Bier Yoga may sound like an oxymoron, but if you’re honest with yourself what it really sounds like is your dream combo. Created by Emily and Jhula and based in Berlin, Bier Yoga is the merging of two great loves for the girls. Don’t for a moment think that this is a half-hearted yoga session though; the instructors are fully qualified and share an equal passion for yogic philosophy as they do beer drinking.
Melbourne’s sessions were run by Emily, who may be softly spoken but clearly has a great sense of humour. As a keen yogi myself I really believe that it is the ability to have a laugh and have fun that can make a great yoga session. Bier Yoga certainly caught the eye of a few passersby.
Although the after work hustle and bustle of Village Melbourne on a warm Wednesday evening was going on around the class, the session was very focused on creating a deep connection between beer and yogi.
It started with a beer meditation and moved into beer salutations, replacing the traditional plank with beer bench. Happy Baby turns into ‘Happy Drunk Baby at a Festival’ and it’s a true challenge to balance a beer bottle on your head while in Tree Pose, especially when you are on to your second bottle.
Bier Yoga comes highly recommended regardless of your experiences with yoga (cider lovers can also join in — beer is not the compulsory beverage). In fact it could be argued if you haven’t tried yoga before but have wanted to give it a shot this is a perfect introduction.
Bier Yoga allows you to experience yoga in a light-hearted environment with an experienced teacher guiding you. Not to mention knocking a beer back using your mouth only.
Prost! (Namaste in Bier Yoga)
– Maddie
Maddie Kilby is a freelance writer amongst many vocations and is the type of person who gets bored easily and likes to find herself in weird places doing weird things. You can follow her at @MadKil6.
Bier Yoga in Melbourne has two more sessions:
- Wednesday 22 February, 6.30pm (doors from 6pm) at Village Melbourne, 557 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne.
- Sunday 26 February, 4.30pm (doors from 4pm) at Speakeasy, 359 Chapel St., St. Kilda.
Cost is $10 plus beer.
