Birmingham, AL, January 12, 2026

Solidcore, a national fitness innovator, has made its debut in Birmingham, AL at The Summit. This marks its first location in the state, enhancing the local fitness landscape and contributing to the region’s economic growth. The studio, known for its unique resistance training classes, is expected to create jobs and foster community well-being.

Birmingham, AL

Solidcore Ignites The Summit with Alabama Debut

Birmingham’s dynamic retail landscape welcomes Solidcore, a nationally recognized fitness innovator, to The Summit, marking its first location in Alabama and underscoring the region’s robust economic vitality and commitment to entrepreneurial growth and community well-being.

A New Chapter for Birmingham’s Fitness and Business Scene

Birmingham’s thriving economy and vibrant community have long been a magnet for innovative businesses and entrepreneurial ventures. The recent opening of Solidcore, a nationally recognized fitness studio chain, at The Summit exemplifies this trend, injecting new energy into the local fitness scene and reinforcing the city’s appeal as a prime location for expanding enterprises. This strategic expansion reflects a broader narrative of economic growth in Birmingham, where a supportive environment fosters new opportunities and contributes to a robust local market. The arrival of such a distinctive brand speaks volumes about the confidence businesses have in Birmingham’s economic future, a future built on both established success and the promise of new ventures.

The decision by a company like Solidcore to establish its first State-level presence here highlights Birmingham’s growing prominence beyond traditional sectors. It points to a diversified economy increasingly embracing the health and wellness industry, which globally contributes significantly to economic activity. This development not only offers new fitness options for residents but also acts as a catalyst for job creation and supports the ecosystem of Birmingham small business, demonstrating the ripple effects of private investment and entrepreneurial spirit within a community committed to progress.

Solidcore: A Nationwide Story of Innovative Fitness

Solidcore, headquartered in Rosslyn, Virginia, has carved out a distinctive niche in the fitness industry since its founding in November 2013 by Anne Mahlum in Washington, D.C.. The company has expanded its footprint significantly, now operating over 160 studios across more than 30 states nationwide. The core of Solidcore’s offering is its signature 50-minute, high-intensity, low-impact resistance training classes, performed on custom-built reformer machines known as “Sweatlana”. This unique approach to fitness emphasizes slow, controlled movements designed to target slow-twitch muscle fibers, leading to measurable strength gains and a challenging full-body workout suitable for all fitness levels.

The entrepreneurial journey of founder Anne Mahlum is a testament to personal achievement and innovative vision. Starting with $175,000 in personal savings, she grew Solidcore into a company valued at over $88 million in some reports, or over $100 million in others. This journey underscores the power of a compelling idea and tenacious execution in building a successful nationwide brand. Under the leadership of Bryan Myers, appointed President and CEO in 2021, Solidcore has continued its national expansion and operational development. The brand’s commitment to excellence and inclusivity has been recognized Nationwide, earning accolades such as ‘Best Pilates-Inspired Studio’ by Good Housekeeping in 2024 and ‘Best Inclusive Gym’ by Well & Good in 2025.

The Summit: A Premier Destination Driving Local Economy

The Summit in Birmingham has long been recognized as a cornerstone of the region’s retail and lifestyle landscape, and its continued success is a significant driver of Birmingham economic growth. Designated as a top 10 U.S. retail center in 2025, The Summit attracts over 9 million visitors annually, drawing shoppers not only from the immediate area but across the Southeast. This robust visitor traffic is a clear indicator of its standing as a premier destination, providing a fertile ground for businesses looking to expand.

A key factor in The Summit’s vitality is its curated selection of tenants, with over 60% being unique to the Birmingham market. In the past two years alone, The Summit has welcomed 13 first-in-state openings, demonstrating its ability to attract exclusive brands to Alabama. This dynamic environment offers a competitive edge, allowing newer businesses like Solidcore to thrive alongside established names. The retail center’s success translates directly into substantial economic benefits for the city, contributing approximately $15-16 million in sales tax revenue, which accounts for about 11% of Birmingham’s total sales tax revenue. This significant contribution underscores how private investment in high-quality retail developments can create lasting economic impact, generate new jobs, and position Birmingham to compete effectively with other major Southern cities.

