This workout will kick your a**
After realizing that I’ve been covering more diet, fitness and health, I’m happy to announce the addition of a “Wellness” section here on IBB—because treating your body well inside and out is an integral part of beauty. If you’re a regular reader you probably know that I’ve somehow become the “workout girl” over the past few months, and although I’m committed to Pilates, I’m always open to trying something new. A few weeks ago that something was Solidcore, and OMG, I think the post-class soreness JUST subsided.
First, Michelle Obama takes classes regularly in D.C. (which is probably enough to make you keep reading), so this explains her amazing arms. Second, this class is no f-ing joke. I checked out the Boca Raton studio and immediately noticed how friendly (and young) the staff was. The space itself is rather Spartan, yet well-appointed with retail, water (for purchase) and a fully stocked bathroom so you can put yourself back together after your workout if need be.
When I walked into the actual studio, the first thing I though was that the machines look somewhat like torture devices (and they are). Like a Pilates reformer on steroids, they feature a platform at both ends and a resistance-driven mat in the middle. There are also springs with handles, pulleys with handles and hand weights within reach.
The goal of this high-intensity, low-impact, ab-centric class is working your muscles to the point of failure. Yes, failure. This is achieved through slow movements that all incorporate a plank, squat or lunge. The instructor did a demo for us newbies because there are specific moves throughout the class which you likely have never done before. Then the lights went down, the music cranked up and we started the 50-minute class with a 5-minute (or so) plank series. And this was the WARM-UP. From there, the class crushed my legs with lunges and squats, kicked my ass with leg lifts using the springs, and jacked up my arms with the pulleys. Oh, I nearly blocked out the oblique series that had my elbows on the mat and legs twisted to the side to pull the carriage in and out. Though the movements are slow, the class is super-fast-paced, and the instructor gives you a countdown to the next move so you can get into position.
I (barely) walked out of there feeling great and like Jell-O. The next day, however, I was feeling muscles that I never even knew existed—and that’s a good thing. I’m not sure if my body has become so accustomed to Pilates that I only get sore on occasion, but Solidcore was an amazing way to take my workout to a new level. I haven’t been back (yet), but I definitely will take another class when I need a good ass-kicking.
In addition to studios in Boca Raton and Miami, Solidcore is expanding in a big way, so click here to find a location near you!
