[solidcore] Cathedral Commons cover image
[solidcore] Cathedral Commons logo

[solidcore] Cathedral Commons

3308 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington District of Columbia 20016 United States
solidcore.co/dc/washington-dc/cathedral-commons
Pilates studio Fitness center Gym Personal trainer Physical fitness program
(202) 800-1775
4.9/5

Description


[solidcore] is a high-intensity, low-impact strength training workout on a custom-built reformer machine. It utilizes slow, controlled movements to push your muscles to the point of failure in order to build back stronger.

[solidcore] Cathedral Commons homepage screenshot


Reviews (39)

2 weeks ago
[Solidcore] is my favorite workout. The coaches at Cathedral are fabulous. Coach Sam is fabulous!!

11 weeks ago
I've been coming to Solidcore consistently for the past 7 months, and it's hands down the most effective workout I've ever done. I've always been active and played sports growing up, but I struggled to find something that kept me motivated as an adult. Solidcore changed that. With no major lifestyle changes (I work a desk job, eat decently, commute mostly on foot/via transit and still drink most weeks), I've seen a huge transformation in my body. I am probably the most fit I have ever been.

The coaches are great - Sam is the best, but you can't go wrong taking a class with Alethea, Sofia or Mary Kate.
The vibe is always supportive but challenging, and I actually look forward to going. I also really appreciate how receptive the team is to feedback. On the rare occasion something's come up, they've been quick to address it and super responsive.

No substantive complaints about the studio itself - especially considering it's one of Solidcore's lower membership tier locations.
It's technically in NW DC, but it's billed at the Maryland tier, which makes it a way better deal than the other DC studios with more expensive memberships. The only thing I'll note is that this location doesn't have a live phone line, which can make it tough to get ahold of someone quickly if something comes up. Not enough to deduct a star, but I do wish they'd fix that.

If I had one suggestion for the company overall, it would be to remove cancellation fees and shorten the cancellation window.
Life happens, and a little more flexibility would go a long way for members.

In short; If you're looking for a fun workout that will push you and actually deliver results, this is it.
I even brought my 55+ year-old dad to a class and he loved it. Highly recommend.

14 weeks ago
I love solidcore and have been going since 2017. This is a new location for me and I've had Toni as an instructor at the Bethesda location before and she's fantastic. Very knowledgeable, high energy and always has the best sequences for workouts. I've also had Valentina who's very sweet although I feel like the sequences could use a bit of work. The transitions are sometimes confusing and a lot of talk in between them instead of just direct instructions - at some point you can see the class looking around and at each other to see what position they're currently in. Great music playlist though. Highly recommend this workout for anyone who does strength-training regularly and wants to add a focused workout in the core area.

45 weeks ago
I love this location. Validated parking in DC is always a win. I really like the instructors who provide hands-on corrections unless you prefer not to receive them, who will challenge you and motivate you. I've been complementing my gym workouts with solidcore and has been great for core strengthening but there are daily muscle focuses that are tough too. Membership isn't cheap but I've found having a not-so-committed membership (4x per month) in addition to classpass (for flexibility of either doing solidcore or something else) is a good pace for me.

Edit: after reading some reviews, I wanted to say in the classes I've been to, there have been heightened attention from instructors to ensure people have correct form.
If you don't, you may get injured. That's with any sport or workout. Also, if you're new, look around to see if you're doing it wrong. Hell, 50+ classes in and I still look around sometimes. Lastly, nearly all the exercises are slow movements. Unless the instructor explicitly says to go fast on army crawls or up downs, you aren't trying to break the record for most reps. Some classes, I've seen people breeze through. First, you're likely not getting a workout and second, you're increasing risk of injury.

50 weeks ago
This has been my go-to workout since moving back to DC. I lived in West Hollywood for over a decade and started doing Lagree after a terrible knee injury. I was a longtime runner, Barry's Bootcamp, and Cross Fit enthusiast -- all of which destroyed by body and left me injured more than in shape.

Lagree Pilates and Solidcore are a full body workout and exactly what I needed.
There is zero impact on the joints and each movement is slow and in control. You also majorly get the heartbeat pounding and I find myself a sweaty mess like I did in those other fitness routines.

Solidcore's approach isn't always my favorite (the trademark language and constant soundtrack of the instructors).
If I had to pick, I prefer Lagree's approach more but hey, I'm just grateful to have this workout in DC.

