At Bodied, we’ve always believed that bodywork goes beyond traditional massage therapy. It’s about fostering community, inspiring connection, and approaching wellness in ways that push boundaries—whether it’s in the studio, on the mat, or on the run. This past August and October, our collaboration with BIRKENSTOCK took that ethos to new heights. Partnering with the iconic brand in their "Walk With Me" campaign, we embraced London’s vibrant creative energy to bring an extraordinary fusion of movement, recovery, and craftsmanship to the heart of the city.
August 2024: A Month of Movement and Recovery at BIRKENSTOCK Studio
When BIRKENSTOCK approached us about a residency at their residency concept, we knew it was the perfect opportunity to create something truly special. In a city that rarely stops moving, we designed an experience that allowed people to hit pause, recharge, and reconnect with their bodies—starting from the ground up.
The Bodied ‘POD’: A Restorative Sanctuary in the Heart of Shoreditch
Nestled within the creative pulse of East London, our team crafted the Bodied 'POD'— a bespoke pop-up massage therapy room. For four weeks, we provided 40-minute lower body massage sessions that focused on restoring balance in the legs, feet, and hips. Our goal was simple: make high-quality bodywork available to everyone, whether you were recovering from a run, climbing session, or just the hustle of daily life.
These weren’t just your everyday massages either. With our therapists working within the minimalistic, yet warm atmosphere of the BIRKENSTOCK Studio, each session felt like a moment of retreat amidst the chaos of city life. The lower body focus wasn't arbitrary. As advocates of sports therapy, we know that healthy legs, ankles, and feet are foundational to whole-body wellness. And what better partner to emphasise that message than BIRKENSTOCK—a purpose-driven brand that’s focused on foot health for over two centuries.
Fireside Chats: Exploring Foot Health with Rotimi Odukoya & James Wauchope
Beyond bodywork, we wanted to spark conversation around the importance of mobility, recovery, and self-care in action sports and everyday movement. On August 15th, we hosted a fireside discussion featuring two leading voices in the London wellness scene—Rotimi Odukoya, the founder of Clmbxr, and James Wauchope, a revered running and mobility coach.
The evening was full of insights, laughter, and light-bulb moments (even for those perpetually chained to desks). From climbing techniques to running mobility tips, Rotimi and James touched on how to build strength, avoid injuries, and keep moving through all stages of life. It was an unforgettable evening, and a great way to link the mind-body connection with the physical work we had been doing throughout the residency.
Active Recovery Workshop with London SLCT and James Wauchope
We capped off our August residency with an action-packed Active Recovery Workshop on August 22nd, teaming up with LDN SLCT coaches Emmanuel Ovola and Daniel Sabiiti. The workshop was designed to help participants dive deeper into foot, hip, and ankle health through movement. Attendees were invited to participate in a 40-minute mobility class on the comfort of the superior Yogi Bare Wild Forest Grip yoga mats, followed by a 3K run through Shoreditch.
The atmosphere was truly electric. Whether pounding the pavement or hitting the mats, there was a sense of community and shared purpose that fuelled the entire evening. And, of course, no Bodied event is complete without good vibes. Drinks, music, and mouth-watering Ethiopian cuisine (thanks to Gebeta) wrapped up the night in style. It wasn’t just about working out—it was about celebrating movement in all its forms.
October: BIRKENSTOCK Care Essentials Launch
Fast forward to October, and our partnership with BIRKENSTOCK evolved once again. This time, we helped them celebrate a monumental milestone in their 250-year legacy—the launch of their Birkenstock Care Essentials line, a collection of vegan, all-natural foot care products.
The London launch event at their Dray Walk Studio coincided with the launch of Highwood - creating sensory experience like no other. Attendees were treated to an immersive multi-sensory art installation crafted by spatial designer David Curtis-Ring, sound designer Justin Wiggan with our bodywork experts on hand to bridge the experience and encourage those experiencing to 'Walk As Nature Intended'.
From cedarwood-scented scrubs to blood orange-infused balms, these products were designed to nourish and exfoliate, adding yet another layer to our collective appreciation of foot health. The best part? Watching people walk away from the event not only feeling refreshed, but more aware of the close relationship between design, innovation, tradition and nature.
A Dynamic Partnership Rooted in Innovation
At Bodied, collaboration is about more than just working alongside other brands—it’s about creating experiences that are meaningful, immersive, and transformative for everyone involved.
This residency exemplified how our unique approach to sports therapy, wellness, and community-building can adapt and thrive in any environment—whether it's a studio on Brick Lane, a bustling fitness event, or in the midst of an art installation. And while the residency may be over, the relationships we’ve built and the lessons we’ve shared will continue to inform how we approach our work in the future.
Who knows where Bodied will pop up next? One thing is for sure—wherever we go, we’ll continue to bring our ethos of holistic recovery, movement, and wellness to new heights. Here's to more partnerships that challenge the status quo, celebrate movement, and centre the body—foot first. Our doors are officially open.
Stay tuned. The next chapter is just around the corner.
Photography Credit: New Wave Studios
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