Thoughts on Solidcore by a fitness person

I hesitate at saying "fitness pro" as if I have some qualifying accreditation that makes my opinion The One to follow. I can safely say that I am a fitness person, though. My current weekly exercise routine is a little too crowded actually.

Sunday: *GRIT Strength (coaching) / *BodyAttack

Monday: Solidcore / *RPM

Tuesday: *BodyPump

Wednesday: *RPM / GRIT Strength (taking)

Thursday: REST

Friday: *RPM / Solidcore

Saturday: BodyPump

*a class that I am teaching, therefore not optional. The rest, I can opt out depending on my circumstances

So... that's a lot. But I am pretty proud that over the past 2 years I have been working to change my predominantly cardio-based workout schedule with a schedule that prioritizes weight training. Big mental shift there, and in practice, I can see big differences in my body as well. Now, at some point, I need to prioritize resting. And flexibility. There are only 24 hours in a day!

To my ultimate point... Solidcore.

I tried this class for the first time back in August of this year. I struggled. I mean, I drove that struggle bus for the full 50 minutes. And then, the next day I could not sit up in bed, I had to roll over out of bed sideways onto all fours in order to stand up quasi-straight. My clothes hurt when they touched my skin. This went on for 5 crippling days.

I really would not let this scare you though, even if you don't think you're as fit, or haven't lifted a finger in the name of fitness in a decade. I think that no matter who you are, no matter what fitness level you have or do not have, the first time feels the same to everyone. If you're less fit, you'll just take more breaks. And you'll still be in the same amount of pain as everyone else. That's what I love about weight and resistance based classes... the playing field is leveled. If you're amazing at it, it doesn't get easier, you just lift/resist more. Everyone struggles together.

What about the concerns about safety? Well. Here's my POV on that. You can get hurt walking down your own staircase. You can get injured doing the things that you're accustomed to, like BodyPump for me, any day of the week (and I have!) Bottom line, anything done with improper technique or in excess puts you at risk. So, whatever you are getting up to, be it Solidcore or Crossfit or training for your first marathon... move carefully, listen closely to your coaches, and be aware of how your body feels. If you do that, my concern for your safety is nonexsistent.

Aside from the obvious first-class-shock to the body, I find this workout to be substantially different from all of the other workouts that I do, and beneficial in unobvious ways. Solidcore is an extreme version of pilates reformer - done on a huge machine called a megareformer. It's full body (like Pump and unlike RPM), it's slow twitch (unlike Pump OR RPM), it utilizes the core for every single move regardless of its intended focus (unlike any other class except possibly CXWorx, which I have never been able to hold an interest in-- but would be hella cheaper).

If you have a great instructor, and there are several out there, the class is easy to follow with countdowns to the next change, where your feet and hands go, how your body should move. But, regardless, your first few times like with anything, you have to learn a new language. And the more you go, the easier the cues will be to identify and perform without craning your neck around to look at the advanced person quietly doing every pose in the highest option wearing head-to-toe lululemon and isn't even sweating.

People in there sometimes mistake me for that person because I'm also wearing head-to-toe lululemon AND I am really good at following instructions, if they are given clearly. But, alas, I am taking breaks when I need to, coming down to my knees to ensure proper form, and I am sweating like a pig on a rotisserie spit. This is real life.

The benefits are not six-pack abs. Although, if that's what you're after then let's have a discussion about what you're eating. The benefits I am seeing is that everything else that I do, be it BodyPump, GRIT, BodyAttack, or hiking 12 miles across the Tongariro Alpine track, is getting easier. EASIER! The claims to core strength being the foundation for all other functional athletic performance is reality. And because I've never stuck with a weekly routine of CXWorx, I've never come to this personal conclusion through my own experiences before.

I'm pushing more weight, I'm jumping higher, I'm even experiencing better lung capacity which is amazing for teaching. These benefits, to me, are priceless. And they have to be, in order to swallow the hefty price tag. But, I take advantage of the off-peak rate, going usually at the 10am or 12am hour on Mondays or Fridays (I work from home those days, and have the luxury of scheduling my own lunch break whenev).

If you're interested in joining me, send me an email or comment and I'll go with you!

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