We are pleased to announce that YWCA St. Paul and Element Boxing Gym are joining forces! Element Boxing Gym, owned and founded by Dalton Outlaw, will relocate its operations to YWCA St. Paul’s Health & Fitness Center effective April 1, 2024.

Given that our two organizations are mission-aligned, share a commitment to health equity, bring complementary strengths, and hold a common vision for the future, we are beyond excited to work together to maximize our impact in the community. This partnership will allow us to offer expanded programming and additional amenities to existing members, create pathways for increased BIPOC and youth engagement, and enable us to embrace a more sustainable business model. More details and communication will be shared as we continue through this transition.

Some exciting changes include:

Additional:

• Equipment
• Class Options
• Membership Options  Community Partners
• Personal Trainers and Instructors 

Repurposing Spaces in the HFC

We recognize that you may have questions related to this new partnership. We have put together some responses to potential questions you may have (see below). If you have questions that are not answered here, or have any comments you wish to share, please contact me at 651-265-0712 or abooker@ywcastpaul.org or Neil Erickson at 651.265.0746 or NErickson@ywcastpaul.org.

We will continue to update you as this partnership evolves.

Thank you,

Ashley Booker CEO

YWCA St. Paul

Questions & Answers: 

• Will my membership costs increase?
• What are the new membership fees?

For existing YWCA St. Paul members, the current fee structure will not change in 2024. However,

new membership opportunities will be announced in Spring 2024.

• Will class schedules change?

Additional class options will be offered!

Class studio locations may change; dates and times will not.

Fee-based and free class offerings will change in Fall 2024.

• Will HFC hours remain the same?

We will be offering an earlier start to the weekdays!

Mon-Fri 5:30 am – 9 pm

Weekend hours at this time will remain the same

• What physical changes will I see around the Health & Fitness Center?

With this exciting new partnership, the HFC will be undergoing a makeover including a fresh coat of paint, artwork, new equipment, and more!

Will the pool and sauna area remain?

Pool, spa and sauna areas and hours will remain the same.

• When will Element Gym be moved in?

Element Gymʼs official launch date will be on April 1, 2024.

Dalton Outlaw grew up in St. Paul and attended Concordia Saint Paul where he played football and graduated with a degree in Business. He grew up training and boxing as a youth and even boxed professionally before retiring with an undefeated boxing record of 2-0. Dalton opened Element Gym in Saint Paul Midway in 2011 in an 800 square foot space and grew it into a 30,000 square foot community hub with a mission to use business as a resource for good in the community. Element quickly became a safe place for people of all ages, races, and backgrounds to belong, learn and grow. Although Element is a Boxing

gym that has a competitive boxing program, that is not all it offers. Element provides a premier exercise experience to participants to help them better understand the Art of Boxing and Fitness.

Element has several affiliates, licenses to teach Boxing, Kickboxing to young people as well as individuals with Parkinsonʼs and even kids and adults with Down Syndrome. Element has become a national model with its unique co-working and collaborative business model housing more than 14 organizations focused on Arts, Athletics and Wellness.

Over the years, Element has formed many community partnerships and hosted a variety of activities and multi-generational programming. Element has remained committed to using its business model to build partnerships and community with like-minded organizations. Dalton is a well-known, social entrepreneur that has a deep commitment to the community, especially youth and people of color.

Element will be celebrating its 13th anniversary this April and is excited to celebrate that accomplishment with the amazing partnership being shaped at YWCA St. Paul.

Element is excited to continue to remain a collaborative partner to external partners while building and strengthening community connections through the HFC.

YW’s Member Portal is where you can register for group classes, make pool reservations, schedule training sessions and view on-demand fitness videos.

Download YW’s mobile app to access all of these features from your cell phone! Click the Google Play or Apple App Store buttons to find the app.

Prefer to use your computer? You can always access the Member Portal through our website: ywcastpaul.org/fitness/signin

Phone Update: The Health & Fitness Center has a NEW number! Call 651-222-3741 and press “1.”