It all started at a yoga studio in Berlin, Germany. Certified yoga teachers and passionate beer drinkers Emily and Jhula discovered that there is nothing like mixing beer with yoga—it’s the perfect concoction. Since then this trend is making its way across the globe, one sip at a time.
The fitness fad is fast catching up among the yoga enthusiasts who love drinking beer and don’t mind indulging in the adventure that this unique form of yoga brings. Just Delhiing in association with Witlinger organised a daylong Beer Yoga event at an indoor space in Saket in the capital two years ago, and is planning to hold another in August-September this year.
“It was the first time that Delhi had seen such an event and people were confused and excited at the same time. The turnout was pretty good. This time we are mulling a corporate tie-up,” says Saurav Jha, marketing head, Just Delhiing.
The event saw more than 20 first-timers giving Beer Yoga a shot. The one-and-a-half-hour session was conducted by Ssthit Setia, a professional Beer Yoga instructor. “Participants enjoyed the session. It helped them ease and relax,” quips Saurav.
And in case you were wondering, this form of yoga also has its benefits. Those who have tried it claim it helps them reach a state of calm and relaxation in a much better and faster way. The trainer curates various asanas combining them with beer. “Some of them are regular and others are specific to Beer Yoga,” says Saurav.
But the challenges for holding a Beer Yoga session include finding a certified trainer who would be adept at handling a session that makes people go high and continue with the asanas as instructed. “Apart from that, it was initially hard to convince people about the new concept,” claims Saurav.
But it goes without saying that such a class will be full of fun and laughter. “The participants have fun while doing asanas, but the catch is to allow only two pints of beer in a session,” smiles Saurav. The purpose of practising yoga is to make a mind-body connection and beer is just a tool to help an enthusiast reach a higher level of consciousness. “My experience of Beer Yoga was great. It was new, fun and relaxing. I had a really nice time plus Team Just Delhiing made sure that it was conducted in a professional yet fun manner. I would love to do it again,” says Priya Sethi, public relations professional.
All the same, purists may beg to differ and feel that using beer makes a mockery of yoga’s principles. “Yoga means awareness. Asanas, pranayam, meditation and other tools are used to awaken one’s consciousness. Once we are alert, the first thing to happen is that we become mindful of our energy, and avoid wasting it on useless things or acts.
Being mindful is the key to developing our vital energy force. We don’t need beer or any such addiction. Addiction means you are doing it for the heck of doing it and yoga becomes a mechanical act and it can never connect one with the self,” says Ahmedabad-based Dheeraj Vashistha, founder of Vashistha Yoga.
Nonetheless, if you are game for some adventure, Beer Yoga is the fitness fad to try out this summer.