[solidcore] Wilmington — Local services in Bethel Township

I want to write a really honest review here because I hope it helps someone else find out if this is for them. I also do think SolidCore is doing some things right, but there is room for improvement. TL;DR - good workout, but not for everyone.

I wanted to jump on the Pilates trend because I want to rehab balance problems and my left leg being significantly weaker then my right leg. I'm heavier and a lot of workout programs will bother my knees/shins after a few weeks, so doing something low impact was important to me. I thought this class would be like Yoga, which has historically been great for me, but I was WRONG.

These classes are extremely intense, especially on the days when glute/thigh muscles are emphasized. I think a total beginner could find them very discouraging. Modifications aren't really offered, and the coaches talk so much throughout the class that there's not a good opportunity to ask the coach for assistance. Exercises consist of doing various lunges, squats and planks using different components of the machine set to loud pop/dance music.

Honestly, after two classes, I wasn't sure if it was for me. I didn't really feel like I matched the vibe of a pilates tik-tokker, but I liked the workouts. So, I took the words of my friend to heart when she said "get over yourself" and bought a membership after my two week unlimited expired.

Things I Like: I feel the burn. When done properly, I get great isolation of the muscle I'm supposed to be working and I can feel it the next day. I feel tighter and stronger. After 6 classes, I was able to do something I wasn't able to do in the first class - lift up my hip off the platform in a side plank. There is NO JUMPING in this class. Important to me as a heavier person trying to get a good workout. There is also a focus on unilateral movement, which is exactly what I wanted as someone with a weaker left leg. I also sweat like a MFer and get an amazing endorphin high after these classes. That becomes addicting and I actually look forward to going to my next class.

Cons: I really feel like there is room for improvement in terms of safety. I got very little introduction to the machine or the moves. The floor is made of concrete and some poses require standing on a sliding carriage. If I went down, it could be bad, and the machines are so close together I could easily take someone with me. Handlebar use is actively discouraged when trying to balance. Unlike traditional pilates, there is much less of an emphasis on breath and form and more of an emphasize on go go go. Some instructors are better about this then others. Honestly, if I didn't trust myself and my body I probably would not go out of fear of hurting myself. I have a decent background in yoga and that has really helped a lot. I also use the stability pole when it feels useful - something I almost never see anyone else use.

If you decide to give this workout a shot, I hope you have fun. Trust your body and let it tell you when to push and when to take a...

I don’t even know where to begin. I'll start by saying, I attended a full body with Christina being the trainer. Two days later I tried the ab/core training with Nierra. I went back not just because I loved it. I went back because it works.

As a man on the outside looking in you don’t think that you can be humbled by a work out that is outside of your own. So I thought. Shaking, aching, heavy breathing, puddle of sweat, etc. It was a very humbling. But, rewarding!

There is a start when it comes to this healthy life style of living. Never ever should we think that there is a finish. Keep going. Keep reinventing......keep sweating....to keep breathing.

Many Flowers to you two...

I was referred to Solidcore by a friend and love it so much! The strength training classes are usually concentrated on working specific muscle groups while also warming up the core and oblique muscles. I can physically see my body become more toned and more importantly feel stronger the next time I go to do a workout class. Not to mention, it’s given me a newfound confidence in that I can do hard things. I also love Coach Nierra and Christina! I’m so happy with the workouts Solidcore provides and do not regret my decision...