Iron Asylum Gym AK – one half of the facility
Tiffany Y. of Ewa Beach, HI
If you’re looking for a non-commercial gym (i.e., 24 hours, planet fitness) in the midst of Alaska, this place is for you. Because I’m in training for an upcoming meet, I wanted to train while I was in Alaska. I googled, instagrammed as well as Yelp for a gym that was near the resort we were staying at in Soldotna. And the results were the Iron Asylum Gym. I messaged the owner via Instagram prior to our vacation and he was quick to respond on the cost of drop-in’s either by day or week (super reasonable!) as well as door access because it’s 365/24/7. The location was easy to find as it was on the main highway that we drive to our resort.
The gym has a lot of bodybuilding equipment as well as powerlifting (it’s a USPA certified training gym), spacious, clean and well-stocked with ready to drink protein shakes and bars. They also have apparel available as well. Keep in mind, this is an honor system where you can write down on a clipboard what you bought and the quantity. There is a cash box or you can Venmo as well. Don’t be a jerk and not pay (they have cameras in place). If you’re unsure of anything, you can either ask a member (not while they’re doing a set, ask them after) or message the owner too. Don’t forget to re-rack and put away your equipment too.
This gym definitely helped me continue with my training program while on vacation and I’ll definitely return when I’m in this area again.
Nathan K. of Layton, UT
Visited while on vacation. Bad ass gym lots of equipment fairly priced clean and great atmosphere. Definitely will come back
Stephen D. of Concord, CA
Ive been to well over 100-200 gyms in 35 countries and nearly every state in the union.
The Iron Asylum can compete with the best lifting gyms around. Shiny new equipment, great space for mobility, and an atmosphere to focus lifting. The environment in a raised roof warehouse has been adorned with patriotic flags by the owner, a war veteran himself.
Amber K. of Soldotna, AK
Started going to Iron Asylum 2 months ago. By far this is the best gym I’ve been too. The people are awesome and don’t give a shit what you wear. Brandon is an amazing guy. And I am better mentally/physically now because of Iron Asylum then I was before.
Kelli K. of Aurora, CO
My husband and I were searching for a place to train while we were in town visiting from Colorado. So glad I found Iron Asylum! I was blown away by the owner’s generosity and genuine kindness for a couple drop-in out-of-towners. I reached out to Brandon and he met up with us at our convenience to give us a tour of the gym and get us hooked up with drop-in passes for the 2 weeks we were visiting. Amazing facility with all the weight machines and equipment you could ever need. Can’t wait to come back! #ilovehotmoms
Jessica F. of Kenai, AK
This is truly the best gym. Best equipment, atmosphere, fellow gym members and the best owner. Love this place, its like my second home.
Jia L. of Kenai, AK
Undoubtedly a place where you can be yourself. A place where goals are made and goals are met. Open 24/7, 365 days a year, even on holidays…hell ya. You meet some pretty cool people and the equipment is very well kept and I’d say top of the line shit. They got all sorts of exercise equipment you feel like a kid in a candy shop.
Erik M. of Soldtona, AK
I’ve been a member of at least 10 different gyms in the last 10 years, due to a life on the move. I’ve been to the baddest gyms the US Army has to offer, and the biggest busiest big box gyms the city has to offer. I’ve even been a member at the gym where Dennis James and Big Ramy trained for Mr Olympia. None of them compare to the Iron Asylum. The variety of free weights and machines would make even the best of the pros drool. Best of all, it was built and assembled based on the feedback of those who matter most: the members. If you want somewhere to workout and feel you like belong, this is the place for you. The only stipulation is that you respect others and respect the environment, as it should be. I hope you are fortunate enough to stop in.
Brendon S of Soldotna, AK
Best gym in the state! Everyone’s super strong but even more friendly! Couldn’t recommend more!
Jess M. of Fayetteville, NC
This gym is what every gym should be modeled after. Great people, great environment, great equipment! thanks for having such an awesome gym!
Jeff B. of Anchorage, AK
There is no gym more or better equipped and no owner more dedicated than the iron asylum. Support local businesses, support community, support veterans… give the asylum a try!!
Tim D of Fairbanks, AK
Love to go work out here. Was never A gym guy, but after i started i couldn’t get enough. The owners a real laid back. He’s created a great atmosphere.
John B. of Nikiski, AK
Hands down the best gym in Alaska. Had been wanting to build muscle and progress from being a skinny twig for years, but had never been to a gym where I felt motivated and excited to be. Finally ended up trying the Iron Asylum after my brother purchased a membership for my birthday, and it’s the best choice I could have made for my personal health. Brandon’s gym is packed with every piece of equipment you could possibly need, and the entire atmosphere of the place motivates you to better yourself. The staff is helpful and friendly, and all of the more core members of the gym have always been extremely friendly and helpful when I have asked for tips on weightlifting. I have even watched Brandon take the time to give my 13 year old brother tips on using the equipment. My Fiancé and I are now both members, and we train there multiple times a week. If you want a gym that motivates you to be a better you, and has all the equipment you could need, look no further than the Iron Asylum Gym.