1 year ago
I cannot say enough great things about Solidcore! I’ve been doing it consistently for 9 months, and can truly say I’ve never had a bad class. The coaches are amazing and keep you motivated the entire time. It’s become a pivotal part of my routine and helped me become healthier all around!

1 year ago
Solidcore continues to be my favorite type of Pilates class. I’ve taken BodyRok and Core40, which does not even compare! The coaches bring up the mood, encourages and pushes everyone, and always plays great music.

1 year ago
I’ve been part of the SC community for 3 years now and I’ve found the best practice for me: I feel challenged, motivated and strong! Teachers at Cathedral Commons DC are absolutely amazing⭐️

1 year ago
Great coaching by Jillian and great workout, as always! I have a slight preference for the 14th St. location because it's a little larger and the lobby is a little brighter/more private, but Cathedral Commons is also great!

1 year ago
I love solidcore particularly at this location. Amazing instructors, Toni is the best - I always feel motivated and joyous in her classes, she makes me smile, and sometimes laugh, the energy is infectious. Solidcore is such a healthy form of exercise and it would be hard to recreate it outside the studio setting (unlike say orangetheory classes which are great but don’t really require more than your own two feet).

1 year ago
I loved it! Great work out! I would add all 5 if the beds are wiped well between sessions and if the instructor factors in a 3-5 min stretch

1 year ago
As someone who has been doing solidcore for 5 years in different cities - this is one of the best locations by far. Coach Alethea is one of the nicest & most thoughtful coaches/humans. She will get to know you, cheer you on throughout the entire class, and let you know that if you don’t want to get on your toes today that’s okay! She is all about listening to your body and being positive - and her classes are top notch. I leave feeling so good and not having to workout again for a couple days to rest my body! Thank you Alethea and all the solidcore coaches I’ve gotten to know!

2 years ago
I had such a wonderful time trying pilates here. The instructor was super helpful and encouraging. I highly recomnend adding this into your workout regime.

2 years ago
Nicole was an amazing coach this morning! I wasn’t sure what I was signing up for, but it was a challenging and realistic exercise that made me feel great throughout the day! Definitely recommend and will probably come back!

2 years ago
Coach Alethea at the Cathedral studio is the absolute best. Her playlists are on point, her energy is contagious, and although the workout is challenging, she is super supportive and makes you feel seen.

2 years ago
Katie is a phenomenal instructor and made a daunting first class super enjoyable! Highly recommend.

2 years ago
I've taken two classes and boy do they burn. And I mean almost immediately. I've taken classes at both the West End and Adams Morgan locations. The most recent class I took was Full Body with Stefania at Adams Morgan. She was a great instructor. She was motivating and helpful given the different levels in the class...ahem, including me being fairly new. The exercises are the classes are not easy at all even when I'm at my most fit. As a group exercise fan, Solidcore is a very effective workout and a good value...especially if you take advantage of the packages and/or Classpass.

The facilities are nice and clean, the music playlists are great and encouraging instructors. Sometimes there are even opportunities to meet other class goers for social outings. Facilitating Community outside of the studios, especially in the city is an added bonus. You can also get drinks if you've left your water or if you want to drink a Celsius. Lockers are available so that's helpful especially when you're on the go. Depending on the time, parking can be hard to come by given street parking, especially the Adams Morgan location. I have taken classes when I'm in the DC area to visit but I'm hoping they bring a Bay Area location soon!

3 years ago
This is a workout like no other! You're sore the next day or even the day after... thank you resistance cables!!!

The coaches are there to push you, challenge you and help you see your potential. Thanks for all the shakes, Alethea, Leah, Jazmine and Heather!

I'm coming for more, ladies!

3 years ago
Great location and coaches!

4 years ago
Cathedral is by far my favorite studio. There is great light that comes through a huge window, very spacious. Coaches there are superb, Jess, Sam, Liddy, Carla, all awesome for a solid workout. Also parking is a breeze in the Giant lot (validated) or on the street never an issue.

4 years ago
I take my first class here with Jess. The class is great. The facility is nice and clean. I got tired after the class. Jess is very nice and helpful.

5 years ago
The instructors here are so friendly and kind. I was bummed when the virus shut down the gyms because [solidcore] had been my go to. I personally need instruction to exercise and it's the perfect balance of instruction and fun. It's not too long. It's conveniently located. I love it.

