[solidcore] - Santa Monica

1

[solidcore] - Santa Monica

Los Angeles, USA

The [solidcore] Story

[solidcore] was founded in 2013 by serial fitness entrepreneur Anne Mahlum. The brand, which offers a full body workout on a pilates-inspired reformer, is now heading towards 100 operational locations across the US. [solidcore] has spearheaded numerous partnerships, including bringing the [solidcore] experience to homes worldwide with Equinox and teaming up with Whoop to offer in-class data and metrics.

The core-focused “immersive experience” received a private equity investment from L Catterton in 2024 for expansion, and has been popular with celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Calvin Harris, and Michelle Obama.

How Did [solidcore] Santa Monica Score Overall?

The full client experience at [solidcore] Santa Monica was world-class - achieving our highest and most prestigious The Fit Guide 5-Star Award.

The class was also industry leading winning our highest accolade, the Class Experience 5-Star Award

The Highlights

The dual-instructor coaching approach stood out, with both coaches offering personalized guidance and progressions throughout the class.

The studio’s strong branding—from the custom reformers to the signature blue lighting—made for a memorable and immersive environment.

What Our Evaluator Had To Say

"Having two instructors was a huge bonus. They were everywhere—cheering us on, correcting form, and making sure everyone felt supported, especially first-timers like me."

"I loved the look of the space. There were nice branding touches throughout the studio—such as the details of on the reformer, as well as the lighting and signage. It really felt like a complete experience."

"The class had positive energy and was structured well, which made it both fun and easy to follow."

What to Expect From A [solidcore] Santa Monica Session

[solidcore] delivers a high-intensity, low-impact workout on a Pilates-inspired reformer, with a focus on slow, controlled movements that aim to fatigue your muscles. Sessions run for 50 minutes and are set to loud music in a dark, club-like studio—expect a tough, strength-focused burn from start to finish.

At the Santa Monica location, the schedule includes a mix of formats: the standard Full Body class, Advanced50 for those looking for an extra challenge, and Starter50 for newcomers. Classes follow a rotating muscle group schedule (like hamstrings and back, or inner thighs and triceps), which encourages balanced training across the week.

The vibe is intense and dialed-in, with coaches pushing the pace and keeping energy high. It’s a structured setup built for people who want a serious, consistent challenge.

The Reception Service

When we arrived, the receptionist greeted us warmly, introduced himself, and checked us in quickly. He mentioned it was our first time and handled the registration smoothly in a clean, comfortable waiting area. That said, we weren’t told where to wait or what to expect next, so we had to ask—an easy thing to fix, but it stood out in an otherwise friendly welcome.

After class, the instructor chatted with us for a while—she asked if we’d done similar workouts before, then walked us through the membership options. There wasn’t a printed price list or computer at the desk, but she explained the most popular packages clearly and even suggested one she thought would be a good fit. She used our name and made a real effort to make us feel like we’d be welcome back.

The Class Experience

[solidcore] Santa Monica received The Fit Guide Five-Star Class Experience Award making it one of LA's very best experiences.

We were really impressed with the class. Our coaches were positive, professional, and fully engaged from the start—they greeted us by name, gave a shout-out to first-timers, and made sure everyone felt supported. The session kicked off right on time with a clear breakdown of what to expect, and options were offered throughout to match different experience levels.

Both coaches moved around the room throughout the workout, checking in with people, giving encouragement, and offering form cues and modifications where needed. Their confident instruction and use of proper anatomical terms helped the class feel structured and well-led. The workout flowed smoothly, and we always knew what was coming next. It was great to see them take extra care with beginners, and their energy and enthusiasm really lifted the room.

There wasn’t a cooldown or stretch at the end, but the class wrapped up on a friendly note. The combination of strong coaching, attention to detail, and a clear sense of community made this a session we’d definitely come back for.

The Equipment And Studio

The setup at [solidcore] Santa Monica made a strong first impression. Each reformer was stocked with clean, high-quality weights and accessories, all in great condition, with enough variety to suit every level. The branding details were sharp—“[solidcore]” etched into the machines and printed on the handles gave everything a sleek, dialed-in feel.

The training space was clean, modern, and well thought out. The wood-paneled accent wall connected nicely with the waiting area, and the signature blue lighting gave the room an energetic, high-performance vibe. The studio was spotless from floor to ceiling, and the temperature stayed just right throughout the class.

From the polished reformers to the cool lighting and mirrored decals, everything worked together to create a space that felt both functional and distinctly [solidcore].

The Facilities And Public Areas

[solidcore] Santa Monica’s public areas felt clean, cohesive, and very on-brand. The studio was easy to spot with clear signage and a window decal, and inside, the signature blue lighting and wood-paneled accent wall gave the space a sharp, modern feel. Branding was consistent and well-executed throughout.

The waiting area was tidy and well-kept, but seating was limited—just a small bench for a larger crowd. Restroom-style grooming areas were clean and stocked with neatly presented amenities like deodorant and cleanser, though there were no showers, benches in the changing area, or towels, which took away a bit from overall comfort.

Lockers were clean and used scroll locks, though there weren’t hangers inside. A water refill station was available, and Celsius drinks were for sale, but no food options were offered. Still, the space felt curated and polished overall.

Digital And Technology

Booking a class at [solidcore] Santa Monica was quick and easy. Both the app and website were smooth to use, with a clear flow from scheduling to payment. The site felt on-brand and included helpful info like trainer bios and class breakdowns, plus we got a friendly reminder text the day before with everything we needed to know.

The club’s Instagram linked straight to the booking page and was regularly updated with motivating content. The app added extra convenience and kept the same polished, branded feel.

Pricing

[solidcore] Santa Monica has a ‘new client special’, offering unlimited sessions for two weeks at $99. Alternatively, there is a "Buy 1 Get 1 Free" offer available for $20 per class.

If you’re looking for a longer-term commitment, monthly-billed memberships are available from $140 for four classes per month up to $312 for 12 classes per month. A monthly unlimited membership is also available for $230. Six-month commitment plans reduce the cost to as low as $20 per class, while 12-month plans offer the best value—starting at $104 per month for four classes ($26/class) and going as low as $180/month for unlimited access ($18/class).

Drop-in sessions are available at $40 per class. Smaller commitment packages are also available, starting at a five-pack for $190 ($38/class), or a 10-class pack for $360 ($36/class). Off-peak pricing is also available, including single sessions at $32 and 10-class packs for $300 ($30/class). A 30-minute strength-only “Power Class” is available for $24. Coach-in-training classes are offered at select times for $15.

Never-seen-before data, stats and insights on boutique fitness globally

Better understand the fitness industry and improve your business.

Sign up for your report here!

Newsletter

Get exclusive fitness industry insights and discover the world's best clubs and studios.

Insider knowledge, statistics and valuable analysis based on our deep data set. Delivered to your inbox, every Wednesday.