Tobin B. of Soldotna, AK
This is the best gym I have ever been in. Great atmosphere, best collection of high quality equipment you can find in one spot. The owner, Brandon Miller, cares about his members and makes sure we are comfortable and heard. This gym is for everyone but the meak. Those who want to press thier misguided opinions on others need not apply. Miller is all about inclusion and does not tolerate those who spread hate towards others. Best place to get your lift on.
Braeden B. of Soldotna, AK
This gym is Everyone’s safe haven. No judgement, only uprising fulfillment. If you prefer lullabies, quiet weights, low testosterone, baby back bitch vibes, this is NOT the place for you. This is a fortress of heavy metal, weight smashing, full big dick energy & Hot Mom Vibes. It’s a gym built completely on trust and respect. 3 Months in & My day begins each time looking forward to putting the work in at this particular gym. The progress is earned and it shows every time i step foot in here.
P.S. The merchandise here makes designer clothes look like a bunch of braindead pussies with no taste.
Erin Y. of Anchorage, AK
This gym is just different, it motivates you as soon as you walk in, it is a place that holds the value of being free. The members are friendly and welcoming. There is so much variety in equipment that you can really work on anything from beginner to competitor. Best gym in the world, gives me the motivation to be a badass hot mom.
Brittany W. of Alaska
This Gym is the Best Gym that I have every had the blessing to go workout in. I have driven an hour and a half both ways to work out at this amazing location. THE MOST AMAZING environment and atmosphere. I would move from my hometown to be closer to this place! Brandon has never been anything but super helpful, encouraging and supportive. He created a complete sanctuary for people to be able to go do what they want, how they want, dressed as they want and when they want. I’d march my happy ass in there in a tutu and a shirt that says I like hot dads next time i go….why? because I can and nobody in that place freaking cares. We all have our own workout goals and agendas and if you’re busy eyeballing and being offended by what people in the gym are wearing then you’re not there with a REAL GOAL. You’re not really working out. 5 stars isn’t enough to rate this place truthfully. It needs way more appreciation then 5 stars.
Samantha M. of Nikiski, AK
Hands down the best gym I’ve ever been to!!!! This locally owned and veteran run business never fails to have a wide variety of high quality equipment, is always spotless thanks to Brandon and his amazing staff, and has one of the best atmospheres I’ve ever experienced. You are free to do your workout in whatever apparel you so choose, and whatever time of day is most convenient for you. Honestly I wish more businesses in our area would model themselves after this gym and it’s owner. This is how you run a business and make sure you have members who are proud to say they work out here.
Cody P. of Anchorage, AK
Best gym I have ever been to, from the community and atmosphere, to the equipment. They cater to all types of lifters and even have a 360 degree posing room for bodybuilding. This gym definitely rivals if not beats most of the “Mecca” Gyms down in the lower 48; having every piece of equipment you can think of and so many different variabilities. There are multiple types of bars, plates, and dumbbells that go up to 210lbs. Iron Asylum is always clean even with chalk flying everywhere, the equipment is well maintained and if anything breaks the owner fixes it within 24 hrs. Bathrooms are well kept and there are lockers and a shower on site.
Brandon Miller is the main contact/owner of the gym and has always been very flexible for meet ups and door codes, regardless of timing (Open 24/7). Brandon is always willing to listen and actively takes feedback and applies it to the gym, getting the Wishlist of the members for equipment, supplements, and apparel. He is also a Vet and takes care of his own, even setting up fundraising for local events that members are apart of to help with costs. He’s always straight up and you couldn’t ask for a better gym owner.
Every time I’m in the Kenai Peninsula I make it a point to workout there, it is a great place to go and close to great fishing spots. Highly recommend this gym if you are in the area. If you are a serious lifter and are even just visiting Anchorage, its worth the drive.
Kimberly E. of Soldotna, AK
HANDS DOWN THE BEST GYM IN ALASKA!! It’s a must see if you love to workout. He has Arsenal and hammer strength equipment, specialty bars for powerlifters, a posing room for those bodybuilders or selfie takers, and a sick logo on jackets/hoodies. Brandon Miller had a dream to open his own gym one day, and damn did that man create one successful badass gym. You know what I appreciated the most? He communicated with his gym members to see what equipment would utilize/benefit us! Being a local bodybuilder, this really hit home for me. This guy also sponsors local competitors from powerlifting, bodybuilding, to race car driving, and probably more that I am unaware of. Running a gym isn’t easy, but he manages it very well especially while running another full time job/business.