Solidcore

Your thoughts during this workout will probably be «…» That is, you will not be able to think and will instead have your mind filled with silence, exhaustion, and surrender.
I had taken one Megaformer class before Solidcore (at Core40 in San Francisco) before I came here so I knew what to expect. I was still afraid. I am still afraid before every class I come to here. I consider myself pretty fit (I work out 4 – 5 times a week) and megaformer workouts still kick my butt. I do Pilates reformer twice a week and yoga once a week usually and I would say that those two workouts are probably the best prep for work on the megaformer. It will hurt and burn during and after the workout. Even when I am slacking on a move it still hurts a lot. I have to collapse and reset multiple times in any given workout. Sometimes I want to cry and then I muster the enthusiasm to do 4 more halfhearted reps. As the carriage starts to slowly float away from me because I can’t hold my plank or do 100 crunches I feel as if I’m on that board, slowly floating away from Leo in the ocean, full of frustration and regret. It’s fun guys! If you’re the sort of person whose classmates encourage you, you’re in luck here, where most people look like they’re winners of Ironmans and marathons or are former Navy Seals. I mean, I’m regularly called inspiring for my exercise habits but here I feel like I’ve been sitting on the couch eating hot pockets all my life.
Instructors here are really encouraging and friendly (I’ve never had my hand shook by so many instructors and gotten so much small talk from an instructor before) and there’s a lot of follow up on questions and complaints either through Unilocal or through studio surveys which I think is really great.
They say that the workout will yield immediate results and I would hazard to say this is probably true if you do it as much as they recommend. Alas I am not an investment banker (or married to one) so I’ll have to stick to new student specials and occasional visits at off peak hours (side note: if you are a hot investment banker I am VERY interested).

The classes are great but really disappointed by the poor customer service. Absolutely no leniency for missed classes because of illness or even going to an early class when there’s an opening. I received much better support and service from other small gyms in the city. All the club cared about was money. I’d rather support smaller clubs that try to work with me when I need help.

I don’t like to throw around 5 stars, but in this case, it is warranted (I will explain further down why I actually posted 4)
To be clear, this workout is nothing new if you have jumped into the barre workout world, have ever been in a physical training environment or if you just know a lot about yoga and pilates movements. You will get plenty of lunges and squats and core movements and it is all done on a reformer (megareformer machine). Again, nothing that insane on paper.
What makes this workout KICK@$$ is the environment, the speed, the instructors and the ambiance! You come directly into this studio and you are immediately in the gym. The music is LOUD and you can hear your instructors voice over the loud music and the frenetic pace gets you going. No joke, it’s like the Key and Peele EDM skit; you truly feel like you can do whatever workout they place in front of you because of that setting. They count down the seconds until class starts and whoosh, you are off. There are. No. Breaks. Your body is truly pushed to fatigue with the constancy of movement, but it feels right because nobody is scolding you for not perfectly doing a movement. It’s all encouragement here: you do what you can and you are commended for trying to do more than your best at that point.
Positivity lives here, in all of the signs on the mirrors and on the walls and not in a corny unmanageable and annoying way, but more like a Rocky Balboa is in your heart way. You are going from move to move not even realizing how their positivity is moving you along until you are in your final few seconds of class thanking God that you made it.
Artemis and Katie were awesome teachers. Artemis even emailed to check on me, awesome!
The only thing I would have liked was a little more fixing of my imperfections, but the support was tremendous!
I recommend you go!
*The one star removal was only for cost; I think this work out is too great to not be more accessible. I purchased for a month, but probably can’t do more after that. i am excited to make the next 14 classes! Thanks team!

