Latest news with #functionalfitness
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pvolve Inks Four New Franchise Deals to Boost Expansion
Functional Fitness Brand to Open Six Studios Across U.S. Markets Amid Rising Demand for Smarter Workouts NEW YORK, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pvolve, the clinically-backed functional fitness franchise that strengthens, stabilizes, and mobilizes your body, continues to build on its national growth trajectory with the signing of four new franchise agreements. The latest expansion will introduce six studios across Highlands Ranch, Colorado; Atlanta North Perimeter, Georgia; Granger, Indiana; and Richmond, Virginia, further strengthening the brand's presence in key U.S. markets. Each new studio will be independently owned and operated by passionate entrepreneurs who are aligned with Pvolve's mission to deliver a smarter, more sustainable approach to fitness. The newly signed franchisees bring diverse professional backgrounds and a shared belief in the power of movement to transform lives: Highlands Ranch, Colo.: Adrianne Rodriguez, a former medical social worker with nearly 20 years of acute care experience, witnessed firsthand the profound impact of chronic illness and preventable conditions on individuals and families. She is bringing Pvolve to Highlands Ranch, eager to provide her community with a sustainable way to move, feel better and live longer, healthier lives. Atlanta North Perimeter, Ga.: Amber Jackson, with a background in marketing, publicity and corporate operations, expands her successful Pvolve presence with a second studio. As a driven entrepreneur and single mother, she's focused on building a business that supports her own balance while inspiring others to thrive, both physically and personally. Granger, Ind.: Lynn Haberland, vice president and COO of Michiana Neurologic Medicine, brings clinical operations expertise and a passion for wellness. Drawn to Pvolve's alignment with functional medicine, she aims to introduce a fitness method that supports sustainable health and movement. Richmond, Va.: Vikas Kapila, a seasoned franchise veteran and management consultant with experience owning consulting and StretchLab franchises, signed a three-unit agreement. Motivated by helping community members invest in themselves, Kapila was attracted to Pvolve's integrated approach to fitness and wellness. "As we grow, we're inspired by the caliber of franchise partners joining our system – leaders who bring strong business experience and are deeply connected to our brand's mission and values," said Julie Cartwright, President of Pvolve. "This next wave of growth reflects our commitment to meeting consumers where they are with a method that truly supports the body in motion through strength, stability and mobility." This expansion builds on Pvolve's most recent partnership with longevity-focused Tally Health, enhancing brand visibility, franchise development and member engagement, which are essential pillars for long-term success. Supported by a robust omnichannel model that integrates in-studio classes, digital streaming and proprietary equipment, Pvolve's franchise partners are uniquely positioned to serve today's wellness-focused consumers amid rising national demand. Franchise opportunities remain available in priority markets across the U.S., including Texas, Florida and North Carolina. Pvolve is actively seeking both single-unit and multi-unit operators who are mission-driven, community-focused and passionate about health and movement. To learn more about franchising with Pvolve, visit About PvolvePvolve is a workout method that redefines fitness with a method built on the principles of strength, mobility, and stability. As the first and only clinically-proven brand in the space, Pvolve continuously sets new standards for women's health in fitness, ensuring results you can see and feel for today and for the long haul. After being introduced to functional fitness in 2017, founder Rachel Katzman was determined to help others experience an approach that respects the body's holistic needs while making you look and feel great. The Pvolve Method is supported by a Clinical Advisory Board of doctors, as well as highly credentialed trainers, to offer effective workouts that help you break a sweat, not your body. In June 2023, world-renowned actress, producer, and director, Jennifer Aniston, officially partnered with Pvolve after falling in love with the method as a member, and referring to it as "transformational." Through its hybrid fitness model, Pvolve can be experienced through a streaming membership that offers over 1,500 on-demand classes, a two-way, live virtual studio, and targeted series, all available via the web and mobile apps. Additionally, Pvolve has 25 physical studio locations across the US and Canada, with more than 50 studios in development. For more information, please visit MEDIA CONTACT: Ashlyn Pinkowski, Fishman Public Relations, apinkowski@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Pvolve
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
A personal trainer tested 10 medicine balls — the best one for 2025 starts at just $35
