Solidcore For Beginners — Everything You Need to Know Before Taking a Class

Even though it's low impact, a Solidcore class gets sweaty — especially when you're moving between total-body exercises quickly. Wear sweat-wicking, close-to-the-body clothes that allow for a full range of movement. The class is done barefoot, so no sneakers or socks are required. (With that said, you can wear grip socks if you'd like.)

If you're going to put yourself through a tough workout, you want to know that it's helping you achieve your goals, whether that's getting stronger or feeling more flexible. As with any workout, consistency is key, and everyone will respond differently to Solidcore. But the Solidcore website says, "On average, if you begin attending class two to three days a week, you will start to see and feel changes by the end of week two." Within 30 days, you'll be feeling significantly stronger.

The Solidcore "Sweatlana" machine is similar in structure to a traditional Pilates reformer and has seven distinct parts. Nonmoving platforms on either end of the machine can be stood or knelt on during class. Framing each platform are two adjustable handlebars used to stabilize the body. (Instructors may cue you to hold one or both handles, depending on the exercise.) Attached to the lower half of the handlebars are two sets of cables that are used for certain exercises. Each cable has a handle attached and is set to a specific weight.

The mobile centerpiece of of the machine is the carriage, which slides forward and backward and has numbers printed on its surface. Instructors use the numbers to cue you to place your hands and feet in certain positions throughout the class. On either side of the carriage are straps that keep your feet in place during standing exercises.

Controlling the carriage's movement are eight springs; the instructor will instruct you to adjust the springs between exercises to offer the optimal amount of resistance. Underneath the carriage is a storage area for hand weights, which are sometimes incorporated into the class (especially for arms-specific classes).

If you have belongings you need to bring with you into class, such as a water bottle or gym towel, you're advised to place these items directly beneath the carriage on the floor.

Solidcore offers eight different types of classes in two categories: full-body and muscle-specific. The Foundation50 and Starter50 classes are full-body classes geared toward those who are new to Solidcore and have yet to use its custom Sweatlana machine. The signature Full Body class is the brand's 50-minute class that — you guessed it — works your whole body. There are sequences of core and obliques and upper and lower body exercises incorporated throughout.

The muscle-specific classes are Focus50, core and oblique + upper body; Focus50, core and obliques + lower body; and Focus50, core + lower + upper body. Solidcore also offers three types of 30-minute express classes. Each focuses on core and one muscle group, ie. core + lower body, core + upper body, or core + obliques.

Workouts are like coffee — everyone has their own personal favorite flavor. So while Solidcore may not be for everyone, the people who love it really love it.

Here's why: By asking you to make repetitive movements on a moving, destabilizing platform, Solidcore effectively targets the slow-twitch muscle fibers in the body, Brown says. Solidcore's classes help build strength in your core, improve mobility, and test coordination. And while the classes aren't cardio intense, they'll still make you sweat — which may be a pro or a con, depending on your workout preferences.

Just before a Solidcore class begins, the coach will show you how to use the machine. (For this reason, first-timers are advised to arrive 15 minutes early.) When the class starts, the coach will lead you through a series of core-focused warmup sequences, offering a brief demonstration of different exercises.

The class then transitions into the main sequences, which are done on various parts of the machine. Expect to sit, stand, and kneel on the machine at different points throughout class.

To efficiently move through the class's series of sweat-inducing exercises, remember to engage your core. "It will help with balance on the machine and allows you to perform other focused moves more effectively," Brown says.

Sarah Wasilak is the associate director of commerce at PS. With plenty of experience in the shopping market, a keen interest in SEO, and 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle and health-and-fitness categories. She has bylines at PS, InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit and aims to amplify minority voices in all her work.

Angelica Wilson is a former associate fitness editor for PS. She's a tall, plus-size yoga instructor who's a been a K-pop fan since '09. She enjoys sharing what brings her joy so that others can potentially find joy in her interests as well.