Paul Hunter
Owner · Personal Trainer · C.S.C.S.
Owner since 2004 and still on the floor – over 30 years training, coaching, and managing in the gym setting, locally and nationally.
Est. 2004Santa Rosa Beach · 30A
Over two decades with the same goals, in the same space!
Grayton Beach Fitness was established in 2004 by Paul and Debbie Hunter, built on a simple idea: intelligent fitness in a friendly space. They’ve run it ever since – taking the classes, teaching the classes, making your gym experience the best it can be.
Built for people who want to be active in real life, not just on social media.
The gym’s focus has always been threefold: physical fitness, nutritional awareness, and stress management. The goal isn’t a beach body – it’s being able to paddle, surf-cast, chase grandkids and out-do yourself everyday.
That philosophy shows in the room: serious equipment, high-intensity classes for all abilities, and instructors who know what they’re talking about.
The Hunters
Paul Hunter · B.S. Exercise Science & Business Management, Springfield College · C.S.C.S.
Owner and personal trainer. He earned his Exercise Science and Business Management degree from Springfield College (Birthplace of Basketball) and has trained, managed, lectured, represented upstart brands, and consulted in the gym setting – locally and nationally – for over 30 years. He bought the gym in 2004 and still invokes his energy and trains clients on its floor and in classes.
Debbie Hunter · Business & Organizational Psychology, U. Michigan
Co-owner, group exercise instructor, and the operational engine of the gym. With a degree in business and organizational psychology from the University of Michigan, she’s spent 28 years certified in TRX, kickboxing, water aerobics, spin and personal training – and taught swimming for ten. If you call during staffed hours, there’s a fair chance Debbie answers.
The team
Justin Scott
General Manager · Personal Trainer
Manages day-to-day operations and trains clients on the floor – the person who keeps the gym running smoothly.
Katie Roy
B.S. Exercise Science · NASM · 10+ years
Katie has served the Grayton Beach Fitness community for over 10 years. Specializes in strength, longevity, and lifestyle – serious about helping clients reach their fitness and lifestyle goals.
Garrett Fletcher
M.S. Human Performance
Local trainer, former college athlete, professional SUP and canoe competitor.
Sharon Ballard
Personal Trainer · ACE
A lifelong athlete and former schoolteacher who coached cheer and dance for over 20 years. She earned her ACE personal-training certification and now leads one-on-one and small group sessions.
Debbie Hunter
Co-owner · Group Exercise Instructor
Co-owner, with a degree in business and organizational psychology from the University of Michigan. Over 28 years she’s been certified in TRX, kickboxing, water aerobics, spin and personal training – and taught swimming for ten. These days she runs operations and leads group exercise.
Sharon Varnes
Group Exercise Instructor · AFAA, Schwinn, ACE
A passionate group-fitness instructor who loves helping people find joy in working out together. She builds energetic classes for every level and lives to inspire and support each member’s journey.
The room
Come see it yourself.
Photos are nice; the room is better. Call for a guest pass or a quick tour – weekdays 7am–6pm, weekends 8am–noon – and walk the floor before you decide anything.
Call (850) 231-7075
