[A Workout You Don’t Want to Miss]

By: Caitlin Manahan

For those of you who have been to Bryn & Dane’s in Bryn Mawr, have you ever considered completing a 50-minute workout of high-intensity and low-impact exercises before you get your favorite smoothie?

Across the street from Bryn and Dane’s is the [solidcore] studio where you can break a sweat with Pilates movements on the resistance-based [sweatlana]. You will power through planks, squats, mountain climbers, and lunges with several variations to strengthen your entire body. The workout focuses on the breakdown of slow-twitch muscle fibers. Your body shaking is the muscle failure. Believe it or not, that means it’s working.

I asked Rachel, the Assistant Studio Manager, what makes [solidcore] a memorable and unique workout. She said, “The workout is unique and the goal is to break down the muscle fibers through endurance in the exercises, so that when they rebuild, you become that much stronger.”

Every time I leave the studio I feel not only stronger physically, but mentally as well. Rachel explained to me, “As far as mind and body effects, they go hand in hand. This workout will challenge your mind and body by pushing you to your edge. The way it changes your physical form and strength overall is just a small piece of why our clients keep coming back. The power you feel when you break through a rep that was causing you to doubt yourself is amazing!” Not to mention, the music playlists are honestly amazing and empower you to continue on with your workout. You are guaranteed to have a smile on your face after the class, no matter how shaky your muscles are.

Luckily for us at Villanova, there are student discount rates. Students can come to the Bryn Mawr location and take a [solidcore] class for $25 which is $7 cheaper than the regular price.  All you have to do is show your student ID and the coaches will add as many classes as you would like to buy to your account. After taking a few classes, I asked Rachel what makes the atmosphere of the [solidcore] studio so special. She answered right away with, “The community! We have been open for just over 2 years and have built a strong community. Many of our clients have become good friends! The music, the blue lights, and the motivation that our coaches provide just add to the amazing workout.”

[solidcore] will provide you with the support you need to make changes to your mind and body that you would not be able to get in just your average gym. Every single person in the studio is motivating, kind, and will make sure that you are comfortable with the machinery before your first class. You will be greeted by name at the door and the coaches will positively call your name out during the exercises to help motivate you.

So next time you plan on going to get your morning smoothie, take a trip over to [solidcore] and get your sweat on for 50 minutes. You certainly won’t regret it!