I attempted Solidcore—a high-intensity exercise class on a Pilates-inspired reformer—for the primary time in 2023. I spent all 50 minutes cursing beneath my breath, satisfied that my muscle mass have been ripping aside. (They have been, in truth, not.) I hated it. And but after it ended, I instantly booked my subsequent class.
A fast scroll by means of Instagram and TikTok proves I’m not the one one hooked on the grueling exercise. Each December, Solidcore hosts the “Solidays Problem,” wherein members decide to taking 10 lessons over 15 days; in return, they get an unique mockneck sweatshirt together with merchandise from Salt & Stone. This 12 months practically one-third of members opted in, Athletech Information reported, a 65% improve from 2024. Over the previous 5 years, Google searches for Solidcore have steadily risen—and are at present at their highest of all time. But even amidst its widespread recognition, devotees of the cult exercise nonetheless complain concerning the ache of the category. “It’s so laborious that it’s borderline uncomfortable—however in one of the best ways,” notes one TikTok consumer.
Solidcore isn’t the one rigorous exercise gaining traction. In its 2025 report, ClassPass famous that searches for Hyrox lessons elevated 432% 12 months over 12 months. Hyrox, a worldwide health competitors that mixes working and resistance coaching, was beforehand referred to by one skilled as “the marathon of practical health.” (So in different phrases: Not for the faint of coronary heart.) One other indication of the rising recognition of high-intensity exercises: Barry’s, the bootcamp-style class, reportedly plans to open 20 new studios worldwide within the subsequent few years, in accordance with CoStar, an outlet masking industrial actual property.
Why are these seemingly masochistic exercises on the rise? And why accomplish that many people—myself included—hold going again?
Rationally, I know that analysis signifies that train doesn’t must be essentially the most strenuous with a view to profit my general well-being. However I put myself by means of it anyway—the selection to return to those high-intensity lessons goes past merely eager to get match and stay a wholesome life-style. Ellin Gurvitch, LMHC, a licensed psychological well being counselor and efficiency coach, says whereas social media developments can encourage us to do a specific exercise or class, they’re not the one factor driving us to the studio or gymnasium. “That feeling of what you’re getting after [your workout] is so highly effective,” she says. Doing laborious issues, whether or not a two-minute plank or 20 burpees, finally results in a lift in self-satisfaction, self-respect, and self-confidence within the minutes, hours, and days following your exercise, she provides. Maybe, in some cases, ache is achieve.