Our story
About Bodies in Motion
A Boise family fitness and play center built on one purpose: ignite activity and encourage empowerment.
Our story
Bodies in Motion is a local company that started in a 1,000 sq. ft. space on Vista Ave. over 20 years ago. Except, it wasn’t called Bodies in Motion. We were a martial art school, and our purpose was to Ignite Activity and Encourage Empowerment, with martial arts as the means by which our founders did that.
Duncan and Rachel, our founders, have taught thousands of students in the Treasure Valley and have promoted several hundred to Black Belt. Duncan and his sister Mia St. John pioneered the first fitness kickboxing program (Thai-Robics) in Idaho. After empowering kids and adults in Taekwondo and fitness kickboxing classes since 1998, they felt they could make a bigger impact in the community through play, entertainment, learning and fitness.
For 2 years Duncan and Rachel brainstormed the perfect facility. They traveled in search of one to emulate but never found a center that resonated with them: they were either all entertainment or all fitness, and none seemed to have the underlying philosophy of empowering people.
Where it started — the Vista Ave martial arts school before Bodies in Motion.
Where the name comes from
Creating our name was one of the toughest challenges for our founders. Having gone to school to become an engineer, Duncan was always fond of Sir Isaac Newton and his Laws of Motion. The 1st Law of Motion: “A body in motion will stay in motion, until acted upon by an external force.” Duncan thought of it as a metaphor for life. When he introduced the name to Rachel, family and friends, it was an instant hit. Coincidentally, Duncan and Rachel’s first born is named Isaac.
In January of 2011, Duncan and Rachel closed their martial art school on Friday and re-opened it as Bodies in Motion on Monday, just 2 days after their grand opening. Ever since that opening day, we’ve had the pleasure of igniting activity in over 60,000 guests.
Purpose and core values
Our purpose: we are committed to igniting activity and encouraging empowerment. Our long-range goal, our BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal), is “To be the definitive leader in servicing people, in high quality activities, wherever they are.”
Duncan and Rachel have fostered a culture centered around 7 core values and a solid purpose:
- Commitment to Guests
- Commitment to Work
- Unique & Innovative
- Always Learning & Knowing
- Camaraderie
- Motion
- Fun
Unique & innovative in motion — aerial acro yoga as play and fitness together.
Meet the founders
Duncan Richardson received his degree in Civil Engineering from Boise State University. He is a 5th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and spent a decade competing nationally and internationally while trying to secure a spot on the US Team. Duncan also competed on American Ninja Warrior in 2016.
Rachel Richardson received her degree in Marketing from Boise State University, where she also cheered. During her last two years at BSU she became a professional cheerleader. Rachel is also a Black Belt in Taekwondo.
Duncan and Rachel are still very active in the company, with a deep passion for activity and empowering others.
Duncan and Rachel Richardson — the family behind Bodies in Motion.
Join our team
Interested in joining us? See jobs. Questions? Call (208) 381-0587 or contact us.
What our guests say
“Bodies in Motion has figured out how to make fitness fun for all abilities, ages and interests. My kids love this place and so do I.”
“The owners Duncan and Rachel have put together a team of people to rival Disney. They are so focused on ensuring your experience is perfect every time that you almost forget you only drove a few minutes to have so much fun.”
“The “motioneers” are energetic, interactive, and quirky. What a fun atmosphere!”
“Bodies In Motion is AWESOME! The environment is friendly and fun, the classes are amazing, and the team there really cares about the people they help.”
Frequently asked questions
What is Bodies in Motion?
Bodies in Motion is a local family fitness and play center at 729 W. Diamond St in Boise, Idaho, with childcare, preschool, camps, open play, a ropes course, ninja warrior, fitness classes, pickleball, birthday parties and team building.
Who owns Bodies in Motion?
Bodies in Motion was founded by Duncan and Rachel Richardson, who are still very active in the company.
How long has Bodies in Motion been around?
The company started in a 1,000 sq. ft. space on Vista Ave. over 20 years ago, as a martial art school. In January of 2011 the founders closed the martial art school on a Friday and re-opened it as Bodies in Motion on Monday. Since opening day we have had the pleasure of igniting activity in over 60,000 guests.
Where does the name come from?
It comes from Sir Isaac Newton’s 1st Law of Motion: a body in motion will stay in motion, until acted upon by an external force. Founder Duncan thought of it as a metaphor for life.
What is the Bodies in Motion purpose?
We are committed to igniting activity and encouraging empowerment. Our long-range goal is “to be the definitive leader in servicing people, in high quality activities, wherever they are.”
What is a Motioneer?
Motioneers are the Bodies in Motion team members who run our programs. In childcare and camps, Motioneers are childcare certified and background checked.
Where is Bodies in Motion located?
We have one location: 729 W. Diamond St, Boise, ID 83705. Families come to us from Boise, Meridian and Garden City. Call (208) 381-0587 or use our contact form.
Come see us in Boise
Visit 729 W. Diamond St, call (208) 381-0587 or use our contact form.
Visit us in Boise
Bodies in Motion
729 W. Diamond St
Boise, ID 83705
Near the Fred Meyer on Federal Way
Phone: (208) 381-0587