Community Highlights: Meet Owen Kattenbraker of OKATT FITNESS, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Owen Kattenbraker.

Hi Owen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up overweight and extremely self-conscious about how I looked, especially when it came to taking my shirt off. Even though I was always active and involved in sports, I struggled with my weight and didn’t understand how much of a role nutrition played. By my senior year of high school, I had built a solid foundation in weightlifting and training, but I realized that without getting serious about my nutrition, I’d keep spinning my wheels. So I made a drastic shift and ended up losing 80 pounds in just a few months- an experience that taught me a lot, both good and bad. It was far too fast, and I learned firsthand the importance of doing things in a sustainable, healthy way rather than chasing quick results.

That experience sparked a deeper passion for fitness and helping others. I experimented with bodybuilding in college, which gave me insight into the other extreme- living with strict discipline and constant rigidity. That lifestyle wasn’t sustainable either. I’ve lived on both ends of the spectrum: overweight and insecure, then overly obsessed and rigid. Through those experiences, I found the value in balance, and that’s exactly what I now help others discover. I started OKATT FITNESS during my senior year of college, and since then I’ve helped over 100 people lose weight- some over 100 pounds, and build lifestyles they can actually enjoy and maintain. My mission is to help people feel strong, confident, and in control, without the extremes.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced is my relationship with food. During the early stages of my transformation, I went from not caring at all about what I ate to being overly restrictive and obsessed with everything I put in my body. That shift took a toll on me mentally and emotionally, and at times, I felt trapped- like I had to choose between enjoying life or staying “on track.” I also struggled a lot with body image, even after losing a significant amount of weight. I expected confidence to come automatically, but I realized that physical change doesn’t always fix what’s going on internally.

Those challenges were tough, but they shaped the way I coach today. I’ve learned that fitness should add value to your life- not take away from it. Now, I help people build healthier lifestyles in a way that’s realistic, sustainable, and enjoyable. I meet people where they are and help them find a rhythm that works for their body and their life, so they can feel good in their skin without sacrificing their happiness or freedom.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work primarily with busy professionals and beginners who want to build healthier lifestyles that actually fit into their real lives. My mission is to help people take control of their health in a way that works with their schedule- not against it. Whether it’s the demands of a career, family, or social life, I meet clients where they are and help them implement realistic habits that lead to lasting change. I offer everything from quick in-person or concierge sessions to virtual workouts and online coaching, along with nutrition guidance that’s practical and sustainable. I specialize in making fitness work for people- not making people work around fitness.
I’m also passionate about helping beginners or those that haven’t worked out in a while who may feel intimidated by the gym or unsure of where to start. I strive to make my training environment comfortable, supportive, and even enjoyable- somewhere people actually want to come back to! I focus on technique, accountability, and building confidence through progress. What sets me apart is that I understand how life can get in the way, and I coach from a place of empathy, structure, and flexibility. You don’t need hours of free time or a perfect routine- you just need the right habits, a little guidance, and someone in your corner who gets it. That’s what I’m most proud of: helping people create lasting change they never thought was possible.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I’m originally from Wisconsin and grew up a big Badgers fan! Watching the Badgers play football with my late Grandpa Skip was my favorite thing in the world. It’s a life goal of mine to go to the Rose Bowl when the Badgers play there again (if that ever happens haha). I have a rose that I kept from his funeral that I’ll take with me to keep him close.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okatt_fitness
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1937caBmjq/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owen-kattenbraker-1384ab195