Brick Bodies in Baltimore: A Multi-Location Gym Chain with Swim Facilities

Brick Bodies is a Baltimore-based gym chain with four locations across the city and county, offering a mix of cardiovascular equipment, free weights, group fitness classes, and indoor swimming pools at select sites. Unlike national chains that treat Baltimore as one market among hundreds, Brick Bodies operates as a local institution with roots in the region since 1983, and its membership structure and facility mix reflect the specific needs of Baltimore residents rather than a templated national model.

What Brick Bodies actually is

Brick Bodies positions itself as a full-service fitness center rather than a boutique studio or budget gym. Each location includes a weight floor with dumbbells, barbells, and machine stations; cardio areas with treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes; and group fitness studios. The Fells Point and Canton locations also house indoor swimming pools, a significant differentiator in Baltimore where few gyms offer this amenity. The chain does not focus on CrossFit, powerlifting, or single-discipline training; it caters to members seeking traditional gym access and swimming rather than specialized coaching.

Membership tiers and pricing

Brick Bodies offers three main membership options. An All-Access membership costs approximately $60 to $70 per month and includes gym access at any of the four locations plus pool access where pools exist. A Single Location membership runs roughly $45 to $55 per month for access to one facility only. A Drop-in rate of around $15 to $20 per visit is available for those without a membership. Enrollment typically includes an initiation fee of $50 to $100, though promotional periods sometimes waive or reduce this charge. Confirm current pricing and any active promotions directly with your chosen location, as membership costs shift seasonally.

Equipment and class offerings

The gym floor at each Brick Bodies location includes standard free-weight zones with adjustable dumbbells up to 100+ pounds, multiple barbell stations, and machines targeting major muscle groups. Cardio equipment spans 20 to 40 machines depending on the location. Group fitness classes run throughout the day and include spin, yoga, Pilates, water aerobics (at locations with pools), Zumba, and bootcamp-style conditioning. Class schedules are posted online and at the facility. Most classes are included with membership; some specialized workshops carry an additional fee.

How Brick Bodies compares to other Baltimore gyms

Gold's Gym locations in Baltimore charge similar monthly rates ($50 to $70) but lack swimming pools and operate as franchises rather than local institutions. LA Fitness, with Maryland locations near Baltimore, offers comparable equipment and group classes but charges toward the higher end ($70 to $90 monthly) and does not operate pools in the immediate area. Smaller independent gyms like Hampden's CrossFit or yoga-focused studios offer specialization but not the broad appeal of a traditional multi-location gym. Brick Bodies' key advantage is the combination of multi-location access, locally operated history, and on-site pools at two locations; the trade-off is that it does not specialize in CrossFit coaching, personal training programs, or high-end luxury amenities like saunas or juice bars.

Who this suits and who it does not

Brick Bodies works best for Baltimoreans who want straightforward gym access without committing to a single studio, especially swimmers and families whose children need pool lessons or lap swimming alongside adult fitness routines. The multi-location model appeals to members with unpredictable schedules who might use Fells Point one week and Canton the next. It suits people who prefer traditional weightlifting and cardio over trendy classes, though the class calendar is robust enough for those who want both. It is not ideal for athletes seeking sport-specific coaching, people focused exclusively on strength training with a dedicated lifting coach, or those looking for upscale spa amenities.

First visit and signup process

First-time members should arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to complete paperwork and tour the facility. Staff will explain membership options, show you the equipment and locker rooms, and ask about fitness goals to recommend classes or areas of the gym. Most locations offer a trial day or week at a discounted rate before committing to membership. Bring a government-issued ID and payment information. If you plan to swim, ask about pool hours and lane-swimming schedules; these often differ from general gym hours.

Hours, locations, and parking

Brick Bodies operates four locations: Fells Point (1627 Thames Street), Canton (3401 Boston Street), Towson, and Glen Burnie. Hours generally run 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, though these vary slightly by location; verify on the Brick Bodies website or by phone before your first visit. Fells Point and Canton locations offer street and lot parking within walking distance. Both the Fells Point and Canton gyms have pools; the pools operate on separate schedules from the gym floor, typically with dedicated lap-swim hours in early morning and evening.

Brick Bodies has earned its place in Baltimore by remaining locally owned while competing with national chains on equipment and class variety, and by maintaining pools when most peers abandoned them as operational costs rose. For residents seeking dependable, multi-location access and swimming in one membership, it remains a practical choice.