Pvolve: A Fresh Approach to Fitness with Kirstin Keohane & Sarah Koenig

When it comes to fitness, many people think of high-impact workouts, heavy weights, and endless cardio. But what if there was a different way to move your body — one that focused on functional movement, longevity, and strengthening muscles you didn't even know you had? That’s exactly what Pvolve offers, and we had the pleasure of chatting with two powerhouse women behind Pvolve San Diego: Kirstin Keohane, the franchise owner, and Sarah Koenig, the director of operations. In this episode of Adventures in Business, Kirsten and Sarah share what makes Pvolve unique, how they found their way to Pvolve, and what they’re doing now to grow their franchise. 

A Fitness Experience Like No Other

Mandi first discovered Pvolve through a friend and wellness influencer, Maria Disla. She raved about the method, and when Mandi tried it for herself, she was blown away by the welcoming environment, the unique movements, and the way the workout changed her perspective on fitness. It wasn’t just about breaking a sweat — it was about moving with intention and feeling good in your body.

So, what exactly is Pvolve? According to Sarah, Pvolve is all about functional movement — helping people move efficiently, improve mobility, build strength, and ultimately feel better in their bodies. The method focuses on three key elements: mobility, stability, and strength. And unlike many traditional workouts, Pvolve prioritizes movements that mimic real-life activities to support everyday movement and long-term health.

What Sets Pvolve Apart

One of the things that makes Pvolve so unique is its specialized equipment. With 13 different pieces, some might feel familiar — like ankle weights and resistance bands — but others, like the Pball and Pband, are exclusive to Pvolve. These innovative tools are designed to activate and strengthen muscles in ways that traditional gym equipment simply can’t.

Sarah explains that these tools help target every "nook and cranny" of the body, engaging muscles that support better posture, balance, and overall movement. The approach may feel different at first, but she reassures newcomers that it takes about three to ten classes to really feel comfortable — and the results are well worth it.

A Focus on the Glutes and Core

According to Kirstin, one of the most distinctive aspects of Pvolve is its emphasis on glute and core engagement. Many fitness programs prioritize abs or total-body workouts, but Pvolve ensures that the largest muscle group — the glutes — is activated and strengthened properly.

Kirstin shares her personal experience of being quad-dominant in previous workouts, which led to hip pain and imbalance. Pvolve helped her re-engage her glutes, improving her posture, reducing pain, and even giving her a more lifted shape. This intentional focus on glute and core activation is what makes Pvolve stand out in the fitness world.

How Sarah and Kirstin Found Their Way to Pvolve

Both Sarah and Kirstin have unique stories of how they became involved with Pvolve. Sarah, a former dancer, first discovered Pvolve through a friend’s Instagram workout during the pandemic. She was instantly hooked, bought the equipment, and later joined the Los Angeles studio as a member before becoming a trainer. When she planned to move to San Diego, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect — Pvolve was opening its first franchise there. It was meant to be. Kirstin, on the other hand, comes from a completely different background — accounting!

Shifting Strategies for Lasting Engagement

Initially, Pvolve took an approach of encouraging free trials, hoping that once people tried a class, they’d be hooked. But Kirstin quickly realized that this strategy didn’t always translate into long-term members. Unlike some workouts, Pvolve isn’t something you experience once and immediately understand — it's a unique method that requires consistency to see results.

That’s why she brought in a Director of Sales to refocus on the basics of membership. Instead of one-off drop-ins, the goal is now to help people commit, build a routine, and see the real benefits of Pvolve over time.

Community and Personal Connection in Pvolve

Another crucial piece of the puzzle? Hospitality. In a world where people can work out anywhere — at home, in countless boutique studios, or through digital platforms — what makes someone choose Pvolve?

For Kirstin, it’s all about making members feel valued and seen. Whether it’s celebrating birthdays, work milestones, or personal victories, the Pvolve team is committed to building relationships beyond the workout. As Sarah shared, many members spend more time in class than with their own families — so fostering a sense of connection is key.

The Biggest Competitor: Free Time

Interestingly, when asked about Pvolve’s biggest competition, Kirstin didn’t name another gym or workout method. Instead, she pointed to free time.

With so many distractions and obligations, it’s easy for people to push their fitness goals aside. Even when they know working out improves their mental and physical health, prioritizing it can be a challenge.

Sarah added that people often forget how good exercise makes them feel once they fall out of the habit. That’s why Pvolve emphasizes grace over guilt — acknowledging that life happens, routines get disrupted, but it’s always possible to jump back in.

Choosing the Right Location for Growth

As a franchise owner, Kirstin has also learned a lot about choosing the right locations. When opening the La Jolla studio, the goal was visibility — placing Pvolve in the bustling UTC mall to attract new members. Del Mar, on the other hand, offers a more intimate, neighborhood feel.

Now, as she considers future locations, she’s factoring in square footage, parking, and the overall community vibe. The key takeaway? Bigger isn’t always better — the focus should be on maximizing member experience and revenue-generating space rather than just aesthetics.

Pvolve: Building a Fitness Experience That Lasts

At the end of the day, Kirstin and Sarah believe that Pvolve isn’t just about workouts — it’s about creating an experience that keeps people coming back. With a renewed focus on membership engagement, personal connections, and strategic growth, they;re proving that fitness is more than just exercise — it’s a lifestyle.

🔗Sign up to take a Pvolve Intro Class and follow Pvolve San Diego on Instagram