If my TikTok had anything to say about it, 2024 would be the year of the Pilates Girl.

You know the type — those effortlessly cool twenty-somethings sporting matching Alo sets with their ballerina legs, toned arms, and perfectly chiseled six-packs. They don’t sweat, they “glow.”

While appearing somewhat less action-packed than a frantic HITT class or those montages of sweaty gym rats curling their biceps on repeat, Pilates and other core-based strength classes are not for the faint of heart. Sometimes on my feed, I’d pass by clips of football teams being put through a reformer class, only to start grunting and shedding tears like they’d been sent to the frontlines of WWIII.

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I admired the concept of strengthening and lengthening, as well as any workout that left professional athletes flailing on the floor. However, the size and cost of a reformer ($1000+) and the average price of a drop-in class in NYC ($40-$80) would send me to an early grave.

So I began researching Pvolve, an online workout platform that was founded in 2017 by Rachel Katzman, who sought to create a more holistic program for women at all stages of life. Pvolve pairs functional movements with specially designed precision toning equipment to effectively sculpt and strengthen the entire body without putting as much strain on the joints.

Like Pilates, Pvolve has made several appearances on my social media feeds — with some suggesting it’s better than Pilates altogether. Celebrities have sworn by “the method”, too. In fact, I was first introduced to Pvolve a few years ago when Jennifer Aniston began using it after she suffered a back injury.

“I like to find something that really works and then share it with my girlfriends,” Aniston told People back in 2021. “If I had known about it 20 years ago when I was breaking my body to begin with, we would’ve saved so much pain.”

Something about Pvolve piqued my interest — and not just because I knew Aniston was a loyal fan or that the class streaming membership comes to just $14.99 a month (you can also choose from several à la carte options, too.) What makes Pvolve unique is its philosophy and how it differs from other workout platforms.

The Pvolve method is looking to challenge the old-school notion of “no pain, no gain,” by demonstrating that simple corrective movement patterns we do every day — like bending, rotating, and reaching — can actually transform your whole body. It’s not all about lifting big weights and moving fast. The heaviest Pvolve weights are just three pounds, which is a great relief to many heavy-weight-fearing women, myself included.

To get to the bottom of the Pvolve hype, I spoke with the Head Trainer and Director of Training at Pvolve, Dani Coleman, for answers to frequently asked questions about the routine and guidance for those who want to get started.

Facing my biggest fear (losing my abs forever), I also put the Total Transformation Bundle to the test myself — moving through several workouts to target different muscle groups and see if I could find them again.

Spoiler alert: They are still there.

Pvolve stands for personal evolution — and that is what it’s all about.

“Pvolve is a workout that pairs functional movement with resistance equipment to build strong, mobile bodies. At Pvolve we are changing the game by challenging those old school notions of, ‘no pain, no gain,'” Coleman explained.

The workout is three-dimensional and will take you through movements that you do every day. The fitness classes also go hand in hand with a range of equipment that can be purchased separately.

But, as Coleman explained, equipment is unnecessary: “Through these corrective movement patterns and our intentional programming, you will not only look good but actually feel good in your body. Unlike traditional workouts you will leave feeling energized, not drained.”

If you’re looking for a more lifted booty, sculpted arms and defined abs, Pvolve is the picture-perfect platform for you.

Pvolve offers a monthly or annual membership, with the yearly pricing being the best option at $14 per month. Its curated equipment kits come with a three-month digital membership, which includes one-on-one consultations with personal trainers to tailor your journey and goals.

“We offer members a diverse fitness experience wherever they are, featuring 1,400 classes on-demand, over 40 live classes per week through their interactive two-way Live Virtual Studio, and 44 plus specialized workout series targeting areas like the lower back, pelvic floor, and menopause,” shared Coleman.

In-person training is available in studio locations in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, plus there are more than 14 franchises across the U.S. and Canada.

Two clinical studies have supported the efficacy of the Pvolve method.

First, Pvolve and the University of Exeter’s Healthy Aging Study found that the Pvolve Method effectively improved strength, flexibility, energy, and quality of life for women over 40.

Additionally, a Lower Back Pain Study with the University of Minnesota revealed that 12 weeks of the Pvolve “Back Strengthening Series” was clinically proven to significantly reduce lower back pain by 80%.

Globally, lower back pain impacts more than 600 million people and is the leading cause of disability, showing the tremendous positive impact Pvolve can have on people’s lives.

My Total Transformation Bundle arrived at my door elegantly packaged with instructions for getting started and equipment packed in neat, labeled boxes. After sorting through several pieces of unfamiliar bands, balls, and a streaming subscription, I started exploring the website. I downloaded the Pvolve app to stream to my iPhone. The set-up was seamless.

It was time to set some goals. I wanted to rebuild my core.

Starting right after Thanksgiving provided the perfect opportunity to put Pvolve to the test — but, realistically, my abs have been in hibernation for much longer. In college, I ran at least thirty miles a week and worked out (somewhat obsessively) every other day. After moving to the city, starting a 9:00 to 5:00 and having a baby, both have been indefinitely on hold. Fortunately, I quickly found that Pvolve offers sessions for any timeframe, from quick, 15-minute explosive bursts to lengthier 45-minute classes. I also discovered different series’ designed for women in every possible place in life, like postnatal training for women recovering from childbirth, a menopause exercise plan, and even a travel-friendly regimen for those always on the go.

By selecting classes around a half-hour, I was able to get them out of the way before work and after my daughter fell asleep. Plus, considering how small and lightweight all the Pvolve equipment is, it was easy to scoop everything up and (literally) hide it under my couch. I was also pleased to find that it’s exceptionally easy to navigate the Pvolve platform and discover classes that meet your desires — whether you’re looking for a full-blown circuit or a gentle meditation to unwind.