5 years ago
Such a good workout! As someone who loves fitness classes and has tried a little bit of everything, I was definitely surprised by how unique and challenging this workout is. I definitely recommend starting with the beginner classes. It's hard to get the hang of it and understand the movements at first, and the beginner classes can definitely help. They're still challenging, just taught at a slower pace so you get a better grasp on the movements. The instructors are all wonderful. I haven't found one yet that I don't like! They're all friendly, make an effort to get to know you, and provide lots of words of encouragement when things get tough. The music is a little loud, so sometimes it can be hard to hear the instructor, but it's never been a huge issue for me. I tend to go between the West End and the AdMo locations; both are great. Highly recommend [solidcore] if you're looking for something more unique in your workouts!

5 years ago
I've been doing [solidcore] for a year. It's now one of the main things I talk about in my social interactions. Lol. I live in Woodley Park and go to the Adams Morgan and Cathedral Heights locations. The plus for Cathedral Heights is that there's a giant free parking lot with validation. Otherwise, I have no preference. The instructors are all great and the workouts are always very challenging. These are the only locations I've tried.

I decided to try to get into pilates at the very end of 2018. One reason is that I have a minor bulging disc in my lower back from doing a single leg deadlift during a HIIT group fitness class at my gym. =( I needed something low impact. I also thought I would sound cool and fancy if I could say that I was really into pilates. LOL! I started out doing the 2-classes-per-month plan. At the end of 2019, I hit the 50-class mark. I have had a six pack for several months. I've got tank top arms. I've got firm thighs and a firm bum. =) [The only thing I wish I could work on in the class is my calves.]

I'm now doing 4 classes a month. Go me!

I try to supplement this class with cardio exercise because this workout is all about slow movement with high resistance. I often get drenched in sweat but no heavy breathing. If you're new to solidore and haven't been exercising at all, I would recommend working out a few times for a week or two before the first class. Be prepared to have some trouble with the positions. Also, be prepared to feel your muscles burn! Don't worry, the class is challenging for everyone. Embrace the shakes. The people who have experience are struggling just like you because they are using more resistance and heavier weights. Usually, you can follow others to see the right position for the exercise because there are always people who know and the instructor is not using a machine during the class, so he/she can't give you the visual. You will get a demonstration of some exercises before class (and a tutorial on the machine if you go to a beginner class).

Sometimes they have happy hours and other gatherings. So, you might make some friends, too. Try it!

5 years ago
I've been doing [solidcore] for a year. It's now one of the main things I talk about in my social interactions. Lol. I live in Woodley Park and go to the Adams Morgan and Cathedral Heights locations. These are the only locations I've tried. The downside with AdMo is that there's no designated parking, and you know how tough it can be to park in AdMo. So, I often walk to this location. I assume most others do as well. Otherwise, I have no preference. The instructors are all great and the workouts are always very challenging. I will say that Christine F. at AdMo is the hardest instructor I've experienced and I have taken classes with several different instructors.

I decided to try to get into pilates at the very end of 2018. One reason is that I have a minor bulging disc in my lower back from doing a single leg deadlift during a HIIT group fitness class at my gym. =( I needed something low impact. I also thought I would sound cool and fancy if I could say that I'm a pilates pro. LOL! I started out doing the 2-classes-per-month plan. At the end of 2019, I hit the 50-class mark. I have had a six pack for several months. I've got tank top arms. I've got firm thighs and a firm bum. =) [The only thing I wish I could work on in the class is my calves.]

I'm now doing 4 classes a month. Go me!

I try to supplement this class with cardio exercise because this workout is all about slow movement with high resistance. I often get drenched in sweat but no heavy breathing. If you're new to solidore and haven't been exercising at all, I would recommend working out a few times for a week or two before the first class. Be prepared to have some trouble with the positions. Also, be prepared to feel your muscles burn! Don't worry, the class is challenging for everyone. Embrace the shakes. The people who have experience are struggling just like you because they are using more resistance and heavier weights. Usually, you can follow others to see the right position for the exercise because there are always people who know. The instructor is not using a machine during the class, so he/she can't give you the visual but they will give positioning instructions, provide hands-on corrections, and make suggestions for how to make the exercises easier or harder. You will get a demonstration of some exercises before class (and a tutorial on the machine if you go to a beginner class).

Sometimes they have happy hours and other gatherings. So, you might make some friends, too. Try it!

6 years ago
For someone who mediocrely plays plenty of sports, solidcore became another great way to exercise and it really kicks my butt.

