Federal Hill Fitness

Facilities: Located in between the bar and restaurant on Cross Street, Federal Hill Fitness has a modern feel rehabbed. There are two attic floors, exposed brick, and put on a wall painting of Robert McClintock. The main floor has an open area for Cardio, the lower floor is for the core, and the second floor has Kettlebells and weights and a studio for classes.


Who is it: Just like the gym sister, MV Centre, the club's clients comes directly from the environment. "Most members are young, athletic, and looks like the people you would normally see in Federal Hill," says owner Andrea Shelby. "We who live here to walk everywhere, so it makes sense that we would walk into our gym, too."

What's hot: Federal Hill Fitness Program is the most popular outdoor training camp. "This is a serious butt-kicking, competitive class," said Shelby. "There are a lot of pain and a lot of results." Boot camp meets three times a week for four weeks at 6 am on top of Federal Hill. "There is nothing quite like seeing the sun rising over the horizon Baltimore and know that your day to start, good sound," he said.

Special Features: Shelby explained that because the gym is a smaller size (about 600 members), there is a more personal relationship. "We've been open for 10 years and has so many members that have been here from the beginning," he said. "We have a great retention rate. People only go if they move."

Meet the coach: Trainer Reese Ashe has a background in mixed martial arts and wrestling, and he specializes in group-training classes (such as camps, boot hardcore outdoor) and kick-boxing. (Plus, we named it "Best Personal Trainer" in 2010). "He has added luster to be part of the club since the beginning," said Shelby. "He really is an incredible part of the team."