For Pvolve, Functional Fitness Is the Ultimate Anti-Aging Tool
Partnership
Sponsored By Pvolve
As a functional fitness brand committed to helping its members live younger for longer, Pvolve has had longevity baked into its DNA since its inception in 2017. But even with that head start on the now-popular anti-aging movement, the brand refuses to slow down, pumping out new offerings and new locations to meet the increased demand.
“We’re always looking to evolve,” said Antonietta Vicario, Chief Training Officer at Pvolve. “Pvolve stands for personal evolution. We’re always looking at different class concepts, pieces of equipment, and ways to innovate.”
The brand has been on a steady growth trajectory since its launch, but the recent consumer focus on longevity has catapulted the brand’s expansion digitally and in brick-and-mortar locations.
Strength Training as a Longevity Booster
While strength training’s increased popularity makes it a worthwhile pursuit for any fitness brand, Pvolve’s findings linking the exercise modality to longevity made it a necessary addition. The brand’s signature method addresses strength, mobility, and stability, all crucial elements for keeping the body moving long-term.
credit: Pvolve
Pvolve is giving users that jumpstart with all its class offerings. Class sessions range from 20-60 minutes and feature resistance-based equipment all aimed to deeply activate every major muscle group and build strength. The mobility training within the method takes the joints of the body through their full ranges of motion to keep the body supple and helps to prevent musculoskeletal issues down the road. Stability work fires the deep core musculature to help prevent falls, which can be debilitating especially among the aging population. The addition of weight training helps to offset Sarcopenia by building muscle, it increases one’s resting metabolic rate for maintaining a healthy body composition as well as maintains and improves bone density.
“There are so many things we can do from a movement intervention standpoint to maintain, build, and ultimately delay the onset of Sarcopenia,” said Vicario. “Whenever anybody asks me what’s the most important thing they can do to future-proof their body and move well as they age, I say the number one thing you can start to incorporate is strength training, but not all strength training is created equally! It’s important to be training functionally, improving mobility and stability, so that you can maximize the benefits of the movements.”
Following the Science Wherever It Leads
While Pvolve is for “everybody,” the brand notes that women, specifically those ages 35+, represent its largest target demographic. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the scientific community; the brand reports that of all exercise science or sports-related research, only 6% of it is conducted on women.
But Pvolve is doing what it can to make a dent in that deficiency.
The brand recently conducted a clinical study at the University of Exeter to compare the effects of its programs, including Progressive Weight Training, to general exercise recommendations on women aged 40-60 years. Those following the Pvolve program experienced a 19% increase in hip function and lower body strength, a 21% increase in full body flexibility, a 10% increase in balance, mobility, and stability, and a 23% increase in lower fatigue.
credit: Pvolve
“It’s important to consider that this study was conducted against the CDC’s recommendation for exercise, which is 150 minutes per week of moderate cardio and strength training, which is significant,” said Vicario. “Our program is that much more effective compared to other forms of exercise.”
While Pvolve continues to view strength training as a key point of emphasis, the brand has its eye on cardiovascular health as well. Its Sculpt & Burn classes also address longevity, tackling heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death for women.
“It’s still the same functional movements within our unique and specific movement vocabulary, but with more cardiovascular bursts, because heart health is very important,” said Vicario. “Even with all the cancers combined, heart disease is number one in terms of mortality, so we must offer classes that address heart health.”
Reaching the Masses
For Pvolve, it’s now about spreading the word about these recent findings and the brand’s ability to make an impact through fitness.
Pvolve just announced its locations in Atlanta and San Francisco. The brand opened its first franchise site just last year in San Diego but already has more than 45 locations sold and within various stages of development as of June. The franchise has seen rapid expansion as consumer interest in low-impact, longevity-focused workouts has risen. The brand also announced a partnership with world-renowned actress, producer, and director Jennifer Aniston, who experienced her transformation through the workout.
“The most important thing that we’re focused on right now is just getting this amazing, magical method out into the community,” said Vicario. “We’re laser-focused on our franchise expansion because we believe that in-studio is the best way to get introduced to Pvolve. Our expert trainers can hold you accountable, make sure your form is correct, and you can feel the amazing energy of the Pvolve community.”
The 12-week clinical trial conducted by the University of Exeter and Pvolve included 72 women ages 40-60 years old, comparing 4 Pvolve workouts per week of 30-55 minutes in length to standard physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes per week.