Known as the art of eight limbs for its use of punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strike (add ’em up), Muay Thai isn’t your average workout. While working on your jabs and hooks has become commonplace in the NYC fitness scene, being able to strike from anywhere, with pretty much every part of your body is a whole new ballgame. And now, the ancient discipline is meeting boutique fitness in a just-opened Nolita studio. It’s called Hit House.
PUNCH, KICK, KNEE, ELBOW
Downtown Manhattanites recognized the newcomer when “Hit House” graced the glass doors of 2 Spring Street (also known as 180 Bowery), marking its territory next to Nudie Jeans and Kings Avenue Tattoo last summer. But the high-end Muay Thai boutique has officially opened. Well-known fighter and Muay Thai instructor Tyler Scott created the high-end studio to help you fight safely, sweat without inhibition, and be a lover and a fighter… Thai style.
The 50-minute classes consist of punching, kicking, elbowing, and striking special punching bags, called “Bishops”, all while listening to high-energy music (because there’s no such thing as too much Kanye or The Weeknd). For newbie fighters, channeling your inner Muhammad Ali (or even your inner Gigi Hadid) can be seriously intimidating — that’s why the punch-extravaganza will begin with an active warm-up where you learn how to correctly throw jabs, crosses, hooks, uppercuts, kicks, knees, and elbows. Then, you’ll breathe and sweat your way through instructor-led combos.
Though, if you’re a martial art pro, don’t worry — you can take the time to do your own thing. Whatever you’re level, as long as you’re self-confident, ambitious, and have a little bit of swagger, you’ll fit right in.
PUNCH THE DAY IN THE FACE
If you’re an AM exerciser, you’ll be happy to learn that the locker rooms are top-notch. They’ve got showers, towels, hair dryers, shampoo, and anything else you might need to punch the day in the face.
Nowhere to go after class? Even more reason to hit up their retail wall for black, white, and grey tone workout gear that’s as sleek and stylish as the studio itself. Or hang out and take ’gram-worthy photos in front of their rustic brick wall or ivy-laced check-in area.
BE A LOVER AND A FIGHTER
It’s easy to get involved: Book a class online by clicking here. Or check out their Instagram story, where they post their class schedule every day. The studio may only have two to four classes per day at the moment, but once NYC has a chance to get (h)it on at Hit House, more classes will surely be added. Until then, schedule your time to throw ’bows to the beat.
This article originally appeared on Fitt New York City at https://fitt.co/new-york-city/hithouse-nyc/