Striving for the [100 class club]

[solidcore] and the [hypermobile] participant

“Create the strongest version yourself.” – [solidcore]

I always feel like I’ve been through a first right of passage after leaving a [solidcore] class, but in a good way.
The instructors call it, “[solidcore] brain.” I call it “Pilates on Crack.”
Saturday, I decided to venture out of my comfort zone and went to a different [solidcore] studio than where I usually attend classes. I also wanted to take Ashley Rad‘s class.
I survived both the class and finding parking at the Shaw studio. And I felt pretty darn proud of myself, considering both are typically hard for me.
[solidcore] is a boutique fitness studio in Shaw area of Washington, DC; however, there are multiple [solidcore] studios in and around the DC area, and the [solidcore] brand keeps expanding.

The workout at [solidcore] is based on The Lagree Method, which uses a Pilates-like machine called the megaformer. The Lagree method was developed by Sebastien Lagree and is based on the idea that “physical fitness is made up of five basic elements: Cardio, Strength, Endurance, Body Composition, and Flexibility.” Interestingly, Lagreefitness.com states that most fitness programs attempt to incorporate these five principles in a single workout, but The Lagree Method “meets all the elements to physical fitness; not just in 1 session but in each and every move.”
Studios that focus on The Lagree method are all a bit different. Each studio develops its own brand and hones its personal workout style using the principles of The Lagree Method and the megaformer. [solidcore] defines its workout as,

“a 50-minute, full body workout, that uses slow and controlled movements to work your muscles to failure…yes, failure. With no more than 13 clients in a class at a time, [solidcore] is a class-based fitness studio that offers a workout unlike anything you have ever done before. We speak from first-hand experience when we tell you that the results are amazing. Not only do you burn an average of 600 calories per class, but for the next 20-24 hours after class, your metabolism is increased so your body can repair the muscles.”

[solidcore] is also the ONLY class I will pay $37 per class to take, or drive into DC and fight to find parking for. 
I think a true testament to the workout and community at [solidcore], is what I overheard from two people in my class before I left.

“Ever since I started doing this, everything has gotten better.”
“My back has gotten better.”

Both participants were also closer to fifty years old (I overheard that too), and while I don’t know either of them, I think their statements are telling. I’ve had several people, who are interested in trying [solidcore], comment to me that they do not feel as though a workout with such intensity is for them, solely because of their age. Some also feel that the intensity of the workout equals the stress on their joints. That’s not the case at all.

The [solidcore] website states: “[solidcore] is not for everyone. This is one of the most intense workouts you will ever try in your life, so we recommend you have a solid fitness foundation before taking your first class. Although intense, this workout is extremely safe and efficient. There is absolutely no impact on your joints and your certified [solidcore] coach is extremely skilled at managing different fitness levels in class. This is the only workout we have found that gives you all the intensity you could ask for (and more), without risk for damage to your joints or muscles.“

Even though [solidcore] recommends that you have a solid fitness foundation before you take your first class, I do feel strongly that the [solidcore] workout is awesome for anyone who is up for a challenge – [hypermobile] or not. [solidcore] may not the place to begin your fitness journey, or where it’s best to start an exercise rehabilitation program, but it’s certainly an excellent goal to strive towards. And I can almost guarantee that the majority of people who attend [solidcore] classes, have some sort of invisible illness or condition that they deal with.
Everyone is fighting a battle that we know nothing about. Everyone.
Additionally, each class that I’ve gone to, has had a mix of ages, people with various fitness levels, all shapes and sizes of people, men and women and there’s been someone new (sometimes more) in every.single.class.
I’ve never been pushed past my limits in a bad way, nor have any of the exercises put me in a position that is painful, or is improper alignment for my joints.
You can’t help feel [stronger]and more [empowered] after completing a [solidcore] class.
My goal is to be on the wall for the [100 class club]. I still have a long way to go until I get to there, but I WILL get there.

Exercise and Hypermobility Syndrome/Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) resources:
– Questions about Exercise and EDS – 3 post series
– Exercise and PT Resources for EDS
– What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
– Signs and Symptoms of EDS
– How is EDS diagnosed?
– I have EDS, now what?
– Yoga and the hypermobile Yogi
– My butt is Flat! Why sitting too much causes chronic pain, muscle atrophy and problems moving around
– Long car rides and living with chronic pain
– Top 10 nutriton tips for living well with EDS
– Our Stories of Strength – Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome – anthology of 50 stories from those who found ways to persevere while living with EDS.
– Wellapalooza – the coolest integrative health and wellness conferences ever!
– Moving Naturally with Hypermobility seminars
– EDS Wellness
Disclaimer – while I feel that [solidcore] is a great workout for most people, hypermobile or not, if you have extreme mobility issues, are very deconditioned, or have trouble moving around during daily life, it’s recommended that you seek the advice of your physician or PT before starting any new program. [solidcore] is not suitable for everyone, but that does it’s not a goal that can be achieved with hard work. We are all different. You are responsible for making the best decision for your health. The opinions expressed here are my own and do not reflect the views of [solidcore], it’s owner, the instructors, EDS Wellness, SFHEDS or its affiliates. Content and information in this post, should not be seen as a directive or as a substitute for seeking advice of a medical professional. Please read full disclaimer here.
If you have any questions or would like to send me an email, please email: kendra@edswellness.co, or use the contact form below.
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