The Standard
Our story
Paulo and Katie met in September 2022 and quickly began training for bodybuilding and powerlifting competitions with the goal of opening a gym they and other hardcore athletes could train at whenever they wanted. In October 2025, a flood put a damper on that for 5 months.
We didn't rush reopening. We fixed every piece of equipment, preserved the environment, and added more than we had before.
What we found in that time was what the PAK really means - a family that doesn't fold under pressure.
Steel Den is back. And the standard is higher than ever.
the PAK standard
we're family. this is everyone's second home.
we respect each other and the equipment.
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we train hard and push each other to get bigger, better, faster, stronger.
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we don't give up. we don't coast. we don't cut corners on form.
PAK Leader Board - Max Out Week crows the top performers every month
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Wall of Fame - every athlete who competes gets immortalized here
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PAK Performance Protocol - progressive overload, time under tension, tracked results
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Zena - our cane corso mascot making sure order is maintained at all time
the Coaches
Paulo — Owner & CEO
Paulo has coached IFBB Pros, International Powerlifters, and WWE athletes. He’s competed nationally in bodybuilding and powerlifting himself, so he understands the grind from both sides of the bar.
He still finds his purpose on the gym floor — building strong athletes and stronger standards.
When he’s not coaching, he’s with his dog, Zena
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Katie — General Manager
Katie has a B.S. in Exercise Science from USF along with 15 years of coaching experience in the fitness industry. Her athletes have competed nationally, internationally, and at the Olympic level — and many have transformed their lives, losing over hundreds of pounds
A former collegiate wrestler and bodybuilding competitor, she’s squatted over 400 lbs and believes strength changes everything.
When she’s not coaching, she’s with her dog, Kane.
the Facility
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​Iron - Dumbbells 5-125lb, Kettlebells 5-100lb, thousands of pounds in plate
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Machines - Hammer Strength, Nautilus, Cybex. Rotated every 4-6 months based on athletes
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Training Floor - turf, box jumps, functional equipment
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Posing Room - private 120 sq ft room with tanning bed, tripods and lights
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Seminars - 1-2x/month health, fitness & wellness events with industry experts
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Staffed Hours - weekdays 6a-9p, weekend 9-11a; subject to change based off competition schedule