Solidcore is a fitness studio chain offering 50-minute full-body workouts on a machine called the Megaformer
Solidcore is a boutique fitness studio where you work out on a piece of equipment called the Megaformer — a machine that looks like a Pilates reformer but with added resistance and moving parts. The classes are 50 minutes long, held in small groups (usually 10 to 14 people), and focus on low-impact, high-intensity strength training. You do not need prior experience to attend, though the movements take practice to perform correctly.
The Megaformer uses your own body weight plus adjustable springs and sliding platforms to create resistance. Unlike free weights or machines at a traditional gym, the Megaformer keeps your joints in a stable position throughout each movement, which is why Solidcore markets the workouts as low-impact. The intensity comes from holding positions, moving slowly, and repeating movements until your muscles fatigue — not from heavy weight or fast speed.
Solidcore studios are located in major U.S. cities including New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Boston, and Miami, with new locations opening periodically. You can find a studio near you on their website. Classes run throughout the day, typically from early morning through evening, and you book a spot online before you arrive.
Key Takeaways
- Solidcore classes use the Megaformer machine, which combines your body weight with spring resistance to build strength without heavy weights or high impact on your joints.
- Each class is 50 minutes long in a small group setting, and you control the resistance level by adjusting springs on your machine.
- New members usually start with an intro class or a first-timer session to learn proper form and how to use the equipment.
- Class prices vary by location and membership type, ranging from single-class drop-in rates to monthly unlimited packages.
- Solidcore is not a yoga studio — it is a strength and conditioning workout, though it shares some low-impact principles with Pilates-based fitness.
How a Solidcore class is structured
A typical Solidcore class follows a set format. You arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to get fitted to your machine — the instructor or staff member adjusts the platform height, footbar position, and spring resistance to match your body and fitness level. This setup is important because the machine needs to be calibrated correctly for the movements to work properly and to prevent injury.
Once class starts, the instructor leads you through a series of exercises targeting different muscle groups. A typical class might include work on the legs, glutes, core, arms, and back, often in that order. Each exercise is performed for a set time — usually 30 seconds to 2 minutes — and you move slowly and deliberately. The instructor demonstrates each move and walks around the room offering form corrections and modifications.
Springs on the Megaformer provide the resistance. You adjust the springs yourself before each exercise — more springs mean more resistance, fewer springs mean less. Beginners typically use fewer springs, while experienced members use more. The instructor will tell you a recommended spring setting for each move, but you control your own resistance level throughout class.
The class ends with a brief cool-down and stretch, usually the last 5 to 10 minutes. You are expected to wipe down your machine before leaving, as with most fitness studios.
What to expect as a new member
Most Solidcore studios require or strongly recommend that first-time visitors take an intro class or orientation before joining a regular class. This session teaches you how to use the Megaformer, what the basic movements look like, and how to adjust your springs and machine settings. Intro classes are usually shorter than the full 50 minutes and move at a slower pace so you can focus on form.
During your first regular class, expect to feel muscles working that you may not have felt before — the Megaformer creates a different kind of fatigue than cardio or traditional weightlifting. Many people feel sore the next day or two, especially after their first few classes. This soreness typically decreases as your body adapts.
The community at Solidcore studios tends to be welcoming to new members. Instructors will check in with you during class and offer modifications if a movement feels too hard or if you need a different approach. You are not competing with anyone else — the focus is on your own effort and form.
Pricing and membership options
Solidcore pricing varies by location, but most studios offer several ways to pay. A single drop-in class typically costs between $30 and $40. Class packages — for example, 5 or 10 classes — offer a per-class discount compared to drop-in rates. Monthly unlimited memberships are available at most locations, though the price depends on where you live and whether you want access to one studio or multiple locations.
Many studios offer a discounted introductory rate for new members, such as a reduced price for your first month or a package of intro classes at a lower cost. Check the Solidcore website or call your local studio directly to learn what promotions are currently running.
Some studios also offer class passes that do not expire, while others use a monthly subscription model. A few locations have partnerships with corporate wellness programs or health insurance plans that may offer discounts, though this varies widely.
