bodyART Explained: The Mind-Body Training You Didn’t Know You Needed

In a world overflowing with empty and superficial fitness culture, bodyART stands apart. Rooted in ancient philosophy and elevated by modern movement science, bodyART is a holistic mind-body training method that merges strength, flexibility, energy, and restoration into one powerful program.

If you’ve ever wished your workouts touched your body and mind as a whole, this is the movement practice you’ve been waiting for.

What is bodyART?
A Holistic Approach to Movement

At its core, bodyART is a functional, barefoot training system that blends principles from yoga, Pilates, functional fitness, chi gong, cardio and fascia training. It was created by Robert Steinbacher, a Swiss movement therapist and former dancer, who wanted to design a training that respects the physical and energetic body equally.

bodyART classes are guided by the principles of yin and yang—the dynamic balance of opposing forces—and the Five Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Earth, Wood, Fire, Metal, and Water. These aren’t just symbolic references—they influence the flow, intensity, and emotional tone of the class.

Classes are done barefoot, and without equipment – to increase focus on the body itself, rather than external stimuli. The ground is your support, and the gravity is providing the challenge and resistance.

The result is a deeply satisfying physical challenge that leaves you feeling grounded and refreshed.

But not only that. Because bodyART is such a mix of disciplines and methods, it took the best things from each of them and connected them into a practice that can really make you the most athletic you’ve ever been.

The strongest, most flexible, most coordinated. Most capable version of you.

How Is bodyART Different From Yoga or Pilates?

While bodyART shares some DNA with yoga and Pilates, it’s not simply a fusion class. It’s a unique methodology with its own purpose, philosophy, and structure.

• Yoga focuses on stillness, breath, flexibility and spiritual alignment. While bodyART also accents breath and presence, its sequences are more dynamic, focusing on athletic movement and functional transitions.

• Pilates focuses on stability, control and alignment, and those principles absolutely show up in bodyART—but they’re integrated into a broader system that includes mobility work, functional strength and fascia-focused movement.

bodyART moves fluidly between grounded strength, athletic endurance, and flexibility sequences. It’s not just about exercises, but about the transitions between them. It’s about moving through an athletic flow with focus and awareness. It’s about experiencing your body in motion and challenge, while using your breath and your mind to persevere.

 What to Expect in a bodyART Class?

If you’re new to bodyART, you might wonder: what actually happens in a class?

bodyART is a ‘flow’ type of class (like for example Vinyasa Yoga) and the structure is guided by the 5 elements of nature. These elements determine the energy and intensity - by leading the practice from grounding to peak high energy, and then descending from peak to relaxation.

1. Grounding + Mobility (Earth)

We begin by settling into our bodies, with gentle dynamic movement and breath that follows its rhythm. This anchors you in the present moment and prepares your body and nervous system for the work ahead.

2. Functional Warm Up (Wood)

Expanding the warmth through the whole body in order to really prepare for the main part of the class. We move the spine in multiple directions, through full body movements .

3. Circulation (Fire)

This is where the intensity builds. You’ll move through sequences that challenge your strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Think deep lunges, squats, planks, and constant transitions. Every motion is deliberate. Every repetition deepens your awareness of strength, balance, and your body’s full potential.

4. Descending (Metal)

This phase includes a calmer energy, focused strength and active stretches. We are descending from the peak of the class and getting ready for the final moments.

5. Final Recovery + Relaxation (Water)

Each class ends in light stretches, rest and rebalancing. The breath is calming down, the body letting go of tiredness. You may feel a deep sense of calm, even though the workout was physically very challenging.

What Makes bodyART So Powerful

The real magic of bodyART is in how you feel afterwards.

People leave class saying things like:

• “I feel like I’ve had a massage and a workout in one.”

• “I feel looser, lighter, and more alive.”

• “That was really intense! But my energy is really high although I was tired in the class.”

Some of the deeper benefits are:

• Strength + Mobility: You build power while increasing your range of motion.

• Physical + Mental Balance: Balancing high effort with recovery leaves you feeling strong, clear and calm.

• Mind-Body Connection: Every movement has intention and breath behind it, which supports the effectiveness, ability to focus and feeling of satisfaction in movement.

• Longevity-Focused: bodyART isn’t just about being athletic. It’s about moving well, aging well, and living well. 

Why My Teaching Brings Something Extra

While every certified bodyART instructor follows the same methodology, each brings their own background and focus. What sets my teaching apart is my deep foundation in Pilates, and love & knowledge of anatomy, and biomechanics.

This means:

• I focus on correct form, joint alignment, and muscular engagement so you train smart and effective.

• I help you move with safety + power at the same time.

• I guide you through the “why” of each move—not just the “how.”

My mission is to help you unlock the potential of your body—by understanding and connecting deeper.

 Final Thoughts:

You don’t need another workout that offers empty repetitions.

You need something that strengthens you from the inside out. That clears your mind while empowering your body. That reminds you what it means to feel alive in movement.

That’s what bodyART does.

And once you feel the energy shift that bodyART creates, you won’t want to train any other way.

I’d love to guide you through this powerful, purposeful way of moving—and help you reconnect with your body in a whole new way.

Ready to Try bodyART? Here’s How

I teach weekly online bodyART classes every Monday as part of the Mindful Movement Club program - we explore and expand our abilities in every class, always flowing between effort and ease.

Check it out here.

Prefer to test it out first?

Try my free pre-recorded class—no strings attached. It’s the perfect way to experience the flow of bodyART at your own pace.

If you’re a movement lover looking for meaningful exercise that enriches your life, bodyART is the thing for you.