After months of wanting to try [solidcore], Toby and I finally made it to the Old Town studio recently.

Even after three classes, I don’t think I can adequately describe what it is. They used to have a video on their site, but what I’ll tell you is this: In less than five minutes, there was sweat dripping off of Toby’s nose. Halfway through the class, I was laying in the fetal position on the megaformer and considering that a victory. And three days after our first class, our abs were still screaming. This is not a casual workout.

The megaformers (the machines pictured below) have a center part that moves back and forth, and coils you can attach to make the center part harder or easier to move. The instructor will explain all the movements, and which coils you should use, but it can still be confusing, which is why they suggest that you don’t choose a station next to another beginner.

You’ll do some form of planks — potentially with your forearms on the moving part, scooting your arms back and forth while balancing on your toes on the non-moving part, or with your forearms on the non-moving part and your toes on the center part, slowly moving from a regular plank to a pike — as well as all manner of other insane exercises that work every part of your body.

For this workout, you don’t need shoes or even socks. The studio has plenty of clean towels for you to use, free of charge (I usually grab three!), and a water fountain, but I’d recommend bringing your own water bottle. You should also try to wear something that wicks sweat, if possible, because it’s going to be dripping off of you, and probably not anything too loose or baggy, because it could make some of the exercises even more awkward or difficult than they are inherently.

Even though the workout is extremely intense, it’s still low impact. There is a fair amount of kneeling, though, particularly if you are weak like me and can’t handle all of the plank work on your toes. The machines have cushioning, but you can also always add a towel under your knees/elbows/etc if necessary. And if you have shoulder issues, you may want to call ahead of time to make sure that [solidcore] is OK for you.

I would definitely recommend [solidcore] to anyone who already works out but is looking for an extra challenge — and to work some additional muscles. The instructors are all great and, combined with the encouraging sayings on the walls and floors, help power you through class. But don’t be surprised if you are struggling a bit at first!

Right now, [solidcore] is limited to the DC region and Minnesota, but it looks like they are opening more in this area (including one in Annapolis, at Harbour Center), as well as a few in metro Atlanta and Philadelphia later this year. I hope you can try it!

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