For many neighbors, a great workout doesn’t require a long drive or a crowded gym. It’s right next door. Literally. HBR Personal Training, founded and owned by Brad Higgins, is located an easy walk or quick stop from the neighborhood and makes staying active feel like part of everyday life.

Brad’s path to personal training started early. As he puts it, “as long as he can remember his body was always in motion.” That lifelong energy turned into a career grounded in education and experience. Brad holds a master’s degree in Exercise Sport Science with a specialty in Strength and Conditioning, and he brings 17 years of hands-on training experience from Australia, Canada, and the United States. For six years, he also worked as a coach, teaching fitness topics to other personal trainers and presenting courses around Australia for a variety of fitness companies.

About a decade ago, Brad moved to the U.S. with plans to stay briefly, expecting to work “for a year or two personal training in D.C.” Life had other ideas. After meeting his wife, Caroline—an Alexandria local—Brad decided to put down roots and build both a family and a business here. Today, the couple are parishioners at the Basilica of St. Mary, where Caroline is an alumnus and former teacher, and parents to three young children: Charlotte (5), Isabel (4), and Will (7 months). You might spot them “running around town,” a reminder, Brad says, of “why it’s important to stay strong, fit, and mobile!”

That philosophy is at the heart of HBR Personal Training. “Our mission is to help our clients move better and go further,” Brad explains. Now four years in business, HBR has helped hundreds of clients of all ages, backgrounds, and ability levels feel better and achieve more. Brad has “always believed in the individuality of personal training,” which led him to create a studio that feels personal, holistic, and results-driven. Even the name reflects that approach: HBR stands for Health, Balance, and Results—“the three values that drive our daily work with our clients.”

The studio itself - located at the corner of Rt. 1 and Fort Hunt Road -  is designed with comfort and confidence in mind. It’s exclusively for personal training, meaning clients never have to fight for space or worry about being judged. The HBR team’s deep knowledge of exercise science supports everyone from young athletes to adults recovering from injuries and elderly clients focused on mobility and strength. A customized app helps clients track fitness and nutrition progress, keeping goals clear and motivating.

Community connection matters, too. You’ll find Brad and the studio on Instagram @brad.hbrpt, and HBR has sponsored school events, baseball teams, and fundraisers for local charities like Alice’s Kids. 

Looking ahead, Brad shares, “We are fortunate to find ourselves in a situation where client demand exceeds our current capabilities,” with plans to expand to a larger space in Belle Haven and open a second location.

His advice to neighbors is simple and encouraging: “It’s never too late to start working towards your fitness goals,” and “Your fitness plan should fit into the life you have. It’s the only way to make it last.”

HBR Personal Training 5845 Richmond Hwy, #100 Alexandria, VA 22303 

PH: (202)-316-7369 

Email: brad@hbrpersonaltraining.com 

Website: www.hbrpersonaltraining.com 

Instagram: brad.hbrpt