Local wellness studio prioritizes self-care

AK Namaste, a centrally located wellness studio in Palmer, offers endless opportunities for the community to alleviate stress and prioritize self-care.

Founder Pam Doerr passionately shares her expertise, helping community members to embrace wellness in their daily lives.

“There are women and men who come and sometimes you can see that they're exhausted and this was the chance they have to reset,” said Doerr. “To me, that's what it's all about–finding opportunities for wellness, and whatever that might mean for you.”

For Doerr, the practice of wellness has always been a priority. She spent several years working as a fitness instructor in Montana before moving to Alaska, where she continued her passion by running her fitness studio, "Doerr Fitness," on South Chugach Street.

Upon furthering her certification in yoga instruction in Anchorage, Pam Doerr made the decision to expand her practice by enrolling in training to become an Ayurvedic health counselor as well.

She first learned about Ayurvedic health during an episode of the Dr. Oz Show. Thus when she noticed an advertisement for Ayurvedic health counselor training available in Anchorage, she decided to sign up.

Intrigued by the holistic approach to wellness, Doerr decided to pursue this additional certification to enhance her ability to support her clients' well-being based on Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine.

Doerr shared that this certification, in addition to yoga instruction, has allowed her to offer a greater number of personalized health solutions for her clients.

“Everything has a frequency and vibration and I think of you like an equation of X equals Y,” said Doerr. “Somewhere X got a little tangled and so let's figure out what you're missing in that equation for you to equal Y–who you really are.”

In 2020, an unexpected fire destroyed the Doerr Fitness studio, forcing Doerr and her team to rethink their plans at a time when finding a new space for a studio was particularly challenging.

A friend of Doerr’s and member of the search committee, Erin Kittredge first suggested that Doerr consider relocating to the community room off of West Elmwood Avenue in the heart of Palmer.

With the guidance of Rhonda Hughes and Mary O’Brien, owners of the currently occupied space, Doerr signed a lease where the AK Namaste studio exists today.

“The name ‘AK Namaste’ name solidified our new frequency, a new energy, a new rebirth,” said Doerr.

Doerr shared how Hughes, O’Brien, Kittredge and the community’s support guided her through a challenging time allowing her to be where she is today. Doerr shared that Hughes kindly gifted her the current AK Namaste sign outside the studio that lights up on the street side of the building.

Since moving into the space in 2021, Doerr signed a second lease in 2023 to expand into the other side of the building. This larger area has allowed her to offer additional services, such as Reiki, an ancient technique used for stress reduction and relaxation.

“It's that idea that in our bodies, if we can calm the nervous system down then we can achieve healing,” said Doerr.

At AK Namaste, a wide variety of services are available including Aromatouch, Heart Basti, Abhyanga Therapy and other ancient practices as well as yoga and kickboxing classes.

On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays Doerr offers 90-minute sessions as well as the weekends by appointment. On AK Namaste’s website, all available services are listed with respective times and dates.

Doerr shared that AK Namaste hosts special events such as Solstice Cacao Catch & Release Healing Circle, Gem and Jam sessions and more. These events are shared on AK Namaste’s Facebook page.

Both at the physical studio and through pop-up shops around town, Doerr sells crystals, jewelry, wellness items and more.

Crystals, a particular interest of Doerr's, have become an integral part of her practice because of their potential for energetic healing and therapeutic benefits. A diverse array of crystals in various colors, shapes, sizes and textures are available for purchase.

Through her dedication and resilience, Doerr has transformed and grown AK Namaste into a space for holistic health and wellness, continually expanding her offerings to meet the needs of the Palmer community.