This post has been highly requested and is something I talk about a LOT on Instagram stories and in the private Facebook group… Melissa Wood Health! I first signed up for her program at the beginning of quarantine last March. I got really into it for a few weeks. And then quickly abandoned it. I was kind of all over the place… those first few months of quarantine were really hard and I fell completely off of the workout train. It was also tough to get into working out at home. All of my everyday activities just sort of went to hell. I didn’t like it (at first but now I actually enjoy it), and I just wasn’t motivated.
There was a lot of laying on the couch and feeling sorry for myself… especially in June and July. But hey, it happens! Back in August (8/19 to be exact) I realized it was time to motivate and start working out again. And ever since then, I’ve been doing her workouts at least 4-5x a week… usually every day.
I really like that the workouts are manageable and easy to fit in. I think the best workout is the workout you will actually stick with and enjoy, and that is what MWH is for me. It’s now been a little over 3 months of doing her program almost every day and I feel really good.
Melissa Wood Health Review
Melissa Wood Tepperberg the founder of the Melissa Wood Health program. She’s certified in yoga and Pilates and follows a plant-based diet (note: I do not!). One thing I really love is her philosophy on self-love and accepting yourself exactly as you are. There’s no shaming or selling you on how good your life could be if you look a certain way… her approach is all about being kinder to yourself. She wants to make her students feel good, and that comes across so well. Also, her voice is so soothing!
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photo by Allie Provost.
Great post! I found MWH through you and I’m forever grateful. I’ve experienced the same changes and just feel better.
Aw that makes me so so happy. I am truly fanatical about her/her workouts!
I am, too! She’s calming, positive and the workouts are so effective! I’ve tried a few of her recommended snacks and they are all so good. It would be so fun if she was on the podcast. Thanks again !
I’m glad you found something that works for you! During this time of life that is so important – my go to is headspace and down dog – they have both improved my mental health in 2020 🙂
Yes to headspace!!!!! I am obsessed. 🙂
I love MWH. I used to teach barre and I find her flows more effective. Also my body and mind just feel good, I don’t feel depleted after her workouts. That’s most important to me!
YES, same!!!!
Grace,
I totally agree. MWH has changed my life. I once worked out to “look” a certain way, MWH help me let go of all that andjust …BE. She is a dang treasure.
ETA: Doing it daily for 3 months, is the only thing that toned up my saddlebags! I wasn’t going for that, but it’s a nice bonus.
That is the perfect way to describe it. She’s a TREASURE!!!!! And yes to the saddlebags. I didn’t realize that area could ever be toned for me… and, it is!
I’ve had a very similar experience! Definitely the most consistently I’ve worked out as well. Agree that it’s not necessarily for weight loss but I definitely feel more toned than I ever have. Maybe tmi but my butt muscles are so much bigger! My pants are tight haha.
Hahaha I noticed the same thing with my pants!
I typically do CrossFit-style workouts. I started MWH in the last month or so and have really enjoyed the lower impact workouts. I scooped up the bala bangles for 30% off from Anthro over the weekend and am excited to get them. But seriously, her workouts are SO hard even without weights. And she often recommends doing them without the weights to help with form! Thanks for sharing about MWH, I wouldn’t have found it otherwise!
I am so glad you found it! Love her / her workouts so much.
I love MWH! This year, I switched from high-intensity workouts (running, OT, etc) to pilates and power-walking. I feel stronger than ever and truly love the energy Melissa brings into my day. I definitely notice a difference in how I stand and sit!
I did the same thing and have never felt better!!!!
I started Melissa Wood Health workouts about 3 weeks ago, per your recommendation. I absolutely love her and her workouts! I already feel stronger. Before quarantine I went to a Pilates studio and I really missed it. I think Melissa’s workouts are just as good (or even better) then 60 minutes at a Pilates reformer class. The power of using your own body weight for resistance and working out is life changing! Highly recommend! Thanks for sharing!
I am so glad to hear this!!!!
This is a super helpful and timely post as I was just thinking of signing up for the free trial. It’s been really difficult to workout since the pandemic. MWH might be the solution for me! Question – do you think you’ll go back to Orange Theory once it’s safe? I was just getting into OT last winter and I miss it lot. I tried going a few times when my gym reopened, but haven’t felt safe (not their fault, they took lots of precautions, I just don’t think any gym is truly safe unless it’s outside.) My whole idea of going to the gym has totally changed now and wanted to know your perspective!
Probably not! To be honest, the pandemic made me realize how much money I spend on fitness. I’ll probably stick to this and my yoga studio.
Sounds like a great programme for you! Would love to try it one day. I’m currently budgetless when it comes to gym plans, just been running outdoors! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
Running is great too!
Hi! Question–were you able to verify that she is definitely certified to teach yoga and pilates? I keep looking and haven’t found her actual certifications anywhere. Not that it’s a big deal! I just have back issues so I try to be really careful with Pilates, especially now that I’m working out at home without an instructor. Thanks for the review!
Hey Tess! It says she is on her about page. I tend to take what people say at face value, I can’t imagine she would lie!
I’ve actually wondered the same thing too. I’m not super into yoga but I go to a Pilates and yoga studio (now virtually) and every instructor lists their specific certifications (certified STOTT pilates, core mat I or II from xyz place) so I’ve always found a bit odd that Melissa’s website is so vague. I’ve also tried to google it before and never found an answer. Just something for the consumer to be mindful of!
