MÜV Integrated Physical Culture is a true gem in Pittsburgh, and I am grateful to have crossed paths with owner and instructor Jhonphilipp Yonan. Jhon is a rare individual who lives with purpose, is deeply passionate about his work, and generously shares his expertise to benefit others' health and well-being. An instructor of "physical culture," Jhon draws exercises from a variety of historical and contemporary traditions, creating unconventional but science-based movement sequences that promote the development of strength, stability, agility, and endurance. Both private and small group training are excellent. Jhon is experienced at teaching all levels, and he is effective as a physical therapist for those with injuries. He presents thoughtful, customized sequences to address individual needs, and he has a unique ability to deconstruct complex movements into baby steps that allow you to progress efficiently and with integrity. As a yoga practitioner and instructor, I've found the instruction at MÜV to complement and enhance my practice, bringing a new awareness to familiar yoga poses. Whereas yoga often focuses on bone alignment, Jhon targets specific muscles that maintain that body alignment, and reawakens habitually unused muscles for maximal stability. And while Jhon has a vast and intricate knowledge base, he manages to convey proper alignment and form without overwhelming you with technical language, unless you want it (then he will gladly give you an advanced anatomy lesson). The atmosphere at MÜV is welcoming, encourages camaraderie, and balances playfulness with professionalism. The studio space is bright, clean, and smells like peppermint. MÜV is definitely worth checking out for all those on the lifelong path of optimal health. read more

If my commitment to a year and a half of training at MUV doesn't speak for the gym then hopefully this review will help you choose this as your new home for physical and mental health. I never considered myself much of a gym person. I played volleyball in high school, skied and snowboarded my whole life, would play sports, bike, etc. with friends for fun but never really got into the "gym life." That is, until MUV happened. When I first joined, I told Jhon (the owner) that I have not been very active for some time. He assured me to not worry - he would be my guide to safely and effectively becoming a physically better person. He was absolutely right. Though it was tough at first (very tough...hard to walk up a set of short stairs the day after a workout type of tough) I'm glad I stuck with it. Though I still get sore, my body understands how to deal with it. I can go be physical and not suffer for days after. I look forward to working out. I never thought I would say those words. So if you're looking for a different type of gym (not the grunting wifebeater joint) come try out MUV. Lots of people have joined since I first came, and most of them have become regulars. The staff and their knowledge, the constantly changing workout routines, the community feeling of members, and the mascot (a shoe and goggle wearing dog that often wanders the lobby) all make this a great place. read more

I highly recommend MUV. The very knowledgeable and supportive trainers take up a carefully designed and thoughtful approach to fitness, helping you learn and practice the proper form and technique to build strength and stamina in a safe, healthy way. It's not a get fit quick scheme but neither is it too slow in producing results. Rather, I find that the workouts promote mastery of a given exercise that reflects improvement while always pushing me safely to the limits of my current ability. You will feel yourself getting better at the exercises and see the difference while recognizing how each new step in the process builds on previous efforts and supports the next improvement. In addition, the group classes support and draw on a socially-informed perspective on working out. Class members encourage one another, watch and help correct one another's form and technique, and provide a general sense of accountability that pushes you to make that last rep or reach the time limit. The workouts are grueling and produce results, but never leave me exhausted or dreading going back. I am already fitter than I've been in years and look forward to the next class or personal session so I can continue the process. It's a great place to develop an awareness of your physical self, learn new and healthy ways of exercising, and just plain get in shape. Worth the time, money, and effort. read more

MUV is hands-down one of the best gyms in the city. The staff is kind and very responsive to helping you meet your physical goals, while always pushing you just beyond what you think you're capable. This isn't the type of place where people go to show off. Instead, whether you're in a class or in personal training, it is a collaborative environment that will empower you to push yourself. Even if you typically work out gyms by yourself, I'd still give MUV and the classes a try. Class sizes are small, so the teachers are able to give feedback to each student. The personal training is also excellent and a unique opportunity to bring your specific physical limitations and aspirations to a skilled trainer who actually cares about your success. To me, this place is really about re-learning about how your body moves and then using that knowledge to develop strength and speed, and then applying those skills to whatever type of physical activity you like best--from running to ballet. It's been a great experience for me, and I highly recommend it to anyone out there---especially to those of you who may be insecure about your physical abilities or thrive off the energy of collaborative environments. read more

I'm really happy I found MUV and can't say enough about how great I think it is. But I'll try because Jhon's such a nice guy! Before joining MUV I had never been someone who consistently went to the gym long enough to feel the results. Sure, joining MUV is probably more expensive than a membership at a regular gym, but I definitely think it's worth it. First - I've been going to MUV for over 2 years and I actually look forward to going to the gym now because Jhon and his staff create such a positive, fun, and instructive environment. Second - When I'm at MUV, I'm motivated to work harder because the staff and the people that work out there provide great motivation and inspiration. Third - Jhon and his staff devise challenging workouts that focus on agility, quickness, strength, proper form, and balance, not just on building muscle or shedding pounds. Jhon and his staff are very knowledgeable and the workouts change regularly enough to provide new and interesting challenges and to keep the workouts exiting and fresh. read more

This is the gym I've been waiting for. I tried solo training at private gyms, I tried Crossfit, I tried 15-minute high intensity sessions in my living room. I tried everything to find a fitness routine that was fun, effective and easy to stick with, especially in the cycling off season. Enter Muv Integrated Physical Culture! Despite being a 5-year resident of Bloomfield, I never investigated this place for some reason. A friend brought me here for a free trial class and the rest is history. I'm now a devotee and come to class three times a week. It's an incredibly welcoming community of people, including the instructors. The emphasis is 100% on form and proper movements, not grunting and competing with those around you. I am never afraid to ask an instructor to correct my form or show me a movement a second time. Extra special bonuses: Great music, affordable monthly pricing, easy parking, coffeeshop next door, two bathrooms for changing or showering. Don't hesitate - Muv may be the place you've been waiting to find! read more

