Solidcore

I waited to take 4 classes before deciding to review. This is not the kind of place I feel like I could review after 1 class, because the first class all you can think is «what the hell?» and «I’m going to FALL!» (note: I didn’t actually fall!)
This is a very difficult workout, but can be done if you follow their guidelines, such as being able to do a 60 second plank prior to signing up. For me, I did a few months of body sculpting and other classes before taking the plunge into solidcore. What I’ve discovered is that after I leave class, my stress has completely melted and I feel like I have conquered something. Solidcore is totally addicting and definitely a challenge for your mind and body.
I haven’t met a lot of people that took the intro 101 class, but for me it was nice to get a longer overview of the equipment and a sanity check to see if I even would get through a real class.
Other pros: the instructors are friendly and very supportive, management has the quickest response times on the planet to questions/​comments.

PRO-​TIP — When you sign up for your first class they’ll recommend you arrive 10mins early for an overview. I scoffed at this, but arrived early, and was glad I did. The pace is very quick moving and they use some different lingo so having a little knowledge before was helpful so I wasn’t totally lost.
FACILITIES: New-​ish studio in a new-​ish building (first floor of Maxwell apartments). There is a small foyer area with the two bathrooms (no showers that I found, but the instructors also don’t give you a tour), water filling station, and coffee. The check-​in desk is inside the workout room which consists of 11 mega-​reformers
PARKING — The Ballston Mall is right across the street with $ 1 parking (not sure price during the day/​weekends)
WORKOUT — It’s challenging in a different way, think Pilates and Barre combined, to the max, with no breaks. Very focused on core, abs, glutes, and legs with some arm work at the end. Oh and every other move seems to involve a plank. The workout itself involves a move which you’ll do for a minute or so, then a hold, then a pulse, then back to doing the move full range of motion again, repeat, and so on. It seemed to go by quickly for me, I was surprised both classes when we got to the end of class (that doesn’t mean it was a cake walk). Definitely NOT a workout for someone just getting into exercise. Going back to the no-​showers thing… you will get sweaty during this class so plan ahead if you’re going somewhere after.
STRETCHING — No warm-​up or cool-​down stretching incorporated in the class and the only place to really do it yourself is next to the check-​in desk where everyone stores their belongings. Seems like after working your muscles «to the point of failure» you’d want to stretch…
PRICE — In my opinion it’s way too expensive. I did the introductory 2-​classes-​for-​$ 32 which is reasonable, but the other packages are quite a jump, into the $ 30’s for a class. Was fun to try, but this can’t be your only workout, no cardio or weights per-​se.
If you’re on the fence — It’s not impossible, give it a try and judge for yourself

«No Pain, No Gain» is a saying you here all the time. At Solidcore, it’s a 100% true. It’s by far the hardest and yet most rewarding workout in the DMV. The Ballston studio is amazing and the coaches are very supportive and know how to push you to your max every time. Believe me, I try to cheat every session and they make sure you’re doing the workout correct!
Highly recommend giving it a shot, you’ll be hooked after the first class!

I was looking to change up my fitness routine and challenge myself in a new way. I decided to give [solidcore] a try and became immediately hooked! This is the most difficult but also the most rewarding workout I’ve ever done. Not to mention, the community is very welcoming and encouraging. I found myself looking forward to these classes more and more. Because [solidcore] became such a big part of my fitness routine, I decided to take it one step further and become a coach! Definitely give this workout a try — it’s unlike any other class out there!

Best workout I have ever done. They are not kidding when they say they are gonna make you sweat. I finally see muscles in my body. I never thought I could achieve this level of fitness and tone so quickly! It is so addictive go and try it out for yourself!

Prepare yourself boys and girls, it’s about to get real. I consider myself very active and walked into Solidcore like it was no big deal without the slightest feeling of intimidation. Little did I know I was in for the most difficult workout of my life. This was no joke, full speed into the fire. I don’t think this workout is for me because of my tendinitis, but I highly recommend it to everyone looking for a new workout. You will feel the burn for a few days afterwards.

