SolidCore - Hot Springs

Before I get in to the fun of the workout I need to describe the “rack”. Solid Core is a workout based around a single but versatile piece of workout equipment. The platform (rack, as only I call it) is a frame of rails with several horizontal sections. The center section glides on the rails and has springs attached under that add resistance. More of fewer springs can be easily attached or detached to increase or decrease resistance. The rack also has 2 stationary platforms at either end are cables that can be used to move the resistance platform for upper body work. The main point of the workout, however is to use your core to move the platform.

SolidCore is located in Old Town Alexandria directly next door to the Sugar Shack which holds a record for most calories in a single donut, I believe. The lobby is clean and modern and the have retro metal locker-type drawers for your shoes. SolidCore requires that you barefoot. When I asked, “All over?” no one got it.

Meg is thin and energetic and welcoming. She worked hard to make sure she knew the names of each of us before the workout. There are thirteen in a class and we four were the only newbies.

We went back to the workout room which is sleek, blue and modern. We would have called it futuristic a few years ago. The lighting reminded me a bit of the movie “Tron” I’m not sure I have a more modern reference. Maybe a scene in the Matrix? I need to see more movies.

In the room Meg took the time to familiarize us with the rack which was simple enough. She would come by and add springs if she thought it was too easy but otherwise she’d instruct us as to when we add or remove springs. The class all waved “hi” and welcome and then we began.

The music and Meg were high energy. She had her PA system and kept us energized. The instructions were easy to follow. Most of the exercises were similar to what we’ve done on the ground so our positioning was right.

Immediately any thoughts of this being easy went away. Some of the warmup core exercises made it clear I hadn’t done much for my core lately. The leg work was even tougher. Squats I can do. Lunges, no problem. On the machine for a squat, for instance, we had to get in squat position with one foot on the stationary part of the platform and use out other foot to push the resistance part out. We stayed in that stance, holding it. It’s not entirely isometric though and she has us move the platform out and back just a few inches at a time. This stands out as by far the toughest part of the routine for me. We did both sides and this lasted a while.

This was also the part where my natural sweatiness became an issue and the only complaint I have about SolidCore. I sweat. Anyone who knows me knows I sweat. I could not do crew in school because I would have swamped the boat with my sweat. Quite naturally, the bottom of my feet sweat and my feet are bare on a vinyl cushioned platform that I am trying to push with my sweaty bare feet. I had a pause a few times to use the towel they provided to wipe off the platform and my feet. They would allow me to use an ankle brace with tread on it and that would help some. In spite of that I didn’t feel particularly unsafe.

Towards the end we sat on the front of the rack and used the cable to do some shoulder presses. I was still nursing my shoulder injury so I had to take it easy but it felt more like a good toning exercise added on to the end. Most of the students looked like they did strength training elsewhere so the shoulder work wasn’t that necessary.

I didn’t describe all the exercises, not by a long shot. Instead understand that the name “SolidCore” is the most appropriate name for a workout I’ve ever heard. Ever part of my core was tight and sore after that workout. I’ve done enough core work but invariably each of those workouts targets a set of muscles in the core but this hit them all.

SolidCore is not cheap but you can buy a bundle of classes and they don’t expire. So to add a core workout to your usual routine every week or two it’s not bad.

On a side note this was the first of many Megs we had instructing us and one of the best photobombers we’ve seen to date.

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