For lovers of both beer and yoga, learning the two can be combined is like finding out you don’t have to choose between a lavish existence and eternal life. You can indeed live it up and still achieve nirvāna! Yoga may give you strength of body and mind, but beer is the secret ingredient that will help you realize a true state of happiness. Thanks to our friends at Talisman Brewing Company in Ogden, UT, our beer/yoga needs are being well met.
As a long time partaker of yoga (and beer), I feel that I should have some authority on this subject. This was, however, my first time doing beer yoga. Luckily, my past capabilities prepared me well for the experience. I’m familiar with such poses as down dog and crow, and I know a few beer styles like IPA and milk stout. But previous knowledge of these subjects is by no means mandatory. The hour-long yoga class is adequate for beginners and veterans alike, and the beer tasting that follows will acquaint both novices and beer aficionados with the joys of drinking fresh brewed Talisman beer.
If you’re picturing yourself trying to balance in tree pose with a beer bottle on your head, you might be taking things too literally. All beer sipping is saved for after class, keeping bottles safe from mishap. My only suggestion would be for yogis to sit with a fresh beer after final meditation and slowly inhale the aroma. As my previous blog post, Beer Aroma-therapy submits, this can be very pleasurable. Now, set the beer down in front of you, palms together at heart center, bow, and say, “Namaste.”
What I really love about yoga at the brewery is the space. It’s like being in a beer temple with all the smells and sounds that go along with it. With a backdrop of aging barrels, instructor Jade Draper, takes participants through a flow of yoga poses, explaining and showing them along the way. The only audience is the row of stainless steel fermentation tanks standing guard at the edge of the practice area. While lying in savasana, the soft tinkling of water can be heard in harmony with a light scent of grain. Aaaahhhhh….
If you weren’t relaxed enough by the yoga class, the beer tasting will take care of that. Each person is given five 3 oz. pours of anything Talisman has available. Pretzels, water, and other snacks are on hand to help keep you from getting too tipsy. But, it doesn’t take much of the triple IPA or Imperial coffee stout to get you there. Drink wisely or plan for a designated driver. The cost is $10 per person which is a bargain for an hour of yoga and nearly a pint of beer. Get on the phone to Talisman (385-389-9245), and reserve a space before classes fill up. They will be taking place the first Saturday of the month and may be happening more often if demand is high. A special evening class will be held March 23rd (2017) with guest teacher, Brooke, from Colorado based Beer Yoga, LLC.
If you’ve been meaning to start doing yoga, this is your chance! What better incentive than the promise of beer afterwards? You’ll build strength and flexibility in your body and leave with a tranquil mind and a belly pleasantly full of tasty beer. It’s a no-brainer, especially if you’re an Ogden local. Now if we could just get some Salt Lake breweries to follow suit (hint hint)!
Check out the full “Talisman Presents: Beer Yoga” gallery on our Facebook Page.