I’m writing to let the older generation know that they can do Solidcore, too. I’m in my 50s and have degenerative disc disease, which means it’s incredibly important to strengthen my core. I do this under my spine doctor’s supervision (he’s also a Solidcore fan!).
I started with a great private session with Kate so she could show me how to protect my lower back. Since then, I’ve been to about a dozen classes, and have loved them all. Yes, you’ll be sore afterwards, but nothing an Epsom salt bath and stretching won’t help fix. One of my favorite teachers is Chelsea because I can really hear what she says (otherwise sometimes the music can be too loud and/​or instructions can be muffled, so I just watch the expert students to see what I’m supposed to be doing). All of the coaches are extremely encouraging, and they understand if you need to make modifications.
I typically only make it to class on the weekends, and there’s plenty of street parking nearby. Come join us!

Love the classes and now I’m pretty much addicted. I come from a fitness background, so I can be pretty picky. Classes start on time, instructors are full of energy, have great playlists, and always have challenging workouts. Classes are kept to 11 people (due to number of machines) and that allows for instructors to keep eyes on students and assist during class. My favorite instructor is Hillary. Samantha is also great! My only complaint is that classes are very expensive. Instructors and other students are so supportive and encouraging. Beware if you have any shoulder injuries (I have a shoulder that occasionally flares up). This will be the most challenging class you take — it’s a mental and physical workout, but you will leave having used muscles you didn’t know you had!

Love this place! Fun but challenging workout that yield great result! Second time was not as bad as the first time and will be back for more!

Solidcore is truly the best workout around. I’ve been taking classes for about a year and it never gets old — tons of variety in the workouts. There are constantly new ways you can push yourself to continue to get an amazing workout.
Coming from a background of being an athlete, I missed the dynamic of a coach-​athlete relationship. At Solidcore, the coaches are constantly motivating you to help push you to your limits.
I have never had a 50 minute workout go by so quickly and feel so satisfying. I highly recommend Solidcore to anyone looking for a new, creative, challenging workout.

Do you know what intercostal muscles are? No? You’re not alone, I was repeatedly told about them as I died my way through a solidcore class. The class forces you to work neglected muscles– like intercostals. It’s super challenging and you may flip the birdie at a coach* (you want my hands up?! Fine, I’ll effing put my hands up.), but it’s honestly the best, most rewarding workout you can do. You ride the highest of highs post-​solidcore, which then plummets to the lowest of lows the next morning, when you lie paralyzed in bed wondering why you continue to do things that hurt you. But you come back, because the coaches are awesome, the music is loud, and there is nothing more satisfying then completing a set of bulgarian split squats.
*she said we could, so I did. It’s cool, we’re chill.

I take Sam’s class in Ballston every Sunday. It’s hard, and I hate her a bit while class is going on, but afterwards, I love her again. This is a workout unlike any other, and you will fail, but the atmosphere is super positive. You feel like you can basically do anything after you finish 50 minutes at [solidcore] with [SAM]!

Last night was my first [solidcore] class, and I can’t wait to go back! Even as a runner, cycling instructor, and generally active person, this kicked my butt in the best way.
I arrived about 15 minutes early, but the previous class was still going on. A few other women arriving were kind enough to explain to me the process and where to put my stuff, but I can see how it would be confusing if you were new and arriving alone. As soon as the last class was over, I introduced myself to the instructor, (Kate, who was awesome!) and she explained the megaformer to me.
The workout was immediately tough, but awesome– I could feel my muscles shaking in a way that I don’t often feel when doing cardio or lifting on my own. I loved the small class size– Kate called us each by name and made adjustments to my form when necessary. When she could see that I looked like I was about to fall off on a standing move on the carriage, she gave me something to hold on to so that I could complete everything with the class. As a newbie in the class, I didn’t feel significantly behind– each person is just doing the best they can.
I parked in the Ballston mall for $ 1, which was super convenient. The studio itself is gorgeous, and I loved the inspirational quotes under the reformers and the high fives at the end– the whole experience was affirming and positive. Even though the class is pricey, I really appreciated that we were working and moving for the whole 50 minutes. I can’t wait to go back!

