I've had 8 sessions with personal trainer Tony and I'm going into my next 8. I've had other good trainers before but as I've gotten older I've been more worried about "keeping up" in the gym plus a few aches and pains are slowing me down so I was nervous going in and he has taken the nerves away because he checks in, listens, proactively pivots, and he's flexible when my work schedule changes. I would recommend Tony to anyone. read more

Pete is the absolute best! I've been training with him for over a year and love every session. Great vibe at Sanctuary. Plus, they have the have the best tasting water in all of Fells Point. read more

I was looking to start a personal training regimen, and I discovered Sanctuary Bodyworks. The combination of training and pilates with their team has been fantastic for me; the team combines an expertise in training and strengthening with a supportive and flexible approach that combines for results. I would recommend Sanctuary Bodyworks to anyone. read more

Such a beautiful space...A sanctuary indeed. I was very excited by the menu of group fitness classes: yoga, mat pilates, hoop, and tango classes. They also offer personal training sessions and have pilates machines. I'd been researching different yoga styles because I was interested in adding yoga to my workout regimen but didn't know where to begin--I had heard about SB from a few people, went on their website, checked out the schedule and decided to give a class a try since I live down the street from the studio. I chose Tuesday's Functional/Combo Yoga with Rebekah and very glad I did. This class provides both the spiritual part that was missing from my strength training and the challenging poses that provides me with an incredible workout. She welcomes all levels and gives great instructions through the poses. I look forward to nurturing my mind, body and spirit every week at Sanctuary Bodyworks. read more

I recently tried Sanctuary Bodyworks for the first time. I bought the new student 5 class pass for the group classes. I was looking for a good Barre studio that didn't break the bank and I found their group class prices and packages to be very reasonable. I also do a lot of yoga and I thought since they offer both that it would be great to try out a few classes. However I should have checked their schedule in more detail before signing up because I found they do not offer as much of a variety as I would have hoped. The schedule is very limited. They offer only 2 barre classes and 2 yoga classes per week, and they offer a couple belly dancing classes too, but I really had no interest that. I realized after going there a few times that their focus really isn't on the group classes but on their personal training, which wasn't really what I was looking for. The cardio barre class was a good class, I feel like I got a good workout and the instructor was nice. My only nit picky comment is that she could have pumped up the music a bit more (but that's more my own personal preference) she wasn't wearing a microphone so if she did that we probably wouldn't be able to hear her. But overall the class was a good average barre class. I've taken other barre classes at other studios and found it to be somewhere in the middle as far as intensity. The gym is beautiful, it's an adaptive re-use building in an old church, the architecture is awesome. Way finding could have been a little better within the studio. When you walk in, there are just lots of doors everywhere. The gym is on the second floor, but once you get to the second floor there is no indication which door is the main entrance, I think those doors should have something other than a sign that says "don't park in the new century school parking spaces" (not super welcoming) so you can clearly see where the entrance to the gym is. When I got into the gym the first time there was nobody at the front desk and when the lady finally came around, I did not find her to be very friendly or welcoming, not really a deal breaker but she could have at least smiled, I did find the waiver on my own on the counter and filled it out before she even got there. There are a few limited parking spaces that are clearly labeled for Sanctuary Bodyworks in the back of the building but there is also street parking and at Tuesday around 6pm I haven't had any trouble parking on the street close by. This gym offers a lot of other services that I haven't tried, so I can't comment on those, but I really wish they had more of a variety of group class options. I will probably just continue going to the barre class until I've used up the 5 class pass, but I'm hesitant on buying another package. read more

I've been training with Brandon and Kevin at Sanctuary for about 7 months, and my experience has been great so far. I tore my MCL few years ago and needed proper strength training for my legs. I especially like Sanctuary because Brandon and Kevin help your body become more balanced and healthy, rather than transforming you into a meathead. I highly recommend this place. read more

I've been working out for about 30 years and was looking to shake up my routine when I found Sanctuary Bodyworks. I've been doing personal training there for over a year and can say that this is one of the best personal training experiences I've had. (I've been through 3-4 personal trainers through the years.) When I first started, we spent time discussing my general goals. I'm a climber and was looking to improve my core strength and overall endurance so we focus more on strength building than muscle building. The focus on getting the form for the exercise just right is amazing. (Lift your chin just a little higher... make sure your arms are in line with the cable... push your butt out and squat just a little lower...) Each session is a little different, so no two are alike and my body does not get comfortable doing the exercises. They also seem to be able to tell just when I'm exhausted and stop one rep before my form would fall apart. All this leads to a great workout and an improvement in my overall strength. The facility is not large, and so there are not a lot of people to distract me from my workout. Because Sanctuary Bodyworks also is a rehab facility, they are very adept at both adjusting for injuries and actually helping work through them. I broke a bone in my hand last fall, and really did not skip a beat with my workouts - they readily adapted to my not being able to grip with my hand for about 4 weeks. All in all, I would highly recommend them for personal training. read more

I recently moved to Baltimore and met Brandon as I was looking for a boutique fitness studio for training. Upon our initial meeting, I was intrigued by by Brandon's holistic approach to health and fitness and really appreciated the time he spent with me talking about my goals, concerns, and issues. In addition, during our consultation, Brandon talked to me about certain alignment and postural issues that he noticed in my body and talked to me about how he would go about correcting those through a training program. The workouts themselves are very unique and unlike any that I've ever done before, each specifically designed to move my body into the proper alignment while making me stronger. I have been sore after working out with Brandon in ways that I've never experienced before - not the painful 'sore to the bone' feeling that we all know but, rather, I feel my body changing and there is a soreness within my muscles that are being activated after years of inactivity due to my body's compensations during movement. I am extremely impressed with Brandon's knowledge of the body and the mechanics of movement and that expertise is evident every time I work out with him. I am very excited to continue working with Brandon to become healthier and stronger and to see all of the progress that I can make. read more

