Favorite DC Fitness Classes: [solidcore] + FlyWheel

I took the week between Christmas and New Year’s off of running to rest my ankle and achilles. During that time, I took a number of fitness classes (through ClassPass) to stay fit and get stronger. I know that I need to work on cross training and it’s a part of my action plan item to truly leave this minor injury behind (read my 2019 action plan here). I have joined a new OrangeTheory Fitness (OTF) that is opening near my home later this month and I will share a review after I take a few classes but in the interim, I wanted to share my thoughts on both [solidcore] and Flywheel – two DC fitness classes that I have really enjoyed.

Let’s start with [solidcore] – so what is it? Here’s what the studio says about the workout:

[solidcore] is 50 minutes of high-intensity, low-impact, slow & controlled movements on our resistance-based [sweatlana]. Classes are intense and purposefully sequenced to work your muscles to [failure]. [solidcore] may resemble other Pilates classes, but we assure you, we are unlike any workout you’ve experienced before. Each move at [solidcore] has the foundation of a plank, squat, or lunge, with a plethora of variations to help strengthen your entire body. There is a maximum of 15 machines in most studios, meaning each client will receive personalized attention and accountability from their coach throughout the class.

I have described [solidcore] to friends as Pilates on steroids. I took my first class almost four years ago (you can read that review here) and while I liked it, I was going to Pure Barre 3+ times a week, so couldn’t really add in another studio. Now, I’m looking for a bigger mix of workouts to complement my running and so I’d like to go to [solidcore] at least once a week. So what is a class like? Well, it’s a lot of slow and controlled movements on their reformer-from-hell, [sweatlana]. It is hard. And I love it. Also, it’s dark and the music is loud just as an FYI. And the instructors don’t really demo moves but if you go to one of their beginner classes, the instructor will demo many of the moves you will do throughout class. When I first went to [solidcore], I said it was one of the hardest workouts I’ve ever done. I maintain that opinion. It is so hard but good for runners because you are working so MANY tiny muscles in your body. Don’t be surprised when EVERYTHING hurts the day after your first class. It’s normal. If you like a hard, fast paced but low impact workout, I think you should give [solidcore] a try!

The other studio I have really enjoyed is Flywheel. Flywheel is a stadium style cycling studio (they also have barre classes but I’ve only taken one of those years ago) that features a competition board listing everyone’s stats. Flywheel classes are dark, the music is loud (like [solidcore]) and the classes also include an option to use weighted bars in an arms section. I like that Flywheel provides clip in shoes for free for use during the class (I think you get a better ride clipping in) and the instructs are upbeat and excited. I have enjoyed taking the classes and find the competitive aspect somewhat motivating. But mostly, I’m competing against myself which is easy because the Flywheel app tracks my stats during each ride. I also appreciate that the classes give you the option to NOT be a part of the class competition if that isn’t your thing. Finally, I have found that the instructors emphasize form and I think I have continued to improve my form each class, which I love!

Interested in trying either of these studios? Or tons of other great studios in your area? You can get a free month of ClassPass if you use my link – click here. If you are DC, come join me for a class – I love taking class with friends! 🙂

Do you take many fitness classes or do you just run?