Progress 2026: Bringing fitness to Main Street, Blooming Prairie

Sometimes things come together perfectly.
When Michael Clayton and Katy Clayton opened up BP Nutrition on Main Street in Blooming Prairie in 2020, Katy still had it in the back of her mind that she wanted to open a gym. However, the COVID-19 pandemic was still limiting businesses and the timing wasn’t right.
Instead, the Clayton’s focused on BP Nutrition, where they could deliver drinks and have customers come and go as they made their purchases.
“I was driving up to Owatonna to (Michael’s work) to deliver drinks during COVID-19,” Katy said. “It was very crazy.”
When COVID-19 regulations eased up, the Clayton’s opened up BP Fitness and Spa just a half a block away in 2022. Both businesses are next to Bunkie’s Grille and Lanes and they are very visible for anyone driving through BP.
BP Nutrition is where community members can fuel up, as it offers protein shakes, non-sugar caffeinated drinks, and an espresso protein coffee option. BP Fitness and Spa has strength training equipment that allows cross-fit style workouts and heavy lifting. It also includes personal saunas.
“I’ve always wanted a gym,” Katy said. “I’m very health conscious and I love working out. I wanted a modern thing, with a sauna and equipment that could fit younger and older ages. We didn’t have anything like that in town and we have five kids, which makes it very difficult to leave town. I said, “how about we start one, and if it fails, at least we have a gym and our kids can use it too.””
The Clayton’s literally tore down a wall to make room for BP Nutrition, and the business does have space for seating, but many of the orders are to go. The gym is open 24 hours, with members using a code to get in whenever they want to lift. The well-lit location of Main Street is perfect, for those who are coming in for late night lifts.
The Clayton’s moved to BP from Owatonna almost 10 years ago and the businesses have helped them make many connections in town.
“It’s fun to be out in the community, we feel like people know us and we know them,” Michael said. “It’s how we meet a lot of people, because having five kids, it’s hard for us to do much. We already know a lot of the regulars. “I’ll take my usual” is a common phrase.”
While juggling two businesses can sometimes be a daunting task, the Clayton’s wouldn’t have it any other way. Katy said it has been a rewarding experience to provide to locations where people can improve their health.
“They’re not the same businesses, but they mimic each other,” she said. “This is how we know everybody and it’s how we keep up with everyone in town. It’s great for relationship building.”
BP nutrition is open Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The store also has pop-up shops where it will be open at night.