*** This review is for the corporate policies *** Not for the instructors/​classes. ***
I tried solidcore a few times shortly after having my son, thinking it would help me regain some of my core strength. I enjoyed the few classes with Alex that I attended. However, working mom life with a newborn is exhausting, and I found it difficult to get to class as often as I might have liked to, especially since there’s no childcare available.
I purchased a single class, and ended up cancelling it in time to retain the credit. Fast forward 6 months and I’m finally ready to try it again (now that my son is sleeping through the night at 11 mo) only to find out that my single class that I purchased EXPIRED 30 days after I purchased it. What the heck?! Most other studios have credits that last at least a year if not longer/​no expiration.
I’ve been working at gyms and working out at studios for 15+ years and have never heard of such an obviously money-​grabbing policy. I reached out to the VP of Client Experience and was told I needed a doctor’s note in order to get my credit back (a refund was out of the question).
This, to me as a fitness professional, proves that solidcore is only interested in emptying your pockets, not about helping you get fit and healthy.
BUYER BEWARE.

Toughest workout ever! I struggle each week, but have gotten better at understanding the isolation each session I attend. I do not feel intimidated when I do the modifications (I feel like a sissy, but not intimidated.) I love the instructors, the class sizes and playlists. I love that about 18−24hrs later I truly start to feel sore as I know it works. I plan to keep going back with the hope of one day being someone used as an example of an exercise. Ok, maybe not.

I began Solidcore two months ago during the final stages of training for an Ironman to temporarily offset the monotony of ultra endurance training and became an instant convert.
Solidcore will straight up break you off and will humble you. It is pricey but you simply cannot argue with the results. I strongly recommend Solidcore to anyone trying to push the envelope physically or mentally.

signed up for a few classes here (3 classes for $ 85) and really like how hard they worked you. i definitely felt more toned in just 2 classes. solidcore is basically pilates on steriods where you push your body against a weighted chassis.
you stretch, pull, lunge, stagger, and… HOLD ON for a long time to really burn and build muscle. worth taking. i had to stop cuz it was getting too expensive for me but i’d definitely recommend if you want to quickly tone up!

I was lucky enough to try a mock class with one of the newer coaches (Hillary F) for my first time. I workout regularly (weights, HIIT, yoga/​pilates) and Solidcore definitely challenged me. I was sweating within maybe the first 5 minutes and was very thankful for the complimentary towels. I didn’t exactly come prepared thinking a pilates class will make me sweat like I ran a marathon. The coach was very motivating and pushed you to try but made adjustments so you don’t compromise your safety (especially for a newbie!). I love the motivational stickers on the floor that peeks out under the megareformer to remind you to keep going. It definitely helped me survive the last few minutes of the class. The 50 minutes flew by and at the end of it I definitely started a love/​hate relationship with the megareformer.
The studio is small but very clean. The location is so convenient! You can take the bus, metro, drive (Ballston Mall garage across the street is cheap) and bike (bike racks right outside the studio). It’s probably not a good idea to come here during your work lunch break because you will be sweating a lot and there are no showers.
The only downside I can think of is how expensive the class is but it is a great workout so I’ll probably be back. The package classes doesn’t really offer much of a discount either versus paying per class.

I never heard of this place until I saw the sign. I had done Pilates reformer many times and was psyched to try this which I will describe as «Pilates on Steroids». The other reviews are dead on– it’s a love/​hate relationship and I feel so much better afterward. I’ve done a few classes now and am hooked. It is the perfect workout to help mix up your regular routine.
The place has some nice little touches like hair ties, tissues, and mints in addition to clean towels and a nearby water fountain with cups.
The three different instructors I’ve experienced were all friendly and knowledgeable. They encourage without being judgmental. And they are respectful and of past injuries.
I’ve brought out of town guests and they were blown away. Unfortunately taking a guest requires them to create an account versus using one of your slots in your packet of ten.

One of the hardest workouts you will ever do. You literally work your muscles until failure. This workout will leave you sore for the next three to four days (second day being the worst.
When I went to a class at Ballston, it was my second time trying solidcore. I like this location a lot more than the AdMo one because there is more space. Mitchell was my instructor and he was great. Pushes you really hard but doesn’t make you feel like you’re in a boot camp with a drill sergeant. Definitely recommend this location!