BODYROLL Studio is currently a monopoly in the region. Run by Triin Vihmann, it offers lymphatic drainage in Newcastle
Triin is truly a wonder woman. It’s not my first time meeting her, as my former job as a journalist at a local luxury lifestyle magazine introduced me to her, so I was already familiar with her lymphatic drainage studio in Newcastle.
So, here’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. As women, we have so many expectations placed upon us. Look a certain way, act a certain way, be a certain way, all while having a successful career, being a supermum, and being the best partner, of course. There’s no room to breathe and focus on what you actually want, rather than what society wants from you.
After becoming a new mum and seeing her sister open a BODYROLL studio in Cape Town, and watching it thrive, Triin decided it was time for Newcastle to have a similar space to reset, recover, and look after themselves, away from day-to-day stress and expectations.
And take it from me – these small yet mighty massage machines create a space right in the heart of the city centre that feels like a little haven amid the hustle and bustle of Newcastle. An hour or so there and you’ll feel refreshed, relaxed, and ready to take on the world – like the superwoman (or superman!) that you are.
We last caught up about a year ago. How has this past year been for you and BODYROLL? What’s new, changed or improved?
The past year has been incredibly meaningful for both me and BODYROLL. A year ago, the studio was still a hidden gem – a space I had lovingly created that people were only just beginning to discover. Today, it’s a place that clients actively recommend, and that shift has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
What truly built BODYROLL into what it is now is my return client base. Some of my clients have been coming consistently for two years, and watching their transformation has been amazing. They’ve felt the results, seen the changes, and understand that consistency is truly the key. Their loyalty and belief in the process have shaped the heart and culture of the studio.
This past year has also changed me. I’m wiser, more grounded, and I’ve grown so much as a business owner. Every challenge, every milestone, and every client story has taught me something and probably the most important thing, it’s taught me to allow myself to look after me.
BODYROLL has become more than a service – it’s a community, and I’m deeply grateful for how far we’ve come.
For those who might not have heard of the BODYROLL studio, could you describe what your classes offer and expand on the benefits of lymphatic massage?
At BODYROLL, our sessions combine guided movement with specially designed wooden rollers to target every muscle group. It’s a unique blend of gentle exercise, self-care, and massage that leaves you feeling refreshed and restored.
A key benefit of BODYROLL is lymphatic stimulation. By encouraging your body’s natural detox system, it helps to reduce bloating, improve circulation, ease muscle tension, and support overall wellbeing.
Clients often feel lighter, more energised, and more connected to their bodies after just one session, with results improving through consistency.
Are there any surprising benefits you’ve seen from lymphatic massage or bodyroll work, things that aren’t obvious from the outside?
Absolutely! While most people come for the obvious benefits like reduced tension, improved circulation, and recovery, there are a number of surprising effects that clients often notice. Many report better sleep, improved mood, and a real sense of mental clarity after sessions, many have also said it’s helped with digestive comfort or feeling less “puffy” or “bloated” overall.
I personally use it for chronic pain due to suffering from Fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, not enough research has been done in this field regarding the benefits, but I swear by it! Regular lymphatic and muscle stimulation has given me back the energy that I lacked for years!
The biggest surprise for me, though, is how empowering it is, people leave feeling more connected to their bodies, more in tune with how they move, and genuinely inspired to look after themselves consistently. It’s more than a session; it’s a small reset for both body and mind.
Do you tailor sessions differently for different clients (for example, busy professionals vs athletes vs those recovering from injury), tell us more about that.
Yes, every BODYROLL session is tailored to the individual. We consider each client’s lifestyle, goals, and physical needs. For busy professionals, sessions often focus on relieving tension from long hours at desks, or hours on their feet, to improve posture, and boosting energy. Athletes benefit from targeted recovery, mobility, and injury prevention work. For those recovering from injury, we carefully adapt pressure and movement to support healing, increase circulation, and gently restore function.
The beauty of BODYROLL is its versatility, every session can be customised so each person leaves feeling renewed, stronger, and more connected to their body, and it’s all in a calm and welcoming environment, making it easy to prioritise your body and recovery.
How many sessions would one need to see the benefits and results?
It’s a great question, and the truth is, it really depends – every BODY is different, and results can vary. How quickly someone notices benefits often depends on their goals and lifestyle. Some clients feel a difference after just one session, especially in terms of relaxation, reduced tension, and mental clarity.
For longer-term results, regular sessions can help with tightening and toning muscles, reducing cellulite, supporting weight management, and improving overall wellbeing. The lymphatic benefits are particularly important – stimulating lymph flow helps detoxify the body, reduce inflammation, boost energy, and support the immune system. So we always need to look at it as working form inside out. Look after yourself from within and the outside will follow.
And the key is consistency, taking care of your body regularly to support both appearance and overall health.
There’s a bit of scepticism online about lymphatic massage; some people say it’s just “expensive rolling” with not enough scientific research behind it, or that the results are temporary. What would you say to that?
I completely understand the scepticism, and honestly, that’s why education is so important. The lymphatic system plays a huge role in how our bodies function, yet most people have never even heard of it or been taught what it actually does. Once you understand how it affects inflammation, immunity, digestion, bloating, skin health, and overall energy, it really does blow your mind!
