Today we’d like to introduce you to Alive Mvmt
Hi Alive, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Alive MVMT was founded by Marya Barrios and Brenan Aly in 2024 with the vision of creating a space that goes beyond the traditional yoga studio experience. As seasoned yoga and movement instructors, Marya and Brenan aimed to offer Columbus a unique place where movement becomes a deeper journey—one that fosters self-connection, builds community, and supports a well-rounded approach to movement.
Marya, a 500-hour RYT with a BFA in music technology and related arts, is also a Reiki Master, a Black Belt in Chinese Wrestling, and a Pranayama Instructor. With over a decade of experience teaching yoga and martial arts in Columbus, she serves as Alive MVMT’s lead teacher.
Brenan adds a distinctive flair to the studio with her background in circus arts and BS in Public Health from UCSD. Having received her 500 hr. RYT in San Diego, Brenan brings a gentle approach to teaching focusing on nonlinear pedagogy.
Both Marya & Brenan have both done extensive trainings in trauma informed teaching and aim to help people find a sense of safety in their movement practices and feel at home in their bodies.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Opening alive mvmt has been a labor of love and passion for aerial yoga and creating a trauma-informed, community-centered space. One of the challenges was finding a space that truly supported our vision—where we could teach aerial yoga in a safe, welcoming environment. We’ve also had to focus on educating our community about the benefits of aerial yoga, especially how it can be both fun and healing.
Our goal has always been to make sure that no matter what someone’s background or experience level is, they feel seen, supported, and part of a larger community. Staying true to that dream has been a guiding light, even when challenges came our way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At alive mvmt, Marya and Brenan bring their shared expertise in trauma-informed teaching to create a space that is welcoming, safe, and inclusive. Both of them had extensive careers before becoming yoga teachers, and their professional backgrounds have deeply influenced the way they approach aerial yoga. Their focus is on helping individuals of all levels—kids, families, beginners, and experienced yogis—find empowerment through movement.
Marya and Brenan are known for making aerial yoga accessible to everyone, creating a space where healing and fun coexist. Their classes blend the joy and freedom of aerial yoga with a deep understanding of how to support students’ emotional and physical well-being, which stems from their trauma-informed approach.
They’re especially proud of how alive mvmt has become a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to connect, heal, and grow. Families can practice together, kids can explore movement in a fun, engaging way, and individuals can find a supportive community that embraces them exactly as they are.
What sets alive mvmt apart is the combination of Marya and Brenan’s trauma-informed teaching and their passion for building a community where everyone feels supported and seen. Their work is not just about aerial yoga—it’s about creating a space where movement, healing, and connection are accessible to all.
How do you think about luck?
Marya: I’d say luck has definitely played a part, but it’s been more about how we respond to it. We’ve had moments of great timing—like finding the right space for alive mvmt—but we’ve also had our share of challenges that felt like bad luck. What’s really made the difference is how Brenan and I approach those moments. We try to stay grounded, keep a positive mindset, and trust that even when things don’t go as planned, there’s something to learn or an opportunity hidden in there.
Brenan: I agree! It’s less about luck and more about how you navigate it. We’ve had some funny moments where we thought, “Well, that wasn’t in the plan,” but in the end, it’s shaped alive mvmt into what it is today. We’re lucky in the sense that we’ve built such an amazing community around the studio, but it’s also a lot of hard work and intention behind the scenes. I think the luckiest thing is having each other to rely on when things get a little wild!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alivemvmt.com
- Instagram: @alive.mvmt
- Facebook: alive mvmt
