I have a confession to make: I am a [solidcore] girl through and through.
With more than 225 classes under my belt — and a typical week consisting of two to three trips to the studio — I know exactly what it feels like to willingly walk into a workout knowing I am probably going to question every life decision I’ve ever made somewhere around the halfway mark. And yet, I keep coming back.
For me, fitness has never really been about finding one workout and calling it a day. I’m always looking for ways to switch things up, challenge my muscles differently and build a routine that keeps me feeling strong, toned and, most importantly, healthy. So when I heard about Olivia Figueroa and the loyal following she had built around her highly coveted training method, I knew I had to see what all the hype was about.
When the opportunity came to experience a class taught by Olivia herself at her brand-new Figure studio in Nolita, I couldn’t say no. And let me just say: the girlies were onto something.
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Located at 270 Bowery, Figure is Olivia’s first official home for a method she has been developing for more than 15 years through private coaching and sold-out classes. But before I even started sweating, I noticed something about the space.
Walking into Figure on an early summer morning felt almost like stepping out of New York City entirely. Considering you are technically in the heart of the Lower East Side, surrounded by all of the noise, movement and beautiful chaos that comes with downtown Manhattan, the studio feels surprisingly calm. There’s plenty of natural light, a neutral color palette and an aesthetic that feels elevated without being intimidating. It’s the kind of space where you can actually take a breath before the workout begins — which, in NYC, feels like a luxury in itself.
Figure isn’t designed to be another trendy fitness class that leaves you completely wrecked for 48 hours before you move on to the next thing. Instead, the method is built around strength, precision, control and purposeful movement, with the idea that how you train should ultimately influence how you move through everyday life. And after taking the class, I understood exactly what she meant.
So… what is a Figure sculpt class actually like you may ask? For my first experience, I had to take a class taught by Olivia herself — and if you are picturing a cute little barre-inspired stretch session, let me stop you right there. This is a workout.
The 50-minute class was a full-body experience that incorporated Bala Bangles and Power Rings to add resistance, challenge stability and, yes, give us that extra cardio boost we apparently didn’t know we needed. The movements were intentional, controlled and incredibly targeted. Olivia wasn’t interested in having us fly through exercises just for the sake of saying we completed another rep. There was a real emphasis on form and making sure every movement was doing exactly what it was supposed to do. Which sounds simple enough… until your muscles start shaking.
That was probably one of my favorite parts of the experience. As someone who is used to the slow, controlled intensity of [solidcore], I appreciated that Figure didn’t feel like it was trying to replicate another workout. It had its own rhythm and personality. There were moments when I felt completely in control, followed almost immediately by the realization that a tiny ankle weight can apparently make my legs feel like they belong to someone else.
And Olivia noticed everything.
Her ability to coach while still making the class feel welcoming was one of the biggest standouts for me. There was no sense that you needed to already be an expert to belong in the room. Whether you are a fitness fanatic who has tried every boutique class in Manhattan or someone who is just beginning to build a workout routine, the focus stays on doing the movement correctly and challenging yourself where you are. That distinction matters.
With more than 15 years of experience as a trainer and former dancer, Olivia has developed Figure around the belief that strength and softness don’t have to be opposites. You can push yourself while still being intentional. You can work hard without feeling like you’re punishing your body. And somehow, she manages to make you feel like you are capable of more without making the workout feel miserable.
That was exactly the confidence boost I needed on a Wednesday morning in the middle of summer. By the time the 50 minutes were over, I was sweaty, my entire body had been activated and I was very ready for a cool shower and a serious hair refresh. But I also walked out feeling… good.
Not defeated. Not completely destroyed. Good… and weirdly confident. Like I could actually conquer whatever the rest of my day decided to throw at me. And honestly? I love that.
If you’re in New York City and looking for a new way to sculpt, strengthen and shake up your routine, Figure by Olivia Figueroa is officially one to add to the list. Just don’t let the pretty, calming studio fool you. Those little ankle weights are coming for you.
You can connect with Olivia on Instagram at @livfigueroa and learn more about Figure from their Instagram page here.
