The Columbus yoga and beer scenes just keep growing. In addition to some good times around tunes that combine yoga practice and brewskis, there are some opportunities to do good works, too.
“Yoga combined with breweries can be a great way to introduce people to yoga,” notes yoga teacher Daniel Sernicola. “Having a drink afterwards can build community and provide the opportunity to support local businesses. Definitely save the drinking for after the class, though. A forward fold with a drink in the belly is less than pleasant.”
Jake Hays, his partner at Danja Yoga agrees and adds, “Breweries provide a bonding atmosphere for friends and family that’s both energetic and relaxing. Tapping into this energy can provide a unique experience … Plus having a beer with the community is just what’s needed after a great class.”
Bexley Yoga will have a fun yoga for Pelotonia fundraiser July 19 at 547 S. Drexel. That Wednesday, they will gather for an evening of yoga and wine tasting to raise funds for Team Bexley. In September, Bexley Yoga will restart ‘happy hours’ the first Friday of each month. Michelle Mineo does a yoga flow class at 7 p.m., usually themed to a classic rock band, followed by a BYOB social at 8 p.m. with snacks provided by the studio. There are always strawberries dipped in chocolate!
Zauber Brewing at 909 W. Fifth Ave. has had Brewga going strong for over a year and a half. GoYoga-trained Clarissa Pape has a regular flow class on Sunday morning at 11 a.m. for only $5. Although Zauber Brewing is changing ownership, the yoga program and staff, including brewmaster Cameron Lloyd, will remain the same.
Another brewery with yoga among the tanks is the Homestead Beer Co. The tap room manager there, Taylor Proctor, knew yoga teacher Jen Winchester and asked her to do a brew-ga event there. The first one was July 16, 2017. The owner of Homestead, Adam Rhodes, told me that he hopes Jen will keep teaching. The drive to Homestead includes some lovely Ohio countryside. The trick to finding Homestead is to put 811 Irving Wick Way in the GPS then aim for the Boeing facility. The sign is on the right near the railroad tracks. They have a nice patio and For more info or to sign up, contact [email protected].
The very big craft brewery now in town, Scottish-based BrewDog, has yoga scheduled July 22. “Yoga Brunch and Brew” is led by Taylor Manning who graduated from the Baptiste Power Yoga teacher training program at Balanced Yoga. The BrewDog USA tap room is at 96 Gender Rd. in Canal Winchester. The cost is $30.
Modo Yoga has been a welcome addition to the yoga scene in Cbus since they took over the old Ohio Power Tool on Dublin Road and made an eco-conscious, calming yoga studio. Modo holds Yoga + Tacos monthly at Cosecha Cocina. They also have Killer Yoga + Killer Beer at Four String which is not only fun, but to raise money for charity.
“These events bring together people for a shared experience and many meet new friends, or groups of friends attend together,” noted co-owner Eliabeth Moore. A big yoga event for Modo Yoga this year is Yoga Day July 29 at Huntington Park.
“It is going to be great,” said co-owner Chad Underwood. There will be yoga on the soft infield grass (check in around 11 a.m.) and tickets to the 4 p.m. game are included in the $20 admission.
August is a hopping month for yoga and brews. First, Platform Beer Co., 408 North Sixth St., holds its first yoga event on August 6 and classes are limited to 10 people. There will be two classes, 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. and $25 admission includes a steamed bagel by Nate’s. Future events are likely, so watch their website and Facebook page.
Local Roots in Powell is a venue highlighting local food, music and beverages. They also have multiple yoga events this summer under the heading “Sip, Stretch and Sweat” including GoYoga on August 7, and PAI Yoga on August 14 7-9 p.m. Cost is $25.
The Youth Yoga Project is a great idea: bring yoga to children so they can learn calmness and provide the schools a PE requirement. They are holding two brewery fundraisers in August. On the August 6 for $40, you can do yoga with the Balanced Yoga crew at Wolf’s Ridge at 9 a.m. followed by a brunch in the private taproom. On August 13, they are at Four String from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. doing a karma class (cash donations of any amount) with Modo Yoga.
Saturday, August 12, Jeremy Grace of Yoga on High with his friend, John Evans, owner of the Ohio Taproom, 1291 W. Third Ave., are holding an all levels “Bend and Brew” class from 10 – 11 a.m. to raise money for the Steve Hall Memorial Scholarship fund. Forty-two people attended their event on July 8. This time, they will expand beyond the patio and have a PA system.
“It’s a wonderful way to bring new and returning customers to the Taproom for a relaxing, beneficial event …” said Evans.
“Yoga is an amazing way to create a connection to yourself and thus feel more aware of your connection and presence to the world around you. I thought it would be a fun way to build community through an authentic yoga practice and enjoy Ohio beer craftmanship,” said Grace. Foxfire Tacos is scheduled there also and the event is donation-based.
August 12 is also a Bend and Brew from 10 – 11 a.m. at Combustion Brewery Taproom in Pickerington, 80 W. Church St., by Native Yoga’s Karissa Carpenter. To sign up email [email protected]. $30 includes an hour of yoga, a brewery tour and tasting (a flight of beer/mimosas or two drink tickets). Karissa is a former gymnast, so she can really bend!
Also on August 12 at Main Street Wellness in Reynoldsburg, 7339 E. Main, Olivia Wilson leads a Vino & Vinyasa afternoon from 4 – 7 p.m. For $40, a yoga flow class then mediation is followed by choice refreshments in this cozy studio in Olde Reynoldsburg.
On August 13, Rise Yoga is holding an event at Plum Run Winery/Grove City Brewing, 3946 Broadway, at 9:45 a.m. After yoga flow, people can hang out for beer tastings and info. Rise Yoga also is holding a Friday night ‘Yoga and Mingle’ event from 6 – 10 p.m. on August 25. Yoga and meditation will be followed by beverages and snacks with opportunities to explore local shopping in the ‘Groovy City!”
Also in late August, Harbor Yoga in Dublin will have a yoga event at The Pint Room. This is in conjunction with local athletic-wear company, Bend Active. Details are pending; please visit Harbor Yoga’s website.
Later this year, MatHappy will have an October 14 “Moon Magic” event from 7 – 9 p.m. for $33. Balanced Yoga will likely hold another Rockmill event this fall, too.
Of course, one should handle alcohol (and yoga) with respect. Several yoga professionals and students that I spoke to while writing this piece had mixed or strong anti-intoxicant philosophical views regarding alcohol and yoga. Physiologically, drinking before yoga is not recommended as alcohol relaxes the muscle which keeps the stomach closed at the top. In other words, beer before Down Dog … NOT! Also, many people use yoga as part of recovery from addiction. Yoga Happiness, Ashtanga Yoga Columbus, and GoYoga’s many locations host AA, NA meetings, and other events to help families and others maintain sobriety. Asana responsibly!
