At a Glance:

Website: http://solidcore.co
Address: 650 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22203
Length: 50 minutes
Price: 1 class/$37, 10 classes/$330, month unlimited/$309 with 3 month commitment
Sweat scale: high
Energy level: medium

Solidcore is the premier megaformer class in the DC area…for a good reason. The prices reflect how in demand the classes are which is why when I got word of mock teacher classes I signed up quickly for two! These free classes are during off-peak times in order for training teachers to get experience in front of students. While they only happen a few times a month, I was lucky enough to be in town and it was well worth it!

Pre Sweat

They have studios throughout VA, DC, MD, and randomly in Minneapolis, but I went to the Ballston studio, about a 5-minute walk from the metro. There is plenty of neighborhood parking and the option to park at Ballston mall for $1.00. I headed in and filled up my water bottle at one of the water stations before putting my sticky socks on (optional) and grabbing two complimentary towels (you’ll need at least two!). After grabbing a machine, Torie briefly went over the parts and a few moves prior to starting for anyone new.

Sweat

Within 10 seconds I was absolutely dripping sweat. This class is HARD—so much so that they recommend that you be able to hold a 60-second plank before attending. We started with planks and core work (but it’s basically all core work by default) and then moved onto legs. We held each move for about a minute or so alternating between slow movement, pulses, and holds. I had to drop each exercise at least twice, but most people did! After a variety of squats and lunges we moved onto arms using the straps to do bicep curls and tricep extensions, even coming down to the platform for tricep dips. We ended with a lengthy plank that is guaranteed to put you over the edge. The goal of the workout is to exhaust your muscles into failure and you will feel it the next day!

Post Sweat

There are a lot of great options in the area but my personal favorite is Sweetgreen a few blocks away on the corner of N Randolph and Wilson. Ballston Mall is across the street and has options from Noodles and Co to Panera. There is also a Macy’s.

Tricks of the Trade

• Befriend someone in the instructor program so you too can be invited to the free mock classes!
• If it’s you’re first time, they have a two classes for $25 deal that expires one month after purchase.