Sanctuary Bodyworks

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.

Beautiful location in Fells, but I found that the group classes are not worth the cost. The barre class was lackluster and low intensity in comparison to others in the area. I paid for an hour of Pilates and the class ended after 40 minutes. Unfortunately will not be returning.

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.

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!

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

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 :)

I’ve loved it each time I’ve been to Sanctuary.

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!!!

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.