Yoga and beer. Two words that most folks would usually not expect in the same sentence, let alone actually be involved with each other. Times are a-changin' though and a growing movement known as "brewga," which involves the meditative practice of yoga, while enjoying a finely crafted ale or lager, has gone crazy throughout the United States and has definitely put down roots in San Antonio.
These days, practicioners of this ancient Hindu way of improving health and relaxation also eat red meat, drink beer and then some. Ages definitely vary and all participants seek some level of spiritual discipline, as well as a balance in their lives while imbibing a fine handcrafted brew. So why not bend and imbibe on a few beers?
San Antonio saw its first blend of yoga and beer in 2011, when Dallas transplant Cassandra Fauss began teaching yoga locally. That same year she launched "Tap That Asana" during San Antonio's first-ever Beer Week and the practice is still held every year since at The Friendly Spot in Southtown. Two short years later, Fauss launched Mobile Om, taking yoga out of the classroom to unique locations around the city.
Fauss first gained a love of good brews and the knowledge to back it up, while working at both The Flying Saucer and The Gingerman craft beer pubs in Dallas.
"I fell in love with good beer and learned a lot about various styles while serving," says Fauss. "For me it was only natural to combine beer into my yoga when I later started teaching."
Mobile Om holds regular classes at Freetail Brewing every Thursday evening at 7 p.m. inside the brewhouse. After class, yogis will congregate in the brewery's taproom for a few cold ones. Fauss also holds classes Wednesdays on the Historic Hays Street Bridge right next to the Alamo Beer Co. and craft beer bar Big Hops, both of which see many yogis popping in to a quick pint before heading home.
Hope Cowgill Pedraza, owner of InBalance SA, has recently also started once a month yoga classes at Freetail Brewing on the first Friday of every month at 6 p.m.
"We wanted to provide an opportunity for people who might not consider themselves 'yogis' to try yoga in a stress-free, no-pressure environment. Sometimes a yoga studio can be intimidating to people, so why not entice them with some cold brews," says Pedraza.
"It just gives people another way to come together as a community and find common ground," says Pedraza.
Pedraza's yoga and beer classes meet at 11 a.m. every second Saturday of the month at The Point Park and Eats, a food craft beer and food truck park, as well as every third Saturday at La Gloria located on Dominion Crossing at 10:30 a.m.
Whether you're in it for the beer or the Zen, check these classes out, grab a cold one after and get your asana on.
