All things solidcore

[Anonymous]

I'm the OP who asked about solidcore or CorePower to build muscle. I just took my third solidcore class, and I'm already obsessed. I love the dark room and how personable and encouraging the instructors are. And, of course, it's such a good workout. I'd love to talk with others who have been doing solidcore for awhile. Did the classes get boring after awhile? How often do you go? What other exercise do you do? It seems like there are so many variations that you could always keep it challenging. Have you found that to be true?

[Anonymous]

I’ve been going all summer and I’m obsessed too. It’s done wonders for my body. Even going 3-4 times a week, I am still engaged and find each workout to be different and challenging. I love it!!

[Anonymous]

I'm one of the PPs from that thread, OP. I've been going for 2.5 years and am close to 400 classes. I'm definitely not bored, in part because I'm always trying to push myself harder in some way each class (toes, extra springs, moving slower, etc.). I've also made friends there and that keeps it fun, as does really getting to know some of the coaches, some of whom I also consider friends. Most of the time I've taken it's been three classes a week, now I do four classes: two regular and two arms and abs.

I also do Peloton, run, and swim. I should do yoga.

[Anonymous]

I also posted on that thread - I'm in the mid 200s and go about once a week now (started 2016). I actually do find it kind of boring now. Part of it is the instructors - I feel like the ones back in the day were more engaging. But there's also only so much you can do with the machine. I like the workout and what it does for my body, but I'm not obsessed.

I also have a Peloton that I use most days. Insanity-type home workouts and running occasionally.

[Anonymous]

For the Solid Core fans - how good of shape were you in when you started? I have 35lb to lose and I have been swimming laps / walking and working up to running. I am thinking about adding something like Orange Theory for winter to keep up my progress, but SolidCore is closer to my house.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For the Solid Core fans - how good of shape were you in when you started? I have 35lb to lose and I have been swimming laps / walking and working up to running. I am thinking about adding something like Orange Theory for winter to keep up my progress, but SolidCore is closer to my house.

PP directly above you: you should be able to hold a plank on your toes for at least a minute before you do solidcore. You can always try it, and they're very welcoming, but frankly it's not worth the money without a reasonable level of starting strength. I was in fairly good shape when I started it, and it still kicked my butt. It still does, and that's why I love it, but you have to like that kind of thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For the Solid Core fans - how good of shape were you in when you started? I have 35lb to lose and I have been swimming laps / walking and working up to running. I am thinking about adding something like Orange Theory for winter to keep up my progress, but SolidCore is closer to my house.

I’m the OP. I’ve been working out several days a week for years, though usually just cardio and a little arm and core work, not focused strength training. I would say I’m pretty fit, but not crushing it. solidcore is extremely hard for me, but not impossible. I knew I was in for a tough workout when the instructor told me before my first class that there are no breaks, but if I needed one, I could just hold a neutral plank.

The website recommends that you be able to hold a plank for 60 seconds before trying a class. I can do that, but still need to do a modified beginner version of many of the moves. All that said, the room is dark and nobody is paying attention to what their neighbor is doing, so if you feel like a challenge, you could always just try it with minimal embarrassment if it’s a bust.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I also posted on that thread - I'm in the mid 200s and go about once a week now (started 2016). I actually do find it kind of boring now. Part of it is the instructors - I feel like the ones back in the day were more engaging. But there's also only so much you can do with the machine. I like the workout and what it does for my body, but I'm not obsessed.

I also have a Peloton that I use most days. Insanity-type home workouts and running occasionally.

The instructors are key. My absolute favorite is endlessly creative on designing new ways to torture us; he's been on a mountain climbers kick for a while now. One of my other regulars has also been coaching for a few years, and is fantastic and creative. I'm spoiled.

[Anonymous]

Does it really transform your core/midsection?

[Anonymous]

Interesting comment about the coaches. My favorite coaches are the ones just coming out of training. They are full of enthusiasm. They correct form and are really trying. Bonus that the class is only $10.

[Anonymous]

FWIW, if you are out of shape and try it - it will kick your butt. But it kicks everyone's butt. Be prepared for it to suck and you'll be fine.

[Anonymous]

Is this 60-second plank that PPs speak of a forearm plank or straight-arm plank? Asking for a friend

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is this 60-second plank that PPs speak of a forearm plank or straight-arm plank? Asking for a friend

Either. The standard plank in solidcore is on forearms, but either way is a decent starting point.

[Anonymous]

I could not stand the volume and the swearing by the instructors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I could not stand the volume and the swearing by the instructors.

That’s what I like about it. It takes my mind off all the pain.