After several attempts to try and contact this location, all I have to say is there is NO communication. It appears this organization goes the same route of other boutique fitness joints of only having an instructor (who is not empowered to make decisions) when it comes to staffing the front desk. I bought a class pack (2 for $ 25). Depending on how you access their page, you may not see that the classes expire after a month. I am a fitness professional and have the app their website uses (MBO) loaded on my phone. When I accessed it through here (which it automatically does) these terms weren’t visible. Very miffed with solidcore.
UPDATE: After posting this review, I was contacted and had my problem resolved. I am editing my 1 star to a 3 star given this response. I will update the stars (if necessary) based on when I actually get to take a class. They were very nice in their communication; I only regret it had to resort to yiping on Unilocal about it!

This place absolutely changed my body and my life — I miss it tremendously and would still do it all week if I could. As my spouse’s idea on a whim, we started working out here in September 2014. I became addicted immediately, coming faithfully 2 – 5 times a week for the next 12 months of my own volition. The exercise burns a ton of calories (600−800cal for a 160lb guy) which you just can’t get slowly doing weights on your own or running on a treadmill [unless sprinting constantly]. The instructors’ motivation is absolutely the key here. They’re never aggressive, mean, or condescending, but they do keep you working out constantly. You never get breaks, but your workouts are safe, healthy, and non joint-​impacting. This is a first for me. I’ve worked out with personal trainers, and I am a military veteran who’s gone through repeated boot camp evolutions [where the instructors were certainly aggressive, mean, and condescending]. All those prior mentioned other things involved lots of pounding jumping/​lifting type stuff with breaks between, and they certainly were workouts, but beat up my joints and the breaks probably didn’t let me push my cardio fitness levels the way solidcore did. At solidcore, the fact that I worked out 50 solid minutes hitting every major muscle group totally transformed my body in ways I hadn’t seen — especially on obliques and lower abs. I recommend this heavily to everyone who lives near one. A word to guys– do as many «Arms & Abs» classes as you can, as many instructors tend to focus on girls’ «beach muscles» compared to what guys prioritize. I’ve been to several classes where arms were a brief afterthought after tons of quads and abs and glutes. But when they do arms & abs — your triceps will get beat to awesome failure and then beat some more. Alison C-​F and Erica B are by far my two favorite instructors — get in their classes when you can, they are so good! [solidcore] please open a studio in Yokosuka, Japan as soon as you can! [missing you guys] !

A-​ma-​zing. Go now. Like — stop reading, get online and sign up. Super cute little studio with 8 machines. Great workout that left me sore the next day without killing my joints. Not to mention the great apparel and other clients. If I lived here I would come everyday. Reason 100 to move to DC. Also it’s the ONLY gym in DC with the mega-​reformer. Google it.

Other’s have already described the workout well, so this review is specifically about the Mt. Vernon location and the instructors there. While the Cathedral Commons location is the most convenient for me, I try to take a class every so often down at Mt. Vernon because it’s a bit different from the other studios. Since it has only 9 machines compared to 12 and 13 at the other studios, it’s a little more intimate, and the coaches can get really up close and personal with you. This leads to some pretty great and funny moments and definitely less cheating on the exercises because the coaches can see you from everywhere.
My favorite coaches to take at Mt. Vernon are Anna and Ashley. Ashley is one of the original coaches and is absolutely hilarious. She knows how to kick your butt while making you smile at the same time, which is definitely a skill. Anna is a newer coach, but she knows how to bring it and gets you to make the most of every move. Being in her class feels like you are being coached by a good friend — she’ll hold you accountable but then she gets soooooo excited and proud of you for pushing through the pain and killing it on a move.
It’s a great workout, and a very supportive environment. Low-​impact, high results. Worth checking out if you haven’t already.

