Solidcore: The High-Intensity, Low-Impact Workout Taking the US by Storm
Table of Contents
- Solidcore: The High-Intensity, Low-Impact Workout Taking the US by Storm
- Solidcore: Where Intense Workouts Meet Intense Allegations
- From Peer Pressure to Pilates Lifestyle: The Rise of Reformer Pilates in America
- The Pilates Boom: A New Era of Fitness or a Return to Unhealthy Ideals?
- The Truth Behind the Shaking: Is Solidcore Really pilates?
- The Rise of Boutique Fitness: Solidcore and the Pursuit of the ’Snatched’ Physique
- The Rise of Boutique Fitness: Strength Training and the Search for Self-Preservation
It’s lunchtime on a Wednesday, and I’m in a dimly lit room, shaking uncontrollably. My forearms are braced on a sleek black machine, a “sweatlana,” as I furiously perform plank-crunches, battling to move the carriage using sheer abdominal strength. Five other women around me are mirroring my struggle.
“Come on team!” shouts an energetic instructor over the pulsating music, urging us to embrace the discomfort. “Second-stage muscle failure,” she explains, is the goal—a testament to our dedication and a sign of building strength, not a medical emergency.
This is solidcore, a 50-minute workout blending the best of Pilates and strength training. The dimly lit, blue-hued studios resemble intimate nightclubs, a far cry from traditional gyms. The workout’s popularity has attracted a celebrity following, including Malia Obama and Sydney Sweeney, and its cult-like status has even been satirized on Saturday Night Live. Watch the SNL sketch here.
Countless “Solidcore girlies” proudly share their post-workout soreness on TikTok. the buzz is real: In September 2024, L Catterton, a private equity firm backed by LVMH, acquired a majority stake in Solidcore, valuing the company at between $600 million and $700 million. The plan? Expand from 130 US locations to 250 globally by 2028, with over 25 new US studios slated to open this year.
Solidcore shares similarities with other boutique fitness sensations like Barry’s Bootcamp and SoulCycle, fostering a community-driven atmosphere. Enthusiastic clients rave about the transformative results, describing a post-workout euphoria fueled by endorphins and a sense of accomplishment.
Instructors are charismatic leaders; the most popular ones boast extensive waitlists and are celebrated for their demanding yet supportive approach. The studios cultivate a strong sense of community. “I liked being celebrated for the hard work that it was,” says Valerie Weiss, a filmmaker and producer who has completed 153 Solidcore classes. “The teacher who did my 100th class always remembered it, talked about it in the class to the other students.You kind of feel like you matter, and that it matters weather you show up or not.”
This emphasis on community and achievement fuels Solidcore’s business model. Prices vary by location, but they’re substantial: a single peak-time class in Brooklyn costs $43. A five-class pack is $213.18, and unlimited monthly access is $432.63. During my visit, I was told it would take approximately 40 classes to master the movements—a commitment that could cost around $1,510 at the eight-classes-per-month rate.
For many devotees, the high cost is part of the appeal, reinforcing the feeling of investing in their well-being. The critically important financial commitment also reduces the likelihood of skipping classes. The challenge, both physical and financial, is integral to Solidcore’s allure. “It’s just a reminder that it’s somebody who has grown and has done phenomenal things because it is a very difficult workout,” notes Jessica Beaugris, a cosmetic dermatologist and influencer with approximately 650 solidcore classes under her belt.
Solidcore: Where Intense Workouts Meet Intense Allegations
Solidcore, the high-intensity fitness phenomenon sweeping the nation, has become synonymous with its signature, muscle-trembling workouts. But behind the scenes of this popular studio, allegations of a toxic work environment and COVID-19 protocol violations have cast a shadow on its success story.
Founded in 2013 by Anne Mahlum, Solidcore quickly gained a cult following, attracting celebrities and fitness enthusiasts alike. Its unique, reformer-based workouts promise an unparalleled burn, leaving participants with the signature “sore not sorry” experience. One devoted fan, Montse Lewin, describes it as “military training for the pilates girlies,” while wellness coach Nicole Lavery, who has completed over 1,100 classes, jokes, “we always joke that it’s trauma bonding.”
