Solidcore Unveils New Class Format Amid Founder Criticism

Industry Pulse News Desk · 2026-10-23

Solidcore is expanding its workout offerings for the first time in 13 years, drawing public disagreement from company founder Anne Mahlum.

Boutique fitness chain Solidcore is expanding its programming beyond its signature strength-training regimen for the first time in 13 years. The company announced the launch of a second workout format designed to complement its existing high-intensity, low-impact class offering.

The strategic shift has drawn public criticism from company founder Anne Mahlum, who established the brand in 2013. Mahlum expressed disagreement with the decision to introduce a second workout, characterizing the move as a departure from the core model that drove the brand's initial growth.

Mahlum sold her majority stake in Solidcore in 2023 but remains a minority investor in the business. Despite her opposition to the latest operational change, Mahlum stated that she maintains an ongoing financial interest in the boutique fitness operator's performance.

Solidcore has expanded over the past decade from a single studio into a national boutique fitness network with more than 100 locations across the United States. The company's business model has historically relied on a standardized, single-workout structure focused on slow-tempo resistance training using custom equipment.

The introduction of the new class format represents one of the largest operational shifts for Solidcore since its leadership transition. Company management has not publicly disclosed the complete rollout timeline for the expanded workout options across its studio network.