I typically do HIIT workouts at home. I love the energy and challenge. I started getting bored and began looking for an out-​of-​the-​home workout alternative option and found solidcore. Being very comfortable with hard workouts and having marathon and cycling races under my belt, I walked into the class waaay too cocky. The class has been kicking my butt for the past month-​and-​a-​half. Every class is different. Every teacher is different. But I always leave thinking to myself that accomplished something great, and how amazing I feel over my entire body.
I did get discouraged at first, but i stuck it out and like around class 20 I started coming into class with more confidence and desire to push myself because I was becoming stronger and was seeing physical results.
The friendliness and energy as soon as you walk in is awesome. I’ve never seen an instructor anything less than über cheerful. It’s great that they quickly learn your names and challenge you every single time. The happy personalities are contagious to the class participants. I also enjoy the mints and hair ties :)
I would say there I had a learning curve in understanding how to use the machine, understand what the instructors were saying on the mic, and getting the right technique.
The one thing that gets to me is the cost. I have purchased monthlies so far, and the best way to rationalize the cost is to come at least three times a week, which I guess works out to my benefit. :) But if you try the class once you’ll probably be like me and find ways to make it work! It’s addictive!

The BEST and most effective workout in DC, hands-​down. My first [solidcore] class was a truly humbling experience, in the best kind of way. Muscles that I didn’t even know I had were screaming throughout the entire 50 minute workout. I tried a lot of workouts before walking into the [solidcore] studio, but nothing was nearly as intense and challenging (and fun!). And I have never been so sore than the few days after my first class.
You get a full-​body workout in 50 minutes — you really can’t get much better than that. You are constantly working for the entire time, and it’s clear that your coaches expect you to give it your all. I love that the coaches hold me accountable and help me push past my perceived limits.
The workout is low-​impact and safe. There is a lot of core work, but that’s not all. It’s full body, so you’re also doing lunges, squats, upper body exercises, etc. And the workout is different every time, so you’ll never get bored or plateau. There are also arms & abs classes if you really want to focus on those guns.
The community at [solidcore] is just as amazing as the workout. I love the team atmosphere of every class. You work hard as hell alongside other clients, and then give each other much-​deserved high fives once it’s all over. I find the clients and coaches truly inspirational and am so happy to be a part of this [strong] community.

Great workout that yields immediate results. The instructors are friendly and informative and although you will push yourselves and feel the burn, the workout is low impact and will steadily raise your heart rate. Classes are small (no more than 9 or 10) so you get that personal instruction during your workout. Although they have water fountains, bring a water bottle, be prepared to sweat, and beginners may feel sore a day or two after.

Melissa put together a «back to the basics with a twist» class tonight that reminded me of why I first fell in love with solidcore. Nothing fancy, crazy and painful to the lower back; just really grinding it out. I think every teacher should have it in their arsenal. Awesome class Melissa!

Updated: I have been going to solidcore for a couple of months now and, I’m happy to say that if you get there on time, it’s a great time and an extremely challenging workout. Probably the most difficult workout I have found in D.C. since moving here from New York.
Get there on time. That is the best and most important advice I can give to you. Also ask questions. Enjoy!

Best workout ever. Coaches are extremely helpful and encouraging, but most importantly — challenging. My motto is, if I’m going to pay for a class, it better be hard and I better feel it afterwards. And boy do I! I use and strengthen different muscles every class, and feel like the strongest version of myself. The [solidcore] community is amazing as well– being in such a small class really allows you to meet wonderful people if you come often enough and are outgoing! Taking a class is always hard and a definitely a humbling experience– I have seen guys in amazing shape who really struggle! But the feeling of accomplishment is well worth it! Oh yeah, and take Damon’s class– he is the man.

