I'm a huge fan of this Solid Core in Williamsburg. The instructors are just outstanding -- they work hard, they understand the fundamentals and science behind isokinetic muscle exercise. The classes are effective, which is surprisingly not the best that can be said about these classes and instructors
The best part is I think it's super fun -- you get the music going and the instructors are positive
Grab a protein drink right before or after.
For constructive criticism -- I wish Solid Core had options for people in lower income brackets. I don't know what this would look like, and Williamsburg's classes are already 10 dollars less than what I've seen at other Solid Core studios. You're going to need a "Veil of Ignorance," where people can respectfully request discounts, because yes it's unfair to rich people -- but rich people don't realize that it's unfair to people who can't afford a $40 class. For my money, this class is 150% worth it, but if I were broke, and I am sometimes, it's more of a stretch
Very much In their defense, Solid Core has made a commitment to Black Lives Matter and Me Too (Women's Rights) movements. So, the company does have a huge heart
My other constructive criticism is I wish Claire had more classes. She's on for two or three this season -- that's of course up to the managers and Claire herself. The instructor deserves a raise, a bonus, a promotion, and whatever else the regional managers and owners can throw at her. Smart, hardworking, knowledgeable about exercise science, funny, positive, enthusiastic, all of it. I'm not the only one, either. She fills up her classes every week. That's one badass bitch. Sorry if I'm embarrassing the teacher here.
The Fundamentals course and Beginner Courses are really helpful and important -- start with those. These classes are designed for muscle burnout. If you go on a Sunday night, you're going to be in trouble for Monday and Tuesday because of muscle soreness. Get in a Friday afternoon class or a Saturday morning class. Then get some quality sleep to rebuild all that muscle -- that's part of the science and process too.
And with that said, these classes are not for everyone because they're just intense workouts. These are sculpting and strengthening classes, and not maintenance, relaxation (read: yoga), or easy exercises. And exercise science does have much evidence supporting light workouts such as walking and yoga.
For deeper reading, check out Jia Tolentino's essay in her book Trick Mirror