There are countless reasons why you may want to work on building your strongest self. For me, that concept really became a priority once I was in my bridal era. I mean, who doesn't want to feel their best on their big day? That's why I leaned into the Solidcore hype to get myself ready for my wedding. The core motto "stronger for it" is exactly the kind of energy I needed to motivate myself to try something new. The fun blue-lit studio and thumping music was just a bonus.
The goal of Solidcore is to help you reach muscle failure via small, controlled movements and repetitive muscle contractions, so your body will likely feel shaky during and after the workout. Don't worry — that's the point. "The purpose of the class is to target your slow-twitch muscle fibers, breaking them down so they build back stronger over a couple of days," Triana Brown, Solidcore's senior director of product strategy, tells Popsugar. Brown used Solidcore to create her own six-week wedding prep routine. "Let's be honest: wedding prep comes with a lot of emotions, and exercise became my anchor. When I was getting ready for my wedding, I wasn't chasing a number on the scale or some unrealistic ideal. I just wanted to feel powerful, grounded, and at home in my body," she says.
Starting as a Solidcore newbie, there was a lot I wanted to get familiar with before my first class. As a new client, you can take advantage of one of two offers: Unlimited classes for two weeks at $119 or a 4-Class Pack at $77. At the 110+ locations across the US, you can sign up for Foundation50 and Starter50 sessions, which allow for breaks between circuits and involve more in-depth demonstrations by your coach. If you're a beginner, I highly recommend attending as many of these as possible; you'll still get in a very good workout as you warm up to the Solidcore-style workout.
Ahead, find answers to frequently-asked questions (according to Brown), about everything from what to wear to when you can expect to see results.
Triana Brown is a women's fitness specialist with an NASM certification. She is the senior director of product strategy at Solidcore.
Even though it's low impact, a Solidcore class gets sweaty — especially when you're moving between total-body exercises quickly. First thing's first, you'll want to make sure your hair is up and out of your face. Remember to bring a hair tie or a claw clip, such as the RPZL Acetate Big Hair Clip ($26).
Wear sweat-wicking, close-to-the-body clothes that allow for a full range of movement. To lean into all things bridal, pair the Popsugar Strappy Sports Bra ($15, originally $25) with the Popsugar High Waisted Leggings ($15, originally $25) in the latte shade for an adorable matching set. If you'd rather wear your "something blue," opt for the Daily Drills Go! Stretch Bra ($65) with a basic bottom such as the LDMA Contour High Rise Biker Shorts ($88).
The class is done barefoot, so no sneakers or socks are required, though you can wear grip socks if you choose. That being said, if you really want to amp up the toughness of class, you can accessorize with the Popsugar Flex 1lb Wrist/Ankle Weight ($20) for an added challenge. Before walking into class, be sure to store all your personal items inside a locker. As an extra safety precaution, always feel free to bring your own lock, such as the Popsugar Luggage Lock ($20).
If you're going to put yourself through a tough workout, you want to know that it's helping you achieve your goals, whether that's getting stronger or feeling more flexible. As with any workout, consistency is key, and everyone will respond differently to Solidcore. But as Solidcore website says, "Typically, individuals that attend class multiple times a week will feel stronger and notice changes within 30 days."
The Solidcore "Sweatlana" machine is similar in structure to a traditional Pilates reformer and has seven distinct parts. Nonmoving platforms on either end of the machine can be stood or knelt on during class. Framing each platform are two adjustable handlebars used to stabilize the body. (Instructors may cue you to hold one or both handles, depending on the exercise.) Attached to the lower half of the handlebars are two sets of cables that are used for certain exercises. Each cable has a handle attached and is set to a specific weight.
The mobile centerpiece of the machine is the carriage, which slides forward and backward and has numbers printed on its surface. Instructors use the numbers to cue you to place your hands and feet in certain positions throughout the class. On either side of the carriage are straps that keep your feet in place during standing exercises.
Controlling the carriage's movement are eight springs; the instructor will instruct you to adjust the springs between exercises to offer the optimal amount of resistance. Underneath the carriage is a storage area for hand weights, which are sometimes incorporated into the class (especially for arm-specific classes).
If you have belongings you need to bring with you into class, such as a water bottle or gym towel, you're advised to place these items directly beneath the carriage on the floor.
Solidcore offers eight different types of classes in two categories: full-body and muscle-specific. The Foundation50 and Starter50 classes are full-body classes geared toward those who are new to Solidcore and have yet to use its custom Sweatlana machine. The signature Full Body class is the brand's 50-minute class that — you guessed it — works your whole body. There are sequences of core and obliques and upper- and lower-body exercises incorporated throughout.
The muscle-specific classes are Focus50, core and oblique + upper body; Focus50, core and obliques + lower body; and Focus50, core + lower + upper body. Solidcore also offers three types of express Power30 classes. Each focuses on core and one muscle group, ie. core + lower body, core + upper body, or core + obliques.
