Summary: Solidcore is an Advanced, HIIT workout on a pilates-inspired reformer that is guaranteed to get you in to tip-top shape (if you can get in to a class)! This class if perfect for gym goers who want something more gentle than a bootcamp, but more intense than your traditional pilates reformer class. Socks not required.
| Attribute | |
| Time of class | 50 minutes |
| Teacher variance | Medium – some teachers are definitely better than others |
| Cost | ~ $30-40 a class without membership |
| Skill Level | Advanced |
| Workout Type | HIIT on a pilates reformer |
What is solidcore?
According to their site, solidcore, “is a high-intensity, low-impact full-body workout on a pilates-inspired reformer. With the lights down and music up, you’ll find a stronger version of yourself by the first song change.”
Table of Contents
How solidcore is different from pilates
Solidcore is not the same as pilates. It’s more akin to strength training on a pilates-inspired reformer. You also use much heavier springs than you would in a traditional pilates studio, while incorporating weights and bands to the beat.
I like to think of solidcore as the “Barrys Bootcamp” of pilates, minus the mildly threatening atmosphere. The lights are dim enough at solidcore that you don’t feel in constant competition with your neighbor, and you generally aren’t even aware of the resistance they’re using due to the hidden nature of springs. And while being “on toes” is encouraged and lauded, so are quick breaks and going at your own pace.
Solidcore Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons | |
| Solidcore | – Awesome if you like Barrys/Orange Theory – Many people have amazing results – Drastically improved core strength. Lower risk of serious injury compared to HIIT | – Busy classes, need advanced booking – Some people complain about back/shoulder pain longterm – Pricey – Most studios don’t have showers (bad for pre-work) – Really highly variant depending on the teacher – Too dark to get frequent corrections in most classes |
| Reformer Pilates | – More joint friendly, less chatter about back and wrist pain due to improper form – Slower pace than Solidcore | – Slower paced and less strength focused – Less of a cult like/clubby dark and moody atmosphere if you prefer that |
What a solidcore class is like
Usually the doors to a solidcore class open about 5 minutes before class. On walking in, someone checks you in and then you get to choose any reformer that is not already taken. You can choose to leave your things in lockers and coat hangers outside, or put your personal belongings in the well of the reformer behind the dumbbells which is what I prefer for ease of access.
Before class begins the instructor will usually walk around and take everyone’s names and ask if you’re OK with hands on adjustments. Then class will start and for the next ~50 minutes you’ll spend roughly:
- At least 15 minutes doing deep core work, like planks, v ups, obliques and army crawls
- 25 minutes doing legs
- 10 minutes of arms
- 1-2 minutes with an intense closer
After class ends the instructor will then drop off wipes and ask that you wipe down your machine before leaving and will switch the lights back on at which point in time class is over.
Walk ins on Solidcore
Generally I don’t like wasting my time, but on occasion (usually when I messed up my schedule) I will try and wait standby to see if I can get in class. I’ll say that usually if no one else is waiting, 1 person no shows per class and I’ve been pretty lucky. If you’re able to do a walk in they’ll let you in at the 5 minute mark when doors closed.
What should you bring to a solidcore class?
Generally speaking you don’t need as much prep for a Solidcore class. The vast majority of people are wearing some kind of workout clothes (many in sports bras and leggings) either with or without socks. I’d say only half of people bring their own water. If you’re someone who likes to take frequent water breaks, then I recommend bringing it but because you don’t get quite as sweaty or breathy as a hot yoga or Barry’s class. Usually I’m OK making it through class without a drink despite sweating like a roast pig.
While socks are not necessary, definitely bring a hair tie or use one that is provided by the studio for free.
Solidcore membership – should you get it?
I signed up for the first opening offer of Solidcore SF during Black Friday 2024 – $249 for 8 classes a month with 2 free classes a month. This nets to almost $25 a class. In the majority of studios I’ve been to in San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle and New York, the vast majority of attendees are Membership holders. This is for 2 reasons: 1) Solidcore has a cult following and because of this 2) the most coveted class times and teachers are often booked up to a month in advance. The Solidcore model is unique in that Membership allows you to book classes very early, in San Francisco booking opens around the 24th for the entire next month.
While I generally like the membership, my main gripes are it is not transferrable to other cities if you’re traveling. Also booking an entire months of classes in advance often means I need to cancel classes last minute due to plans changing and not having any other options to take that day.
I have seen Solidcore on Classpass (and actually first discovered it in Seattle on classpass) but this is usually only on the quieter studios or less desirable times. But if you can get in on these class prices, I highly recommend it as normal prices outside of membership can be ~ $33-35 / class depending on where you are.
A review for solidcore San Francisco
As of writing San Francisco has 2 Solidcore locations – Marina District and another in the Castro district closer to Market St. Castro tends to be less busy than Marina and has more availability, but both lack showers (which is on par for Solidcore) but usually also lack toiletries like dry shampoo or tower 28 sprays that I’ve seen in locations like New York. However the classes overall are solid, the studio is large and efficient and some of the teachers are truly great.
Is Solidcore worth It? Is it a good workout?
Overall I’m obsessed with Solidcore, and find that if you are in to workouts like Barry’s Bootcamp and have a monkey mind that is more distracted in lower impact classes, you will like it, too. It’s not really pilates as much as it is intense full body workouts on a pilates reformer.
FAQs
Do you need to bring socks to solidcore?
Solidcore does not require grippy socks for their classes. I would say most the class brings socks (both grippy and normal), but it is not a requirement and grippy socks are not necessary. The only time I miss my grippy socks if I dont have them is during highly imbalanced exercises like carriage lunges.
Does Solidcore have showers?
This likely can vary studio to studio, but every Solidcore I have been to does not offer a shower
What is the Solidcore late cancel policy?
Due to its popularity Solidcore has a more strict Cancellation Policy. According to their site, If you cancel within the 10-hour window, no-show for class, or arrive 5+ minutes late for class, you will lose your class credit.
How would you compare Solidcore vs Equinox pilates?
At my Equinox’s classes, pilates is only offered as mat/floor pilates outside of 1:1 studio pilates. Personally I do not find this to be an engaging workout, and I do not see great results from this. I much prefer solidcore to the Equinox mat pilates classes.
Disclaimers and Disclosures
As of this review I was not paid to attend or review a Solidcore class. All my thoughts are from personal experiences gathered in Solidcore classes in Seattle, San Francisco and New York. I have attended both full price classes and those on Classpass and as of March 2025 have an active Membership I pay for myself.
