(solidcore): The Michelle Obama Workout

Have you ever looked at a machine and asked yourself, "How am I supposed to get into that thing?" Well, imagine doing an entire workout built around it, challenging would be an understatement. Well, that was just our first take away from (solidcore), a high-intensity, low-impact boutique studio.

We've reviewed a pilates reformer-like studio before, and if you remember, it wasn't something we were rushing to do again. So, what made us go for another try at a different studio? Our Forever FLOTUS, of course! 

(solidcore) has become known as the "Michelle Obama" workout, who has been spotted leaving studios in the D.C. area. So when we found one in Miami, you know we had to check it out! It is one workout not to be underrated.

What is a reformer?

A reformer is a resistance machine that consists of a platform tethered between two benches with bungee cords. Using your body weight, you utilize controlled, flowing movements to target specific muscles. This class started with lower-body moves like pulsing lunges and core work like planks. Throughout each section, we adjusted the weight of the reformer to focus on small, isolating movements to sculpt long, lean muscle. 

Try executing a plank on your elbows while pulsing the reformer back using your bodyweight and let us know if you don't break a sweat.

The class ended with the upper body, where we used the resistance bands attached to the reformer for chest presses, bicep curls, and overhead shoulder presses. This workout is 50 minutes of slow and controlled resistance training to break down your slow-twitch muscle fibers. The goal is to build toned, lean muscle.

The floor of (solidcore) was stamped with motivational statements, so you get glimpses of them while working out.

(solidcore)

Sweat Level: 💦💦💦 of 5

(you walk in not expecting to sweat…then it all goes left.)

Gear Needed:

If you are not a fan of going barefoot, plan to buy non-slip socks with grips on the sole. In fact, these are preferred by the studio. Other than that, water and towels are available.

Studio Vibe:

(solidcore) ranks very high on the boutique-studio scale. The Miami studio was small in size, but included back-lights to set the mood and two huge mirrored walls that lined both sides of the studio. We have to give props to the instructor for an awesome playlist. I think we heard a little bit of The Weeknd in there.

Like the format of many studios, (solidcore)’s schedule is set up to focus on different muscle groups depending on the day. Although the weekends are technically full-body days, the Saturday workout did focus on outer glutes and biceps.

Who to Bring?

Your brunching bestie. This class was not necessarily “easy,” but it is a more laid-back atmosphere than say a boot camp or interval session. So, that friend that you love to brunch with or open up to over a cup of coffee on an easy Sunday afternoon. Find a good coffee shop or brunch stop nearby and make a day of it.

Would You Double Tap That?

Periodically. We love to mix up our movement and sometimes it great to just dial in back a notch. We’d take this format again as a switch up from a traditional pilates or yoga class.