Meet the Team
Jude Smith | Owner
I began my training at this gym in 2022 with a personal commitment to discipline and accountability. That decision became a turning point in my life. Over time, I grew stronger—physically and mentally—and developed a deep appreciation for what a reliable, well‑run fitness environment can do for a community.
Along the way, Norm, the founder of this gym, offered me the opportunity to take over. I’m truly grateful for his trust and for the chance to continue what he started. His belief in me motivates the way I lead and the standard I hold for this space.
Today, this gym serves people with a wide range of goals. Whether you’re managing stress, starting your day with purpose, recovering from an injury, working toward fat loss, building muscle, or training for a specific sport or activity, my focus is to provide a solid, dependable place where you can put in the work and see results.
As the fitness world evolves, so does this gym. I’m committed to continually improving the space, updating equipment, and adapting to offer the best options and training environment possible.
Like our town, this gym is small but mighty. I’m proud to offer a place where people can push themselves, grow, and enjoy the process of becoming stronger.
Norm Saager | Founder
Dr. Norm Saager is the founder and owner of Freewater Fitness. He started this gym in Milton-Freewater five years ago to answer a need for the citizens of the community. The drives to and from Walla Walla makes it time consuming and expensive to workout. He also wants to ensure seniors have a safe facility, protected from the elements, that caters to their general fitness needs.
Norm is a lifelong fitness fanatic— bike riding, skiing, hiking, kayaking, pickle ball and gardening. He loves the Northwest and all the recreation it affords. He especially loves the community— striving to make it a better place to live, raise a family, work out and retire.