Emma Walsh is back on the blog today, this time talking about why she loves Pvolve. By the way, so does Lauryn and Jennifer Aniston. Use code SKINNY for 20% off.
Emma loves this low impact, high efficiency workout so much in fact, that she’s stuck with it for 8 years.
You may remember Emma from her first post about her top products as a Beauty Editor. As you can imagine, she knows a thing or two. Be sure to stalk that post if you haven’t yet.
If you’ve never heard of Pvolve, it’s a clinically-backed exercise program that transforms your body without breaking it down. If you want to learn more keep reading, or listen to this podcast with the founder, Rachel Katzman.
With that, let’s let Emma tell us WHY she has been able to stick to Pvolve for years, and all the effective tips she learned from her Pvolve trainer.
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A Workout You’ll Stay Consistent With
So many of us have become accustomed to straining and depleting our bodies through our workouts, and I’m so NOT here for it. I’ve learned that working out doesn’t have to mean breathlessly crunching up and down or doing a sweat-dripping CrossFit class. Plus, these kinds of workouts can actually spike your cortisol, which is def not what we want. If a cardio HIIT class brings you joy, more power to you—but TBH I’ve never liked those kinds of workouts.
Anyways, back in 2017 I had stopped my ballet training and was looking for a new kind of workout that would make me feel strong and toned—just without burpees or 50 lb. weights. I read about a boutique functional fitness method called Pvolve on Vogue and Elle. A few of the Victoria’s Secret Angels were training at the studio in downtown NYC, so it quickly gained buzz as the place for models to sculpt their bodies before the runway. (BTW, in addition to models, celebs like Jennifer Aniston, Kate Bosworth, and the Culpo sisters are longtime clients.)
With the controlled, low-impact movements and innovative equipment, Pvolve is like no workout you’ve probably ever done before. I tried the method at home and was instantly hooked, and eight years later, it’s still my favorite workout. Keep reading for everything you need to know.
About the Method
Pvolve’s exercises are precise and dynamic—working different angles and ranges of motion to engage all of those hard-to-reach muscles in your core, inner thighs, and glutes. Movements like stepping patterns, reaches, and sits (Pvolve-speak for modified squats) might not look like much, but trust me, they’ll tone you up in all the right places!
These burn-inducing exercises are balanced with lots of elongating movements that decrease inflammation and cortisol and increase flexibility. You can also incorporate their equipment if you want to spice it up, but you’ll feel the burn even with no equipment. If you’re near a studio (there are over twenty locations now!), I recommend the Strength & Sculpt and Sculpt & Stretch classes, but you can also stream all of the classes from home.
Over the years, I’ve attended countless classes in the NYC and LA studios, and a few years ago I even had a private training session with head trainer Maeve McEwen. She’s an angel on earth and has the best abs I’ve ever seen. During our sesh, she gave me super helpful and detailed advice on how to maintain proper form and engagement (aka maximize the results of the workout), and you bet I took notes! Here’s some of the pieces of gold I learned from her that I implement for every workout.
TIPS FROM A PVOLVE TRAINER
Mind-to-Muscle Connection
The mind-to-muscle connection is something that’s emphasized in every class. This helps you isolate the muscles that you want to focus on. For instance, consciously thinking about isolating your glute muscles during a p.ball sit helps them contract, which gives you a more intense burn. And overtime, this leads to more muscle growth and definition. You also want to engage your abs at all times—this is important, because Maeve attributes her insanely defined abs to her dedicated core engagement. Noted!
Push the Mat Away
This is an excellent tip for any move where you’re in a plank or on all-fours. When I was on all-fours and looked sideways into the mirror, I could see I was sinking in my shoulders. Maeve told me to imagine that I was pushing the mat away with my arms. I instantly felt my upper body and core engage, my spine was straighter, and you bet I felt a lot more burn during our mat work.
Reach As Far As You Can With Every Movement
Each movement in the Pvolve catalog is specifically designed to strengthen, sculpt, and stretch your body. That’s why a fundamental principle of this method is that there’s more reaching (eccentric) exercises rather than contracting (concentric.) This is also why you won’t find any burpees or weighted squats (rather, sits) in the workout regimes. Maeve told me to capitalize on the stretching aspect, and reach even further with each repetition to maximize the potential of the exercise. With each centimeter further that you extend, you’re stretching and lengthening your muscles, which helps prevent injury and improves your flexibility.
Don’t Lock Out the Knees
Maeve and I are both former dancers, so we were trained to keep our knees straight in hopes of reaching that coveted hyperextension in our legs. But, she told me that we don’t want to lock out our knees—this may cause you to arch your spine, which makes it 10x harder to engage your core. You should leave the hyperextension behind, but definitely bring that beautiful ballet posture to your workout.
My Tip: Find a Workout That Makes You Feel Good
I’ve found that no matter the aesthetic results, finding a workout that makes you feel good is the key to making it a sustainable part of your routine. For me, Pvolve does it all: I feel strong and toned, and I also get a rush of feel-good endorphins, a burst of energy, and unmatched satisfaction after every workout. If you couldn’t tell already, Pvolve has changed my life, and I really think it’s the workout that everyone needs. Try it and tell me you’re not addicted after one class.
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Be sure to use the code SKINNY for 20% off and check out Emma’s blog post on her favorite beauty picks.
Have you tried Pvolve? Tell us what you think below.
x, The Skinny Confidential team
+ Learn the benefits of Classical Pilates.
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