I was curious to know how much could happen in such a short period, and I got my answer fast.

The first thing I noticed? Micro-movements do not mess around. My first full-body sculpt class was all about the simple, yet challenging deliberate actions that isolate specific muscle groups. When paired with equipment like the P. Band and P. Ball, these tiny movements burned — but, burned without all the huffing and puffing that a HITT class might require. I felt my heart rate rising, but I was never completely out of breath.

In this respect, Pvolve feels very similar to Pilates. However, it also feels a bit more applicable to real life. Every movement is adapted from something my body is already expert at — like rolling out of bed, wiggling through a subway station, or picking up my toddler. For those who find Pilates a bit static or restrictive, Pvolve is a game-changer — or, from my experience, a much more dynamic option.

Full disclosure: it takes time to get used to the equipment. I’ll go into a deep dive on some of my favorites below, but I will say that some of these pieces have clips and straps for feet and fingers, and might not look like anything you have used before. The instructors guide how to put everything on, but you might need to pause a class to still figure it out.

By the second week of my Pvolve workouts, I was feeling much more comfortable and confident with the movements. I tried to rotate different days for upper body, lower body, and full body and was relieved to find that there was very little repetition from workout to workout. Each instructor adds their own twang and shuffles through a unique flow, so your body never goes on auto-pilot. Another thing I loved was that there was always a modification provided — whether you wanted a bigger challenge or a lower-impact option.

Now that I have had a few weeks to experience Pvolve, I can confidently say it’s the real deal. My core feels stronger, my waistline a touch more defined, and my abs — long overshadowed by pandemic stress and pregnancy — are finally beginning to make a reappearance. Was it low-impact and less strenuous than most? Yes. Still super addictive? Definitely. It’s kind of like the Netflix of modern workouts.

But, is Pvolve the new Pilates? While I don’t think of Pvolve as a replacement for traditional Pilates, I do think it targets similar muscle groups — especially the deep core muscles. In comparison to some Pilates classes I’ve taken, I would say that Pvolve burns just as much, but I felt less sore the hours and day after each workout, allowing me to stick to my schedule and keep the stamina up.

Besides, if 55-year-old Jennifer Aniston’s picture-perfect physique is any indication, this workout is certainly cutting it. I’m pretty happy with my own results, too. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to mention that the super sleek, modern, and somewhat mystifying gear has managed to elevate my tiny apartment aesthetic. Being able to get everything done on a 60 by 48-inch mat — that’s a big win.

The P. Band is a patented resistance tool for deep upper body activation. According to Pvolve, it helps strengthen your arms, back, and shoulders while improving mobility, stability, and posture. I’ve found the glove to be quite comfortable, and the band can be held with different grips to conquer a range of exercises and activate different muscle groups. It’s also lightweight and travel-friendly.

According to Pvolve, this versatile ankle band adds constant tension to your lower body to build strength throughout the glutes, thighs, hips, and core. Speaking from personal experience, you will feel it. I found this to be the most challenging tool I worked with through my Pvolve training, and I was very impressed by the variety of functional movements you can wear it with.

We’ve all heard of (and dreaded) gliders. These smooth-sliding discs can be used under your feet to create deeper muscle engagement and challenge your stability. I like that the ones from Pvolve are completely soft on one side and come with floor protectors, which makes it very easy to move across a variety of surfaces.

Ankle weights are a simple tool for working out at home, and Pvolve’s three-pound options are just right for functional workouts. Sleek, soft, and sublimely comfortable weights build strength in your thighs, hips, and glutes. These don’t look like much, but boy do they help you achieve that burn.

Pvolve says the Slant Board is the secret to a lifted and sculpted booty. It also adds an extra stability challenge to functional movements. Balance is something that I have always struggled with, and this raised board forces me to engage my core while working out. I like that there are multiple height options, so you can start small and work your way up.

This thick resistance strap will torch the outer glutes, strengthen the lower body and building lean muscle. With four resistance settings available, you can add or remove tension to tailor your workouts. I’ve found that the grippy material stays in place well even while squatting. This strap can be attached to the P.Ball for inner thigh toning.

Dani Coleman, Head Trainer and Director of Training at Pvolve: 

“Pvolve’s method paired with our proprietary equipment cannot be experienced anywhere else,” said Coleman. “At Pvolve we move mindfully and strengthen your major and surrounding muscle groups with equipment that is compact and portable.”

“Outside of just gaining mobility and stability, you will also gain strength. You will be taken through progressive sequencing with a focus on form and have access to various formats and programs that help meet your body where it’s at,” she noted.

“Yes! At Pvolve we know no two bodies are the same,” Coleman shared. “During your workouts, you will always receive different options to help make the choice that is right for your body.”

Customers can find curated programs under our “Movement Therapy” category on-demand with programs like, “Lower Back Support Series” and our “Knee Stability Series”.

“These programs were created by our training team and advised by our Clinical Advisory board to help address common pain points that a lot of people can struggle with,” she added.

According to Coleman, for the best results, clients should aim for 3 to 4 workouts per week.

“Equipment is not necessary to experience Pvolve. We offer a variety of classes specifically designed for bodyweight exercises, allowing you to complete a full workout using just your own body weight,” Coleman explained.

She added that Pvolve has many beginners start with these no-equipment series to learn the basic movements before incorporating proprietary equipment.

“However, I will say that it is our equipment paired with our method that will help drive your results.”

“Jennifer’s friend introduced her to Pvolve in 2021 during the pandemic. After months of enjoying her streaming membership, Jen was eager to experience Pvolve via one-on-one personal sessions. She and I connected in 2022 and the rest is history!” Coleman recounted.

I considered three main factors while testing the Total Transformation Bundle and evaluating Pvolve — platform usability, workout quality, and overall value.

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