I’ve been on quite the health journey this past year. I decided it was finally time to tackle some longstanding issues getting in the way of my mental and physical well-being and invest in feeling better for the long haul.

In addition to learning how to eat better without restricting myself (thanks, Noom), I recommitted to one of my favorite workouts, Pvolve (previously featured here). I started doing Pvolve in 2020 when my pilates/barre studio closed down and I needed a way to work out in a very small NYC apartment. Developed by Rachel Katzman and launched in 2017, it’s energizing and effective.

Now, more than 30 pounds lost later, it seemed like the perfect buy to be named a MIDDI Must-have. I’ll be throwing one of these special editions in the mix every other month to showcase a product that I cannot stop recommending to people and that has stood the test of time.

Looking to switch up your fitness routine? Here are three reasons why I’ve stuck with this wallet-friendly workout system:

1. The low-impact format.
   Just like Jennifer Aniston, Pvolve’s newest partner, I’m done with workouts that hurt like dance cardio, spin and barre. I like to avoid inflammation, which is why lots of jumping and pushing through the shakes isn’t for me. The Pvolve method combines functional movements akin to pilates and physical therapy with light cardio. You’ll get your heart rate up and there’s enough resistance to give you a burn, but the low rep counts allow you to get through each block with perfect form. I can do it five days a week without getting injured or feeling depleted.

2. The full-body results.
   No matter where you work out, you typically have to pick what you want to work on (i.e. Is it a leg or arm day?). I’ve never liked that because then I tend to overdo it on one area of my body, which impedes the rest of my workouts for the week. My typical Pvolve workout length is 30 minutes, which covers everything and leaves me feeling taller, stronger and more flexible. Their focus on hip mobility is such a big one for women and has helped me work through some old dancing pains and get back into the ballet studio.

3. The equipment.
   I grew up dancing, so training with equipment has always felt foreign to me. My body was my primary piece of equipment. That is why I like that most of the resistance gear used in Pvolve attaches to me, working with me as I move. I can switch up which pieces I use to suit how I’m feeling and many of them are light enough to travel with. I particularly adore the P.band for sculpting my arms and back, the P.ball for my abs and legs and the Slant Board (see how to use it below), which challenges my ability to balance:

A monthly Pvolve membership is $14.99 or you can pay $149.99 annually (I went with the latter). Let me know if you try it!

P.S. I’m currently hosting family here in London, so I’ll be re-sharing one of my top editions next Monday as a rewind. I’ll be back with three new picks on Monday, August 14, 2023.

Last week on MIDDI …

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