See renderings: Lagree, heated sculpt and kettlebell workouts coming to South End at Drench
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The heated studio will host kettle bell and sculpt classes. All renderings by Martin MacLean, with architectural/engineering plans by Smith Harris Design Associates.
Drench, a multi-modality fitness and recovery studio, will open in the heart of South End this summer.
Why it matters: Instead of bouncing between yoga, strength and recovery studios, Drench brings several of Charlotte's most popular workouts under one roof.
- The 3,600-square-foot space will offer heated sculpt, kettlebell strength, Lagree and breath-led recovery.
What to expect: Two studios and four class types.
- Sculpt: A heated rhythm-driven yoga and pilates-inspired athletic flow using light to medium weights.
- Kettlebell strength: A strength-forward kettlebell training offered in two formats to build muscle and endurance, heated between 75-80 degrees.
- Lagree: A high-intensity, low-impact workout focused on time under tension on Mini Pro machines, which are like reformers.
- Mindful recovery: Breathwork, meditation, and stretch classes.
By the numbers: The heated studio will fit 40 mats. The Lagree studio will have 10 Mini Pros.
Context: Owners Matthew and Martin MacLean moved to Charlotte from San Francisco in 2019. Both come from group fitness backgrounds and have taught private classes locally.
- The idea for Drench grew out of their own routine. As former Equinox members in California, they were used to accessing multiple workout modalities in one place.
- In Charlotte, they found themselves splitting time and memberships across studios and began sketching out a space they'd want to attend themselves.
What they're saying: "As two dads with high-pressure jobs, we knew how fragmented wellness can feel, bouncing between studios and schedules," they tell Axios. "We wanted to bring the formats that inspired us under one roof so life feels a little easier."
The vibe: The studio looks like a luxury wellness hub, with warm neutrals, curved plaster and moody lighting. Expect spa-like touches, too, from a signature scent to cold towels and ice.
Yes, but: The MacLeans say they want Drench to be approachable and community-driven.
- Half of late cancellation fees will go to local charities. Teacher and community worker discounts are built in. Anyone who loses their job or faces financial hardship will receive a free month.
- "We want people to continue their routine and focus on themselves, especially when it can be hardest," they tell Axios.
What's next: Pop-up classes will take place in South End ahead of the opening.
- Pricing hasn't been announced, but the MacLeans say memberships will be competitive.
- Founding memberships are expected to launch in April, with a June soft opening and a July grand opening planned.
The big picture: More Charlotte studios are blending formats instead of sticking to just one.
- The Health Club in Oakhurst, The Club in South End, Motion Fitness in SouthPark and Strength and Wellness Collective of Charlotte are all examples of the wellness club model, which combines multiple training styles, and often recovery or coworking, in one space.
- Drench is the latest to join that shift.
Stop by: Drench will open at 2041 South Blvd. Ste 101 South End, in the same strip as Snooze and Silverlake Ramen.