For Sarah Lindsay, movement was never just about fitness – it was about coming home to herself.
As the founder of SALA, a multidisciplinary movement space that blends strength, creativity, and community, she’s challenging the rigid, performance-driven culture of traditional gyms. Instead of one-size-fits-all workouts, SALA offers over 150 classes across 16 disciplines, inviting people to explore movement in a way that feels intuitive, sustainable, and deeply personal.
In this conversation, Sarah shares how her own journey – from battling anxiety to navigating motherhood – shaped the ethos of SALA. She talks about why walking is the ultimate underrated wellness tool, how post-pandemic self-care is shifting, and why true strength is about adaptability, not intensity. Plus, she reveals the wellness products she swears by and what’s next for SALA’s evolution.
How does SALA’s multidisciplinary approach to movement contribute to overall wellness, and why did you choose this model over a traditional gym setup?
SALA was never about building just another gym—I didn’t want a space that felt exclusive or aspirational. I wanted it to feel like a true third space. Somewhere you could show up exactly as you are—whether that means being seen, or simply disappearing into the rhythm of movement.
After 15 years in the London fitness industry, I knew firsthand that movement isn’t one-size-fits-all, and wellness isn’t just about lifting heavier or running faster. It’s about adaptability, curiosity, and learning to move in a way that feels good in your body. That’s why we offer over 150 classes across 16 disciplines—so people can explore different modalities, find their own rhythm, and build a foundation of strength that carries them through life, far beyond the studio walls.
Can you share your personal journey with movement and wellness, and how these experiences influenced the ethos of SALA?
I wasn’t the sporty kid—I was the one lost in beat poetry and art, more at home in ideas than in my own body. Movement didn’t enter my life until my early 20s, when anxiety and depression pushed me to find something—anything—that felt grounding. At first, it was just about coping, but over time, it became a quiet revolution. Moving my body gave me agency. It shifted my energy, rewired my confidence, and taught me how to rebuild trust in myself.
That trust only deepened. Through pregnancy, postpartum, and injury recovery, I learned that strength isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about listening, adapting, and showing up with presence. Movement isn’t about proving something; it’s about coming home to yourself, again and again. That’s the heart of SALA. It’s not about punishment or performance—it’s about creativity, intuition, and the kind of strength that carries you through life.
In a post-pandemic world, how do you see the role of movement and self-care evolving, and how is SALA adapting to these changes?
The past few years have shifted the way we think about wellness—it’s no longer just about aesthetics or performance. People are craving movement that supports their nervous system, honours their cycles, and integrates into their lives in a way that feels sustainable. At SALA, we’ve embraced this shift by prioritising longevity over quick fixes, community over competition, and joy over obligation. Movement should energise, not deplete.
What’s a wellness trend you think is overrated – and one you swear by?
Overrated: 6-week fitness challenges that ignore women’s hormonal cycles and promote burnout over sustainability. Also, working out in extreme heat—it’s stressful on the nervous system, spikes cortisol, and tricks people into thinking they’re making progress when it’s mostly just water loss.
Swear by: Walking. It’s simple, free, and one of the best ways to metabolise thoughts, emotions, and energy.
If you could design your dream wellness retreat anywhere in the world, what would it look like?
Somewhere that feels untouched by urgency. I love the raw, volcanic landscapes of the Tonagarrio alpine crossing, so maybe something there. Exploration in all forms: morning pages, reading, doodling, intentional breathing, resting and hikes that make you feel small in the best way. Opening up your senses to natures canvas, where art, imagination and nature blur together. No rigid itineraries, just space to explore what the body and mind need each day.
As a mother and entrepreneur, how do you balance personal well-being with the demands of running a business, and what advice do you have for others striving to find this equilibrium?
Balance isn’t a destination—it’s a constant recalibration. Some seasons are about pushing forward; others are about pausing. For me, it comes down to ruthless prioritisation and knowing that I can do anything, but not everything. I protect my energy by simplifying, setting boundaries, and making space for what truly matters—whether that’s time with my daughter, creative projects, or just an hour to walk and clear my head.
My advice? Get clear on your non-negotiables and give yourself permission to let the rest ebb and flow.
What future projects or expansions are you envisioning for SALA, and how do they align with your mission to foster a creative community centred around wellness?
SALA has always been more than a fitness space—it’s an evolving ecosystem where movement, art, and culture intersect. Our collaboration with Season Gallery is just the beginning of how we’re exploring physical spaces as immersive, sensory-driven experiences. Looking ahead, we’re thinking about expansion in ways that feel intentional—more creative partnerships, deeper integration of art and movement, and new locations that hold the same soul as what we’ve built, rather than just replicating it.
What are your three favourite wellness products right now, and why do you love them?
Kaea Skincare – Their ethos is everything—rooted in indigenous wisdom, sustainability, and deep respect for the land. They use native botanicals with regenerative properties, and their eco-conscious approach, from ethical sourcing to biodegradable packaging, makes them a brand that truly walks the talk.
Magnesium Spray – A non-negotiable in my nighttime routine. I use it before bed for muscle recovery, sleep quality, and stress relief. It’s a small ritual that makes a big difference.
Hydrofacials at Skin Ritual – Exfoliation is key for healthy skin—it removes dead cells, boosts circulation, and allows products to penetrate more effectively. Hydrofacials take it further by deeply cleansing while hydrating at the same time. My skin always feels fresh, plump, and genuinely revitalised afterward.
Images supplied and from Max.co.nz @max_stylelived