When Pauline Groenewald turned 48, she didn’t expect her body to feel unfamiliar. We discover how she transformed her personal health journey into a wellness space where others can thrive
“I was tired, inflamed, puffy and stuck in a cycle I couldn’t shake. I was doing everything right – eating well, moving daily – but it just wasn’t working anymore,” says Pauline. The shift came when she started learning more about perimenopause, insulin resistance and lymphatic health. That’s when things clicked.
As a certified personal trainer, Pauline knew how the body was meant to respond. But what surprised her was how central the lymphatic system was to everything from metabolism and inflammation to sleep, mood, and recovery. Through a combination of massage, movement and infrared heat, she began restoring her lymph flow – and saw real results. A total weight loss of 9.5kg, improved energy and a renewed connection to her body followed.
That transformation led to the creation of Body Flow Studio – a calming, inclusive space designed for detox, restoration and self-care. Its signature offering – body rolling – is a guided self-treatment using wooden rollers that mimic the hands of a lymphatic massage therapist. It’s gentle, effective and supports the body’s natural detox and recovery processes.
“It’s not a traditional massage and it’s not a workout,” she says. “But it gives so much back to the body without any strain.”
Each 45-minute session includes 15 guided positions, as well as infrared heat and collagen light therapy, to improve skin tone, boost circulation, stimulate lymph drainage and support muscle recovery. Clients stay fully clothed and move at their own pace, with no pressure and no judgement. “I built this space because I needed it,” says Pauline. “There’s a point where every woman needs to be reminded that her body still wants to thrive.”
Together with her husband, Henkie – also a personal trainer – the couple also run Gymtivity, a private gym offering both one on one training and small group sessions. Their mission is simple: To help people feel strong, seen and supported.
With locations now open in Hillcrest, Kloof and Mt Edgecombe, Body Flow Studio is welcoming everyone – from midlife women to athletes and busy professionals. “Wellness isn’t a one-size-fits-all,” Pauline adds., “this is a place where you can come back to yourself.”
Details: To book your session, visit bodyflowstudio.co.za, follow along on IG @body.flowstudio or Facebook @Body Flow Studio. For personal training or sports conditioning, follow FB or IG @gymtivity.
