Solidcore CEO Aims to Make Studio Welcoming for Black Women

In a time when many companies are scaling back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Solidcore CEO Bryan Myers is doubling down. He’s not just maintaining these practices; he’s making inclusivity a cornerstone of his business strategy, aiming to establish Solidcore as the “de facto landing spot for Black women” and other underrepresented groups in boutique fitness.

From Client to CEO: A Deep Understanding

Myers, who took the helm as CEO in 2021, brings a unique perspective to the fitness industry. Before leading the company, he was a dedicated client who found solace and strength in Solidcore’s reformer-based workouts. He appreciated the focus on athleticism without the intimidating “gym bro” culture often found in traditional gyms, creating an environment centered on strength that felt genuinely welcoming.

His journey from client to Chief Operating Officer and eventually CEO, coupled with his decision to become a coach himself, provides him with a deep, frontline understanding of the business. Myers still coaches classes today, using it as an authentic way to connect with his team and clients, gather feedback, and witness the product in action.

Challenging Preconceptions in Fitness

Solidcore has experienced exponential growth under Myers’s leadership, with over 160 studios nationwide and plans to double that by 2028. This success is partly attributed to his commitment to inclusivity. Myers actively challenges the notion that fitness spaces must conform to a specific aesthetic or body type to be successful. “The way to be ‘in’ at [solidcore] is actually not to show up in a Lululemon matching set,” he explained. “The way to be ‘in’ is not to be the thinnest person in the room. The way to be ‘in’ and the thing that we celebrate publicly is the work that you put in.”

This philosophy allows Solidcore to actively seek out individuals who may have felt excluded from boutique fitness, particularly reformer Pilates. Myers emphasizes that dedication to the workout is the key qualification for joining the community under the studio’s signature blue lights.

Inclusivity as a Business Strategy, Not Just PR

Myers firmly believes that DEI initiatives should be rooted in building a strong business, not just for public relations. “At the core for me, this is actually not marketing. This is a business strategy,” he stated. He envisions Solidcore as the premier choice for Black women, queer individuals, and people of all body sizes seeking reformer-based workouts.

He acknowledges the challenge of balancing inclusivity with business demands, particularly regarding price point. While price reduction can be a factor in inclusivity, Myers points out that many people of color can afford the current price but feel excluded for other reasons. His priority is to build a robust business first, exploring other avenues for creating a more inclusive environment, with the long-term goal of potentially lowering prices.

Empowerment Through Authenticity

• Solidcore CEO Bryan Myers prioritizes inclusivity as a business strategy.
• Aims to make Solidcore the go-to reformer studio for Black women and other underrepresented groups.
• Emphasizes strength and hard work over appearance or body type.
• Believes DEI should be rooted in business building, not just PR.
• Challenges the notion that profitability must be sacrificed for inclusivity.
• Empowerment in fitness means showing up authentically to achieve personal goals.

Myers feels a profound responsibility as a Black, queer CEO to uphold DEI principles, demonstrating that a profitable business can be anchored in these values. He defines empowerment in fitness as the ability to show up authentically and pursue one’s own objectives and dreams, free from external pressures about appearance or body shape. Solidcore’s community, he believes, helps individuals achieve both physical goals and personal well-being, fostering a sense of self-care and empowerment.