better, stronger, and healthier. Don't wait or doubt yourself — you can do this, and we're all here to cheer you on.”
Jose M.“I joined because I felt welcome. The coaches were willing to tailor the workouts to get me up to speed. Every member feels at home, and there's a great sense of accomplishment every time you go. You will enjoy yourself!”
Angela J.“I joined to get back in good physical condition and prevent injury in the coming years. I enjoy the challenging nature of the workouts, as well as the friendships I've made. Armor helped me learn that I wasn't too far gone for a comeback.”
Patrick A.Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
New to strength training or just new to Armor? Here are the questions we hear most. Still curious? Reach out any time — we're happy to help.
Ask Us Anything- Do I need to be fit to start at Armor Athletics?
- Not at all. You don't have to be fit to start — you just have to be willing to learn at your own pace. Every new member begins with a personalized On-Ramp, a series of one-on-one classes that teach you how to safely perform the movements and ease you into the intensity of the workouts.
- What is the 'No Sweat' Free Intro?
- It's a free, no-obligation 15–20 minute consultation. We meet you in person, show you our facility, and discuss the best way to get you started based on your current fitness level and goals. You don't have to work out during this session.
- Where is Armor Athletics located?
- We're at 5206 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409 — less than five minutes from I-5, making us convenient to JBLM, Lakewood, University Place, Gig Harbor, Puyallup, Steilacoom, and more.
- What programs do you offer?
- Strength & Conditioning (home of CrossFit South Tacoma), Olympic Weightlifting, Personal Training, Movement & Mobility coaching with a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Nutrition Coaching, and Pursuit Bootcamp.
- Do you offer discounts for military, police, or fire?
- Yes. As a veteran-owned and operated gym, we offer a 15% discount on monthly memberships for active duty military, veterans, police, and fire personnel. Ask us during your free intro and we'll apply it to your plan.
- Can I drop in if I'm visiting from out of town?
- Absolutely — we love welcoming new people. If you have CrossFit experience you're welcome to join any of our classes. Just reach out to schedule your drop-in.
Get Started
Schedule Your Free 'No Sweat' Intro
We'd love to meet you in person, show you our facility, and discuss the best way to get you started based on your goals. It takes 15–20 minutes — and you don't even have to work out.