Client Transformations – Rachel Allen
Rachel came to Sanctuary Body after a long career, no workout background, and one simple goal: take better care of herself. “I didn’t think I’d enjoy it—and I really do.”
Lots of people who book a New Client Consult at Sanctuary Body are just like Rachel – they’ve never worked with a trainer before. They come with questions about our methods and our rates, but they’re really there to decide, “Is a personal trainer worth it? Who is personal training for? Is it for me?”
Rachel’s story is a reminder that personal training isn’t just for athletes or people recovering from injury. It’s for anyone ready to get serious about feeling better in their body, even (or especially) if they’re starting from square one.
Rachel has been training at Sanctuary Body for over six years. She came to us after a long career, with no formal fitness background and a simple goal: to take better care of herself. What she’s gained since then goes far beyond strength.
We sat down with Rachel to talk about her experience with personal training, what’s changed for her over time, and why she’s stayed with it.
Tell me a little about how you first found Sanctuary Body. What were you looking for?
“I commuted from Baltimore to Washington for over 40 years. My days were long—11 or 12 hours, with about three hours spent driving. When I retired in 2018, I thought, one thing I really want to do is spend some time taking care of myself.
I started looking for a trainer, but honestly, I didn’t even know how to get going. I knew I needed help. A friend recommended Sanctuary Body, and that’s how I started.”
Had you tried working out before?
“No—not really. And I wasn’t even sure I’d stick with it! But here I am, six years later. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, so that’s a good thing.”
What was that first experience like?
“It was very low-key. Brandon did the entry interview, and I think he could see my age and condition. They didn’t break me the first time or scare me away—and that mattered.
I had no form! I was starting completely at the beginning. Brandon and Pete were the main people I worked with at first, and they were extremely patient. They insisted on correct form, helped me through everything, and encouraged me—even when I probably looked like a foolish old lady!”
Showing up is doing well!
“Exactly. And I see people of all ages and body types at Sanctuary Body. They really know how to make people comfortable, and that’s what keeps us coming back.”
People sometimes ask us, “What does a personal trainer actually do?” From your perspective, what role does your trainer play, and what’s been most helpful?
“I rotate between trainers, and I really enjoy that because everyone trains a little differently.
I work with Pete once a week—he’s more traditional. We do lunges, squats, bench press. He’s very consistent and very supportive.
Brandon focuses more on balance and range of motion, which I really appreciate. And more recently, I’ve been doing Pilates with Allie. She’s a former ballet dancer, and Pilates has been wonderful for stretching. I wish my body could do what hers does!
It’s three different kinds of training with three different people, and I enjoy that variety.”
It keeps things interesting and well-rounded.
“Exactly. And you get to know the trainers as people, too. Pete’s a family guy—we talk about his kids. Allie recently moved to Baltimore, so we talk about what she’s discovering. Brandon used to be a neighbor, so we talk about the neighborhood. That personal connection matters.”
What do you see as the advantages of personal training versus strength and conditioning workouts you might do on your own or in a group class?
“One big thing is accountability. When I have an appointment, I keep it!
If I were part of a larger gym or class, I might say, Oh, I don’t feel great today, or They won’t miss me. Having that one-on-one appointment, that relationship, gives me a real incentive to show up.”
You’ve been showing up consistently for six years! What do you think makes a fitness routine actually last?
“When I first signed up, I bought a five-session package. After those first five workouts, I could already tell a difference. I felt stronger. I felt better.
Each time I go, I can notice progress—I’m doing better, I’m getting stronger. That feels good. It gives you energy.
I’ll admit, there are days when I think, I wish I didn’t have to go. But I always feel better afterward.”
Sometimes getting the shoes on and leaving the house is the hardest part.
“Exactly right!”
Have you ever had injuries or pain you’ve needed to work around?
“Yes. I also worked with the physical therapy partner there (True Sports) for my knees. Whenever I tell Pete, Brandon, or Allie that something hurts, they know how to modify the exercise or strengthen that area.
They’re very good at working with what they’ve got – with what I’ve got!”
Compared to when you first came in six years ago, what’s changed for you?
“I have more pep! I’ve lost some weight, which has been good for me. And I love walking around Fells Point, so keeping my knees and legs strong has been really important.”
Anything that surprised you?
“I didn’t think I’d enjoy it—and I really do. The people are so nice. I know everyone by name. I sometimes call it my home away from home.”
I think a lot of people expect a gym environment to be intense and noisy and crowded.
“Sanctuary Body feels like a comfortable place to go. Some days it’s a little busier, and even then I enjoy watching what other people are doing. Today there was a young man doing box jumps and I thought, wow, I wish I could do that. I get workout envy sometimes!”
Do you have specific goals you’re working toward?
“My main goal has always been just to be stronger and healthier. But a couple years ago, I read that grip strength is linked to longevity, so I asked Pete if we could work on dead hangs.
The first time, I couldn’t even do 10 seconds. This morning I did over 50 seconds!
That felt really good. It was something I initiated, and Pete said, ‘Yeah, we can do that!’ He tracks my progress, and that makes it fun.”
Personal training is a commitment – and an investment. If a friend were to ask, “is having a personal trainer worth it,” what would you say?
“For me, it’s been worth it. Yes, it costs more than a basic gym membership, but it’s something I feel good about doing.
When you compare it to other things you spend money on—going out to dinner, for example—it’s comparable. And this is an investment in my health.”
Well, we’re so glad to have you, and so grateful to you for sharing your story with us, and wish you the best success with your grip strength and all the goals you’re working on.
“My abs of steel!”
Yes, exactly!
At Sanctuary Body, we offer a highly customized blend of traditional fitness training, Equipment Pilates, and bodywork to help each client achieve their best body – pain free, and with less time at the gym.
Ready to give one-on-one training at Sanctuary Body a try? Your first step is to schedule a New Client Consult. From there, we’ll create a customized fitness plan tailored to your health challenges and goals.
Rachel came to Sanctuary Body after a long career, no workout background, and one simple goal: take better care of herself. “I didn’t think I’d enjoy it—and I really do.”
“One of the things I love most about teaching Pilates is that it informs a deep sense of body awareness; once you know what your imbalances are, what your ‘default mode’ is, you can begin to correct it.”
Is pain getting in the way of staying fit and healthy? …this one change can lead to a cascade effect of declining health. It doesn’t have to go that way. Here are a few key things to remember when exercising
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I see people of all ages and body types at Sanctuary Body. They really know how to make people comfortable, and that’s what keeps us coming back.
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The Sanctuary Body approach to training is something you really have to experience. That’s why our new client intro session includes both an in-depth fitness consultation and a personalized demo workout.
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I asked Pete if we could work on dead hangs. The first time, I couldn’t even do 10 seconds. This morning I did over 50 seconds! That felt really good.
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“I didn’t think I’d enjoy it—and I really do. I sometimes call it my home away from home.”
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