With a yoga studio on every corner, and a brewery in every neighborhood, it was only a matter of time before the two would connect. Recently I heard a buzz about a yoga class being held at Resurgence Brewery on Niagara Street. At first I scratched my head, wondering how that ever happened. At the same time I realized the brilliance in the concept. Why not pair up two of Buffalo’s beloved pastimes – brewing and yoga!
It was Kristen Thomas, MD, owner of FLOAT Yoga, who came up with this interesting mash-up that places yogis right smack in the center of the brewery. As crazy as the concept first appeared to be, it also turned out be incredibly popular with those who appreciate getting fit in non-traditional gym or studio surroundings.
The classes are know as Bhakti, Beats & Brews. “In short, I began Bhakti, Beats & Brews because I was looking for a way to bring two of my passions together — yoga and music,” Kristen told me. “My aim was to create a fun and relaxed experience for Buffalo’s yogis and yoga-curious to gather together to practice yoga and share in a bit of merriment. Partnering with Resurgence Brewing Co. was an obvious choice for me; the guys there have created a virtual playground for adults that is perfectly suited for this purpose, and they could not be more welcoming of the our local yoga community.”
There might have been a day when brewing and yoga would have clashed. But those days are apparently long gone. In some magical way, Kristen has managed to bring the two concepts together in a fun, inspirational, energetic and informative way. “The [co-ed] class is followed by brewery tours and samples by the guys at Resurgence,” Kristen noted. “We are often joined by other various yoga groups within the community, such as AcroYoga Buffalo, for extra curricular fun afterwards in the biergarten. The idea is that folks stick around afterwards to hang with friends and make new ones, and what better social lubricant than beer, right? I am also pleased to have Ashker’s Juice Bar as a partner, as they provide delicious complementary freshly pressed juices for our guests for the morning sign in/welcome.”
Maybe the real feat, to making all of this work, is the ability to rethink what a brewery is, and what yoga is – traditionally speaking that is. Today, both are social ways for people to come together and enjoy themselves. I suppose that it’s all about the balance of life. Those who are able to be fit in mind, body and soul, should be rewarded for their efforts, and if that means that a local brewery happens to be the carrot for achieving a state of inner peace, then so be it! “In my opinion, yoga is so much more than serious meditations and bodily contortions, and on one Sunday morning a month, my intention is to provide a lighthearted, perhaps even booty shaking, good time in order to demonstrate this,” commented Kristen. “I feel that if I can turn a few new folks on to all the positive yoga has to offer, I’ve done something good (a “good” that oddly I never felt I could provide as a practicing physician).
“Over the past couple of months, dozens of yogis have joined us, rolling their mats out right in the middle of the brewery, just feet from the brewing vats. I am joined by a fantastic DJ by the name of Groove Cereal (Francesco Cimato), who lays down some incredibly groovy beats, providing a live soundtrack for our yoga class. I lead a 75 minute open level vinyasa yoga flow, which means that poses are linked together in a flowing sequence that is connected to the movement of the breath. No matter what your skill level or yoga experience, you will be able to effectively participate in almost every aspect of the class. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi, or someone who’s only tried yoga at a gym or the YMCA, I assure you that you will not feel left out.”
Next yoga class: Sunday October 26, 2014 | Sign in/welcome is at 10 am, and class begins at 10:30 am. Bring your own mat and towel. Water is provided. Suggested donation of $5.00 at door. Space is limited, first come, first served. See Facebook event.
Resurgence Brewery | 1250 Niagara Street | Buffalo, NY 14213