Owasso Fitness Zone: A Place for New Beginnings

When Paul Gatton opened Owasso Fitness Zone in 1998, he could only dream of the life he is now leading.

Paul and Kristi Gatton introduce the newest member of the Owasso ­Fitness Zone family, Grace Victoria.

When Paul Gatton opened Owasso Fitness Zone in 1998, he could only dream of the life he is now leading. Twelve years ago, he was a bachelor starting a new business and literally living out of the small office of his 2,500 square foot gym. This year has been a little different. Through the prayers of his family and church, Owasso First Assembly, those dreams have come true. Paul and his wife Kristi have moved the gym to a new building that is 10 times the size of the original. More importantly, they have welcomed home a new baby daughter, Grace Victoria. “I have been a very blessed man, especially the past few months,” smiles Paul. “Grace arrived on April 22, and we moved the gym exactly one month later.”

Owasso Fitness Zone may have a bigger facility, but the friendly atmosphere and priority on customer service still provide a small mom and pop feel to the place. Paul is on site daily and his parents, Marty and Rose Mary, are often there as well. It’s a family-friendly place where clients are greeted by name and if a concern arises, the client can deal directly with the owner. Paul says the gym is like his second home and the people there, his extended family.

The OFZ clients obviously feel the same way, and demonstrated that during the recent move. Paul explained that he posted a note on the sign-in desk letting people know the gym would be closed for two days while the equipment was moved and set up at the new location a mile away, across the street from the 76th Street McDonald’s. He also asked for volunteers who would be willing to help. He said he was hoping a few people would show up, but with it being a Saturday and knowing how busy his clients are, he wasn’t sure what the response would be. “I was blown away. Here it was a Saturday morning and there were 50 people and 8 trailers. We moved the whole gym in four hours; I couldn’t have done it without them.”

The new space allows for plenty of elbow room, and there is always someone to help with general training on the machines and free weights. Paul says he doesn’t believe in joining fees and long-term contracts because they can allow the staff members to become complacent. He wants his clients to be at OFZ because they have a desire to be there, not because they are locked into an expensive commitment. “We reapply for your business every time you come in, and I’m proud to say that I still have the first client I signed in 1998.”

He also has a dedicated staff. Clint Phillips has been a loyal friend of OFZ for over a decade. There are five personal trainers on staff with a variety of training styles, allowing clients to find the right fit for their personality and fitness needs. Personal trainers are available by appointment, but there is always a staff member available to answer general training questions and check for proper and safe use of equipment.

With 25,000 square feet, OFZ has expanded their client services as well. Zumba classes are now forming, and a nutrition store is set to open this fall. In addition to tanning, a massage chair and a dry infrared sauna, there is also an in-house massage therapist available to work the kinks from those sore muscles. Shannon Boomgaard, L.M.T., specializes in TMJ and neuromuscular massage therapy and offers a soothing respite from stress in a relaxing environment of dark plum walls, with soft music and expert massage technique.

OFZ is also proud to offer great fitness options for the kids. Legends Cheer and Tumbling has a large training room and offers a variety of classes and a comfortable waiting area for parents, with viewing screens to watch the progress being made. Instruction in Tang Soo Do, Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts is also available for adults and children.

Visit Owasso Fitness Zone at 502 E. 2nd Ave., just across from McDonald’s on 76th Street. Business hours are Monday through Thursday from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

For more information, contact

Owasso Fitness Zone

(918) 274-9998