Fit Check is a series where host Sarah Wasilak tests fresh activewear from brands while trying out a new fitness class, from the latest Pilates hybrid creation to the hot yoga class everyone is talking about on TikTok. For the latest installment, she reviews Nike apparel while trying Jennifer Aniston’s go-to low-impact workout Pvolve.
If you’re a fan of Pilates or other low-impact workouts that build strength, then you might have heard of Jennifer Aniston’s go-to method: Pvolve. The clinically-backed program incorporates sculpting movements and mobility exercises meant to enhance flexibility and tone, and Aniston’s personal trainer Dani Coleman is VP and head trainer. “All of our formats focus on building your strength, mobility, and stability. We take you through corrective movement patterns that utilize our unique resistance equipment and move through all planes of motion mimicking how your body moves daily,” Coleman tells me ahead of my first Strength & Sculpt class at the Soho studio in Manhattan. “You will leave feeling more energized, lengthened, and strong,” she promises me. Coleman and Aniston utilize various Pvolve formats at home with the p.band, p.3 trainer, p.ball, and gliders (all of which I was about to experience in class), plus heavy dumbbells to build lean muscle.
Of course, one of my subsequent questions for Coleman was What do I wear? to which she offered some of the very best advice. Coleman and Aniston both love Nike, Lululemon, and Beyond Yoga, with the latter brand being stocked at workout studios alongside other labels like Tavi, Splits59, and Pvolve-branded apparel. But there are specific Nike products that Coleman says reign supreme for this type of workout, so naturally, I had to put them to the test. The Nike Alate Medium Support Longline Padded Sports Bra ($60), Nike Zenvy Gentle-Support High-Waisted Full-Length Leggings ($100), and especially the Nike Free Metcon 6 Workout Shoes ($120) are tried-and-trusted, and I layered a Nike 24.7 ImpossiblySoft Dri-FIT Oversized Crew-Neck Top ($90) on top to complement these smooth, elevated basics and provide some extra warmth.
Ahead, I put Coleman and Aniston’s favorite Nike fitness gear to the test while working out at Pvolve, all to determine whether or not it passes my Fit Check.
Experts Featured in This Article
Dani Coleman is the VP of Training and Head Trainer at Pvolve.
About the Nike Alate Sports Bra and Nike Zenvy Leggings
- The bra offers medium support with subtle shaping, convertible straps, and a hook-and-eye closure.
- Pads are sewn into the bra and positioned in an hourglass shape to add breathability.
- The bra comes in sizes XS(A-C) to 3X(F-G) and the leggings in sizes XXS(00) to XXL(20-22).
- The leggings are made of InfinaSoft fabric that’s lightweight, gently supportive, and squat-proof with minimal seams.
- The leggings have a drop-in pocket at the back center waistband that’s big enough to hold a phone.
- The leggings are full-length and have a high-rise, extra-wide waistband that won’t roll or slide.
- Both pieces are made with Nike Dri-FIT technology and mesh perforation for sweat-wicking properties.
- Both pieces are made with sustainable materials, with the leggings consisting of at least 50 percent recycled nylon fibers.
- Both pieces are machine-washable.
About the Nike Free Metcon 6
- The trainer sneakers are available in women’s sizes 5-15
- While there are 13 preset colorways to shop on the site, you can also customize your own.
- With a stamp of sustainability, the Metcon is made with at least 20% recycled materials.
- This iteration of the Metcon has more forefoot flexibility for dynamic movements and added foam at the heel to support weight lifting.
- They’re equipped with multi-surface traction for any workout surface and activity and a snug-fitting “bootie” for ankle support.
What I Like About the Nike Gear
According to Coleman, most Pvolve clients wear leggings and supportive tops that allow them to feel strong, along with a pair of sneakers that support the mobility exercises and strength movements done on the mat in class. I can confidently say that these Nike pieces did all that for me and more. There’s something about the smooth, butter-soft feeling of Nike’s InfinaSoft fabric that complemented the nature of the Pvolve movements so perfectly – it was like I was swimming through class. It helped, too, that I went with an elevated, neutral colorway for my set (called mink brown) as the studio and equipment follow suit with clean lines and a modern feel, from the shape of the baskets clients pick up on their way into class to the sleek design of the mat itself.
There’s something about the smooth, butter-soft feeling of Nike’s InfinaSoft fabric that complemented the nature of the Pvolve movements so perfectly.
While the bra top and leggings made me feel “lengthened” and matched my flow with perfect harmony, the Nike Free Metcon 6 had to be the highlight of my outfit. Even my instructor was wearing them, and Coleman confirms that they’re an undeniable favorite among Pvolve devotees: “They’re lightweight, supportive, and keep me grounded for long days when I’m teaching in the Pvolve West Hollywood studio,” she says. “I’ve been training in them for years and they work perfectly for the various formats we offer.” I also happened to spend the rest of the day in them, walking around Soho and grabbing brunch with a friend, and they felt way more chic than your average sneaker – particularly in the all-black with black ankle socks to visually elongate my legs.
What to Consider Before Buying the Nike Gear
When it comes to matching workout sets, I find that some compression levels are better-suited to specific activities. For Pvolve, I absolutely prefer the gentle support of the Nike Alate and Nike Zenvy collections. However, if you find that a higher compression level keeps you feeling more energized for most activities, this set might not be right for you – especially if you seek several functional pockets in your fitness gear. As for the sneakers, it’s important to note that these are not running shoes, so while they’ll support you for strength training in the gym, you shouldn’t wear them to rake in the miles.
Where Is the Nike Gear Available to Shop?
The Nike Alate sports bra is available to shop on the brand’s website and at Nordstrom; the Nike Zenvy leggings are available to shop on the brand’s website and at Nordstrom; and the Nike Free Metcon 6 is available to shop on the brand’s website and at Nordstrom or Amazon.
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Sarah Wasilak (she/her) is the associate director of Shopping at PS. With plenty of experience in the commerce market, a keen interest in SEO, and 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle and health-and-fitness categories. She has bylines at PS, InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit and aims to amplify minority voices in all her work.