Variety is the spice of life, especially for your fitness routine. Whether you're a seasoned gym rat or are just kicking off your fitness journey, it's important to add new things to your routine to maintain the fun and keep yourself engaged. Medicine balls and slam balls are a great addition to any home gym setup. The best medicine balls and slam balls are made of tough, durable materials, so you can grip, throw or bounce them to build strength and power. Both ball types are excellent for fast-paced, circuit-style workouts, are popular with functional fitness groups and add variety and challenge to your exercise balls are ideal for strength training, rehabilitation and coordination exercises and are held, tossed or thrown, but aren't slammed. They come in a wide range of sizes and weights and may include features like handles and grippy textures. Slam balls, as the name suggests, are perfect for slamming. They're filled with gel or sand to absorb impact without bouncing or rolling and can withstand high impact during explosive with possibilities, medicine and slam balls are versatile fitness tools for all ages. "They're designed to build strength and coordination, improve agility and power, improve well-being, as well as a fun way to mix up your training routine," says certified functional strength coach and personal trainer Melissa Kendter. Research shows that training with these balls benefits kids, athletes and older adults, boosting cardiovascular health, strength, power and balance. They can also help improve your prowess in other sports, like baseball and running. We Run coach Amanda Grimm, an England Athletics certified running coach and personal trainer, says these balls can help increase strength, power and cardiovascular endurance and improve performance and distance capabilities. "Medicine and slam balls can be used to develop core strength, which is necessary for maintaining proper form and avoiding injury. They can also be used to improve explosive power, which helps with generating force," she better understand medicine and slam balls' uses and benefits, our team spoke with three fitness and sports experts and researched and tested 10 medicine balls and slam balls in different sizes and weights. I also called on my extensive experience as a personal trainer and strength and conditioning specialist, using medicine and slam balls for all kinds of workouts to help determine which product deserved the title as best medicine ball overall. Here are the results of our sweaty and extensive testing. Best medicine ball overall More medicine balls and slam balls we like in 2025 Factors to consider when buying a medicine ball How we chose the best medicine balls FAQs Other medicine balls we tested Specs comparison chart Meet our experts Update, July 8, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability and added a handy specs comparison chart at the bottom. Our No. 1 pick for best medicine ball remains unchanged. (back to top) (back to top) "When buying a medicine ball, it is important to consider its weight, intended use, material and durability, size and cost," says Grimm. The type of medicine ball you choose depends on the kind of training you're doing. Here's what to look for: There are a variety of medicine ball types. Gallucci explains there's the traditional medicine ball, often made of rubber or leather and filled with sand or gel, and the slam ball, specifically designed for high-impact exercises. "Slam balls are usually constructed from durable, thick rubber and are filled with a dense material that can withstand repeated high-force slams against the ground." There are also wall balls, which are typically larger and softer, designed for exercises where the ball is thrown against a wall. "Medicine balls are generally categorized as 'high-bounce' or 'low-bounce,'" Grimm explains. "High-bounce balls are good for activities such as plyometric exercises and wall throws. Low-bounce balls are better for activities focusing on concentric power output." Medicine balls can be made of rubber, vinyl, nylon or leather, and the filling is usually either air, gel or sand. High-bounce balls are typically filled with air, and low-bounce balls are filled with gel or sand. Rubber tends to be bouncier than vinyl, but vinyl is softer, making it ideal for oversize wall balls. The weight of the ball you choose depends on your fitness level and the types of exercises you want to perform. Generally speaking, you'll want to start with a lower-weight ball if you're performing throws or slams, although as with any form of strength training, you can increase the resistance level as you get stronger and your body adapts to the challenge. If you're using a ball to perform weighted carries or other strength training moves like squats, core work or presses, you may want a heavier ball. Medicine balls and slam balls range in size depending on the weight of the ball or its intended use. Lighter-weight medicine balls tend to be smaller and more compact, while heavier balls are larger. Balls that are best for throwing, catching and slamming are roughly the same size or a little larger than a basketball in diameter (a 10-inch diameter is fairly standard). Oversize balls are more similar in size to a beach ball (a 14-inch diameter is typical) and may be better used for slams, carries, wall ball throws or balance moves. (back to top) I spoke to three experts — a functional strength coach, a personal trainer and run coach, and a doctor of physical therapy — to help fill me in on the uses and benefits of medicine balls and provide insight into what to look for when making a purchase. I then sought out and tested 10 different balls. As a personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach who tests fitness products for a living, I know the difference between high- and low-quality gym gear. I performed a series of exercises in both dry and sweaty conditions. Depending on the type of ball, I threw, bounced, slammed, squat-tossed and completed a series of core exercises with each ball. I ranked each based on grip, durability, versatility, weight availability and value, narrowing them down to the seven best ones in various categories. (back to top) Medicine