An all-women's strength gym in Ankeny.
A women-only strength training community, built so you can grow stronger, louder and more powerful at every stage of life. Work. Grow. Be a Valkyrie.
Why Valkyrie
Owner Chelsy Dahms built Valkyrie Society on one conviction: every woman deserves to recognize her own worth and her own strength. Inspired by the warrior women of legend, she built a room where women can put self-doubt down and step into their strength.
Chelsy brings over a decade of hands-on training experience. She also coaches young female athletes, including girl wrestlers and volleyball players from Van Meter and NW Waukee, and Iowa Plex Volleyball, and what she learns there goes straight into our programming.
What we stand for
Programming for every life stage
From teen athletes to women in menopause, training adapts to hormonal phases, pregnancy and postpartum, and meets you where you are.
A judgment-free community
Whether you are lifting for the first time or lifting twice your body weight, this is a supportive, fiercely encouraging place to train.
Technique first
Form-focused coaching on every lift, so you get strong safely and stay that way.
Women, all the way through
An all-women’s gym with women coaching, and daycare on site so you can actually make it to class.
We rise by lifting others.
The coaches
Chelsy Dahms
Owner and coach
The passion and driving force behind Valkyrie Society, and a living example of the strong, resilient woman she coaches every member to become.
Andrea McGinn
Coach
A mom of three and co-founder and partner of The Law Shop Iowa, who loves to lift heavy and believes strength training builds a foundation that reaches every part of life.
Meg Iburg
Coach
Group fitness carried her through her own postpartum season, and she coaches to give other women that same safe place. A mental health advocate whose favorite lift is the back squat.
Courtney Reints
Coach
A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in pediatric endocrinology with two years of coaching behind her. Deadlifts are her love language. No diet culture, no guilt, just hard work and results.
Sarah Kate Bode
Yoga instructor
200 RYT and RPYT, certified through Breathe For Change in 2020 with prenatal training from MA Yoga in 2024. She also teaches theatre at DMACC and Grand View University.
Also on the team: coach Chelsey Weirson, Jillian Johannsen, Sophie Showalter, and our daycare provider Mira McCarthy.
What members say
“What I appreciate most is how the environment challenges you to grow stronger at your own pace.”
Jayde W
“Amazing, knowledgeable, and super motivational coaches!!!”
Katelyn C
“I freaking love this gym!! I don’t even wanna miss a day!”
Olivia H
“Wonderful, positive environment for women to grow in strength.”
Brooke S
“It truly caters to women of all fitness levels and ages, whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or have been working out for years.”
Meredith M
“Absolutely love the coaches, the vibe, the empowerment for all levels! Plus, offering daycare is huge.”
Jessica M
Claim your Free Session
Two quick questions and your details. On the next screen you choose your class time.
Rather talk first? Call or text (641) 590-0966.
No cost and no commitment. We use your details to arrange your visit.