Yoga And Beer: A Relaxing, Fun Workout

Beer yoga is a hybrid form of yoga that involves participants practising yoga while drinking beer. It was created in the US around 2013 and has since spread to other countries, including Germany, Australia, Thailand and the UK. A typical beer yoga class involves an hour of regular yoga, with participants drinking around two bottles of beer during the session. While some have criticised the practice as unhealthy and gimmicky, others argue that it helps people reach their highest level of consciousness and can even act as a gateway to classical yoga.

Beer yoga is a yoga hybrid created in America around 2013

Brooke Larson founded the American company Beer Yoga in Oklahoma City in July 2015. Larson stated that she was inspired to start the company after posting a photo of herself "sipping beer and doing yoga" on Instagram in February 2013. By 2017, she was teaching Beer Yoga classes in eight states.

Beer yoga has since spread to other countries, including Germany, Australia, and Thailand. In Berlin, the German company BierYoga was started by Jhula in 2015 after she saw beer yoga at Burning Man. BierYoga classes typically involve an hour of regular yoga while participants drink about two bottles of beer. Jhula emphasises that while the practice may seem fun, it incorporates the "philosophies of yoga" to help participants reach their highest level of consciousness.

Beer yoga has received some criticism as being unhealthy and contrary to the spirit of classical yoga. However, others have noted that alcohol was sometimes used in yoga rituals in classical times, and that the practice can help make yoga more accessible and less intimidating for beginners.

It involves drinking beer during or after asana practice

Beer yoga is a hybrid form of yoga that involves drinking beer during or after asana practice. It was created in America around 2013 and has since spread to other countries, including Germany, Australia, Thailand, and England. The exact origins of beer yoga are unclear, but it is believed to have emerged at the Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert.

In a typical beer yoga class, participants practice yoga at breweries or taprooms while drinking beer. The founder of BierYoga, Jhula, explained that she likes both beer and yoga and wanted to combine the two. She took standard vinyasa sequences and figured out how to incorporate beer into the poses. During a beer yoga class, participants can expect to go through an hour of regular yoga while drinking about two bottles of beer. While it may seem like a joke, Jhula takes the philosophies of yoga seriously and aims to help each participant reach their highest level of consciousness.

Some people may find the concept of beer yoga counterproductive to the goal of burning calories or staying fit. However, beer yoga classes are gaining popularity, especially in breweries and among people who enjoy craft beer and socialising. It offers a more relaxed and beginner-friendly atmosphere compared to traditional yoga classes. Participants are encouraged to take breaks if they feel dizzy or inebriated, and it is important to prioritise safety and listen to your body.

While beer yoga has received criticism for being unhealthy and contrary to the spirit of classical yoga, alcohol was sometimes used in yoga rituals in classical times. It is worth noting that drinking alcohol is not recommended as a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, and it is essential to consume alcohol responsibly and in moderation.

Beer yoga classes are becoming popular everywhere from breweries to Burning Man

Beer yoga classes are becoming popular everywhere, from breweries to Burning Man. It is a yoga hybrid that was created in America around 2013, in which participants practice yoga at breweries or taprooms, drinking beer during or after asana practice. The exact origins of beer yoga are unclear, but it is believed to have emerged at the Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert around 2013.

The concept has since spread to other countries, including Germany, Australia, Thailand, and England. By 2017, beer yoga was described as "nearly as universal at craft breweries as IPAs" in America. The German company BierYoga, founded in Berlin in 2015, was inspired by beer yoga at Burning Man. Similarly, the American company Beer Yoga was founded in Oklahoma City in 2015 after its founder, Brooke Larson, posted a photo of herself sipping beer and doing yoga, receiving a positive response.

Beer yoga classes typically attract newcomers to yoga, especially men. The classes are often shorter than traditional yoga classes and are held in a relaxed and social atmosphere. While traditional yoga focuses on individual breathing and introspection, beer yoga emphasizes community and socialization. The combination of beer and yoga creates a light-hearted and welcoming environment, making it a great way to meet new people and get comfortable with strangers.

Instructors emphasize the importance of taking breaks and listening to your body during beer yoga, as drinking while doing yoga can have its dangers. Participants are usually advised to drink in moderation and be mindful of their consumption levels. Beer yoga has received some criticism from fitness experts and traditional yogis who view it as a marketing gimmick and contrary to the spirit of classical yoga. However, it offers a unique and enjoyable experience for those seeking a fun twist to their yoga practice.

It is a great way to get comfortable with strangers

Beer yoga is a great way to get comfortable with strangers. The activity combines traditional yoga poses with drinking bottles of beer, and it has become a popular social activity for people of all experience levels. It is often held in breweries or taprooms, and sometimes even in nightclubs. The light-hearted nature of the activity, with its focus on fun and socialising, creates a welcoming atmosphere that helps participants relax and feel at ease with one another.

The activity is designed to be inclusive, with an emphasis on enjoying yourself rather than taking the practice too seriously. This means that participants are more likely to be open to socialising and connecting with others. The shared experience of trying something new and potentially unusual can be a great ice-breaker, and the combination of yoga and beer can lead to a more relaxed and conversational environment.

In addition, the physical aspects of beer yoga, such as the yoga poses and the drinking, can also facilitate social interaction. For example, participants may need to work together to balance their beers or help each other with poses. The activity can also encourage conversation and connection as participants may find themselves in unique or humorous situations, such as trying to balance a beer bottle on their head or performing a pose while slightly tipsy.

Beer yoga's ability to bring people together and create a sense of camaraderie is one of its main appeals. It offers a unique way to socialise and connect with others, and the shared experience of trying something new and different can help foster a sense of community and camaraderie among participants. This can be especially beneficial for those who are new to an area or looking to expand their social circle.

Furthermore, the combination of yoga and beer can also lead to a more relaxed and conversational environment. The physical challenge of the yoga poses can be offset by the social and enjoyable aspect of drinking beer, making it easier for people to connect and converse. Beer yoga provides an opportunity for people to come together, try something new, and socialise in a unique and fun way.

Critics say it is unhealthy and not in keeping with the spirit of classical yoga

Beer yoga has faced criticism from fitness experts who have called it a marketing gimmick and unhealthy. Critics have also argued that it is not in keeping with the spirit of classical yoga. The Guardian, for instance, commented that a beer after a yoga session is preferable to drinking a "mid-plank pilsner".

The Times also noted that "sipping an ice-cold pint while in warrior pose" is far from the classical teachings of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. However, Indologist James Mallinson commented that yoga is "such a big multifarious tradition" that one can find precedence for almost anything. He added that in the 6th century, alcohol was used in rituals to help advanced yogis be "possessed" by the goddess.

Some have also pointed out that drinking beer during yoga can hinder the breathing process. Exercises like Pranayam are designed to purify the blood and the respiratory system, but consuming beer during yoga leads to the opposite result as alcohol enters the system. This can break concentration, leaving the practitioner focused on either stopping themselves from burping or keeping themselves balanced.

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