balls are weighted balls often made of natural or synthetic rubber, vinyl or other materials and filled with sand or gel. Traditional medicine balls are slightly bouncy for throwing and catching off the floor or wall, but there are lower-bounce balls and softer slam balls and wall balls that are meant for slamming without the risk of bouncing back and hitting you. Common medicine ball exercises include throws, slams, Russian twists, squats, push-ups and lunges. A slam ball has a heavy-duty rubber shell that doesn't bounce, making it perfect for high-impact throwing exercises like med ball slams. A traditional medicine ball is designed to bounce back, making it ideal for exercises like chest passes and weighted squat-press and toss. You can use a medicine ball daily if you're performing strength exercises, so long as you rest each muscle group for 24 to 48 hours between each training session. Medicine balls are also ideal for cardio or high-intensity workouts, which you can do on days you aren't performing strength training. As always, listen to your body and adjust frequency based on your fitness level and recovery time between workouts. (back to top) Three brands of medicine balls didn't make the final list: Cap's rubber medicine ball is an affordable, well-rounded option that's earned rave reviews. It comes in 2- to 12-pound weights of varying colors. While it performed well, its grip was not as good as that of the top pick, and the ball is quite hard, almost like plastic, making it uncomfortable for some exercises. It also has an unpleasant smell that did not entirely dissipate during testing. The TRX slam ball has an excellent grip and is comfortable to hold, not too big or too small. You can slam it down, and it stays put — it lands relatively softly and doesn't move from where you slam it. That said, the construction that helps keep the slam ball from moving around when it's slammed also makes it feel slightly unbalanced. Some slam balls can do double-duty as medicine balls for core exercises, but this ball isn't suitable for those types of exercises. That said, you could use it for agility work, like tapping the top for quick feet exercises, and it won't roll away. You could probably even stand on it to do some balance exercises. It's a solid ball, and it comes at a reasonable price that can be used exactly for what it's intended to do. The Ethos Wall Ball was a strong contender against the Centr x Hyrox Competition Wall Ball for the "best oversize" category. Even with its larger, 14-inch diameter, it's easy to grip, offers a soft construction that's comfortable to catch and is well-made and durable. It comes in 10-, 14- and 20-pound versions and is a good choice for catching and throwing exercises. The main reason it was beat out? It doesn't offer much bounce back (even for a low-bounce ball) and it costs a little more than the Centr version. (back to top) Weight range Material Type Ziva Chic Medicine Ball 4-12 lbs. Virgin rubber Medicine ball Amazon Basics Weighted Medicine Ball 4-12 lbs. Rubber Medicine ball Centr Slam Ball 6-20 lbs. Rubber, sand Slam ball Balanced Body Weighted Exercise Ball 3 lbs. Synthetic rubber Medicine ball Centr x Hyrox Competition Wall Ball 8.8-19.8 lbs. PVC outer shell Wall ball GoRuck Sand Medicine Ball 10-100 lbs. 1000D Cordura Medicine ball TRX HexGrip Medicine Ball 4-20 lbs. Rubber Medicine ball John Gallucci Jr., doctor of physical therapy, certified athletic trainer, physical therapist and CEO of JAG Physical Therapy Amanda Grimm, BA sports science, England Athletics certified running coach, certified personal trainer and We Run coach Melissa Kendter, certified functional strength coach, UESCA running coach, certified personal trainer (back to top)
Associated Press
29-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Pvolve and Tally Health Partner to Advance Longevity Through Smarter Movement and Scientific Insight
A strategic collaboration combining functional fitness and epigenetic science to support healthier aging, enhanced vitality, and an extended healthspan. NEW YORK, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pvolve, the clinically-backed workout that strengthens, stabilizes, and mobilizes your body, is partnering with Tally Health, a revolutionary consumer-facing biotechnology company aimed at improving healthspan and longevity, to deliver a one-of-a-kind, preventive health journey designed to elevate every aspect of well-being from the inside out. Together, Pvolve and Tally Health combine science-backed functional movement with cutting-edge longevity science to support a future where users feel more energized and strong to maximize their health potential - year after year. Pvolve and Tally Health are reimagining longevity with a luxe, highly curated bundle designed to extend and elevate an individual's healthspan. The concierge experience blends science, movement, and daily optimization into a seamless experience. This bundle is intentionally high-touch and built with industry-leading science, custom testing, and expert-driven support. It's for people ready to take a deeper, more proactive approach to longevity. 'Longevity is more than just adding years to your life,' said Rachel Katzman, founder of Pvolve. 'It's about making those years vibrant and fulfilling. This partnership brings together two powerful approaches – Tally Health's cutting-edge longevity science and Pvolve's results-driven movement – to help people feel their best from the inside out. This is preventative health reimagined. It is comprehensive, personalized, and rooted in science.' The Longevity Formula is a meticulously curated, science-backed health solution designed to help users feel younger, stronger, and more energized. It includes: 'We're elevating wellness, movement, and longevity like never before,' said Melanie Goldey, CEO of Tally Health. 