●BLUF: Slow and steady wins the race. Create a better version of yourself by training your slow twitch muscle fibers.
●EZ Experience. The first time I attended a [SolidCore] class, in my mind I thought it would be easy. I was thinking oh, this is like pilates, it will be low intensity, and I have abs so my core should be good to get through this class. Those WERE my thoughts. By the end of the first class, I was so thankful no one knew what I was thinking 50 minutes earlier, because 5 minutes into it I was looking around trying to figure out if anyone else was literally dying from the muscle burn. I had to stop several times. SEVERAL 😂. With that being said, while this class is slow paced it is not lacking in intensity. You may not sweat, but you will burn!
●What is [SolidCore]? It is a intensified pilates class. It’s pilates on CRACK! To understand the goal of a [SolidCore] workout, you must understand the purpose of your slow twitch muscle fibers. Slow twitch muscle fibers are designed for endurance. They are beneficial in aerobic activities like jogging or biking because they prevent fatigue and provide energy. [SolidCore] fitness focuses on movements that help you reach maximum tension so that you get small tears in the slow twitch muscle fibers which, when healed, end up being stronger.
●Class Description. The entire class takes place on their signature carriage named “Sweatlana.” The carriage has dumbbells, tension springs, and cables. While the name of the studio focuses on the core, most classes focus on full body work. They also have speciality classes that will isolate certain muscle groups such as abs and arms. When the music comes on so does the intensity. It starts at a level 10 and stays there for the full 50 minutes. Starting with one muscle group, you perform a variety of movements until muscle failure is achieved and then you move on to the next muscle group. All of the moves are based off of a plank, lunge, or squat. The intensity does not come from complexity, but from transitioning through full range and micromovements at a slow pace with added tension.
●Equipment & Attire. The only equipment used in this class is attached to the Sweatlana carriage. Bring yourself and a water bottle. Yoga inspired attire is the most appropriate. You want comfortable material that doesn’t constrict your movements. If you feel like your attire isn’t appropriate, no worries! The studios have apparel sections where you can find a variety of clothing such as sports bras, leggings, hats, and tops. In the picture above I am wearing one of my favorite sweaters which I purchased at [SolidCore]. It is a crème, light weight sweater (made by Free People), with the softest material you have ever felt, and a cute cutout back that offers style and breathability.
●Final Impression. This class reminds me of Aesop’s Fable “The Tortoise and the Hare.” There are several morals to that story, but one of the main ones is slow and steady wins the race. With HIIT (high intensity interval training) workouts dominating the exercise market, I think it is only natural to want to get in a class and go through the moves as fast as you can. Yet, the intention of [SolidCore] is to create a stronger version of self by strengthening slow twitch muscle fibers. You can’t go fast in this class. Maneuvering slowly forces you to rely on muscles and not momentum to complete the movements. I enjoy the workout because when moving slow, I really have to focus and encourage myself to push through the pain. It provides both a physical and mental challenge. I’ve started to incorporate it into my weekly routine. To see results faster I would recommend trying to attend two classes per week. [SolidCore] currently has 48 studios nationwide with several more on the way. This is a class you don’t want to miss!
I want to try one of these classes!
They don’t have any locations in North Carolina yet. But we should definitely check out a class together next time you’re in DC!
Me too!!!! I have to see if they have any in Nashville.