The intense physical demands are undeniable. Sami Jo Negron,a Tampa-based radio DJ,recounts her initial experience: “I did not like my first class but was so sore afterwards I thought,‘I want to feel that way again – beleive it or not. I do realize that sounds crazy but I felt like it was doing somthing for me that I had not achieved in other workouts.’” This sentiment resonates with many, highlighting the addictive nature of the Solidcore experience.
Controversies and Allegations
Though, Solidcore’s journey hasn’t been without its controversies. In 2015,Mahlum faced a lawsuit from fitness inventor Sebastien Lagree over the use of Megaformer machines. More recently, a 2020 BuzzFeed report detailed allegations from a former coach, Emily Collinson, claiming Solidcore disregarded COVID-19 safety regulations. The report also included accounts from current and former staff members alleging a toxic work environment characterized by bullying and harassment.
While Mahlum acknowledges the BuzzFeed report, she hasn’t publicly addressed the specific allegations in detail. The allegations raise serious questions about the company culture and its commitment to employee well-being, contrasting sharply with the intense focus on physical well-being promoted in its classes.
The situation underscores a broader conversation about workplace culture in the fitness industry and the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs navigating rapid growth and public scrutiny. The contrast between the intense physical discipline demanded by Solidcore’s workouts and the allegations of a less-than-disciplined work environment presents a complex narrative for the company to address.
The future of Solidcore remains uncertain as it navigates these serious allegations. The company’s response and any subsequent actions will be crucial in determining its long-term success and reputation.
From Peer Pressure to Pilates Lifestyle: The Rise of Reformer Pilates in America
The popularity of Pilates, particularly reformer Pilates, has exploded in the united States, transforming from a niche fitness activity to a full-blown lifestyle trend. This surge in popularity has brought with it a unique set of cultural associations, often linked to a specific aesthetic and consumerism.But the journey to the top hasn’t been without its challenges, as evidenced by the experiences of women leaders in the industry.
One former CEO of a major Pilates studio chain, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared her perspective on the pressures of leading in this rapidly evolving market. She described a shift from initial peer pressure to try Pilates to a more encompassing expectation to fully embrace the “Pilates lifestyle,” which she characterized as, “I feel like it went from like a peer pressure to try it to having to live the pilates lifestyle, get the cute workout set, drink matcha lattes.”
This individual, who led her company through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, also highlighted the unique difficulties faced by women in leadership positions within the fitness industry. She stated, “Until society accepts that top priorities for women leaders is not to be nice or liked, these kinds of articles will continue to happen,” referencing a previous negative article about her leadership. She further defended her actions during the pandemic, stating, “I absolutely stood up for Solidcore during this time as the restrictions, especially in DC, that were being placed on us directly contradicted more lax restrictions placed on other in-person businesses, like gyms and restaurants.”
Her tenure as CEO lasted nine months before transitioning to another executive role within the company.By the time she left in 2023, the company had secured significant private equity funding, allowing for substantial growth during a period when many businesses struggled. Her departure resulted in a substantial financial gain, with the sale of her shares exceeding $88 million, plus an additional $10 million from a separate deal.
The origins of Pilates, developed over a century ago by Joseph Pilates, lie in a low-impact exercise system emphasizing core strength, breathwork, and mind-body connection. Its focus on controlled movements makes it beneficial for posture and injury prevention. However, the current social media-driven popularity centers around reformer Pilates, a more expensive variation requiring specialized equipment, contributing to its association with affluent clientele.
This association with a higher socioeconomic demographic, largely white women, has been a long-standing characteristic of Pilates, dating back decades. Celebrities like Madonna have further cemented this image,famously incorporating Pilates into her fitness routine and lyrics (“I do yoga and pilates / And the room is full of hotties,” she rapped in 2003’s American Life).
The evolution of Pilates from a niche fitness practice to a mainstream lifestyle trend reflects broader shifts in American wellness culture and consumer behavior. The industry’s future will likely depend on its ability to adapt to changing demographics and maintain its appeal while addressing concerns about accessibility and inclusivity.
