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Review of Pvolve (A New Way to Tone, Strengthen and Sweat)

March 22, 2024

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I'm Mickie. Co-founder and CEO of One Strong Southern Girl. Our team is here for you. We want you to remember us because we helped changed your life. 

Hello!

In the ever-evolving world of on demand fitness, Pvolve is making waves as a creative and effective approach to home workouts. Pvolve is not just a fitness program; it’s a lifestyle. With its unique approach to functional movement, sculpting, and strengthening, Pvolve offers a refreshing alternative to traditional workouts.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into what Pvolve is, who it’s designed for, the workout library and membership, what the exercises are like, the equipment used, the cost, areas for potential improvement, and why it’s an impressive fitness solution.

Pvolve Goals and Approach to Fitness (What is it?)

The Pvolve method blends elements of functional training, physical therapy, and Pilates to create a holistic (total body) and low-impact workout experience.

At the heart of Pvolve is the goal to create long, lean muscles while improving overall functional movement patterns.

The Pvolve method has gained popularity in the last few years because of its collaboration and endorsement by celebrities like Jennifer Aniston.

Unlike high-impact workouts, Pvolve focuses on low-impact, high-intensity movements designed to activate and strengthen muscles in a holistic manner. The emphasis is on building a strong, balanced body that moves efficiently and effectively.

Instructors

The Pvolve instructors are one of the best things about this membership library.

Classes are taught by one (sometimes 2) pros in the Pvolve method. We love the continuous form pointers and cueing on proper mechanics during the class (which you’ll need).

Who is Pvolve For?

Pvolve is designed with women in mind, but it’s suitable for individuals of all genders and fitness levels.

It will definitely appeal to anyone looking for functional fitness and/or a low-impact sculpting and strengthening workout method. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fitness enthusiast, Pvolve can be tailored to your specific needs and goals.

What to Expect in a Class (and how it compares to barre and Pilates)

In a Pvolve class, you’ll see a unique blend of exercises that focus on functional movement, muscle activation, and sculpting. While there are some similarities to barre and Pilates, Pvolve offers a distinct approach that sets it apart.

Similarities to Barre:

  1. Low-Impact Movements: Like barre, Pvolve incorporates low-impact movements that are gentle on the joints but highly effective at targeting specific muscle groups.
  2. Sculpting and Toning: Both Pvolve and barre workouts emphasize sculpting and toning, helping to create long, lean muscles and improve overall body composition.
  3. Small Range of Motion: Many exercises in Pvolve, similar to barre, involve small, controlled movements that isolate and fatigue specific muscle groups for maximum results.

Differences from Barre:

  1. Functional Movement Emphasis: Pvolve places a greater emphasis on functional movement patterns, which mimic real-life activities and help improve overall mobility and strength.
  2. Dynamic Movement Variations: While barre workouts often focus on static holds and isometric contractions, Pvolve incorporates more dynamic movement variations to challenge stability, coordination, and balance.
  3. Equipment Usage: Pvolve utilizes specialized equipment such as the P.ball, P.band, and P.3 trainer, which are not typically used in traditional barre classes. These tools enhance muscle activation and provide additional resistance for a more intense workout.

Similarities to Pilates:

  1. Core Engagement: Like Pilates, Pvolve emphasizes core engagement throughout each exercise to improve stability, posture, and overall body alignment.
  2. Mind-Body Connection: Both Pvolve and Pilates encourage a mind-body connection, focusing on proper breathing techniques and mindful movement to enhance awareness and control.
  3. Muscle Lengthening: Pvolve, similar to Pilates, incorporates exercises that promote muscle lengthening and flexibility, helping to improve range of motion and prevent injury.

Differences from Pilates:

  1. Functional Integration: Pvolve integrates functional movement patterns into its workouts, whereas Pilates tends to focus more on isolated muscle strengthening and conditioning.
  2. Equipment Utilization: While both Pvolve and Pilates may use props and equipment, such as resistance bands and stability balls, Pvolve’s specialized equipment adds an extra dimension to the workouts, targeting specific muscle groups in innovative ways.
  3. Intensity Level: Pvolve workouts often incorporate higher-intensity movements and intervals, making them more cardiovascularly challenging compared to traditional Pilates sessions, which typically focus on controlled, slower-paced movements.

So, while Pvolve shares some similarities with both barre and Pilates in terms of low-impact sculpting exercises and emphasis on core engagement, its unique blend of functional movement, dynamic variations, and specialized equipment sets it apart as a comprehensive fitness program.

The Pvolve Library

Pvolve has an extensive workout library featuring a variety of classes to suit every fitness level and goal. From targeted sculpting sessions to full-body workouts, users can choose from a range of options tailored to their preferences and needs.

Classes vary in length, typically ranging from 15 to 60 minutes, making it easy to squeeze in a session no matter how busy your schedule.

Pvolve has a variety of classes to accommodate different fitness levels. The workouts are designed to be accessible for beginners while providing progressions and intensity options for advanced users.

The difficulty level of Pvolve classes can vary depending on the class type you choose. They range from gentle movements that focus on mobility and recovery to more challenging routines that engage multiple muscle groups and improve cardiovascular fitness.

While some classes may incorporate choreographed movements, the emphasis is on proper form and muscle engagement rather than complex routines.

There are 100’s of on-demand classes in the workout library and your membership also includes access to the live class schedule.

