Woah, what a workout.
I'm a (trying to be consistent this time around) member of Classpass and really enjoy a good pilates class and figured I'd explore a few around the city and found my faves. And I ended up at solidcore one afternoon!
This wasn't my first time at Pilates, but my first time at solidcore. I'm no pro by any means, but definitely a fan. Located in the Madison Yards shopping/retail area, solidcore is right next to a (free) parking deck and a few other fitness and beauty spots. The parking deck was super clutch as I didn't luck up on the great, but limited, spots right outside of the door. It was easy to park and walk only a few steps to class. So important if you're about to get your butt kicked in a pilates workout and need to hobble out to your vehicle, lol.
Upon entry, there wasn't anyone at the front but I was obviously at the right place. I love that the door is actually locked and those signed up for class receive a code in advance. Love security measures to keep folks safe. It's an intimate space, so it was easy to see where to go and upon entry, I met with Sarah, our enthusiastic instructor. This class was packed, not a reformer was left out! I'll say that this was a great workout, but it wasn't for anyone who hasn't been to multiple solidcore classes, not even just pilates, Sarah was fantastic, but I absolutely noticed that I was the only person in the class who seemed to be new to solidcore. They do traditional pilates, but the dim lighting, the pacing, not for me. Being that I still consider myself a beginner because I don't immediately know the names of each move (like in Yoga) and because my body doesn't immediately flow into the movement because I'm still computing the instructions, lol, I was not on track with the others. I reallyyyyy wish I would have known it wasn't a beginners class or that it had been labeled as such on Classpass (idk if it is on their website, it very well may be). Luckily for me, I'm no quitter and I really don't even think there would have been a clear moment for me to slip out anyways lol. Sarah was kind, as at a few points when she saw that my form was incorrect she corrected me. I would have loved more guidance but don't blame that on Sarah in any way, as it really was dark in there and she had 6+ other students to pay attention to lol. But I'm big on getting my form right and found that to be a little struggle due to the pace and my usual 4-eyed self not having glasses and unable to see my form in the mirrors due to the lighting LOL. Very much, personal issues that I won't put on solidcore.
Overall, a great class taught by Instructor Sarah and my body ached the next day in the best way. Although I had a good experience, I think I'll return once I have more consistent pilates classes under my belt so that I can keep up, or I'll be back when I can slip into a lower-level class until then! read more