Frisbie and Zettler (l-r, credit: Taylor Lauren Barker)
The Drop In – a local Charleston movement studio known for its cathartic classes, inclusive philosophy, and music-forward experiences – is excited to announce the opening of its permanent home at 1118 King Street with grand opening celebrations beginning Feb. 21 through the 23rd.
Founded by longtime friends and collaborators Gillian Zettler and Chandler Frisbie, The Drop In was ignited a decade ago from a shared belief that movement is a catalyst for mental health and medicine for the soul as well as a source of inspiration and perspective. What began as a series of pop-up experiences across North Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Downtown Charleston has now found its home, designed to serve as a true place to find connection anchored by movement.
“Our new space is the physical manifestation of a vision we have been following for years,” says Zettler, co-founder of The Drop In. “ As we did not want to open just another fitness studio, our goal was to create a home where people feel seen, supported and connected the moment they walk through the door.”
The Drop In’s 2,700-square-foot, two-story craftsman bungalow invites guests to come early and stay late. Thoughtfully designed and sourced, the space prioritizes warmth, openness and connection reinforcing The Drop In’s belief that environment matters just as much as experience.
“We wanted a space that has soul,” says Zettler. “By choosing a house over a conventional studio layout, we’ve created a comfortable, non-traditional environment where movement feels personal, community gathers organically and every experience feels like an invitation into something shared.”
The team worked with The Marsh Project to integrate South Carolina’s native plant species, becoming the first commercial property to do so, from top to bottom as part of the area’s ecological corridor. The design also includes a front porch and outdoor gathering space furnished for connection and conversation. A movable, podium-style check-in desk crafted by Will Smith of Lowcountry Iron & Woodworks allows the team to welcome members outside when weather permits, reinforcing the feeling of being welcomed into a home rather than entering a transactional fitness space.
The Drop In offers unique mat- and cycle-based movement classes that are welcoming for all bodies and abilities, with a strong emphasis on fundamentals, shared energy and presence, paired with vibrant music. In addition to the updated space, The Drop In added new modalities including deep stretch, sculpt and dance classes.
Classes are intentionally phone free and non-transactional in feel, encouraging participants to move, listen and connect rather than simply workout and then move on about their day. Beyond Charleston, The Drop In extends its approach through curated retreats in Austin, Texas and Nosara, Costa Rica, with upcoming destinations including Marche, Italy and Vermont planned for spring and summer 2026.
“When people enter The Drop In, they don’t have to perform or prove a single thing,” says Frisbie. “We meet people exactly where they are . The magic happens when the music hits just right and you look around the room and realize you are part of something bigger.”
Unlike traditional cycling studios that rely on darkness, the natural light in every room allows coaches and students to see clearly, cue proper form and foster genuine connection among participants. The intentional use of light reinforces The Drop In’s belief that it is difficult to build community in darkness, and movement becomes more meaningful when people can see and engage with one another.
Beyond classes, the thoughtfully curated space will also serve as a flexible hub for community programming, including book talks, “Happier Hours” gatherings, acoustic music sets, dance parties and collaborative events with partners such as Lowcountry Local, Magnolia Labs, Alliance For Full Acceptance (AFFA) and more. Situated along the future path of the Charleston Lowline, The Drop In is at the heart of a transformative urban project designed to connect neighborhoods and residents, further positioning the studio as a natural gathering place for movement, connection and community.
Accessibility is a cornerstone of The Drop In’s mission. Classes are eligible for HSA coverage and mats are provided. The studio offers community-funded class donations and free events designed to remove financial and cultural barriers to entry. True to its belief that movement spaces should feel human rather than exclusive or transactional, The Drop In is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and supported.
The opening celebration will unfold through a series of thoughtfully curated moments, beginning with a media preview on February 18 from 5:00-7:30 p.m. The programming continues with a Sofar Sounds concert on February 19 starting at 7:30 p.m. The official grand opening weekend will take place February 21-23, featuring $10 drop-in classes across all modalities. This multi-day programming invites longtime supporters, first-time visitors, and the broader community to experience The Drop In’s distinctive approach to movement, connection, and belonging.
For more information about The Drop In, visit thedropin.