Have you heard of [solidcore]? It is quickly taking over the DC Metro area and when I heard that it claimed to be the “most intense workout you’ve ever tried” I knew I wanted to check it out. I’d hear from a number of friends how tough it was…and also how expensive it was. But when Sue suggested we meet up and check out the new [solidcore] studio in Alexandria and then grab lunch AND she told me the first class was just $19, I was in. note: I paid for my class myself and wasn’t compensated in any way to write my review.
![[solidcore] review](http://eatprayrundc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/solidcore-review.png)
Here’s what the [solidcore] folks say about the workout:
solidcore] is a 50-minute, full body workout, that uses slow and controlled movements to work your muscles to failure…yes, failure. This workout is unlike anything you have ever done before and we speak from first-hand experience when we tell you that the results are amazing. Not only do you burn an average of 600 calories per class, but for the next 20-24 hours after class, your metabolism is increased so your body can repair the muscles.
[solidcore] is not for everyone. This is one of the most intense workouts you will ever try in your life, so we recommend you have a solid fitness foundation before taking your first class. Although intense, this workout is extrememly safe and efficient. There is absolutely no impact on your joints and and your certified [solidcore] coach is extremely skilled at managing different fitness levels in class. This is the only workout we have found that gives you all the intesnity you could ask for (and more), without risk for damage to your joints or muscles.
With hundreds of moves and resistance options, every class is different so you will never get bored and your body will stay consistantly challenged. Because no workout is ever the same, you won’t plateau, which makes the results you desire happen that much faster.
So, was the this the hardest workout I’ve ever tried? Maybe. Probably. I would say that it is definitely not a class I’d take someone to if they were just starting to work out. But [solidcore] makes it clear that this is NOT for beginners. And it’s not. About three minutes in, Sue and I looked at each other and said “we are screwed.” The workout is done on this megaformer machine that looks like a pilates machine but has cables that determine the amount of weight resistance you are using.
It is fast paced and if you are anything like me you will be sweating quickly (note: the picture above was taken AFTER class – those smiles and that long sleeve shirt were NOT present during class :)). Like I said, it’s HARD. It is low impact with thumping music that is probably supposed to distract you from how much it hurts (sometimes worked and sometimes didn’t). I really loved our instructor, Mary. She was encouraging and with only four of us in the class, we got plenty of individual attention. We did all kinds of moves – lunges, planks, arm work and everything in between. It was all just really hard.
I definitely felt extremely challenged and was concerned I’d be crazy sore the next day. So I did the only thing that’s natural to me and went for a run that same evening. I was a bit sore the next day but nothing crazy. My inner thighs were tight and Pure Barre was extra hard the rest of the week. Overall, I enjoyed the challenge and if it wasn’t so expensive (and I wasn’t so addicted to Pure Barre) I might go more regularly. I loved our instructor and enjoyed chatting with her after class. She has three kids under the age of five and a crazy body so [solidcore] clearly works. I do think it’d be great for runners for cross training and if you are in the area, give it a try!
What’s the hardest workout you’ve ever tried?
Rachel has been telling me about Solid Core – sounds like a super tough workout. Good to know that the first class is $19.
It was definitely hard! But you should check it out!
Those classes do not mess around. I was surprised by how challenging it was and by how sore my abs were the next day. I love that! There is a definite learning curve and I think it takes a few classes to figure out the moves.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Smokey Mac n Cheese Stuffed Peppers w BBQ Tofu
I think I felt the best prepared for the ab based moved thanks to PB. I really liked the small class size!
By far the HARDEST class I have ever done. So glad I got to do it with YOU!
Definitely so glad we suffered together 🙂
Hopefully this will make its way up to Baltimore soon! Sounds intense, in the best possible way!
Lisa @ Runningoutofwine recently posted…Make-Ahead Spaghetti Squash With Turkey Meatballs
That is a perfect description!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Courtney; those reformers look CRAZY! Whew! I knew you’d be up to the challenge, though…tough girl! 😉 Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…2015 Spring Fling 5K
it was TOUGH but i really did enjoy it (you know, after i was done) 🙂
I’ve been hearing about this class! Glad to see a review..I could be convinced for $19!
Lindsay T. recently posted…Hearty Paleo Breakfast Casserole!
you should def try it!
That looks like a crazy workout. A barre studio that I go to occasionally offers some classes on the reformer (they call it MEGA Barre) that I’ve thought about trying. They’re also crazy expensive, and I’ve been a little intimidated by the equipment. Since I’m also addicted to barre and running, I’m tapped out mostly of other “hard” workouts, but I’m trying hot yoga again for the first time in a decade tonight and imagine that that might be kind of tough for me. Thanks for the review!
Oh I enjoyed the hot yoga class I tried. I went to core power yoga and it was intense but awesome!
Ha- I just got back from a SolidCore class and was still sweating a bit as I read this. You know I’m SolidCore’s #1 cheerleader- but man is it hard for me to pony up $25 for a class! I’ve been doing it every other week to *help* offset the price (until I win the megamillions, anyway!) –but I find it so helpful I even broke my buying-coffee habit and make it at home now to save money for SC… now I get how you feel about PureBarre!
CK @ Cooking Up Kefi recently posted…I’m a Triathlete Around Town!
Yeah, I hear you about the $$. I just like to divide the # of classes I go to into the total amount. This month I’ll hit at least 20 PB classes, which means I’m paying $12/class. You should do the same with [solidcore]! I don’t feel bad about spending the money anymore. It’s helping me be strong and I love it. I did enjoy [solidcore] – it was a great workout!
This looks like an intense workout. The toughest workout I’ve ever done is a Pilates reformer. that’s tough as nails. It was so hard core than it hurt to breath the next three days.
Haley recently posted…Last week’s Workouts – 3/22/15
sigh… more things i wish i could try and am so removed from! i’ll console myself knowing i wouldn’t last 5 minutes in this class just yet though 😉
nevie brooks recently posted…Race Recap: Rock ‘n’ Roll Dallas Half Marathon 2015
Pretty sure it was the hardest workout I’ve tried. My legs were shaking for over an hour later, although I was able to run the next day. The real question – did you hit up Sugar Shack next door for a donut after class? 😉
Coco recently posted…The Bicycling Big Book Of Training
Haha, we didn’t but we did get lunch 🙂
Courtney,
So glad you and Sue enjoyed class! You two were so much fun to have! I hope to see you again soon. In the mean time, don’t forget about our referral program! Maybe you can earn 10 free classes with all of this [strong] advertising!
Thanks Mary – loved your class – hope to join you again soon!!