There are several different class types:

  • Total Body Sculpt: Full-body workouts targeting multiple muscle groups for comprehensive sculpting and toning.
  • Lower Body Burn: Focused sessions designed to sculpt and strengthen the lower body, including legs, glutes, and thighs.
  • Core Focused: Classes emphasizing core engagement to improve stability, posture, and overall core strength.
  • Upper Body Definition: Workouts targeting the arms, shoulders, chest, and back to build strength and definition in the upper body.
  • Functional Movement: Sessions incorporating functional movement patterns to improve mobility, flexibility, and overall movement efficiency.
  • Cardio Sculpt: High-intensity intervals combined with sculpting exercises for a cardiovascular challenge and full-body workout.
  • Stretch and Recovery: Gentle sessions focused on stretching, mobility exercises, and recovery techniques to alleviate tension and improve flexibility.
  • Express Workouts: Quick and efficient workouts designed to fit into busy schedules, ranging from 15 to 30 minutes in length.
  • Live Classes: Real-time workout sessions led by expert instructors, providing interactive and motivating experiences for participants.
  • Specialty Workouts: Occasionally, Pvolve offers specialty classes focusing on specific themes, techniques, or muscle groups for targeted training sessions.

You can use the filters in the library to find quickly find the type of class you’re looking for.*

*The filters in this workout library are perfect!

Equipment Used in Pvolve

Pvolve workouts use a range of unique and purpose-designed equipment to enhance the effectiveness of the exercises.

Some of the key equipment includes:

P.ball: A small inflatable ball that adds resistance to leg and lower body exercises, providing a challenging yet low-impact workout.

P.band: A resistance band designed to strengthen the upper body, particularly the arms, shoulders, and back.

P.3 Trainer: A patented piece of equipment that aids in sculpting the lower body by targeting the glutes, thighs, and hips.

Precision mat: A comfortable, non-slip mat designed for various Pvolve movements and floor exercises.

You can purchase a bundle to get started (the signature bundle is what we used) or buy the piece a la cart.

And while the equipment listed above is required (and patented) for the Pvolve classes, you don’t need to buy the gliders, ankle weights, hand weights or cushion mat from Pvolve as these are identical to equipment you probably already own.

Cost of Pvolve

The cost of a membership to the Pvolve community where you get access to the on demand library, live workouts and a trainer consultation (make sure this is still available) is $14.99 a month after a 7-day free trial period.

You can also sign up for an annual membership for $149.99 (which comes out to $12.50/month).

Please note that prices and subscription plans often change, so it’s essential to check the official Pvolve website for the most up-to-date information.

They do offer special pricing for medical professionals, teachers, students, first responders, seniors and the military. So, if you fall into one of those categories then make sure you investigate the promo that you might qualify for.

The upfront cost of the equipment that you’ll need to do the workouts is your big initial investment.

How Much Room Do You Need?

Most workouts can be done in a relatively small area, making it ideal for home workouts or limited spaces.

All you need is enough room to move comfortably and a mat for added support.

The precision mat is 53.9″ x 48″, so if you have a space that size then you should be able to do most of the classes.

What Could Make Pvolve Better?

We struggled to find something to add here.

We’ve reviewed over 50 home workout libraries and typically have several things that quickly come to mind when we arrive at this section…however, while Pvolve isn’t perfect for everyone (nothing is that), the workout library and membership is top notch.

The only thing they could add (and this is only because some of the competition offers it) are a nutrition guide with downloadable recipes and shopping lists. But, honestly, there’s a LOT to be said for sticking with what you do well (the workouts) and just staying in your zone.

So, we don’t recommend that you make a decision about this program based on whether it has a nutrition guide.

Why Pvolve is Impressive (aka-some of the things we love about it)

Pvolve stands out in the fitness world for several compelling reasons:

  • Low-Impact and Joint-Friendly – Pvolve offers effective workouts without putting excessive stress on joints, making it accessible to individuals of all ages and fitness levels. The focus on functional fitness makes it a unique workout option.
  • Total Body Approach – Pvolve’s holistic approach to fitness addresses strength, flexibility, mobility, and functionality, providing well-rounded and sustainable results.
  • Unique Equipment – The specialized equipment used in Pvolve classes enhances the effectiveness of exercises, providing users with an innovative and engaging workout experience.
  • Large variety of classes – Pvolve has a large range of class types and equipment that allows exercisers to customize their workouts based on their time, fitness goals, and ability
  • User Friendly Library – We can’t stress enough just how intuitive and well designed the app and user dashboard is for this membership. It’s refreshing.

In conclusion, Pvolve is an impressive fitness method that offers a unique blend of low-impact, total body workouts designed with women’s fitness needs in mind. Its accessibility, innovative equipment, and effective approach make it a great choice for those looking to enhance their home fitness routines.

While there are other fitness programs on the market, few offer the unique blend of functional movement, sculpting, and strengthening found in Pvolve. Programs like Barre and Pilates share similarities with Pvolve in terms of low-impact, high-intensity workouts, but Pvolve’s emphasis on muscle activation and targeted movements sets it apart as a comprehensive fitness solution.

Our recommendation?

Depending on your budget, invest in a P.band or Signature Bundle. When it arrives in the mail, sign up for your 7-day free trial period and try it out.

Test out a minimum of 5 classes with different instructors.

While you might not have all the equipment they use, you can do the exercises without equipment and get a good sense of what this method is all about (and whether it’s a good fit for you).

Check out the Pvolve FAQ section, follow them on their social platforms and watch their YouTube videos. These resources will help you make an informed decision that you feel good about.

Other On Demand Libraries You Might Like

Tracy Anderson’s Online Studio

B the Method

The Class

Tone it Up

The Dailey Method

Alo Moves

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