Solidcore
American fitness center chain
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Solidcore (stylised as [solidcore]) is a fitness company headquartered in Rosslyn, Virginia, operating 160+ studios across the United States. Founded in 2013 in Washington, D.C., the company focuses on full-body strength training classes on custom-built reformer machines.[1] [Solidcore] is known for its dim blue lighting and upbeat studio. With fast-paced music that creates an intense workout. [2]
| |
| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Fitness |
| Founded | November 2013 |
| Founder | Anne Mahlum |
| Headquarters | Rosslyn, Virginia, |
Number of locations | 150 |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Bryan Myers (President & CEO) |
| Website | solidcore.co |
History
[solidcore] was founded by Anne Mahlum in November 2013, with the first studio opening in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington, D.C.[3] In its early stages, the company operated from Mahlum's home in Northwest D.C.[4][5]
The brand expanded to 100 locations with backing from investment firms, including Kohlberg & Company and VMG Partners.[6][7]
Bryan Myers was appointed president and CEO in 2021, making him one of the few Black and LGBTQ+ executives leading a major fitness company in the United States.[8] He joined the company in 2017 after previously serving as Vice President of Finance, Strategy, and Development at Sweetgreen. Myers became [solidcore]’s President in 2019, overseeing national expansion and operational development.[9][10][11]
In 2024, Good Housekeeping named [solidcore] the ‘Best Pilates-Inspired Studio’ in its annual fitness awards.[12] In 2025, Well & Good recognized [solidcore] as the “Best Inclusive Gym”.[13]
In September 2024, global investment firm L Catterton acquired a majority stake in [solidcore].[14][15]
In 2025, [solidcore] partnered with WHOOP, a wearable fitness tracking company, to provide users with data on how the workout affects recovery and physical performance. [16]
Social responsibility
In 2019, [solidcore] introduced a "Pay It Forward" membership tier, where members could contribute to a fund that subsidized memberships for individuals from marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ youth and people recovering from chronic illness.[17]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, [solidcore] offered complimentary online classes for healthcare workers and first responders nationwide, reaching over 15,000 participants in 2020 alone.[18]
Projects
Classes
[solidcore] classes utilize a custom-built resistance machine to apply sustained time under tension, following strength training principles aimed at improving muscular endurance and core engagement.[19] Each class typically begins with a warm-up focused on core activation, followed by a structured sequence targeting different muscle groups.[20][21] Classes are held in dimly lit studios with blue lighting and are designed to bring muscles to the point of fatigue through controlled, high-intensity movements. But unlike other workout classes, [Solidcore] reformer's make you use your core through each and every 45 minute workout.
[solidcore] has received attention in part due to its use by several public figures, including Michelle Obama,[22][23] Sydney Sweeney,[24][25] and Vanessa Hudgens.[26]