[solidcore] - Chelsea

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[solidcore] - Chelsea

New York City, USA

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The [solidcore] Story

[solidcore] was founded in 2013 by serial fitness entrepreneur Anne Malhum. The brand, which offers a full body workout on a pilates-inspired reformer, is now heading towards 100 operational locations across the US. They’ve also partnered with Equinox to add their workouts to the Variis app, bringing the [solidcore] experience to homes worldwide. The core-focused “immersive experience” has been visited by celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Calvin Harris, and Michelle Obama.

How Did [solidcore] Chelsea Score Overall?

The full client experience at [solidcore] Chelsea was impressive, achieving our Fit Guide Award Of Excellence.

The class was also very good, winning our Class Experience Award of Excellence.

[solidcore] Chelsea is featured in our article The Top Fitness Studios In New York, Independently Rated and Ranked.

The Highlights

The instructor was clearly experienced and offered clients her undivided attention throughout the session. We found the experience to be very well structured from start to finish.

The immaculate, on-brand studio was also a highlight.

What Our Evaluator Had To Say

“The coach offered easier or harder movements that were tailored to the client’s ability level.”

“The coach clearly enjoyed teaching the class.”

“The studio was dimly lit and had upbeat music that added to the experience.”

What To Expect From A [solidcore] Session

[solidcore] is a 50-minute, total-body, strength workout on a Pilates-inspired reformer. They use slow, controlled movements to break down the slow-twitch muscle fibers, helping to build a stronger and leaner body. The atmospherically lit studio completes the "immersive experience".

[solidcore] stands out by bringing different levels of intensity and efficiency to the workout experience – appealing to those who believe that the joy is in the work, and that there is always work to be done.

With a focus on empowering communities and creating a space where everyone feels inspired, included, and seen, [solidcore] is on a mission to help people build strength, inside and out.

The Reception Service

Attempts to contact the club by phone were unsuccessful.

Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly, and offered a helpful verbal orientation of the facilities. While the check-in process was efficient, it felt largely transactional and lacked personal touches, such as using our evaluator’s name or providing guidance on where to wait before class.

On departure, the receptionist demonstrated good knowledge of the club’s packages and proactively highlighted a new client special offer. They appeared confident and engaged during the conversation, maintaining focus and eye contact. However, they could have asked questions to better understand our needs.

The Class Experience

[solidcore] Chelsea has received The Fit Guide Class Experience Award of Excellence for its impressive class experience.

The session provided an engaging and challenging experience, delivered with professionalism and enthusiasm. Our coach maintained a positive energy throughout, ensuring that everyone felt supported and encouraged. Verbal instructions were clear and concise, and progressions were offered to cater to varying fitness levels. The focus on individual adjustments and words of encouragement created a motivating atmosphere.

While the workout flowed seamlessly and offered a sense of accomplishment, the absence of a warm-up or cooldown was disappointing. Beginners received extra guidance during the session, but an injury check and a more comprehensive induction would have elevated the experience. The coach's genuine enthusiasm and effort to connect with participants stood out, as did the subtle encouragement to foster a sense of community among attendees.

Overall, the class was a fun, positive experience, combining an effective workout with moments of connection and camaraderie.

The Equipment And Studio

The training room featured high-quality equipment, all in spotless and in excellent condition. We liked how the machines were branded with the studio name, adding a cohesive and professional touch. The equipment was well-spaced and arranged conveniently, ensuring a seamless workout experience.

The dimmed lighting with blue effects created a calming and sophisticated atmosphere, complemented by inspirational quotes displayed in brackets on the walls. These nice branding touches added a unique sense of place, enhancing the room's overall appeal.

The clean and comfortable environment, paired with a high-quality sound system, rounded out an impressive experience that felt both polished and on-brand.

The Facilities And Public Areas

The studio offered a visually engaging and branded environment with cool design elements like wood walls and blue wallpapered accents in line with its industrial aesthetic. However, despite the ambiance, the lack of practical facilities detracted from the overall experience. There were no showers or workout towels provided. The changing area was quite small, overly dark, and lacked a bench, making it challenging for us to change comfortably.

The spaces were kept clean, and essential amenities were available. Beverage options, including Celsius energy drinks, were a nice touch.

Digital And Technology

The club's online booking system and branded app provided an easy and seamless reservation process, with clear instructions for clients on arrival times and cancellation policies. The branch-specific website offered excellent information on class schedules and coach bios. While social media provided helpful insights, there were no direct links to class schedules or booking pages.

The website was professional, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate. It nicely conveyed the brand's values through encouraging and inclusive copy, with a clear focus on diversity and inclusion policies. High-quality content, such as coach bios and class descriptions, further enhanced the client experience.

The club used the Mindbody online booking platform and a branded app for reservations.

Pricing

[solidcore] Chelsea have a ‘new client special’, offering unlimited sessions for two weeks at $109. Alternatively, there is a "Buy 1 Get 1 Free" offer available for $22.

If you’re looking for a longer-term commitment, monthly-billed memberships are available from $120 for four classes per month up to $300 for 12 classes per month. These require a 12-month commitment.

Drop-in sessions are available at $43 per class during peak times, and $35 at off-peak times. Smaller commitment packages are also available, starting at a five-pack for $41 per class.

Top Scoring Categories

Reception Services
four
Class Experience
four
Equipment & Studio
five
Digital & Technology
four

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