The Pilates Boom: A New Era of Fitness or a Return to Unhealthy Ideals?
Pilates, once a niche fitness practice, is experiencing a meteoric rise in popularity across the United States. This surge isn’t just about improved core strength; it’s intertwined with evolving body image ideals and the pervasive influence of social media platforms like TikTok.
The rise of Pilates coincides with the increased use of weight-loss medications like Ozempic, fueling a renewed focus on achieving a slim physique. This trend is readily apparent on TikTok, where countless “Pilates transformation” videos showcase users’ journeys from softer bodies to leaner, more defined forms. The videos often feature participants in stylish, form-fitting workout attire, further emphasizing the aesthetic aspect of the practice.
The exclusivity surrounding Pilates studios, particularly high-end establishments like Forma Pilates in Los Angeles, contributes to its allure. Celebrities like Ariana Grande, bella Hadid, kendall jenner, and Hailey Bieber are frequently photographed at these studios, adding to the perception of Pilates as a luxurious and effective method for achieving a coveted body type. Model Lori Harvey even went viral in 2022, crediting her “superhero abs” to Pilates during a met Ball interview. “I was like, ‘Say less! I want Lori Harvey’s abs!’” admits Sami Jo Negron, reflecting on the impact of Harvey’s comments.
Negron also points to the influence of TikTok’s “Pilates princess” movement: “I feel like it went from like a peer pressure to try it to having to live the Pilates lifestyle, get the cute workout set, drink matcha lattes.” This highlights how social media transforms fitness trends into aspirational lifestyles, complete with branded accessories and associated products.
Rina Raphael, author of The Gospel of Wellness: Gyms, Gurus, Goop and the False Promise of Self-Care, offers a compelling perspective. She notes the visual appeal of Pilates: “They all look realy cool on the reformer. Like, they’re almost harnessing a horse.” Raphael contrasts the accessibility of yoga during the pandemic (thanks to free online classes) with the current perception of Pilates as a more challenging, almost exclusive pursuit. “There’s a sense that it’s challenging – there is some sort of psychological appeal to it as something you have to master – it’s about strength.”
The “Skinny Body Ideal” and the Pilates Phenomenon
The complete Pilates lifestyle—complete with branded water bottles and workout apparel—unquestionably aligns with the resurgence of the “skinny body ideal,” amplified by the increased use of medications like ozempic. The abundance of transformation videos on TikTok, showcasing users achieving smaller, more toned physiques, reinforces this association. The focus on achieving a tiny waist, frequently enough depicted in videos featuring participants in small workout sets, raises concerns about the potential for unhealthy body image pressures.
While Pilates offers undeniable physical benefits, its current popularity warrants a critical examination. The confluence of social media trends, celebrity endorsements, and the pursuit of a specific body type raises questions about whether the current Pilates boom is a genuine festivity of fitness or a reflection of perhaps unhealthy societal pressures.
The Truth Behind the Shaking: Is Solidcore Really pilates?
The fitness world is abuzz with a new workout trend: Solidcore. Videos showcasing intensely shaking bodies, sculpted abs, and visibly defined muscles have gone viral, leaving many wondering – what’s the secret? While marketed as a form of Pilates, the reality is more nuanced, and the results, as we’ll see, are far from solely attributable to the exercise itself.
One TikTok user described the experience as an exercise that “makes you look dried from the inside out – you can see every little muscle in your stomach.” This dramatic transformation, however, often overshadows the complexities of achieving such results. While the popularity of Pilates has broadened its appeal, thanks in part to influential figures, the aesthetic often remains associated with a specific body type. “As a curvier girl myself I’ve felt that intimidation,” says one fitness enthusiast, referring to some Pilates classes where she felt “underestimated for my size.” Solidcore, she notes, offers a more inclusive atmosphere.