Fueling Local Commerce and Wellness

The introduction of Solidcore at The Summit is more than just a new fitness option; it represents a tangible contribution to local commerce and the expanding wellness sector within Birmingham, AL. New fitness facilities inherently support local jobs, from instructors and management to maintenance staff, and create positive ripple effects for surrounding small businesses. As patrons visit Solidcore, they are likely to frequent nearby retail shops, restaurants, and other service providers at The Summit and in the wider Birmingham area, generating additional economic activity and fostering a vibrant commercial ecosystem.

Moreover, the fitness industry Nationwide plays a substantial role in economic development, directly adding over $100 billion to the economy and supporting tens of millions of jobs. Birmingham’s embrace of such ventures aligns with a growing societal emphasis on health and wellness, which can lead to a healthier, more productive workforce. By providing diverse and high-quality fitness options, Birmingham enhances its attractiveness as a place to live and work, supporting both personal achievement through fitness and broader Birmingham economic growth. This expansion signifies a strategic alignment where individual wellness goals contribute to the collective prosperity of the community.

Birmingham’s Resilient and Growing Economy

Birmingham, AL, is consistently demonstrating steady economic growth, bolstered by strategic corporate expansions, significant infrastructure investments, and a robust ecosystem designed to support Birmingham small business. This environment has earned Birmingham recognition among the nation’s top 25 cities for small business growth, highlighting Alabama’s ability to foster multiple thriving business hubs. The broader Jefferson County region experienced over $400 million in economic development projects in 2025, resulting in the creation of nearly 900 new jobs with an attractive average hourly wage of $30.60. This substantial investment spans diverse sectors, affirming the region’s economic diversification and resilience.

Key to this growth is the proactive support for Alabama AL entrepreneurs. Organizations such as the Greater Birmingham Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and REV Birmingham offer invaluable resources, including no-cost confidential business counseling, workshops, and assistance with accessing capital. Such initiatives are critical for nurturing new businesses and helping existing ones expand, demonstrating a collective commitment to fostering an environment where entrepreneurial innovation can flourish with limited regulatory burdens, allowing businesses to focus on growth and job creation. This multifaceted approach ensures that Birmingham remains a dynamic and attractive center for business, paving the way for sustained economic prosperity.

Conclusion

The debut of Solidcore at The Summit is a clear indicator of Birmingham’s vibrant economic landscape, characterized by entrepreneurial innovation and steady growth. This new addition not only enriches the local fitness and wellness options but also contributes meaningfully to the Birmingham AL business ecosystem through job creation and enhanced commercial activity. As a city that actively supports its entrepreneurs and cultivates an environment conducive to private investment, Birmingham continues to solidify its position as a dynamic hub in the Southeast. We encourage all residents to explore the diverse local businesses, including new ventures like Solidcore, and remain engaged in the exciting trajectory of Birmingham’s economic future. Supporting local enterprise is key to our collective prosperity and sustained Birmingham economic growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Solidcore?

Solidcore is a nationally recognized fitness studio chain that offers 50-minute, high-intensity, low-impact resistance training classes on custom-built reformer machines called “Sweatlana.”

Where is Solidcore’s first Alabama location?

Solidcore’s first Alabama location is at The Summit in Birmingham, AL, specifically at 333 Summit Blvd.

When did Solidcore open in Birmingham?

Solidcore officially opened its doors in Birmingham on November 24, 2025. A grand opening event was held on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

Who founded Solidcore?

Solidcore was founded by Anne Mahlum in November 2013 in Washington, D.C.

How many Solidcore studios are there Nationwide?

Solidcore operates over 160 studios across the United States in more than 30 states.

What is the economic impact of The Summit on Birmingham?

The Summit is a top 10 U.S. retail center in 2025, attracts over 9 million visitors annually, and contributes approximately $15-16 million in sales tax revenue to the city, which is about 11% of Birmingham’s total sales tax revenue.

What is the general economic outlook for Birmingham, AL?

Birmingham, AL is experiencing steady economic growth, fueled by corporate expansions, infrastructure investment, and a strong small business ecosystem. Jefferson County announced over $400 million in economic development projects in 2025.

Key Features of Solidcore’s Birmingham Debut

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Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.