Spin, Stretch and Unwind in an Old Fort’s Horse Barn
Bent on Healthy Living is in an old Fort Crockett stable. It has classes, a sauna and a salt booth.
Horses used to live in this building. Now people ride bikes in it, and the bikes have names. There’s Spinderella, Dolly, Becky, Thelma and Louise.
This is Bent on Healthy Living Wellness Center in Galveston. You can take a class here, sit in a sauna or breathe salty air in a tiny booth. It’s a few blocks from the Seawall.
In 10 seconds
What you can do there
Start with a class. You book each one online.
The Isle Cycle Studio is for indoor bike rides. The site calls it “a small studio with a big heart and a fun history.” It calls the bikes “the girls.” Some rides are only 30 minutes, right at noon, so you can go on your lunch break. Others start at 6 in the morning or after work.
Never tried it? No need to worry. Come early, tell the teacher you’re new, and they will set up your bike. The site says each rider can “go at their own pace and take breaks as needed.”
Off the bike, you can try yoga, Pilates, barre, dance or strength classes. Barre is a workout that borrows moves from ballet. The yoga classes go from beginner to advanced.
What’s new
There is a new building now, too. It has two infrared heated studios, the center said on Facebook on November 12. Infrared is a kind of light you can’t see, and it warms your body. You can take heated yoga, barre and sculpt classes there.
They have also added reformer Pilates classes. A reformer is a sliding bed with springs that you push and pull. Check their app or site for the schedule.
Ways to unwind
Not in the mood to sweat? You can come just to relax.
- The salt booth: You sit in a small booth for about 10 minutes. A machine grinds salt and a fan blows it into the air, and you breathe it in.
- The infrared sauna: This sauna comes with colored lights and sound.
- Massage: You can pick from Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal and sports massage.
- Raindrop: Oils are dripped onto your back from about six inches up, like raindrops. Then they are rubbed in.
There is also IV drip therapy, done by a separate business inside the center.
What people are saying
On Google it has 4.8 stars from 47 reviews. On Facebook, all 5 reviewers recommend it.
“The instructors are friendly, welcoming, and make classes fun while still giving you a great workout.”
“I frequently go here for IV therapy and massages, amazing service!”
“They truly treat you like family.”
“This was my favorite workout place in Galveston!”
The Post Newspaper wrote that when you step inside, “it feels like a spa.”
The story
Renae Bentley is the owner. Her site says she has taught fitness classes for 39 years. It all started with one class that she took to feel less stressed. “Next thing I know, I was asked to teach the class,” she told The Post Newspaper.
She opened the center in November of 2022, Galveston Monthly reported. She told the magazine she wanted “a safe, accessible, and affordable space for the everyday person.”
The building has a story of its own. Long ago it was the horse stable for Fort Crockett, an old military fort. After that it was a day care. The crew took it back to its barn roots, and you can still see the old wood beams. They even found iron hooks made by hand. “Look for them around the building!” the site says.
Walk around back and look up. You’ll see the number 67 over the spot where the barn door used to be. The window above it was the hayloft!
Know before you go
Their site doesn’t list hours, and other sites don’t agree. Check the class schedule on their site or app before you go.
Your first class is $10. After that, one class is $15. Packs of 8, 10 or 20 classes cost a little less per class.
Sign up for classes online. Cancel at least 60 minutes before class to avoid a fee.
The building stays locked, The Post Newspaper wrote. Ring the bell and the staff will let you in.
They diffuse peppermint and eucalyptus oils. One Google reviewer found the scent too strong. Keep that in mind if smells bother you.
Bring water and a towel. Wear shoes with stiff soles.
You can rent the Gathering Space. It holds up to 100 people.