The focus on achieving a “long, lean” physique, a common theme in Pilates marketing, is misleading, according to fitness experts. Chris Gagliardi, a scientific education content manager at the american Council on Exercise, clarifies that Pilates may “restore” muscle length shortened by prolonged sitting, but this isn’t visually dramatic. While it can build what many consider “lean” muscle – defined but not bulky – due to its emphasis on “muscular endurance rather than muscular hypertrophy,” significant changes, as seen in many online before-and-after photos, are usually the result of multiple lifestyle changes, including weight loss.
Gagliardi emphasizes that ”dramatic changes such as those seen in the types of before and after pictures that individuals post online are usually achieved by making multiple lifestyle changes simultaneously occurring.” Visible muscle definition typically requires weight loss or is more apparent in already thin individuals.
Solidcore, along with similar high-intensity workouts, incorporates elements of cardio and strength training, differentiating it from traditional Pilates. In fact, Solidcore has recently dropped “Pilates” from its branding altogether. Their marketing emphasizes “second-stage muscle failure,” a term not standard in the fitness industry. Gagliardi explains this concept: it’s about pushing past the initial burn to a point of “breakdown in the way our muscles are working together. Our body is having to recruit accessory muscles to get the job done” – resulting in the noticeable shaking.
While this intense approach may work for many, it’s crucial to remember that the dramatic results often showcased online are a combination of intense exercise and other lifestyle factors, including diet. One influential Pilates instructor clarified that her remarkable abs were not solely due to Pilates, but also a very low-calorie diet and a rigorous workout regimen of five or six gym sessions per week, sometimes even twice a day.
Ultimately, the “shaking” fitness trend highlights the importance of understanding the complexities of achieving fitness goals. While Solidcore and similar workouts can contribute to strength and muscle definition, they are not a magic bullet. A holistic approach encompassing diet, consistent exercise, and realistic expectations is key to achieving lasting and healthy results.
The Rise of Boutique Fitness: Solidcore and the Pursuit of the ’Snatched’ Physique
boutique fitness studios are booming, and Solidcore, with its intense, low-impact, high-intensity workouts, is a prime example. But the studio’s popularity isn’t just about fitness; it’s intertwined with evolving societal beauty standards and women’s evolving relationship with strength training.
The Solidcore method, focusing on small, controlled movements designed to induce muscle tremors, has attracted a devoted following. However, concerns exist regarding potential injury risks associated with the intensity and the pursuit of extreme physical results. One fitness professional, who wished to remain anonymous, noted, “Because you’re aiming for failure, and for your body to shake somewhat, it can be hard to maintain good form and control of movement. The evidence doesn’t show that training that way is going to get you a better workout.”
Solidcore itself emphasizes the importance of proper form and coaching, stating that instructors are trained to prevent overexertion and modify exercises as needed. Despite these precautions, some users push their bodies to the limit. One dedicated client, who requested anonymity, shared, “I was in a lot of pain, using heat patches or taking a bunch of baths every day. I was in the best shape I’ve ever been – I had the best abs I’ve ever had in my life,I was very snatched – but it was hurting me.”
The intense dedication to Solidcore is partly fueled by a contemporary beauty ideal. One user described the current trend as: “BBL, slim arms, not bodybuilder abs but some sort of abs.” For those seeking this physique without surgery, Solidcore presents itself as a viable alternative.
People are shocked that skinny is back in
Rina Raphael, a social commentator, offers insight into this phenomenon: “It’s like how people are shocked that skinny is back in – they’re like: ‘but we have all these Dove commercials!’ But people are still people, and there is still a large group who judge their progress according to how they look, who want to view fitness through a lens of achievement. That is just part of living in a society that is very focused on attractiveness.”
Though, a positive aspect of this trend is the increased participation of women in strength training. Mikala Jamison, a health and culture writer, observes, “A decade ago, the perception was that weightlifting was for men. Now, you see women talking about wanting to become ‘muscle mommies’, wanting to eat more protein.”
For many women, Solidcore’s structured environment offers a welcome alternative to traditional gyms. michelle triolo, a realtor from Annapolis, explains, “You’re like, ‘Oh, I look like this needly little whatever,’” she said. “There’s always a bunch of dudes. I feel uncomfortable going to specific machines. it’s intimidating,as you feel like you’…” The intimidation factor of traditional weight rooms is a significant driver of women seeking out alternative fitness solutions.