I've been working with Pilates Reformer Instructor, Farida, at Sanctary for just over a year. It's been the most amazing, challenging, and rewarding exercise that I have ever done. I have neck and foot issues and Farida, while challenging me every day, makes sure that I do not aggravate or re-injure them. She is a classic Pilates instructor and I highly recommend her and the true to Joseph Pilates method that she uses. I feel stronger and more in tune with my body after each session. Try private Pilates Reformer sessions, you may become a believer too!! read more

Absolutely love training with Brandon and Kevin - they have done wonders for my body and spirit! Started coming before my wedding but I wouldn't dream of stopping now :) read more

After my previous trainer moved away, I searched high and low for a new personal trainer. It proved to be more difficult than one might think. Many were unprofessional and inconsiderate, and I was particularly surprised at how many failed to return my phone calls when I was trying to give them my money. I was lucky if some of them had any clue about anatomy and how to deal with client limitations, mine being gait issues, range of motion, and a shoulder injury. Enter Brandon at Sanctuary Bodyworks! Brandon was quick to set up an initial consultation. Upon walking into his beautiful Fells Point studio, he sized me up and started asking questions about my goals, concerns and limitations. Before I left that day, he explained what he saw immediately and gave me some suggestions, and demonstrations on how he could help me correct some of my obvious posture issues. Before each workout, we begin with a series of assisted stretches, and then continue with exercises that are tailored to my specific needs. Four months later, my posture and gait have improved. So much so, that friends have commented. Just a few things I like about our sessions: Brandon is right in there with me, making sure my form is perfect, helping me hold positions to ensure I am getting as much out of the exercise as possible. After all, what is the point if I am not? Brandon has never been late or cancelled a session and tries to work around my scheduling needs whenever possible, which goes back to the professionalism I previously mentioned. Surprisingly, they became a huge concern when working with other trainers. It's also helpful that Brandon is a good conversationist and all around nice guy, which helps me get through the workout. I can't say that he is always smiling, but who is? Even when he isn't, he is always professional and he never fails to provide just enough distraction and laughs (all the while getting the workout in) so that I kind of forget what I'm actually doing. That works well, if you are like me and don't particularly want to work out but do it out of absolute necessity. :) IJS I recently started work with Sanctuary Bodywork's resident Rolfer Jen. I was initially a bit skeptical about how much rolfing could help me, but I must say I am already seeing some improvement in my range of motion and flexibility as a result. It doesn't hurt that Jen is such a kind spirit. We have a lot of work to do yet, but I have no doubt that Brandon and his team can help me get there. Bravo Sanctuary!!! read more

There are no words to truly describe how wonderful Sanctuary Bodyworks trainers are in terms of training expertise and philosophy. I have been working with Brandon and Kevin for 9 months now and around 6 months ago started to work with Farida doing 1 on 1 instruction in Pilates. I was a soccer player in college and have worked out with many trainers in my life all over the country. After medical residency and years of long hours of work, I felt like I really needed someone to help me get back to a healthy body and spirit. I had a moment of revelation when I felt like my posture was making me into a comma over the years - I knew that I had to act. I had just got engaged and wanted to look my best for my wedding, but much more importantly I really wanted a trainer who would help correct my posture, help me get back in shape, and most importantly help me to form a good foundation for a long lifetime of quality active life. I love working hard at the trainer, but I wanted a different trainer who was very hands on, knew their anatomy, and would help to make me stronger with excellent form. Sanctuary trainers far surpassed any of my expectations. I really feel like a new rejuvenated woman. They work in a much more concentrated and holistic way than every other trainer have ever been to previously. They are also so supportive and really feel like are personally invested in helping you make your goals. After just two sessions people that I knew started to remark at how great I was looking and looking younger - I owe most of this to my posture improving. After 9 months I feel so different - I have lost a significant amount of weight and am now much longer and leaner. My posture is now much more of an exclamation point (not the comma it was becoming). My shoulders are 1.5 inches lower than they were when I started and I am also a quarter inch taller (which for a petite woman like me is huge!). The lower back and shoulder pain I was intermittently happening has disappeared. My mental state of being has also improved as my posture and body have improved. I love going to my sessions, it is the highlight of my week - the space is so relaxing and I leave with so much more energy. I am forever grateful to Brandon and the other trainers at Sanctuary who have helped me feel the best for my wedding day (both body and mind) and much more importantly are helping me for the foundation for a long active life! read more

I can't imagine a more beautiful location for bodywork than Sanctuary Bodyworks, this nicely renovated former St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. The setting, and the name itself, sets the tone for the serious personal training that inspires Brandon Hallock. Brandon has helped me develop better posture, an awareness of the ways the parts of my body work together, and a toned and stronger body. I appreciate the serenity of the facility and the attention Brandon pays to my goals. It seems easier to remember to relax and breathe while finishing the last few challenging repetitions of an exercise while working in this calm space. read more

For a deep tissue massage, Amanda is the real deal. She integrated some Sports and Swedish massage techniques for finishing touches. Awesome! read more

I have an automatic relaxation response the instant I enter the space. Personal training with Brandon has truly remade how I carry myself and my chronic shoulder pain is gone. I am stronger than I have ever been. Zumba is the best combination of fun and real workout that I've ever been to. Joan brings a fantastic spirit to each and every class and I always leave happier than I came read more

Excellent equipment pilates sessions with Farida. Farida is an amazing instructor and extremely conscientious. She takes the time to ensure that you are aligned correctly and that you work hard! Not one second is wasted during our sessions. The reformer equipment is top notch as well compared to other studios/gyms. read more