How it started…

In 2011, at just 23 years old, St. Paul native and former professional boxer Dalton Outlaw founded Element Gym with a mission to preserve boxing as a community resource in his hometown. Starting in a modest 1,200-square-foot basement on Prior Avenue, Outlaw sold his car to fund the venture, driven by a vision to create a space where fitness, mentorship, and community intersect.

Over the years, Element Gym grew into a 30,000-square-foot hub for empowerment, expanding beyond boxing to offer yoga, wrestling, high-intensity interval training, and holistic wellness programs. Today, it remains dedicated to fostering inclusivity, opportunity, and personal growth for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

How its going…

Element Gym's mission is rooted in a commitment to fitness equity. Through its unique social impact model, the gym provides scholarships, ensuring that financial constraints never stand in the way of access to transformative programs. This dedication to community well-being led to a strategic partnership with YWCA St. Paul in 2024, relocating Element Gym’s operations to the YWCA’s Health & Fitness Center. This collaboration has expanded class offerings, programs and amenities, fostering a vibrant, inclusive environment that embodies the shared vision of both organizations: to promote health, empowerment, and opportunity within the St. Paul community.

Now co-led by Dalton and Lacee Outlaw, Element Gym embodies the balance of strength and compassion. Dalton brings his expertise as a trainer, entrepreneur, and community builder, while Lacee applies her background as a nurse and her role as COO to ensure the gym operates with care, excellence, and a focus on long-term sustainability. Together, they have created a model where people don’t just come to work out — they come to belong, to grow, and to be part of something bigger.

Element Gym is more than fitness. It is a space where mentorship, resilience, and opportunity come to life. From youth programs and pay-what-you-can initiatives, to training camps and wellness services, the gym reflects the Outlaws’ shared commitment to equity, access, and impact. Their leadership ensures that every punch thrown, every goal achieved, and every life touched strengthens not only individuals but also the broader Saint Paul community.