💡 Quick Answer: Solidcore is HSA/FSA eligible because it helps prevent, manage, and reverse a variety of health conditions including chronic back pain, arthritis, and core weakness, and many others. According to IRS Publication 502, all you need is a Letter of Medical Necessity.
Luckily, we make it ridiculously simple. Crates Health is the fastest way to get your personalized and compliant letter for Solidcore and thousands of other wellness products, plus we handle your reimbursements directly through our platform with just one click.
What is SolidCore
Solidcore is Pilates turned up to eleven, and we mean that literally. Picture a dimly lit studio with blue neon lights, pounding music, and reformer machines that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie. This is high-intensity, low-impact strength training that’s designed to work your muscles to complete failure (yes, that’s the goal). The 50-minute classes use slow, controlled movements on their custom “Sweatlana” reformer to systematically break down your type-1 muscle fibers so they rebuild stronger.
Don’t let the “low-impact” label fool you. This workout is brutal in the best way possible. You’ll shake, you’ll sweat, and you’ll probably question your life choices around minute 30. But here’s the thing: it works. Research in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy confirms that Pilates-based exercise significantly improves core strength, reduces back pain, and enhances functional movement patterns. The method specifically targets slow-twitch muscle fibers for muscular endurance, creating that lean, defined look that comes from genuine strength building. With locations across 25+ states, Solidcore has built a community of people who genuinely love suffering together under those iconic blue lights.
Why SolidCore Qualifies for HSA/FSA Eligibility
According to IRS regulations, fitness studio memberships can qualify as eligible medical expenses with a Letter of Medical Necessity under specific circumstances outlined in Publication 502.
IRS Publication 502 states that medical expenses are “the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body,” but “must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental condition or illness.”
This means Solidcore membership can qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement for preventing, managing, or reversing:
- Chronic back pain and spinal disorders – A Cochrane systematic review found that Pilates significantly reduces chronic low back pain and improves functional ability, with effects comparable to other forms of physical therapy.
- Arthritis and joint stiffness – Research published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation demonstrates that low-impact resistance training like Pilates helps manage arthritis symptoms by strengthening muscles around joints while minimizing joint stress.
- Osteoporosis and bone density issues – A meta-analysis in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found that resistance training improves bone mineral density and helps prevent osteoporotic fractures, particularly in postmenopausal women.
- Musculoskeletal conditions requiring physical therapy – The Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies published research showing Pilates-based exercise is effective for rehabilitating musculoskeletal injuries and preventing recurrence.
- Balance and mobility issues – A systematic review in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found that Pilates significantly improves balance, reduces fall risk, and enhances mobility in older adults.
- Fibromyalgia and chronic pain conditions – Research in Clinical Rehabilitation shows that Pilates reduces pain intensity and improves quality of life in fibromyalgia patients by addressing muscle weakness and movement dysfunction.
- Depression and anxiety disorders – A meta-analysis in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that Pilates significantly reduces depression and anxiety symptoms, with effects comparable to other forms of exercise therapy.
- Core weakness and postural problems – Research published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy demonstrates that Pilates effectively strengthens core musculature and corrects postural imbalances that contribute to pain and dysfunction.
The key requirement is that your healthcare provider must document the low-impact strength training as medically necessary for preventing, managing, or reversing your specific health condition – not just for general fitness. This documentation comes in the form of a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).
How to Assess Your HSA/FSA Eligibility for Solidcore
Traditional Route: Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician, discuss your health conditions and fitness goals, and request a Letter of Medical Necessity if low-impact strength training is recommended as part of your care plan. This typically requires an office visit, potential wait times, and can cost $50-100+ depending on your insurance.
Faster, Smarter Route: Use Crates Health to get your Letter of Medical Necessity online in just a few minutes. Our platform connects you with licensed healthcare providers who can evaluate your conditions remotely and issue the appropriate documentation if you qualify. No office visits, no waiting weeks for appointments, and no surprise medical bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do other Pilates and reformer classes qualify for HSA/FSA?
Yes! With the right medical documentation, you can use HSA/FSA funds for many Pilates studios and low-impact fitness options. Popular HSA-eligible alternatives include CorePower Yoga for yoga-based strength and flexibility, Equinox for premium gym access with Pilates classes, and traditional gyms like Life Time Fitness that offer reformer classes. Check out our complete gym and fitness memberships guide for more options.
How does reimbursement work?
Solidcore doesn’t accept HSA/FSA cards directly. You’ll purchase class packages or memberships with your personal card and then reimburse yourself. This means saving your receipts and uploading them along with your LMN to your HSA/FSA admin portal. With Crates Health, we simplify this process: upload your receipt and get one-click reimbursements all from our platform.
What is a Letter of Medical Necessity?
A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is a document from a licensed healthcare provider that explains why a specific expense like your Solidcore membership is medically necessary for preventing, managing, or reversing a diagnosed condition. It’s the official paperwork that proves your strength training isn’t just for general fitness. Each LMN typically remains valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Will my claim get denied?
With proper documentation, denials are rare. That said, every HSA/FSA administrator is different, and some may initially deny claims due to receipt format, LMN documentation, or unclear medical necessity. Crates Health supports you through any denials and makes sure you get reimbursed.
Can I use my HSA/FSA for Solidcore classes I already bought?
Unfortunately, no. Your LMN must be dated before the purchase date for it to be eligible for reimbursement. The IRS requires medical necessity to be established at the time of the expense, not after.