'By combining Tally's at-home biological age testing and personalized recommendations with Pvolve's transformative workouts, we're creating a powerful formula for aging well—one that helps people understand their bodies and take meaningful action to improve how they feel today and in the future.' The Longevity Formula Program is a $5,900 investment ($7,000+ value) in your long-term health, energy, and quality of life. Thoughtfully designed for those ready to take a deeper, more proactive approach to aging well, this high-touch bundle combines industry-leading science, personalized testing, and expert support. Pvolve believes your most valuable asset is your health—and this program is a powerful way to invest in it with purpose. Learn more at While The Longevity Formula offers an unparalleled level of personalization and support, the mission behind it - empowering people to move smarter, age better, and live longer - runs through everything both the Pvolve and Tally Health brands offer. From accessible, science-backed workouts to epigenetic insights and expert-led education, there are many ways to begin investing in your longevity today at and About Pvolve Pvolve is a workout method that redefines fitness with a method built on the principles of strength, mobility, and stability. As the first and only clinically-proven brand in the space, Pvolve continuously sets new standards for women's health in fitness, ensuring results you can see and feel for today and for the long haul. After being introduced to functional fitness in 2017, founder Rachel Katzman was determined to help others experience an approach that respects the body's holistic needs while making you look and feel great. The Pvolve Method is supported by a Clinical Advisory Board of doctors, as well as highly credentialed trainers, to offer effective workouts that help you break a sweat, not your body. In June 2023, world-renowned actress, producer, and director, Jennifer Aniston, officially partnered with Pvolve after falling in love with the method as a member, and referring to it as 'transformational.' Through its hybrid fitness model, Pvolve can be experienced through a streaming membership that offers over 1,500 on-demand classes, a two-way, live virtual studio, and targeted series, all available via the web and mobile apps. Additionally, Pvolve has over 20 physical studio locations across the US and Canada, with more than 50+ locations in development. For more information, please visit About Tally Health Tally Health is redefining what it means to age well. With a holistic, preventative approach rooted in cutting-edge science, Tally Health empowers individuals to take control of how they age and unlock the potential for a longer, healthier life. Tally's science-backed approach includes: cutting-edge pro-longevity supplements to target metabolic health, cognition, sleep, immunity, skin health and beyond; advanced epigenetic testing to benchmark and track aging at the cellular level; and holistic membership to get the best of Tally with personalized action plans. For more information, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Pvolve
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Strong Looks Different Now - FITSTOP Launches ‘Athletically You'
BRISBANE, Australia, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What does it mean to be fit in 2025? According to Fitstop, the answer has nothing to do with aesthetics—and everything to do with how we move, feel, and connect. Introducing , the latest campaign from functional fitness group Fitstop. Built on a foundation of inclusion, community and social connection, the campaign invites everyday Australians to redefine what strength looks and feels like—without comparison or compromise. Whether a tradie, a full-time mum, a desk-bound professional, or somewhere in between, Fitstop is calling on everyone to reimagine what it means to be 'an athlete.' The Rise of Functional Strength At the heart of is a broader shift in how Australians are approaching health and movement. Increasingly, people are prioritising performance and functionality over aesthetics, turning to training that helps them move better, feel stronger, and live more energetically—on and off the gym floor. Fitstop's approach to functional group training is designed to support just that: fitness that's measurable, purposeful, and adaptable to all abilities—wrapped in a community that lifts you up. 'Fitstop isn't just another gym—we've built a culture around strength training supported by a tight-knit community. What truly sets us apart is how we blend structured, progressive strength training with real social connection,' said Fitstop CEO and founder Peter Hull. Meet Me at the Bar(bell) There's a cultural shift happening—and it's playing out in gyms, not nightclubs. The campaign taps into the rise of social strength training: community-led, high-energy sessions that make you want to show up—not just tone up. It's where you'll hear '' and know they mean the barbell. This new wave of training culture isn't about competition—it's about connection. Whether you're stepping into a gym for the first time or training five days a week, Fitstop's message is simple: This is your place. Your progress. Your people. No egos. No pressure. Just a shared belief that everyone deserves to feel strong in their own skin. With more than 150 locations, Fitstop is leading the charge in making fitness more inclusive, functional and community-driven. Through its unique blend of science-backed training, a powerful team culture, and an unwavering focus on confidence over comparison, Fitstop is empowering Australians to embrace the best version of themselves—however that looks. For more information and locations visit: Media contact:fitstop@ 7 3556 7756, +61 2 9059 2502
