For some New Yorkers, the only rings they expected to leave Solidcore with were the ones on their Apple Watches. Instead, a number of clients say they walked out of the buzzy reformer chain’s studios with itchy, ring-shaped rashes that dermatologists later diagnosed as ringworm.
In recent days, posts and short videos from clients have zeroed in on several New York-area Solidcore locations, rattling a membership base that can pay about $46 for a single drop-in class. The complaints, which have spread quickly through online community forums, are now fueling fresh questions about how intensely boutique studios clean their equipment between classes.
As reported by New York Post, customers shared photos of lesions and said they traced their infections to Solidcore’s reformer machines, nicknamed “Sweatlana” by fans. The outlet noted that some members pay $46 for a single drop-in session and up to about $420 for monthly plans, and quoted the company as saying it treats machines every two weeks and has rolled out new, more saturated wipes. According to the report, those client accounts first surfaced on Reddit and TikTok before spreading more widely.
Where members are sounding the alarm
Many of the earliest warnings appeared on the Solidcore subreddit, where active threads include multiple firsthand accounts from New York members who say they were diagnosed with ringworm after studio visits. One ongoing thread is collecting photos and accounts from June and July; you can read that discussion on Reddit.
Solidcore’s own studio directory shows a dense cluster of locations across Manhattan and Brooklyn, a layout that helps explain how a local complaint can turn into a fast-spreading headache for a brand built on close-quarters workouts. The chain lists its studio map on Solidcore.
How ringworm spreads and what to watch for
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that typically shows up as an itchy, scaly, often ring-shaped rash, according to the Mayo Clinic. The CDC notes that the fungus spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact or by touching contaminated surfaces, which makes shared workout gear and mats logical hot spots. To cut down risk, the agency advises showering after workouts, drying skin thoroughly and wearing shoes in shared areas.
In a statement to New York Post, Solidcore said “the health and safety of the 250,000 people who visit our more than 170 solidcore studios nationwide each month is always our top priority.” The company told the outlet it treats machines every two weeks, applies an antimicrobial coating it says reduces microbes for weeks, and has introduced more saturated antibacterial and antifungal wipes for clients to use before class.
Dermatologists say most skin ringworm infections clear with over-the-counter topical antifungal creams, though more stubborn or widespread cases sometimes need prescription treatment, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Public health advice is straightforward: skip sharing towels, wipe machines before and after use, dry skin completely and report any suspected exposure to your studio. The CDC has step-by-step prevention and treatment guidance online for anyone who thinks they might have been exposed.
