I love it here. I have tried it all, even personal training, and have found this to be the single most effective thing that I have tried. I was hesitant to spend the money- it is a financial commitment- but I think it's worth it for someone seeking a high level of challenge and progress. This is not a "fitness class"- it issmall group coaching (max 12 people). This is a well planned workout with precise techniques, individual coaching and instruction and periodization (check the muscle focus calendar on the Solidcore website).
This is for you if:
-you have tried many, many workout classes, and are looking for better results
-you are prepared to listen carefully to instructions
-you like to be pushed to your limits
-you enjoy precise, slow and mindful movements and a significant focus on form
-you are prepared to stick with it for atleast five classes before assessing so that you fully understand the nuances
-you like to have scheduled "appointments" or times for your workouts in order to be consistent. (SC has a lot of convenient times)
-you like privacy during your workout. (The studio is pretty dark, and machines are positioned so that people are looking directly forward at themselves.)
-you don't have more than one hour a day for fitness and need to make it as effective and full body as possible
-you like to have your own area during fitness classes with all the equipment right there.
This is *not* for you if:
-you like to zone out when you exercise
-you want an intense cardio workout
-you are seeking max calorie burn to "undo" dietary "splurges". You probably will not burn as many calories as a spin or OTF class. Personally, I haven't had to up my calories significantly from SolidCore, but I have had the best results from this program.
-you cannot hold a plank for 60 seconds/ have a lower back injury that makes it painful to do so
-you are expecting a very high level of individual coaching/ corrections. The instructors do this to their best ability, but you will have to pay attention to the cues directed at the class and direct yourself to some extent. The instructor won't always be able to see if you are off roading.
If you want to get max value...
-look on the Solidcore website before class. There are videos and explanations of the basic moves.
-come to class 15 minutes early and ask for the demo, identify yourself as a newb.
-commit to 3x a week for a month, or try the new client package (rather than trying it once per week or irregularly, as it will be harder to learn the moves. Also, this is really a fitness program, not an "abs class")
-Check the Solidcore website/ muscle focus calendar to see what the classes will focus on and choose accordingly.
-the beginner spring loads are very heavy, at least for me. Don't be afraid to go lighter, do it from your knees or take a moment if your lower back hurts.
-really pay attention to the recommended range of motions (the white and blue lines.) read more