Curious About Solidcore's Pilates Workout Experience? Here's What to Expect

Solidcore offers six different types of classes in two categories: full-body and muscle-specific. The Foundation class is a full-body class geared toward those who are new to Solidcore and have yet to use its custom Sweatlana machine. The Full Body class is the brand's 50-minute class that — you guessed it — works your whole body.

The four muscle-specific classes are Arms and Abs, Buns (Glutes) and Guns (Arms), Buns (Glutes) and Abs, and Core 30.

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 leather 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).

Even though it's low impact, a Solidcore class gets sweaty — especially when you're moving between total-body exercises. 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.)

Just before a Solidcore class begins, the instructor 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 instructor will lead you through a series of core-focused warmup sequences, offering a brief demonstration of each exercise.

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.

As with any workout, consistency is key, and everyone will respond differently. "On average, if you begin attending class 2-3 days a week, you will start to see and feel changes by the end of week two," the Solidcore website says. If you attend class an average of three times a week, you can expect to feel significantly stronger within 30 days.

Solidcore is a workout that effectively targets the slow-twitch muscle fibers in the body, Brown says. Through the repetitive movements done on Sweatlana, you challenge your muscles to maintain proper form while moving the mobile carriage with your legs and arms. Solidcore's classes help build strength in your core, improve mobility, and test coordination. While the class isn't cardio intense, it will still make you sweat — no matter what class you choose to try.