After nine years of expansion to more than 90 locations in 24 states, national gym Solidcore will open in Pasadena in early January. Well known for its strength training based total body workouts, Solidcore will move into its first Pasadena studio at 127 N Fair Oaks Avenue.
“Our big thing is helping our members create the strongest version of themselves, be it physically or mentally or both, which is typically the case,” said Shannon Greer, VP of Studio Operations at Solidcore. “We’d love to provide them with strength training, whether it’s their primary workout or you’re supplementing something else, but it’s designed to make our clients stronger or more resilient.”
Greer explained that people often first come across Solidcore when looking for a Pilates studio, but that one of the only similarities between the two types of workouts is the purpose-built machine, which she dubs “Sweatlana.” The machine is used in each of six different classes, held in a blue-lit room and led by a trainer who provides personal instruction.
“What’s quite unique about our strength training is that it really uses your own body weight and uses slow and controlled movements to build muscle mass and build strength with some strength training in mind,” Greer said. “It’s great for your joints. It’s easy on your knees and ankles when you feel like even going through rehab or recovering from injuries.”
The Solidcore workout lasts 50 minutes and uses varying levels of intensity and efficiency in its movements to break down slow-twitch muscle fibers and rebuild them stronger. It’s a methodology that, according to Greer, “delivers results twice as fast as traditional training, but without the stress on your joints that you would with free weightlifting.”
In the wake of the pandemic, Greer also emphasized the importance of bringing people together and building a community around fitness.
“Strength training is for everyone,” she says. “We strongly believe in truly differentiating ourselves and having a very inclusive and welcoming environment.
“When you come in you have a door code that you will enter so we make sure everyone feels safe and secure. You can only enter the studio if you have booked a course and have an access code. We have someone at the counter to greet you and check you in. … At this point, we’ll walk you through a little bit about what the class will be like and introduce you to your trainer, who will demonstrate some of the moves you’ll perform during the class.
“I think what’s also unique is that we’re in a smaller format, I think we have 18 machines in Pasadena, you can really start to build that relationship with a trainer who’s there to coach you personally and keeping you motivated during class, offering practical corrections and making sure everyone is safe in class.”
Head Coach and Community Manager Zoe Martin will lead the team from the Pasadena studio in the city’s CBD.
“We’re just excited to welcome each and every person,” said Greer. “We hope to build a strong membership base in Pasadena. … We are looking for many friends and neighbors out there.
“We feel like we have an opportunity to really bring something different and unique to the city of Pasadena.”
solid core
WHERE: 127 N Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena
THE INFORMATION: solidcore.co
