Helping people make movement and strength training a foundation of daily living since 2018

Calling all Warriors
Warrior: war·ri·or/ˈwôrēər/
noun - a brave or experienced soldier or fighter
I call all of my clients warriors, why? They are in it to WIN the battle for a longer, healthier life.
Movement is my MISSION!
I am here to help people of all ages: kids to grandparents and everyone in between.

World Health Organization Guidelines
How much movement do I need?
Adults aged 18–64 should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week or do at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week or an equivalent combination of moderate - and vigorous-intensity activity. *see WHO link below.
How I Can Help You?

Personal Training
Working one-on-one with clients allows me to cater a training program precisely to your history, needs and goals. The close interaction also permits me to teach correct exercise technique and progression. Schedules are busy, but not too busy to make movement a priority. Let's find a time that works for us to train together!
I have a private home gym in Phoenix, MD with everything we need to keep you moving and healthy.
Let's talk and see how personal training can fit into your routine.

Small Group Training
Working out with a group gives you an accounta-bili-buddy. This can be highly motivating! The positive culture and community can foster tremendous encouragement for others!
Book a 60 minute small group training class in the Anchor Strength gym. Show up, sweat together, cheer each other on and build a healthier body and community. Up to 5 people per session.
6am Sunrise Club - for early risers
12pm Lunchtime Lift - get in a lunch-break workout if you work from home
*Class times will be added when more demand is established and considered upon request
Memberships and drop-ins available.

Open Gym - Pending Availability
Looking for an affordable gym without the yucky corporate contracts? Use any of the equipment in the Anchor Strength gym, treadmill, bike, and rower.

Workout Programming
No more random workouts at the gym, let me handle the programming for you.
Following a structured training program instead of doing random workouts ensures consistent progress, reduces the risk of injury, and helps you target specific goals more effectively. A well-designed program balances intensity, recovery, and exercise variety, allowing for progressive overload, which is key to improving strength, endurance, and overall fitness. Random workouts often lack this structure, leading to imbalances, overtraining, or plateaus. With a clear plan, you're more likely to stay motivated, track improvements, and see sustainable results over time.
You can take these programs with you to your current gym or book open gym time to use them at the Anchor Strength gym.

Sports Performance - Strength & Conditioning + Injury Prevention
Athletes come to me because they want to excel on the playing field. They want to be the fastest, strongest, and prevent injuries. These athlete- warriors want to bring their skills to the next level. I tell them in order to be successful it requires a lot of hard work and dedication outside of competition and practice. For these serious warriors I create training programs that will help them reach their greatest potential for their sport and prehab to aid in injury prevention. Each sport/ discipline has many areas of focus and intensities that we can work to improve. Strength, speed, endurance, agility, mobility, plyometrics, flexibility, and balance can all be developed when committed to training. Not only will sports performance improve with the extra sweat equity put in but an incredible groundwork will be laid for a lifetime of movement and fitness within the athlete.
Options for your athlete/s:
- One-on-one training
- Small-group training

TRADITIONAL SAUNA
COMING SOON! Traditional Dry/ Wet Sauna
You might love traditional the dry/wet sauna for its deeply relaxing and rejuvenating effects. The combination of heat and humidity, whether from dry heat or steam, helps soothe muscles, improve circulation, and detoxify the body through sweating. The calming environment promotes mental clarity and stress relief, creating a peaceful escape from daily pressures. The ritual of entering the sauna—along with the ability to adjust the heat and humidity levels to your preference—creates a unique, personalized experience that promotes both physical and mental wellness. Plus, the tradition of sauna use often comes with a sense of connection to cultural practices, making it an even more fulfilling experience
Drop in sessions or packages will be available.
Testimonials

About Me: Leanne O'Connell
I'm a Jersey girl at heart. I graduated from Marist College in NY where I played volleyball and got a BA in Communications. Since then, I've lived in 5 states and landed here in Maryland in 2015. My husband and I have 4 children. Our oldest son goes to college in Kentucky where he plays football. We have boy, girl twins and a daughter in middle school. We moved to Phoenix in 2022 and love that we have the best of the woods, farms and city living at our fingertips. Baltimore County rocks!
In 2017, I finally figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up, a personal trainer! I began studying for my CPT exam and apprenticing at a local gym. At New Dawn Fitness in Clarksburg, Maryland I gained invaluable hands on experience from two of the best trainers in the industry who set me up on a path for the best success! In 2018 I got my certified personal trainer certification. I continued working at New Dawn Fitness as a small group instructor, youth group fitness instructor and personal trainer. 2019 I got credentialed as a sports performance specialist and established Anchor Strength Training and Sports Performance LLC the same year. I worked individually with athletes in the area as well as held team training sessions for local soccer, basketball, and softball players. Over the years I have trained clients out of my home, their homes, local parks and gyms.
I love being a personal trainer because it allows me to share my lifelong passion for fitness and athletics with others. From my experiences in youth track and college volleyball to becoming a certified personal trainer and sports performance specialist, I've developed a deep understanding of how movement transforms lives. Additionally, I love seeing clients build confidence through strength, which is truly life-changing. Whether it's through one-on-one sessions or small group classes, I thrive on building beautiful communities where we come together through shared sweat, challenge, and accomplishment. I foster an environment of love, inclusion, kindness, and care for every person I train, ensuring that everyone—regardless of age or ability—feels empowered and supported. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness how fitness not only transforms bodies but also boosts self-esteem and brings people together.