Earlier this week I checked out a new studio in Tribeca: Drill Fitness. Not many things can take me that far from home but the HIIT workout was well worth the travel. Drill is conveniently located directly next to the AC123 subway entrance at Chambers street so even if you’re an uptown girl like myself, getting there is a breeze.
First things first, the space is gorgeous. It’s clean and bright with a minimalist design. The front desk folks are super friendly and upon entry set you up with a heart rate monitor. Downstairs are spacious locker rooms with all Drill-branded products, self-locking lockers (so no need to lug your own lock) and fresh pretty flowers. Once changed I headed back upstairs to the studio.
The actual studio is on the small side but it’s fine since the classes are capped at a low number. I took a HIIT class with Angel Santiago. Angel explained a bit about our workout and had a bunch of notes written on a chalkboard and as we went through each portion of the workout he crossed things out (I’m a big fan of lists and checking things off so I loved this).
The class was high energy and high intensity. I liked the small group as we got individual attention and there was a good feel among all the students. The class went through different segments, things like pushups, burpees, lots of kettlebell work, core work, squats, you know the drill. There was barely any down time, the point of the class was to go really hard with few breaks. Angel did an excellent job of explaining and demonstrating what we were doing without it feeling like we were standing around watching too much. He quickly and clearly showed us what to do throughout the class.
Everyone in class wore a heart rate monitor and our numbers were projected on a screen. Our heart rate numbers had corresponding colors, orange and red mean you’re working the hardest so when in the middle of a set you could actually see if you were working as hard as you should. At the end of class you get your final numbers and you can see progress week over week, aiming to spend more time in the orange/red zone. Below I’m 10F and could use some work!
We ended the class with core work (although there was core work sprinkled throughout intentionally to make us exhausted by the final core section) and a closing stretch. I thoroughly enjoyed the class and felt that it was 50 minutes well-spent. The class started and ended promptly and even though class started at 7pm way downtown, I was back in my apartment by 8:30pm, love that.
After class there were smoothie samples for the taking. Not sure if this is a regular occurrence but I enjoyed this little perk.
I spent some time talking to the owner after class and he has a very clear vision for his business. In addition to the HIIT class, there is a FIT class (which I believe is lower intensity and higher weight style workouts) and cycling classes. I’m hoping to make it back down there to try the FIT and cycling.
If you’re in the Tribeca neighborhood, you may want to give this place a try. If you love a go go go type of workout that has you seriously working, this is for you.
Drill is fairly new and it seems they are still working out their schedule. I’d love to see more evening class times and perhaps classes lined up a bit better so you can do a double (cycling paired with strength work). When I spoke to the owner he said more class times and potentially a 30/30 style class is in the works. I’ll be sure to check back for that as I can’t get out of work and down there in time for their 6pm classes.
Drill Fitness is offering a week of free classes now through November 30th. Visit DrillFitness.com and use promo code KNOWTHEDRILL for your free week. Let me know what you think!
