The viral menopause workout that ‘transformed’ Jennifer Aniston's fitness
Jennifer Aniston is known for her vigorous wellness routine, which involves compression boots, collagen supplements and infrared saunas. Now, she's hit the headlines with her favourite fitness regime, Pvolve, which has been shown to be particularly beneficial for menopausal women.
The Friends star fell in love with the Pvolve exercise programme in 2021 and officially partnered with the brand in 2023. “I’ve seen more transformation in my body from Pvolve workouts than I have with anything else,” she told Women’s Health earlier this year.
According to new research led by the University of Exeter and funded by Pvolve, the low-impact fitness regime is better for menopausal women than the government's standard advice around movement.
The study set out to examine whether the Pvolve workout could improve balance, strength and body composition, compared with 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
It followed 72 moderately active women between 40 and 60 who weren’t taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), with 45 following the Pvolve programme and the rest undertaking a standard routine. Their fitness and strength were measured before and after the 12-week regime. Read on for the results of the study and everything you need to know about the low-impact, resistance workout you can easily do at home.
What is the Pvolve method?
Though Pvolve (pronounced p-volve) is enjoying a moment on social right now, the fitness company first launched back in 2017.
The low-impact method combines functional movements with patented resistance equipment, like weighted resistance bands, balls, gliders and light dumbbells. It’s accessible from home, with thousands of live and on-demand workouts to choose from via the brand’s website or app.
The routines are designed to mimic everyday movements like twisting, reaching, squatting and pulling, providing a rigorous, strengthening workout that’s still gentle on the body.
“The great thing about these simple resistance exercises is that they can easily be performed at home, and we’ve now shown they’re effective at improving strength and balance in women during and post-menopause,” says Professor Francis Stephens, from the University of Exeter Medical School, who led the research.
What were the results of the Pvolve study?
So does it work? Simple answer, yes. The low-resistance programme was found to improve lower body strength by 20% and lower body flexibility by 21% more than a standard exercise routine.
Pre-, peri- and post-menopausal women involved in the experiment also saw a 10% increase in balance and stability, a 19% improvement in hip function and an increase in muscle, without an increase in body mass. And both groups experienced the same beneficial effects on shoulder strength, the study found.
How does menopause affect fitness?
According to the researchers, changes in the body during menopause can cause a decline in muscle mass, strength and stability. “This ultimately increases the risk of falls and fractures later in life, particularly of the hip, which is why it’s so important to find a way for women to maintain that strength and balance as they get older,” explains Professor Stephens.
Julie Cartwright, the Pvolve president, adds: “Women undergo tremendous physical change during the menopause transition, and our research shows that the Pvolve method can serve as an intervention.”
Pvolve workout essentials
Keen to give Jennifer's favourite workout a go? Here's what you'll need to get started...
P.Ball
Ankle Workout Bands
P.Band
Signature Bundle
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