Forbes
16-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Scandi Meets Sag Harbor: Nordic Strong Opens Chic Hamptons Pop-Up Studio
Nordic Strong opens a pop up in Sag Harbor Nordic Strong With summer just one week away, the Hamptons will once again be the place where New Yorkers come to get a break from the city and enjoy everything the area has to offer from gorgeous beaches to restaurants and shopping. But one thing this coveted enclave doesn't have an abundance of is fitness studios. So, it's very likely that Nordic Strong's 2300 square foot pop in Sag Harbor will be a hotspot this season. Open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the studio offers a European take on functional fitness. The Nordic Strong method centers around a patented machine that simulates the full-body, low-impact motion of cross-country skiing—engaging the core, legs, arms, and stabilizers without putting stress on the joints. The studio will offer three distinct class formats: Nordic Sculpt, Nordic Cardio, and the signature Nordic Strong. Founder Nicoline Roth Nordic Strong Here's a look inside the studio and discover how Nicoline Roth, the brand's founder and CEO, brought her vision to life—designing not just a workout studio, but a Scandinavian-inspired summer sanctuary. After testing the concept for several years in Copenhagen, Roth decided it was time to introduce Nordic Strong to the American market, with a flagship in New York City's Flatiron District this Fall. In the spirit of emulating her community-first approach in Europe, Roth found the perfect space to launch a popup where many New Yorkers could discover Nordic Strong in the interim. She tells me, 'When the chance came to take over a space in the heart of Sag Harbor, it was a no-brainer. The location is ideal, the space is a great size, and we even have access to a garden — giving us the flexibility to host events and activations both indoors and outdoors.' Scandi and minimalist takes the Hamptons Nordic Strong While this space is only temporary, it's the brand's first foray into a new market. So, Roth wanted to make sure the aesthetic of the studio was part of the overall experience. 'When there's a clear thread between the design, materials, lighting, and even the scent of a space, everything feels more intentional and elevated,' notes the founder. 'It's a bit like going to a beautiful hotel or restaurant—when the details are aligned, you feel it instantly. And if you're someone like me who trains often, the space you're in really does affect how you feel. But it's not just about aesthetics—it's also about the energy of the people working there. The ultimate experience is when you walk into a studio and immediately feel at home. A place you want to stay, not just train.' A welcoming area to be part of a community Nordic Strong Roth's vision was to create a Nordic summer oasis. 'Light-filled, cozy, and inviting,' she says. The founder worked with interior designer and architect Josefine Roth, who is actually her sister. 'It's such an honor to bring this brand to life with my family. Josi has an incredible instinct for creating spaces that feel warm and effortless. It's often the small, thoughtful details—the ones you might not consciously notice, but would feel their absence—that make all the difference. She has a gift for infusing each design with elements that create an unmistakable sense of calm and warmth.' Spacious and stylish Nordic Strong As a Nordic brand, Roth tells me it was important that the studio reflected a Scandinavian summer aesthetic—light, inviting, and effortlessly elegant. 'We wanted to create a space that felt warm and welcoming, where people genuinely want to spend time—not just workout.' However, she didn't want to go overboard on design and build out because the space is still just a pop-up. 'Because it's a temporary space, we were thoughtful about how to deliver an elevated feel without over-investing in permanent fixtures.' She also wanted it to connect to the permanent space in the city. 'To create a clear thread between this pop-up and our upcoming Flatiron flagship, we also chose to use some key design elements across both spaces—for example, the custom front desk designed for Flatiron is already in use in Sag Harbor. And just like any Nordic home, we brought in cozy details—curated coffee table books, ambient lighting, and natural textures—to create that signature hygge vibe, without going over the top.' She also partnered with Danish design brand Gubi, which was a natural fit. 'Not only does their aesthetic align beautifully with our brand, but it also allows us to furnish the space with timeless, high-quality pieces that bring a sense of understated luxury. All of our furniture in Sag Harbor is from Gubi—both indoor and outdoor.' From the modern flooring to the chairs with angled legs, plush sofas and wood lockers, it's a sleek combination of Scandi meets Sag. A studio on the water Nordic Strong One of the best features of the studio is the outdoor space on the water—a true Sag Harbor experience. Roth plans to use this spot for classes as well as community gatherings. 'We have access to an outdoor garden space where we plan to integrate programming and community gatherings all summer long. Think: a cold plunge party, run club launch point, or breathwork session after class. We're planning to embrace the fresh air and nature as much as possible, but the classes themselves will take place in the studio.'