How Solidcore differs from yoga and Pilates
Solidcore is often confused with yoga or Pilates because it emphasizes controlled movement and body awareness, and because the Megaformer is descended from the Pilates reformer. However, Solidcore is a strength and conditioning workout, not a flexibility or mindfulness practice. The goal is to build muscle and increase cardiovascular endurance, not to improve flexibility or reduce stress through breathing and meditation.
Pilates classes, whether on a reformer or a mat, typically move through a flowing sequence of movements and focus on core engagement and alignment. Solidcore classes isolate muscle groups and repeat movements to fatigue — you hold a position or repeat a move many times rather than flowing from one position to the next. The intensity is higher, and the pace is slower.
Yoga classes emphasize flexibility, balance, and breath work. Solidcore does not. If you are looking for a low-impact strength workout rather than a flexibility or mindfulness practice, Solidcore may be a better fit than yoga or traditional Pilates.
Who Solidcore workouts are designed for
Solidcore markets its classes to people of all fitness levels, from complete beginners to very experienced athletes. The machine-based format means you can adjust resistance to match your current strength, so you do not need to be fit to start. The low-impact nature of the movements also makes Solidcore appealing to people with joint concerns or those recovering from injury, though you should always check with a doctor before starting a new workout program if you have pain or a recent injury.
Because the Megaformer keeps your body in a stable position, the risk of form breakdown — which can lead to injury — is lower than with free weights. However, proper setup and form still matter. If you are new to the machine, take the intro class seriously and ask the instructor for feedback on your form during your first few regular classes.
Solidcore is not a good fit if you are looking for a high-cardio workout or if you prefer variety in your fitness routine. The classes follow a consistent format and use the same machine every time. If you enjoy changing up your workouts or want a mix of cardio, strength, and flexibility in one place, you may want to combine Solidcore with other types of exercise.
What to bring and how to prepare
Wear comfortable workout clothes that allow you to move freely. Most people wear leggings or shorts and a t-shirt or tank top. Solidcore studios are climate-controlled but can get warm during class, so avoid heavy layers.
Bring water and a small towel. Most studios provide water stations, but having your own bottle is convenient. You will sweat, so a towel helps you stay comfortable and is required to wipe down your machine after class.
Wear socks or go barefoot — shoes are not worn on the Megaformer. Some studios provide grip socks if you need them; others ask you to bring your own. Check with your local studio about their sock policy.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, especially for your first class, so you have time to get fitted to your machine and ask any questions before class starts. If you are running late, let the front desk know — they may be able to fit you in quickly, but arriving early is always better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be flexible or have yoga experience to do Solidcore?
No. Solidcore is a strength workout, not a flexibility practice, and you do not need any prior fitness experience. The machine guides your body through the movements, so form is easier to maintain than with free weights. If you have never worked out before, start with an intro class and let the instructor know you are new.
Will Solidcore make me bulky?
Solidcore builds lean muscle through high-repetition, low-resistance movements. Most people who do Solidcore regularly report feeling stronger and more toned rather than bulky. Muscle growth depends on many factors including diet, genetics, and how much resistance you use, so results vary from person to person.
Can I do Solidcore if I have joint pain or an old injury?
The low-impact nature of Solidcore makes it appealing to people with joint concerns, but you should check with your doctor before starting any new workout program if you have pain or a recent injury. Once you have clearance, tell your instructor about your injury so they can suggest modifications or alternatives for specific movements.
How often should I do Solidcore to see results?
Most studios recommend attending 2 to 3 times per week to build strength and see noticeable changes in how you feel and look. You can attend more or less frequently depending on your goals and schedule, but consistency matters more than frequency — regular attendance over weeks and months produces better results than sporadic classes.
What is the difference between Solidcore and other boutique fitness studios?
Solidcore uses the Megaformer machine exclusively, which is different from studios that use free weights, rowing machines, or other equipment. The machine-based approach means less setup time and more consistent form, but less variety in movements. Other boutique studios may offer more workout variety or a different style of instruction.