A dream workout space with floor-to-ceiling views of Ellis Creek proves wellness doesn’t require a gym membership.
Most people stash Christmas decorations above their garage. Terri Henning built a gym with a view that rivals any boutique fitness studio in Charleston. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Ellis Creek and the Ashley River. Top-of-the-line equipment lines the walls. An infrared sauna sits in the corner. And when the workout wraps, a pool waits just steps away. With her Sonos speakers playing and her two Standard Poodles—Harry and Maude—keeping watch, this is a dream workout space in an even dreamier home.
FROM DOWNTOWN TO DREAM HOME
After 14 years living in the penthouse atop Charleston’s tallest building—the Peoples Building on the historic peninsula—Henning was ready for something different. She’d hosted countless charity benefits and dinner parties with 360-degree city views, but she wanted land, water and privacy. Everything on one property, designed exactly how she wanted.
When she found a waterfront James Island lot with unobstructed marsh views, she bought it within 30 minutes. Despite overgrown brush, she saw the potential immediately. After clearing the land, she realized there was room not just for her home, but for a substantial garage with a gym and office above.
She worked with Steven Harris Architects in New York City—friends she’d met years earlier through their shared passion for vintage cars—to design a modern steel-and-glass home. She collaborated with Harris and interior designer Lucien Rees Roberts for years on what it would look like. The result is a one-level main living space with two guest rooms tucked along the stair tower. She moved in June 2023.
“This fits me now,” she says. “I was ready to simplify. It’s smaller, but it’s perfect.”
BUILDING THE PERFECT WORKOUT SPACE
When Henning decided the space above her five-car garage would become her fitness room, she turned to Bobby Shaw, master trainer at The Longevity Club. Shaw has over 40 years in the fitness industry, a master’s degree in exercise physiology from the University of South Carolina and certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine as both Fitness Director and Exercise Specialist. He helped design the layout and select equipment for complete full-body training.
Three days a week, Henning trains with Shaw focusing on strength and conditioning. Two 
days a week, Pilates instructors Maria Castellano from Longevity and Carter Dandridge work with her on the reformer.
The equipment includes a Peloton treadmill, TRX suspension trainer, Balanced Body reformer and a Torque Fitness cable machine with dual weight stacks offering endlessexercise options. There’s also the newest Concept 2 Strength Erg and a Power Plate Move that increases intensity and blood flow. Dumbbells, ropes and other accessories complete the setup.
The infrared sauna gets used at least five days a week—recovery and relaxation after every session. Everything overlooks Ellis Creek and the pool beyond.
A TRAINER’S PERSPECTIVE
Shaw calls Henning one of his favorite clients. “She does what she’s told, looks great, puts forth the effort—you can’t ask for anything more,” he says.
Henning’s favorite exercises are triceps, deadlifts and chest press. She suits up in Vuori from King Street and shows up consistently—the kind of dedication every trainer hopes for. Shaw was part of the initial staff of the first Wellness Center in South Carolina back in 1984, so Henning isn’t just getting good workouts. She’s getting smart programming from someone who’s been doing this longer than most.
MORE THAN EQUIPMENT
What makes this space special isn’t just the gear or the view, though both certainly help. It’s that Henning designed it around how she actually wants to live—with wellness as a daily practice, not something squeezed in when there’s time.
The fitness room fits into her new lifestyle focused on nature and simplicity. Every morning she takes Harry and Maude and her coffee down to the dock. From the fitness room windows, the marsh changes with the tides. Light shifts throughout the day. Herons fly past. The Ashley River sparkles beyond.
Working out here isn’t about escaping—it’s about being fully present where she is.
THE LESSON
You don’t need waterfront property to make wellness a priority, but Henning’s gym proves something important: the spaces we create matter. When you build a room that inspires you—through views, good equipment, natural light or just a dedicated space—you’re making it easier to show up for yourself.
Henning’s gym isn’t hidden in a basement or crammed into a spare bedroom. It’s elevated, bright and beautiful—reflecting how much she values her health and time. Every piece of equipment serves a purpose. Every window frames intention. Every workout comes with views that make the effort worthwhile.
You don’t need Ellis Creek to get started. But if you’re going to create a home gym, why not make it a room you actually want to use?
Photos by Jen El-Haddad of Jennifer Mary Collective
By Angel Holmes