One of my favorite parts of a busy week is finishing off my day with a hard workout. There are numerous routes to take in terms of workout classes in the DMV area. I tried and reviewed three of the most popular so that you can find what works best for you!
Orangetheory
Junior year was the first time I ever tried Orangetheory – and, let me tell you, I grew obsessed quickly. Orangetheory Fitness (or, OTF) is a workout program with classes that are usually about an hour long and hit three major components: treadmill (cardio), rowing, and strength (floor work).
OTF tracks your stats throughout your workout with a heart monitor that you can either rent or purchase upon arrival (I would recommend renting the first few times and purchasing only when you commit to a membership, as it can be quite expensive). OTF has a system that essentially tracks your number of “Splat Points”. This is when your heart rate reaches a high enough point where it enters the orange or red zone (this is based upon your weight, height, etc.), and each minute you spend in these zones is considered a “Splat Point”.
You pick between a 2G class and a 3G class – this only means the structure of the class. A 2G is essentially 25 minutes on cardio and 25 minutes on floor/rower (or vice versa, you get to pick!). A 3G is about 15 minutes on cardio, 15 minutes on the floor, and 15 minutes on the rowing machine (again, you pick what to start on and the order). My personal preference is a 3G just because it makes the class go by faster, and you’re able to apply yourself more to each individual station.
OTF is a hard but rewarding class that hits all the important components of a workout. It’s relatively easy to sign up, and there are numerous locations to pick from. Each worker and coach at OTF is also extremely accommodating and will guide you through each step.
It’s also a more affordable option with a drop-in rate starting between $18 to $28 dollars and a class pack being $225 for about ten classes.
Solidcore
I first tried Solidcore over the summer with my sister and, let me tell you, it is not a joke. Solidcore is one of the most challenging workout classes I’ve tried in a while because of the mixture of the added pilates machine and targeted strength exercises.
Solidcore is essentially about a 50-minute pilates class. You are able to pick which muscle group you want to primarily focus on (each day has a designated muscle group), and which location/time works best for you. Solidcore has one of the nicest staff I’ve ever met, and each instructor will be by your side helping you, especially in your first class. While it is a more strength-focused class, it is just as rewarding as OTF, in my opinion.
There is a more physically demanding component of the class due to the occasionally complicated pilates machine, but it definitely gets easier over time. It is a learning process, but one that isn’t hard to catch on to.
Signing up for Solidcore is also relatively easy. You simply enter your information and find a location that works best for you. However, Solidcore is on the expensive side. A drop in class is about 37 dollars, and a class pack can range anywhere from $127 to $237, depending on which plan you choose.
Corepower
Last but not least is my personal favorite, Corepower. Corepower is essentially yoga classes ranging from Hot Power Fusion to Yoga Sculpt (a lot of foreign words, I know). These essentially vary in terms of how advanced/challenging the class is and what you’re wanting out of your workout.
Each class will have a description detailing what muscle groups are targeted, whether the class is heated or not, and the level of yoga advancement recommended for the class. Basically, Corepower is your own journey.
Each Tuesday and Saturday, I go to Yoga Sculpt with Dan. I first tried out Corepower just as a favor to a friend, but it soon became my favorite part of the week. This offers both a challenging workout that strengthens you both physically and mentally. Dan is able to offer any accommodations that you need, and it is more than encouraged to listen to your body and take breaks or modify when needed.
Corepower is a heated class, which at times, can be extremely challenging. Instructors are aware and in charge of how hot the classes can be, and strongly encourage you to take breaks and step out for a moment if needed (which, many people do throughout the class). If this isn’t something that you’re interested in, there are also classes you can take without any added heat that are just as challenging.
This class is really what reintroduced me to how fun and relieving exercise can be (and is supposed to be) while still challenging myself and leaving feeling accomplished. The class continues to be challenging even after attending once or twice a week for a few months, meaning each time I find a new way to challenge myself in a healthy way.
Another advantage to Corepower is how easy it is to sign up. It is relatively expensive, with a drop in rate being about $35 and a class pack being around $200. Depending on your instructor, there can also be a fee if you forget your mat or towel, however, some instructors don’t charge. Seniors – they also offer a discount if you submit a college acceptance letter!
Ultimately, exercise should be something that not only improves your physical health but also supports your mental well-being. Whether you’re drawn to the heart-pumping energy of Orangetheory, the core-strengthening burn of Solidcore, or the mind-body connection at Corepower, there’s a class out there to help you feel strong, grounded, and motivated. Find what works and have fun! Any other workout classes you love? Feel free to drop them in the comments below!
