Tacoma, WA · Since 2010
Move Better.
Live Better.
Tacoma's premier strength & conditioning gym and barbell training facility. We help you train in a way that supports your life, alongside a community that notices when you're not here. Choose the coaching style that fits you — one-on-one personal training, semi-private training, or group strength & conditioning classes. No matter your age or skill level, our community welcomes you.
Who We Are
Fitness Designed to Improve Your Life
For 15 years, Armor Athletics has served Tacoma's neighborhoods — from Central Tacoma and the Lincoln District to University Place, Lakewood, McKinley Hill, and the Eastside. Every class is taught by credentialed, experienced coaches, many holding certifications including CrossFit Level 1 & 2, along with specialized training in adaptive and inclusive fitness, pre/postnatal care, perimenopause and menopause, and training for aging adults.
We welcome every age and skill level — first responders, busy parents, retirees, teenagers, and competitive athletes all train here, and we're proud to be a welcoming space for active-duty military and spouses from JBLM. You don't have to be “fit” to start. Every new member begins with a free intro and a personalized On-Ramp before choosing the membership that fits their goals.
Book a Free Intro
The Armor Difference
More Than a Workout
Move Better, Live Longer
Train in a way that keeps you strong for decades and lets you do all the things you want outside the gym. You'll build the strength, mobility, and resilience to stay active — with a team that supports any injuries or limitations and helps you stay ahead of future ones.
Find Your People
Your community notices when you don't show up, and celebrates your successes right alongside you. Most members come for the fitness — but stay for the community that supports them.
Chase What Matters
Whatever you're working toward, it's yours. We build training around your goals — inside and outside the gym — and celebrate every bit of progress along the way.
Reviews
What Our Members Say
Train with us? We'd love your honest feedback — it helps other people in Tacoma find the gym.
Leave a Google Review“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.What We Offer
A Program for Every Goal
Built for the Barbell
A Dedicated Barbell Training Area
Whether you're new to strength training or a long-time lifter, Armor has a dedicated barbell training area inside the gym. Bring your own programming, or work with one of our trainers to build a program around your goals. You'll find runners and cyclists adding strength work to their routine, lifters preparing for meets, and people who just love to move a barbell. The weight on the bar doesn't matter — all are welcome.
Book a Free IntroOur Space
Room to Move
Located on South Tacoma Way, Armor Athletics gives you room to move — a dedicated space for group classes, a separate area for barbell and small group training, and plenty of room to spread out, whether you're training indoors or outside. Shower and changing facilities make it easy to come straight from work, and our private lot means parking is never a hassle. Plus, we're just blocks from South Tacoma favorites like Howdy Bagel and Bluebeard Coffee — perfect for refueling after a workout.
- 6,000 sq ft — room to spread out
- Dedicated group class & barbell training areas
- Outdoor training space for nice days
- Shower & changing facilities
- Private lot — parking is never a hassle
- Lifting platforms with competition-level bars & weights
- Assault bikes, rowers & full conditioning equipment
- Less than 5 minutes from I-5
Your Team
Meet Our Coaches
Our coaches are dedicated to helping you safely and effectively reach your goals. Each has completed an extensive internship and coaching evaluation before leading classes — so every workout scales to every body.
Kathryn Taylor
Owner
Joe Stewart
Interim Head Coach
Jess Kimbal
General Manager
Molly Yoshikawa
Coach
Anthony Valenzuela
Coach
Taylor Dickey
Associate Coach
Joe Menz
Coach
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.
Book a Free Intro- 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?
- Group strength & conditioning classes, barbell training, personal & semi-private training, endurance training (run, bike, and triathlon), and nutrition coaching.
- Do you offer discounts for military, police, or fire?
- Yes. We're proud to support those who serve: 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 experience with group strength & conditioning classes you're welcome to join any of ours. 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.