Solidcore is a fantastic workout; the megaformer gives you a run for your money like no other equipment! It also works muscles in ways you don’t usually get to work them, and it targets some of the smaller muscles that no other workout can help you reach. I love the Mt. Vernon location! I started going there, honestly, because of the proximity to downtown. If you work anywhere near Union Station, Capitol Hill or the Mall, this is the best Solidcore location for you. It is warm and comfortable. There’s always parking, even at rush hour. The classes are naturally small by definition because there are only a limited number of machines. Warning: the coaches at Mt. Vernon work you really hard. really hard. Unlike one other reviewer on here, i’ve found nothing but individualized attention and close monitoring. The coaches constantly circulate in the class. They watch you VERY closely, to the point where you feel like you are getting one on one training. I’ve made extraordinary strides in my lifelong fitness and i credit Solidcore for a lot of that. A special shout out for Damon who is remarkable, but it’s hard to overlook Melissa, Loren and all the other great coaches at Mt. Vernon.
I will say, Solidcore is not for everyone. It’s a super challenging workout. You have to be up for it, you have to be able to push yourself and you have to be willing to strive for more than you think you can do. Not everyone wants to work that hard. You can get in decent shape without this kind of workout. For those of us who are addicted to the Solidcore workout… it’s really about being motivated and committed to going past where you think you can go… every time.

[Solidcore] is by far the absolute best workout I have ever done. I put myself on a 60 day challenge to truly find out for myself if this workout is all it’s cracked up to be. I was amazed at how strong my body became and how quickly it transformed into a very strong and lean shape. As an athlete, I haven’t been able to find something that truly challenges me. [Solidcore] changed that in the first 5 minutes of my first class.
I highly recommend this workout to anyone who wants to get strong and lean. Challenge your mind and your body. This workout is like no other and soon you will be hooked.
[Loyal]

I really love the solidcore work out and have found it to be an incredibly rewarding experience. I especially like taking Allison C-F’s classes because her instructing style is very upbeat and positive, while still motivational and fun!
I do find this workout to be a great balance of cardio and strength training. One of the great things about solidcore is that the coaches, while trained through an incredibly rigorous training course, walk around and are available throughout the class to help with adjustments.
I do not consider myself an athlete and was persuaded by my roommate to try a class. Before taking a solid core class, I could not do a plank nor a push up, but as I gradually went to more classes, and with help from the coaches, I was able achieve these movements that I previously never thought I could! So if you’re like me and don’t have a lot of experience with strength training, don’t let intimidation a get to you!

I’ve been a client at solidcore since April. I have never been willing to pay for a workout, because I’ve always managed to workout at home and run, but I tried this once with my sister and got hooked. The change in my body is amazing and the entire community is so welcoming, coaches and clients both. I’ve met so many wonderful people here and absolutely [love] every single 50 min sweat session.

I don’t know how it’s taken me so long to write a review for solidcore! I’ve been to a few of the locations, and while the Shaw one is most convenient for me, the setup of the Mt. Vernon one is my favorite. So I’ll review this one.
This is a challenging and unique workout. Even if you’re in great shape, you WILL feel the burn during class (and probably the next day too!), but the time moves along quickly and it’s a fun atmosphere.
My 3 favorite things about solidcore:
1. Every workout is different and includes lots of moves. I also do CrossFit and that’s what I like about both. You never know what you’re going to get, and the combinations of moves and muscle groups keep your body guessing and keep your mind from getting bored. It also makes the class go by faster when you aren’t working the same body parts over and over.
2. Low-​impact. There’s something to be said for running and jumping and slamming things around. But it’s great to cross-​train in a completely different way. The coaches are also really helpful at modifications for injuries, which I’m unfortunately familiar with right now. (And for the busty ladies like myself, low-​impact means an opportunity to wear those cute workout tops that you’d risk bouncing out of while running. Woo-​hoooo!)
3. Coach participation. When the sweat is dripping down your face and your arms and obliques are begging for a break, and the instructor is telling you «one more inch» or «go slower»… you do it. When they call you by name, you really do it! The instructors also count down time left in an exercise or in class, and just motivate you along the entire way. Different coaches definitely have different styles, so I’d recommend giving a few a try if you don’t jive with one. Melissa, Damon, and Ashley are a few of my favorites.
If I had any constructive feedback, I’d say that it can be overwhelming for first-​timers to jump into the moves. The new 101 classes are a great idea to help with this. But after just a couple of classes, I was able to start remembering the most common moves on my own. And yes, it’s expensive, but so are a lot of things worth doing.
I’m a huge fan and will definitely keep coming back!

