‍Small introduction/presentation, job or activity, place of birth or country of origin, training or career, place of living

My name is Martina Brühlmann, and I’m the founder of Keona Personal Training, a studio that focuses on holistic movement and nutrition. Movement has always been at the heart of my life. I actually started out in singing and theatre, then moved into sports education, and along the way my own experience with illness really shaped me. That’s when I discovered my true passion—helping people give expression to their bodies, working closely with them, and sharing knowledge that empowers them to reconnect with themselves, build health, and truly enjoy the gift of movement.

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Tell us about your place of residence, city or region, activity and if or what you like about your hometown?

I grew up in Baden, in the canton of Aargau, and moved straight to Zurich when I turned 18. Honestly, I’ve loved it ever since. For Switzerland, Zurich is a big city, but to the world it still feels more like a village, which I find kind of charming. I love sitting in a little café, just people-watching, or heading out for a run and being in the forest within minutes. In summer, I dive into the crystal-clear waters of Lake Zurich, and I never get tired of exploring the city’s vibrant cultural scene. And the best part? The mountains are only about an hour away, fresh air, a good hike, absolute bliss. Zurich really is like a little paradise… except maybe for the parking wardens—they could definitely relax a bit, haha.

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Your must-see addresses near you? (restaurant, market, gallery, museum, not-to-be missed, intimate or secret address, etc.)

As I mentioned, I love the mountains. Breakfast at the Riders Hotel in Laax is always a favorite recommendation—ideally combined with a detour to Lake Cauma or Lake Cresta. Back in Zurich, La Stanza is a must for the best coffee in town. I enjoy strolling through my favorite neighborhood, Wiedikon, or heading out for a sunrise run up the Uetliberg. In summer, nothing compares to jumping off the wall at Hafentiefenbrunnen, soaking in the city’s annual Museum Night, or biting into a crisp apple at the Friday market on Bürkliplatz. And really, there is still so much more I could add.

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Your favorite places on Earth?

Uhh… that’s a tough question,I traveled a lot in my twenties, but if I had to pick one place, it would be Cornwall in southern England. I love the raw sea, the wild landscape, and even the sometimes harsh, dramatic weather. Surfing along endless beaches, meeting people who are so warm and authentic—Cornwall is where I always feel incredibly alive and deeply connected to nature.

Imagine waking up and stepping onto the balcony of a little cabin, checking the surf, paddling out for a session, then walking your dog along endless stretches of sand. Later, sharing good conversations over delicious food in St. Ives, and in the evening cuddling up and warming by the fire while watching the sunset. Cornwall, for me, is the perfect blend of coziness and adventure.

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Do you think it is important to travel and why?

There’s a saying that the world is like a book, and those who do not travel read only one page. You cannot truly understand people, cultures, or religions without expanding your own perspective. Traveling is a blessing. It allows you to return with a much deeper understanding and knowledge than you could ever gain in any classroom.

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What do you think about the future of travel and what we (citizens) need to consider? & What would you advise?

I think the future of travel really needs to be more conscious. We can’t see it as something endless anymore, it’s a privilege, and with that comes responsibility. Of course, personal choices are only part of the picture. Bigger factors like the use of fossil fuels or industrial agriculture have an enormous impact on emissions, which means we also need broader solutions and more education.

Still, I’ve found that even small, personal shifts can make a difference. For health reasons, and honestly also because I love traveling with my dog, I haven’t been on a plane in the past seven years. That might change again at some point, but I’ve really discovered the beauty of slowing down: taking the car instead of a plane, exploring places closer to home, staying longer in one spot, really connecting with the culture, and giving something back instead of just consuming. To me, that’s what makes travel meaningful. And I’m sure we could all grow into that a little….not always, but more often.

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As a woman, how do you judge the future of our land or our societies?

As women, we carry both strength and sensitivity - and honestly, the world could use a lot more of that. For such a long time, leadership was shaped almost entirely by masculine structures. That brought progress, of course, but it also left some big gaps. What’s exciting now is seeing more women step into leadership, and even research finally paying attention to the female body, something that was overlooked for far too long.

Men and women are equal, but we’re not the same and that’s actually what makes it beautiful. Our differences matter. Women bring children into the world, our bodies and emotions are often more sensitive, and that gives us perspectives that complement the masculine rather than compete with it. At the same time, we know there are still so many places where women don’t have rights or a voice, and that’s something that has to change.

My hope is that women feel free to raise their voices without feeling like they have to become “little men” to be taken seriously. Equality doesn’t mean being the same; it means recognizing that strength can take different forms. And if we can truly value both perspectives, then I think we have a chance to build a society that’s not just equal, but also a lot more caring and conscious. And maybe that sounds a little idealistic but I like to believe it’s possible.

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How do you think you can contribute to it? Women who stand out to you?

I think my contribution really lies in the work I do every day, helping people reconnect with their bodies, building strength, and cultivating awareness. When people feel strong and grounded in themselves, they can show up with more balance, empathy, and resilience in society. It’s like a ripple effect: individual well-being flows into collective well-being.

When it comes to women who inspire me… honestly, there are so many. It might be the woman on the tram who gives up her seat for an elderly person, my mum, who lost her husband far too early and, for me, is the epitome of a strong woman or my friend who works as a doctor and carries the pressure of proving herself as a woman every single day. I admire women who are authentic, who dare to go their own way, and who use their voices for something greater. And whenever I see that kind of beauty in a woman, I name it. I say it out loud. I keep reminding her, again and again.

What would be your travel dream?

My travel dream? Honestly, for the longest time it’s been to hike part of the Pacific Crest Trail, with just a tent and a camera. I’d love to capture the journey like a diary, holding on to those little moments along the way. For me, the magic of a travel dream is in experiencing the rawness of nature. It leaves me speechless every time, puts everything back into perspective, makes me feel humble and grounded, and brings me closer to the person I am and the one I want to become.