The Perfect Workout for Busy Moms {+ PROMO CODE TO TRY IT!}

Thanks to our partners at [solidcore] for sponsoring this article and having our moms in for a workout!

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When you’re a new mom, it can be daunting to figure out how exercise can fit back into your life.

And it’s not all about fitting back in your pre-baby clothes (does that ever happen to anyone?), but more about making sure you are the healthiest, strongest version of yourself. While also getting the physical and mental benefits. Exercise is also about building relationships with other like-minded moms in the community. 

That’s where [ solidcore ] comes in! 

What is [ solidcore ]?

[ solidcore ] is a 50-minute full body strength training workout that utilizes a resistance based machine and free weights. It involves slow, controlled movements that work your muscles to failure, which creates long, lean muscle tone. In every full body session, you will work your core, lower body, upper body, and obliques — it’s truly a full body workout.  

There are two [ solidcore ] locations in the area: one in Fargo (off 32nd Ave and 45th St), and one in West Fargo (off I-94 and Sheyenne). 

Class sizes are small, capped between 12-14 participants. This ensures that the coach can give everyone tailored attention by correcting form and holding everyone accountable. The room is kept dark with blue lighting. And it is comfortably warm, but not hot.  

The [ solidcore ] Experience 

The Newbie Experience: Jenna

I jumped at the chance to try out a class at [ solidcore ]. I love trying new things and I love exercising (or at least, really like it). But I’ll be honest, as I got closer to my class I started to feel a bit nervous. I intentionally didn’t look up the class details because I wanted to go into it as a true beginner. But, they were so accommodating, welcoming, and organized, that I felt prepared.

Three days before my class I received a welcome email, which included a very helpful (short) YouTube video breaking down the concepts of the class. I watched it twice and let my excitement build. Then, the evening before, they sent me another welcome email, which detailed some important reminders and gave me the studio’s door code. 

On the morning of the class, I threw on a pair of leggings, a good sports bra, a comfy workout tank, and my favorite “orange trampoline park” socks. I was told that the class could be done barefoot or in grippy socks. I chose the latter (although I was the only one who did so). And I really appreciated the extra grip during the workout. 

Right when I walked through the doors at [ solidcore ], I felt welcomed, comfortable, and in good company. I cannot say enough positive things about Mandy, Head Coach Community Manager of both the Fargo and West Fargo studios. She was personable, friendly, and so encouraging.

Since it was my very first class, she walked me through the basics of the equipment we’d be using and made me feel at ease. 

I’ll focus on the actual workout in a moment, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t talk first about the beauty and design of the building. Imagine working out in a setting that’s both aesthetically pleasing, but also intensely motivating.

The machines are arranged in a row, with mirrors on two sides of them. These are not only functional (so you can check your form), but also make the room feel warm and large at the same time. Then, on the one end of the room is a gorgeous, wood-planked wall.

solidcore fargoClass kicked off and I was instantly motivated by the dim lit room, amazing music, and the encouraging sound of Mandy’s voice. The focus of my class was inner thighs and back (muscle focus is different every day). The pace of the workout was fast enough that I never got bored, but slow enough that I was able to take my time and focus. 

The 50 minutes flew by (which is always a plus when working out). Mandy seemed to anticipate my thoughts and would even give a verbal count down as the time ticked by. At the 50-minute mark, we wrapped up. 

After the class, I promise you’ll feel stronger, more confident, and your muscles will thank you. I did feel sore for the next day or two, but nothing that a hot bath or light stretching didn’t soothe. 

The Return User Experience: Anna

My first experience with [ solidcore ] was in 2018, after having my first child. I had never done a workout like it before, and I was instantly hooked. I had an unlimited membership and I even have the 100-class keychain!

Life got crazy and I haven’t regularly gone since having my second child. So, I was so excited to have the chance to get back in a class. Although I’ve taken 100+ classes, [ solidcore ] is still challenging for me!

I attended a 5:30 a.m. class instructed by Mandy. I’m an early riser but there are classes all times of the day! Mandy greeted me (and all other participants) by name, and instantly made me feel comfortable. She had a killer playlist which almost distracted me from how tough the workout was. Mandy talked the entire time and cued all the movements. She also demonstrated a few things before the class started. 

The resistance-based machine uses springs which you can add or take off to make the exercise easier or harder. Mandy always gave a cue for what you should be using if you’ve had less than 25 classes, 25-50 classes, or 50 plus classes. 

I consistently felt challenged, but not pushed too far. Mandy was encouraging the entire time. She praised participants by name when she caught them keeping perfect form or going on their toes. She walked around the room and gave some form adjustments when necessary but never gave any negative feedback.

The whole environment is supportive and welcoming.

I would recommend [ solidcore ] to any mom. The classes are efficient — you get a full body workout in 50 minutes. Additionally, a lot of the exercises are specifically beneficial to new moms. You are building strength to help keep up with busy kiddos, while also improving your health to be the best version of yourself. 

My core muscles are definitely not what they used to be and all of the exercises we did in class felt safe. I felt like I was getting stronger, but not under too much pressure. After class I was sweaty but in a great mood and felt ready to take on the rest of the day. 

Why [ solidcore ] is a Good Fit for Moms

I think as moms we center so much of our day, our schedule, our existence, around others: our kids, our families, our jobs (to name a few). That’s why a great fitness class is such an important form of self-care.

It gives you an uninterrupted time and space to be able to focus on you and even have some fun while doing it. And, in our fast-paced, stressful days, this is a must for any mom. We always talk about building a “village” of support, and [solidcore] definitely helps moms connect with one another find that support they are looking for. 

You can modify the moves to meet you where you’re at physically, increasing the intensity when you’re ready to challenge yourself even more.

PROMO CODE JUST FOR FARGO MOM READERS!

Overall, [ solidcore ] meets all the criteria for an effective, fun, and uplifting workout. Give it a try and I know you’ll love it too!

Use the code fargomom to get $10 off 2-weeks of unlimited classes (a $59 value reduced to just $49!). 

 

Want to learn more about [solidcore]? Check out their Facebook and Instagram pages!

About the Authors:

Jenna Kirschmann
Mom, wife, sister, and aunt are Jenna's most cherished titles. She credits her hardworking, yet humorous nature to being born and raised in small town North Dakota. Jenna ventured to the Fargo/Moorhead community to pursue her degree, but loved the area so much, she never left. After many years working in the long term care field, Jenna traded her Housing Director role to become a stay-at-home mom. Nowadays you can find her alongside her husband Elliot, raising their three little girls (Beatrice, Hazel, and Charlie) in West Fargo. In her free time, Jenna enjoys playing volleyball, reading a great book, or trying a new recipe in the kitchen. Her perfect day would start with an amazing cup (or two) of coffee and be filled with as much laughter and delicious food as possible.
Anna Wischer
Anna is a Fargo native and currently practices family law. She lives in Fargo with her husband William, Goldendoodle Rory, and two children, Kensington and West. Anna is passionate about building connections in motherhood, because she didn't realize how much she needed other moms around her until she became one herself. In her free time, she enjoys cycling classes, yoga, reading, and the Green Bay Packers (even though they break her heart every year). Anna's guilty pleasures include Bravo reality TV and a good glass of Prosecco.
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Fargo Mom
We are passionate about the Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo community and the moms who live here, and our goal is to make this community that we all live in feeling connected. By using both our website as well as various social media outlets, we are able to keep you up-to-date on family-friendly activities around town, provide advice on parenting and motherhood, and encourage each of you to get out and explore all that Fargo-Moorhead has to offer!

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