Reason my rating isn't a 5 is the classes are a bit expensive. I've been lucky to get a couple good package deals but eventually, I'll have to consider the cost. Also, they incorporate fun monthly/seasonal challenges such as if you come 4x a week, you can win a free class by raffle. However, all their challenges benefit extraordinarily fit people (not me). I would need at least 3 days to recover from one class.

My favorite instructors in no order are Erin seaboyer, erin darbouze, and dimple manghani. Justin is good too but he moved to the U st location :/ If you're really lucky (or unlucky), the instructor for a class you signed up for weeks in advance will change to the CEO and she will absolutely kick your butt--none of the "if you've been to less than 15 classes, one grey" it's "everyone can push."

It is no joke how sore you get. One last story that did not affect my rating because it's kind of my own fault but after I went to a class, my legs felt like jello and I was walking downstairs and my leg hyperextended lol (again, I'm not one of those super fit people) so yea, you've been warned.

6 years ago
Best Workout I’ve ever done. The coaches are amazing and supportive, so helpful and knowledgeable. Jess, Sam, and Carla are amazing. I love all of the monthly challenges and have seen major growth and changes with my body. I encourage everyone to try Solidcore (Cathedral Commons) you won’t be disappointed!

6 years ago
I've gone to about 4 solidcore locations, but the AdMo one was my home base while I attended solidcore. Solidcore was nice, but I decided not to continue with it. Let me first say that, I have enjoyed the challenges of the solidcore classes; but, it was too rigorous for me. I am not going to zing them for it, hence four stars, rather than less. But, for now, it isn't a fit for this beginner. I took their beginner's classes a few times and it didn't seem much different from their regular classes. The beginners classes took time to explain positions and the process. But, and maybe it was the instructor, both seemed to go at the same pace: chaotic. The hardest part is that the music is loud and the mic is muffled. For someone trying to learn the correct moves, it can be daunting not being able to hear clear instruction. I eventually tuned out the instructor and attempted to mimic my neighbors, hoping they were more advanced than I was. Of course, they were, but I still struggled. lol! Anyway, I believe that exercise type is a personal choice. It's not right or wrong. Solidcore wasn't a fit for me. Maybe as I advance in my fitness level, I will consider it again. But, for now, I have found other, less daunting ways to reach my fitness goals.

6 years ago
Great studio and awesome workout. I've been here several times and nothing but good things. The coaches are super helpful and encouraging. I'm building up strength and anytime I'm struggling they're there encouraging me. I always get a good workout in.

6 years ago
Best workout in DC and do it with the best coaches and fellow clients too! Love this place and everything about it! Jess, Vanessa, Sam, Anina, and Ann are the best!

6 years ago
In my most recent class, I unfortunately felt sick and had to leave early. A few hours later, I noticed an email in my inbox from solid core. Not only did my instructor check up on me to ask if I was doing ok but she also offered me an extra class as a replacement. Such amazing customer service! Truly so kind. Thank you solid core.

6 years ago
Really good instructors! Solidcore workouts are really effective. I've definitely grown far stronger since I started here!

7 years ago
Every Solidcore instructor is so welcoming and makes the class feel really inclusive. The work on my core and glutes is AMAZING and way more intense than anything I would make myself do on my own!! LOVE it--give it a try!

7 years ago
My favorite workout in DC. It's hard and you will question why you signed up for class within the first 5 minutes, but it's so good!

7 years ago
[solidcore] rocked my core and my world. Loved the class with Ann G.— definitely want to get my butt kicked again. I work out pretty regularly but this is a whole new level—this workout will get your burn on!

8 years ago
Great workout. Get your strength, cardio and core. Intense stuff but feel great after for sure. Was sweating like a champ.

8 years ago
I've been going for 3 years. You'll never find kinder instructors and a harder workout. After 3 years, after each workout, I am still sore. Got stress? Bring it here - you'll leave it at the door. [Solidcore] changed my life. [really]. This studio particularly has a neighborhood feel and free parking.

9 years ago
Best workout I have ever done. You won't be disappointed. It truly tests your mind and body. Can't wait for my next class!

10 years ago
EVERY class in my head starts with "why am I doing this again ... what have I gotten myself into again ... OMG!" I walkout of class with "OMG ... that was awesome as always ... can't wait to do this again!" [Solidcare] is the best sufferfest!




Social Media