Owasso Gym Rats

By Lizzy Petersen 

Many students at Owasso High School have had some sort of motivation to become a member of a gym or find some way to better themselves. High school is a time when people can feel very critical of themselves and want to be better in many aspects. A good way to attack those feelings and have a good outlet for stress is going to the gym. 

Senior Ashlyn Stephenson is a prime example of a hardworking student who puts time in at school and the gym. She goes to the YMCA with her boyfriend, and they do a great job of supporting each other. 

She mentions how she manages her schedule saying, “If I don’t have time for the gym one day, I count it as a rest day and try to hop back on the next day.”

The gym is a great stress reliever and helps people feel more confident. Stephenson is a former track and cross country athlete, so the gym helps her get that satisfactory workout feeling once more. Although going to the gym is different from working out in track, the process of working towards a goal is the same chase. She has found the gym to be an upside to her week. 

She states, “I get to see my gym friends, get stronger, and feel satisfied with my workout as I walk out.”

Stephenson has been able to meet many of her goals, and with her success can set new ones. The positive environment of working out with friends who support her is a part of the process of becoming better. 

Stephenson mentions her favorite parts from her times at the gym are, “hitting PRs (personal records) and seeing my actual muscles grow.” She achieves these goals with some of her favorite workouts; bench press and RDL.

Another senior who loves to better herself at the gym is Kristen Range, who is an avid member of Owasso’s Optimal Fitness. She has many different reasons for attending the gym. Range is a competitor in many different pageants that include a fitness category. She wants to be in the best shape that she can to look and compete well. 

Range states more reasons for her dedication to the gym saying, “I also go to better myself because I feel that health and fitness are something that should be a part of everyone’s day-to-day lifestyle…you feel good, you look good.”

Range is a member of Owasso’s varsity tennis team and mentions how working out has helped her get better, not only skill-wise but also health-wise. She has had numerous knee and back injuries and has found that strengthening those muscle groups helps prevent further issues. 

In addition, Range has made the gym her safe place. She goes to the gym alone to make sure she is in a clear mindset and can get the most out of her workout. 

She says, “My favorite part would be making the gym my safe place. I know whenever I’m upset or feel sad in any way, shape or form, I can go and work out and feel better not only physically, but mentally as well.” 

The gym can be intimidating, but everyone there has to start from ground zero and work towards the same big goal; becoming better.

Photo of Optimal Fitness by Lizzy Petersen.