Jumping in here to say that I’ve also looked into her certifications, and agree that she is purposefully vague about them! Based off of interviews she’s done, it looks like she enrolled in health coaching programs (Institute for Integrative Nutrition) and maybe a yoga teaching certification (https://www.createcultivate.com/blog/health-wellness-melissa-wood-tepperberg-create-cultivate-100) but I haven’t seen anything to indicate she is Pilates certified. Apparently it’s something that has been brought up in her IG comments but no clear answer has been given! Lia Bartha and her B the Method program is another option if you’re looking for someone with clear certifications, although I did find her classes a little too slow.
That being said, I do want to say that I’m a big fan of MWH! I stopped and switched over to Peloton classes recently but I agree that MWH works! I do wish she’d be more transparent though.
Hi! I’m so glad you did this review because I have a question about MWH that I’ve been dying to ask for ages (it isn’t address in their FAQ and I commented on their IG but didn’t get a reply):
Are all of the workouts silent but for her instruction? I did the trial video that she has on her site, and while it was a GREAT class, but I found the quiet with just her voice kind of…dull? Would love your take!
Hey Leeza – Yes, they are! I oftentimes will put on a playlist in the background to add music as I like to workout with music.
Funny you find her voice dull – I actually find her voice to be really relaxing and soothing.
She’s very lovely and soothing indeed, just the experience overall with the silence and her voice was much less stimulating than I’m used to. Picking your own playlist could be very fun too!
Like so many others I found MWH through you! My god it is the best. She is the best. Before March I was at the gym all the time doing as many hiit classes as I could each week and thought I was the epitome of fitness, but once I started doing MWH I learned what kind of workouts I genuinely love to do, and what my body truly loves back. I’ve never felt so comfortable and happy in my own skin, so thank you thank you thank you for sharing ❤️
Also omg the weekly schedule!! It’s genius! Everything I never knew I needed, such a game changer
Right!? It is almost like having a personal trainer. I can motivate, I like the workout once I’m doing it… just need someone to tell me what to do!!!!
This comment makes me the happiest, because I feel the EXACT. SAME. WAY. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Hi Grace, I hadn’t heard of Melissa Wood Heath Method, thanks for the post! I am definitely interested. I work out with a trainer 3x a week (outside) and run/hike on the off days but this might be something fun to mix in, especially if you don’t need equipment. As always, thank you for providing fun, relevant information! XO
Yay, I think it could be perfect for that!!!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I love reading all the comments too. I just signed up for the 7 day trial and did my first workout. I have NEVER had a consistent workout routine, and I truly mean never, so I’m really hoping this helps me establish one. I have a two month old and am trying to feel comfortable in my body again (note: not trying to “bounce back” as I think the pressures to look like you never had a kid is so toxic), I just want to feel strong and like me. Thank you again!
Oh good, I am so glad! Let me know how it goes!!!
Could not agree with this more! I’ve been doing them hard core since early January and I’m sold and can’t imagine not doing them.
YAY! I feel exactly the same!
I started her on your recommendation, and now I’ve been seeing her mentioned more and more throughout the internet. Once again, Grace, you are ahead of the curve! 🙂 I think you get a lot for a very affordable price. I love how efficient she is – not a lot of unnecessary chit chat. Plus I love that each move is only 10 reps per side because I’m ready to die with some of the moves. In the summer, I tried her pool workouts, and they were fun!
I also do Barre3, which isn’t really a barre workout at all. They range from 30, 45, and 60 minute workouts and are more cardio-based than Melissa’s. I find they complement each other well. Barre3 is $29/month.
Love to hear it!!!! I really agree, you get a lot for the price!
I love how you answered “does it work” in terms beyond weight loss. <3
YES.
Hi Grace! Is the yoga mat you linked the one you personally use? I’m in the market for a new one 🙂
Yes, sort of! I bought it for CHarleston so not to lug my one at home (a magic carpet yoga mat that I’ve had for like 10 years) with me. I’m not fussy about yoga mats but like it.
Love MWH, feeling stronger only 3 weeks in thanks to your rec and realizing that consistency (even if only 15 minutes a day) is key to incorporating movement into my every day life. I’m definitely a workout yo-yo-er, so this is a mindset shift. It’s helping me think about daily exercise and movement as a key to better mental and physical health, and not just as an athletic challenge to quickly get into shape and look a certain way.
YES! Could not agree more!
Hi Grace,
Thank you for your review! I am very interested in trying Melissa Wood Health – especially as things are locking down again.
For the Bala Bangles – what weight do you recommend?
I use the one pound, which is what she recommends! XO
Great post! Do you have one or two sets of Bala bangles? I’m just getting into Melissa Wood Health and am hopefully getting one set of Bala bangles for the holidays, but I’m wondering if I’d ever want to use one set for my legs and one set for my arms in a workout.
That’s a great question. Just one! Melissa never has (at least so far!) us using more than one set at a time.
THANK YOU FOR SUCH AN AWESOME REVIEW!!! I just saw her on Today and her legs alone said..”GIRRRLLLL GO GET THE SUBSCRIPT.!!” After losing over 100lbs on keto, I’ve been learning to love to move my body and I think this will help tons with not only toning, maintenance, but also with accepting my body as it is. loose skin and all. Keep up the great reviews & be GREAT sis! @sugarfreeeketo
sorry for the IG tag.. auto complete 🙁