BODYROLL isn’t a “quick fix,” and it’s definitely not just expensive rolling. Just like any wellness routine – whether it’s the gym, Pilates, or physiotherapy, it takes time, commitment, and consistency to see lasting results. Some benefits are felt immediately, like reduced puffiness or tension, but deeper changes develop with regular sessions and a better understanding of your own body.
My goal is always to help clients learn what their lymphatic system does, why it matters, and how supporting it can improve their health long term. When people take that first step to educate themselves, the scepticism usually disappears.
Do you ever worry about wellness becoming a luxury rather than something that is accessible to everyone?
That’s such an important question, and yes, I do worry about wellness becoming purely a luxury.
Too much of the wellness world has become financially out of reach, massages especially can feel like a treat, not a regular self-care necessity. But our bodies are meant to be stimulated regularly. That stimulation isn’t just about feeling good, it has real, research-backed benefits.
That’s why I love what we’re doing at BODYROLL. Yes, the experience is different from a traditional manual massage. But the outcomes are every bit as powerful, and in many cases more sustainable. Because our model makes regular sessions more affordable, it’s a way for people to build that consistent, body-supporting habit, not just indulge occasionally.
Wellness should be for everyone. And that’s exactly what I want BODYROLL Studio to deliver.
Running a business naturally comes with that urge to always show it in the best light, but I think people really value honesty these days. Since opening the studio, what’s been the biggest challenge/struggle, or has it been smooth sailing?
Anyone who thinks running a business is smooth sailing has another thing coming. It’s a constant mix of daily challenges, sleepless nights, juggling family life, paying bills, and doing everything you can to keep your clients happy. There are so many moving parts behind the scenes and yes, it can feel overwhelming. I won’t sugar-coat it.
If we’re being truly honest, I was close to closing the doors last year. People didn’t really understand what BODYROLL was, and let’s be honest, the North East isn’t always quick to embrace something completely new. It was tough, and at times it felt like no one “got it.”
But what kept me going was the same thing I always talk about:consistency, perseverance, and a whole lot of self-belief. You have to believe in your purpose, your vision, and the potential of your true self – even when no one else can see it yet.
And that mindset is exactly what carried BODYROLL Studio through the hardest part and helped it grow into what it is today.
When you’re not in the studio, what’s a non-studio passion of yours that people might not know about?
It’s definitely not a secret – anyone who comes into the studio knows how passionate I am about food. It’s been a love of mine for years, and honestly, it filters into the studio every single day. I really believe that good nutrition is one of the foundations of wellbeing. Your body and mind go hand in hand, and what you feed yourself has a direct impact on how you feel.
I’m always talking about the value of cooking from fresh, good-quality produce. It makes a difference in your mood, energy levels, digestion, skin health, immune system, and even your sleep. I’m not a nutritionist, but from my own life and years of cheffing, I know how much happier, clearer, and healthier I feel when I eat fresh, real food.
And yes, I still absolutely love to cook. The years in kitchens didn’t take that passion away; if anything, they deepened it. My little secret weekend ritual, when theres a spare hour, is wandering through Grainger Market on a Saturday afternoon, finding inspiration, choosing beautiful ingredients, and going home to cook something delicious from scratch. It’s my way of resetting, getting creative, and nourishing myself outside the studio.
What does self-care mean to you?
To me, self-care now means taking pleasure in the little moments life offers. Being a mum and running a business means time is limited, but I’ve learned to prioritise small moments for myself every day. Whether it’s a walk in the park after dropping my four-year-old off at school, treating myself to a coffee and pausing to enjoy it, or fitting in a 20-minute online Pilates class during lunch – these little acts add up.
For a long time, I wasn’t great at self-care, but consistency has made all the difference. That’s a lesson I carry into BODYROLL Studio, and share with my clients: small, regular habits build a foundation of wellbeing that truly lasts.
Are there any exciting projects, events, or plans on the horizon for BODYROLL that you can share with us?
Ooh, yes! The holiday season is so saturated with everything festive, so anything I’m working on will be kicking off in the new year. I’m planning a few collaborations with small wellness businesses that complement the BODYROLL studio and what our space stands for. It’s all about cross-pollinating ideas, supporting each other, and lifting up small businesses. We’re all out here trying to make it in this big, busy world, and I love the idea of spreading care and positivity wherever we can.
And to anyone reading this – I’m always open to ideas and collaborations, so don’t be shy!
How can people support you and your business?
There are so many ways people can support BODYROLL! The simplest is by coming to a lymphatic drainage session in Newcastle! Every visit helps keep the studio thriving and allows me to continue creating a space for recovery and wellness. Beyond that, referring friends or family, sharing my lymphatic drainage studio in Newcastle on social media, or leaving a review makes a big difference. (Go check out over 600 5 star ones of Fresha!)
Another important way to support us is by learning about the lymphatic system. What it does, how it affects your body, and why stimulating it regularly through practices like BODYROLL is so beneficial.
Supporting small businesses like ours also means valuing consistency. Booking regular sessions, investing in packages, and encouraging others to prioritise their wellbeing. Every little bit counts, and it all helps us grow and continue providing a space that cares for both body and mind.