Trying crossfit Englewood CO was something I did out of curiosity. I’d always heard about the intensity, the community, and how it pushed people past their limits. I didn’t expect it to be so addictive. A few months later, I also explored personal training Englewood CO, looking for more tailored coaching to balance my fitness routine and technique. Both experiences changed the way I approach exercise and recovery.
I found a place that offered both in one location—The Sanctuary Brazilian Jiujitsu and Fitness. It’s a gym that focuses on functional strength, real results, and community-driven training. Their programs are designed for all skill levels, helping members build power, endurance, and mental resilience through both CrossFit-inspired workouts and guided one-on-one sessions.
If you’re curious about how it actually feels to train this way, here’s my honest, no-fluff review of what to expect from both CrossFit and personal training in Englewood. You can check out more about their programs at https://www.thesanctuarybjjandfitness.com/.
First Impressions: The Community and Environment
Walking into The Sanctuary for the first time felt different from other gyms. There wasn’t loud music or a sea of machines. Instead, there were open mats, kettlebells, and people working hard together. The energy was focused, but not intimidating.
The instructors introduced themselves right away. They wanted to know what my goals were—whether I wanted to lose weight, get stronger, or simply feel better. That simple question made a big difference. From that moment, I felt like they cared about progress, not perfection.
The workouts began with mobility warmups that looked simple until you actually did them. Within minutes, I was sweating and already realizing how much I needed to work on flexibility and control. Every class pushed my limits, but in a way that felt rewarding, not punishing.
The gym has a clean, open layout. There’s enough space to move without bumping into others. More importantly, everyone respects each other’s effort. Whether you’re new or experienced, you’re encouraged the same way. That sense of belonging kept me coming back.
CrossFit Experience: The Good, The Hard, and The Unexpected
CrossFit at The Sanctuary isn’t just about lifting heavy or pushing yourself until you can’t move. It’s about consistency and learning to control your body. Every session includes a mix of strength training, conditioning, and technique work.
The workouts are built around functional movements—things like squats, deadlifts, push presses, and sprints. What surprised me most was how each exercise had a purpose. Nothing felt random. You could see how each part of the workout connected to everyday strength and endurance.
There’s also a team spirit you can’t ignore. When you’re struggling through your last reps, someone’s always cheering you on. That energy helps you go further than you thought possible.
The hardest part? The first two weeks. You feel sore in muscles you didn’t know existed. But after sticking with it, something clicks. You move better, breathe easier, and start seeing results—not just in your body, but in your confidence.
CrossFit is demanding, no doubt. But at The Sanctuary, the coaches watch closely. They adjust the workouts for your ability. That means you can train safely while still getting stronger.
Personal Training: Individual Focus and Custom Results
While CrossFit gave me the group motivation I needed, personal training offered something different—precision. With one-on-one sessions, the focus shifts completely to your goals and form.
My trainer started by doing an assessment. We talked about my strengths, weak spots, and daily habits. From there, they built a program that fit me perfectly. Some days were about lifting technique. Other days focused on mobility and recovery.
What I liked most was how detailed the feedback was. If my squat form was off, the trainer corrected it instantly. If I felt tightness or imbalance, they modified the movement to help me build stability instead of pushing through pain. That level of attention is something you don’t always get in group settings.
The sessions also taught me how to train smarter. I learned proper breathing during lifts, how to pace through sets, and when to rest. Over time, my performance in CrossFit classes improved too. It’s like personal training became the foundation for everything else I did.
At The Sanctuary Brazilian Jiujitsu and Fitness, the personal training program isn’t about trendy workouts. It’s about mastering movement and building lasting results. You feel progress with every session.
Pros: What Makes This Gym Stand Out
There’s a lot to love about training here. The first is the coaching quality. The instructors are hands-on, professional, and genuinely invested in your progress. They balance challenge with encouragement perfectly.
Second, the variety of training keeps things interesting. You can move between CrossFit-style workouts, martial arts classes, or personal training without ever feeling stuck in a routine. That variety helps prevent burnout.
The third major advantage is community. It’s not just a gym—it feels like a group of people working toward shared goals. Everyone supports each other, which is rare in fitness environments.
And finally, the focus on safety. Whether it’s a complex lift or a high-intensity circuit, the instructors make sure your form is correct before increasing intensity. That attention to detail builds trust and prevents injuries.
Cons: The Honest Challenges
No gym experience is perfect, and The Sanctuary is no exception. The biggest challenge, especially for beginners, is the intensity. CrossFit workouts are hard. If you’re not used to high-effort training, it can feel overwhelming at first.
Another consideration is time. Real progress requires consistency. You can’t just drop in once every couple of weeks and expect results. To get the most out of it, you need to commit to showing up.
And while personal training offers great results, it can be more expensive than group classes. But given the value and personal attention you get, it’s worth it for those serious about improvement.
Who Should Train Here
If you’re someone who thrives on structure, challenge, and real results, this is a great fit. CrossFit will push you physically, while personal training will refine your form and focus. Together, they make a complete fitness system.
The Sanctuary welcomes all levels—whether you’re brand new to exercise or experienced in athletics. I’ve seen parents, students, and even retirees training side by side. The instructors scale the workouts so everyone can succeed safely.
If you’re tired of repetitive gym routines or feel stuck in your progress, this approach will break that plateau fast.
The Sanctuary Brazilian Jiujitsu and Fitness: A Place That Cares
This gym isn’t just about workouts; it’s about building better people. The Sanctuary Brazilian Jiujitsu and Fitness combines community-driven fitness with expert guidance. Their programs cover Brazilian Jiujitsu, MMA, CrossFit-style workouts, and personal training—all built on discipline, respect, and growth.
What sets them apart is how they make every member feel seen. They track your progress, celebrate milestones, and help you set realistic goals. You’re not just paying for access to equipment—you’re investing in genuine coaching and accountability.
Final Verdict: Real Results, Real Effort
After months of training, I can say that both CrossFit and personal training at The Sanctuary are worth every drop of sweat. It’s not easy, but the rewards are real. You’ll get stronger, faster, and more confident—not just in the gym, but in everyday life.
The biggest takeaway is this: fitness isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up and putting in honest effort. At The Sanctuary, that effort is supported by expert guidance and a community that pushes you forward.
If you’re in Englewood and want to experience a place that challenges you while keeping you motivated, this gym should be at the top of your list.