The Rise of Boutique Fitness: Strength Training and the Search for Self-Preservation
In a world that often feels uncertain, the fitness industry is experiencing a surge in popularity for boutique studios offering specialized strength training, particularly among women. This trend isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a reflection of a deeper societal shift, a desire for self-empowerment and a sense of control in an increasingly unpredictable environment.
One such studio, solidcore, has become a phenomenon, attracting a devoted following. “Your getting checked out the entire time,” observes Lewin, highlighting the intense focus and community aspect of these high-intensity workouts. This sense of community is a key draw for many.
Many Solidcore enthusiasts view their workouts as an investment in self-preservation. Filmmaker Weiss explains this phenomenon, stating, “Women’s rights have been challenged so much. I think people are like: ‘I can’t necessarily rely on my government to keep me safe. So I need to know how to fight.’” This sentiment speaks to a broader feeling of vulnerability and the desire to build physical and mental resilience.
Though, the allure of boutique fitness isn’t without its critics.Jamison, a former spinning instructor, cautions against the hyperbole often associated with these classes.”I’m always wary of boutique classes that tell customers their class is ‘the best possible exercise, the hardest possible workout’,” she says. She emphasizes the highly individual nature of fitness, adding, “The right exercise is in fact ‘very individual’ and that ‘superlatives have no place in this conversation.’”
The key to effective fitness, according to Gagliardi, lies in consistency and enjoyment. “consistency in your training and finding something you actually enjoy doing,” she advises, highlighting the importance of sustainable habits over fleeting trends.
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the accessibility of at-home workouts. Yet,trend forecaster Eryn Murray of WGSN notes the surprising resurgence of the Solidcore model,suggesting a deeper societal need. This isn’t simply about convenience; it’s about the social aspect and personalized guidance offered by these studios.
Several factors contribute to this trend. The desire for strength and community is undeniable. The success of Solidcore also represents a triumph of branding and the power of capitalism, pushing a premium fitness model in contrast to the readily available free content online.Unluckily, this trend also reflects the persistent pressure to conform to a specific, frequently enough unattainable, body ideal – a cycle that seems perpetually difficult to break.
This is a great start to an article examining the popularity and complexities of Solidcore and the “shaking” fitness trend. You effectively highlight:
The intense nature of Solidcore and it’s focus on ”muscle failure”. You quote users and experts,providing diverse perspectives on the experience.
The aesthetic appeal and the unattainable standards promoted through online portrayals.
The article effectively debunks the myth of speedy results by highlighting the role of lifestyle changes like diet and emphasizing the need for realistic expectations.
The potential risks associated with pushing the body to extreme limits.
The evolution of beauty standards and the influence it has on fitness trends.
Here are some suggestions to strengthen your article further:
- Develop a stronger thesis: While the concerns surrounding Solidcore and the “shaking” trend are evident throughout the article, a clearer thesis statement upfront could provide a stronger focus.For example:
While Solidcore’s intense method has gained popularity for its promise of a “snatched” physique, the trend raises concerns about the potential for injury, unrealistic beauty standards, and the need for a more holistic approach to fitness.
- Explore the social and cultural context in more depth:
You touch on the connection between beauty standards and fitness, but expanding upon this could provide a richer understanding of the phenomenon.
Discuss the role of social media in promoting these trends and the pressure it creates.
- Include more balanced perspectives: While the article presents concerns,showcasing the positive aspects of Solidcore (community,empowerment,strength building for women) could provide a more nuanced view.
- Offer practical advice for readers:
How can individuals interested in Solidcore approach it safely and realistically?
What are alternative fitness options that might be less intense?
- Consider adding a conclusion that summarizes your key points and leaves the reader with a thought-provoking takeaway.
By incorporating these suggestions, you can refine this article into a compelling and insightful piece that offers a critical examination of the ”shaking” fitness trend.