After unhelpful feedback that barely addressed my concerns from solidcore, I continue to have major doubts and would like to highlight the lack of concern for safety. I’ve included direct text from emails between the membership coordinator, owner, and me.
1. «I just sent it again — let me know if you get it. If not, you can message me your email and I can send it there.» Message on Unilocal.I did not receive the emails. Anne did leave her email so I sent a message.
2. «Hi Joanna — I didn’t see a message? Can you copy and paste it in here?» I referenced her messages on Unilocal that she sent me about contacting her. I sent the messages.
3, «Meg — roping you in? I didn’t send a message via Unilocal?» So Meg, the membership coordinator, is sending messages on Unilocal pretending to be the owner?
4. Meg apologizes that I had a negative experience and stated that she emailed me twice to the email that they had on file. I didn’t receive those messages, which I wrote in my initial email to Anne. I told both Anne and Meg that I received a generic email a day after the class that began «Hey people!“I proceeded to tell Meg and Anne that my main issues stem from the fact that our instructor had never taught a beginners class.
5. I didn’t include this next bit in my Unilocal review because it happened after I wrote it «I woke up in the middle of the night to sharp pains in my ribs. As a former college athlete and current marathoner I’m used to pain but this was different. I can only point to the solidcore workout for the cause and later exacerbated by my 9 – 5 desk job. I’m used to being sore, this went beyond anything part of the normal recovery process. I thought my form was off during the workout and the pain in my ribs is only solidifying that hunch. «
6. «I am so sorry again. I definitely understand how overwhelming the first class can be.» No, you don’t understand my point or why I’m frustrated. Also, why didn’t Meg ask «Are you ok? Did you receive medical attention?» I wrote back to explain that it wasn’t the class was overwhelming. It’s my concern about safety and how they conduct the classes. I went onto the website to look at the coaches bios– there was not one that mentioned certification or specific education (bachelor or master’s) to deal with athletic and physical training. I told them that «If you had written back «all our instructors are certified in x, y, and z and have considerable teacher training», I would have felt better.»
7. Final message from Meg «I totally understand. All of our coaches are certified to coach [solidcore] and are also CPR certified. They go through extensive training for over 10 weeks, not including a practicum time period of about 4 weeks. Cindy herself has been coaching for about 9 months and has taught hundreds of classes. We love Cindy and so do our clients, but we have other coaches that you might enjoy better.»
Do know what people also like? Olive Garden. That doesn’t mean that it’s actually a good restaurant or provides authentic Italian food.
The responses were superficial and primarily placed the blame on me. At no point was the apology sincere. Also, why isn’t Anne involved if this is her company? I know there are other solidcore studios throughout the city so maybe it’s different. I’m still hung up on the safety issue– why should I trust coaches who are mostly fitness enthusiasts and lack rigorous instructor training. I feel like this is the Teach for America version of Reformer pilates. It takes time to become a good instructor. As you can tell, I’m not impressed.
Let the buyer beware.

First impressions:
It will make you will sweat,
It will be challenging for all abilities,
It attracts a predominately female crowd.
Most importantly, I wish the instructor made out class 10 minutes longer (we were all new and it was the last class of the night) to really take the time to teach us the movements before we did them. This has been a large criticism of Crossfit gyms, where its even more important because of the heavy weights, although I feel there are other types of gyms, like this one, that more often overlook the importance of it. The movements were mostly new to me, so they felt a little awkward. It took on average about half of the time on each movement to figure out what I was supposed to be doing and how to position myself.
Also, there is no specific warm-​up or cool down time as part of the class. It wasn’t mentioned by the instructor.
Other than that our instructor, Cynthia was great. Very pleasant. The studio was clean, the machines don’t seem too hard to use (a little tricky, but I’m overlooking that a little because it was my first time).