What can I say, I love MUV! I started going to MUV several years ago after suffering from some minor injuries that I'm certain were caused by bad form while working out. I really wanted to learn how to exercise properly and safely and was so impressed with the MUV trainers' expert knowledge of body mechanics and approach to fitness. Over my time at MUV I have become much more acutely aware of my alignment, which helps me to be much more mindful and effective in my work outs. I also love the positive and playful atmosphere at the gym. The space is brightly colored and clean, and the workouts are creative, challenging, and fun. The gym has attracted a great crowd of friendly and supportive members. You can certainly sign up at a gym with a $10/month membership and get a good workout (and I am one to think long and hard before making any financial commitments), but the quality of the instruction at MUV is worth every dollar. read more

After 3 kids and 15 years without the time for a fitness routine, I returned to working out 1 1/2 ago with Heather, an instructor at Muv. I love the supportive group atmosphere, the encouragement to push yourself while also getting the individual attention to encourage you to be careful with yourself and to do it right. So many people who go to this gym are real athletes, and it sometimes is intimidating, but people are so encouraging and I never feel judged for lacking abilities. People really compete against themselves and the instructors support you at every step. The routines change regularly, which is incredibly important to me, because I easily get bored with the same routines. This is a wonderful gym, whether you are an experienced athlete, or someone getting back into the swing of things. I highly recommend it. read more

Coming up on one year with the folks at MUV and I can truly say it's given me a completely new and exhilarating understanding of what constitutes mental and physical health. In both personal sessions and in the intimate class setting, MUV presents a consistent philosophy: strength and agility are found in the interaction of muscles, joints and the plethora of forces we experience every day. Isometrics (never knew I could work so hard keeping still), range of motion, agility and strength circuits are keeping this middle-aged hockey player feeling strong and capable. The atmosphere is great too: friendly (we all know each other) and encouraging. Highly recommended. read more

5:30 in the morning comes too early for me, but somehow I'm a year and a half in and still look forward to each morning workout at MUV. Jhon's creative and thoughtful approach to physical movement is balanced with fun and playfulness, and his crew of instructors create a welcoming, supportive atmosphere that is unlike any traditional gym. It's fun, challenging, addictive, and - most importantly - accessible for people of all fitness levels. There's also a slight chance that sometime soon Jhon will confess that he's been secretly training us to be an elite ninja strike force. And he has a Tiger. read more

My sessions with Joe and Jhon have been invaluable to me in working on my imbalances and weaknesses. They are incredibly knowledgeable, professional and friendly. Their perspective on movement is novel and helps individuals build strength and ability toward whatever activities they pursue (yoga and power lifting, for me). They emphasize stability and progress at an appropriate pace for your individual body, unlike many programs that push you to continue adding weight each session whether you're prepared or not. They are exceptional at what they do - I give them my highest recommendation! read more

MÜV is a very special place. It is a place that is interested in the way the body moves and it's ability to do so in the safest and most efficient way. It counters current mainstream extremist fitness ideals and aesthetics by taking it back to the basics of function with a holistic approach. Jhon has been coaching me for a while now and has helped me rethink my performance in different practices by educating me in my own anatomy and helping me strengthen properly. I absolutely recommend going to this gym. It will change your perspective on what it really means to be a moving, able body. read more

If you're looking for a fun, welcoming, creative, and challenging place for self-improvement, MUV is it! I've been going to MUV for about 1.5 years, attending 6AM classes and various workshops (nutrition, pain management, handstands). Jhon does a great job of creating a positive environment from the moment you walk in the door - introducing new faces to all in the room. He & his team of trainers are focused on learning how the body works and emphasizing proper form with each movement. You'll also work out with some pretty cool and interesting people. Highly recommend you check it out! read more

MUV is a place for all ages -- teenagers to seniors will become stronger, fitter, healthier and more balanced physically and emotionally. The entire MUV team has advanced training in all they do. The MUV studio is spotless, full of natural light, and equipped with state of the art apparatus -- nothing electric, no machines. You have to try it for yourself to fully appreciate what I am saying. I have done personal training in New York City, London, and Sydney and MUV is better than any of them. read more

I worked out at Muv for a few years before leaving the state. This is one of the things I really miss about Pittsburgh! At Muv, you can get strong in a totally welcoming environment. Jhon always has a new trick up his sleeve and is always willing to take the time to make sure you understand the excercise and can perform them safely. With in a month I could do one armed push-ups! Go try it now :) read more

Compared to any gym I've ever been too, Müv has been a welcome breath of fresh air. The group sessions, led by a knowledgeable instructor, are challenging and fun, and the energy and support of working out with a group is wonderfully motivating. With Jhon's science based whole body approach to fitness, I feel stronger and more energetic than ever! read more

There aren't many classes I would wake up at 5:30am and drive across town for but MUV is it! Jhon and his crew are excellent teachers and keep the workouts interesting and dynamic. If you like to learn, be challenged and have fun while working out, this place is for you. The students are awesome as well - high fives all around after class. read more

Jhon, Rachel, Heather, Nik, Brad, Joe and I guess Brian are the best! Unique approach to fitness that has a little something for everyone, no matter your fitness level or age. Come see what those bowling pins are all about. You can thank me later. read more

If you want to be fit, go to MUV. Also, it is never, ever boring, and always challenges you. Jhonphilip Yonan, owner of MUV, keeps it interesting and adapts work outs to your level of fitness at all times. I love the group classes. read more