About us
"Our mission is manifesting a more equitable, democratic and free society by facilitating opportunities, through movement, for people to leave their comfort zones, connect, and reflect."
Sarah &
Martin
OUR VALUES
We value equity and seek to consciously create environments where our clients can practice asking for, and feel confident in receiving, what they need to succeed.
We value democracy and frame every interaction with mutual respect. Our trainers and bodyworkers do not yell, bark, speak over, speak down to, or otherwise seek to humble or humiliate our clients. We expect that everyone has a valid and valuable voice and a unique perspective.
We value a step away from the comfort zone, because that's where self-reliance and self-awareness develop. A workout is not punishment for some former or later mis-deed. Restorative practices are not a luxury nor a reward. We embrace discomfort as a tool for growth.
We value connection, within and without. We explore conscious movement to learn about ourselves. When we begin to know and trust ourselves, other individuals can also become more accessible, acceptable, appreciated, and relatable. The connections ripple outward...
We value reflection - interoception, introspection, communication - as the driving force to growth.
In these small ways, we strive to develop in ourselves, and our TMP community, skills and tools that we can take into other areas of our lives to foster a more free society.
OUR GOAL
Our goal is that everyone who comes in contact with TrainMovePlay, whether for a long-term training relationship, or a one time workshop, walks away feeling...
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empowered to live a more healthful life,
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emboldened to step outside of their comfort zone,
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inspired to connect to other humans in meaningful ways, and
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confident enough in themselves to engage in equitable practices throughout the community and world.
Movement is our tool-of-choice in working toward awareness and acceptance.
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MARTIN'S STORY
Martin's movement story began with gymnastics and tumbling, then meandered through a wide range of movement experiences, like parkour, slack-line, movement culture, yoga, and more; often gravitating toward ways to physically train that also spark his creativity, stress coordination, use the whole body, and develop the whole person. In his personal practices, there is usually an element of gravity - working with it to find balance or working against it to generate strength - like handstand training and BJJ.
Martin earned a Master of Science in Exercise and Sports Science. He then taught gymnastics and parkour in boarding schools and recreational programs in Denmark and Australia, before crossing over into academia. Martin taught in universities in Denmark and the US. He enjoyed working with students to understand theories of movement and fitness. He was especially interested in teaching future teachers about the neurological science of movement, and coaching strategies. But he missed the more hands-on work of being in a gym.
Martin is now a full-time professional Personal and Small Group Fitness Trainer at TrainMovePlay. He considers it a good day when he can help someone manage pain, reach a fitness goal, or increase the amount of movement in every-day life.
SARAH'S STORY
Sarah loves studying the many facets of intelligent movement and mind-body-society connectivity. She began as a dancer, earned a Master of Arts in Choreography, and then started the real education of teaching. She has taught modern dance, ballet, yoga, pilates, and improvisational movement in studios, schools, and higher education in the US and Denmark.
In 2011, Sarah founded a bodywork studio in Berea, Kentucky, the seed of which is still branching and growing. Along the way, new modalities of bodywork and mindful movement keep finding her. Sarah is a Yoga Alliance certified yoga instructor and Pilates Method Alliance certified mat instructor.
OUR STORY
When we met in 2014, one of our first discussions was about something we both wanted to try called “AcroYoga.” We found a local duo with some knowledge (Thanks Elizabeth and Benny for our very first jam!), took a few train-cation road-trips, and experienced various styles. With Martin’s passion for ‘seeking balance’ and Sarah's love of all things 'flow,' we inevitably landed at AcroYoga Montreal, where we found a movement vocabulary that synthesized our favorite things: balance, flow, and connection.
In 2016, we completed the entire AcroYoga Montreal Teacher Training and humbly give thanks and honor to Jesse Goldberg, Eugene Poku, Jill Campbell, and Heidi Blais for teaching us just how much we had to learn. Then, we started grabbing up opportunities to train and play with some of the most inspiring people in the world (whose links you can find in our Acroyoga Resources article.)
Also in 2016, we completed certification in Thai Bodywork with Roy and Brenda Johnson of Lion and Dragon Yoga in Kentucky, USA. Read more about Thai Bodywork below...
In 2017, we moved to Martin's native country, Denmark, and started planting the seeds of TrainMovePlay as a fitness and bodywork brand. We began by offering AcroYoga and Thai Bodywork sessions, while still holding day jobs in academia. But by the time we moved back to the States in 2021, we both knew we were ready to commit our full energy to growing TrainMovePlay.
While we still love embracing community in class and group settings, we are now focused on the long-lasting and progressive relationships we can create within smaller groups and with individuals through private training.
We are currently based in Lexington, Kentucky. When we aren't working, we are chasing our little boys on the backyard trampoline or planning our next trip. Check out our social media (we are TrainMovePlay and TrainMovePlayPT everywhere) for up to date info.
FITNESS
Personal Training is for people who want the 1-on-1 attention of the trainer and a completely customized experience. We have Buddy Training and Trio Training options, too, for those who want an extremely personal experience, but want to train with partners, family members, or friends. Learn more about Personal Training in our article, What Can a Personal Trainer Do for Me?
Small Group Fitness is a great choice for those of us who like the energy and community of the group. Since the pandemic, Small Group Fitness has become a hugely popular alternative to larger Group Fit classes. Read more about how we do Small Groups in our article, FAQs: Small Group Fitness Training.
Private Yoga Sessions are also available. Contact us through the form on our home page for more info. If you've never experience a yoga session, you might find this article, What is Yoga?, helpful.
BODYWORK
Thai Bodywork is a good option for those who want a fully restorative bodywork experience, because it incorporates three techniques: assisted stretching, acupressure, and muscular compressions. Within one session, the receiver usually notices improved flexibility, enhanced mobility, and reduced pain. With regular sessions, Thai Bodywork supports and encourages the body's own systems for reducing inflammation, eliminating waste, and recovering from injury. When combined with regular strength training, Thai Bodywork is a powerful tool for feeling and moving better. Thai Bodywork sessions last around 60 mins. Read more about Thai Bodywork.
Assisted Stretching is also available at TrainMovePlay. This is a good option for those who want a shorter session (20-30 mins), or who want to include bodywork to begin or end a fitness session. Find out more in the article FAQs: Assisted Stretching.
See our Services page for pricing.