We get a lot of questions about Yoga + Beer events, and so we hope this list of questions is helpful in your planning. If the answer you are seeking is not here, just send us an email and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Common Questions
Do I have to drink beer or wine?
We know, it’s called Yoga + Beer. But we are equal opportunity beverage appreciators – so no, you don’t have to drink beer. Most of our hosts offer other options for non-beer drinkers. But whether you have a drink after class or not, we hope you’ll stay and hang out! If you choose not to drink alcohol (and a lot of our yogis don’t), we ask that you support our host by purchasing another beverage, food, or a gift card after class.
I’ve never practiced yoga before … is that okay?
Absolutely! We have several people at each class that have never tried yoga before. And we have several more that are fairly new to the practice. Our goal is to make these classes truly all levels yoga classes – options to make it easier, options to make it harder – and lots of explanations for those of you who are still learning the poses. And you’ll almost always hear us start class by saying – everything we do is optional. We have enough stress, worry, and overwhelming aspects of life … so we don’t want to add to that. Do the things in class that work for you, skip the things that don’t. And if you need to just lay on your mat for the duration of class and breathe - that’s very much still yoga.
What should I wear?
You don’t need official yoga clothes to practice yoga. Just wear clothes that are easy to move in. Athletic type clothes are best.
Do I need to bring a yoga mat?
During this time of COVID, we will not be offering any mats for borrowing. Please bring your own yoga mat, or a towel for class. Most of our classes happen in brewery or restaurant spaces … so the floor is not the cleanest. They sweep, they mop … but still. We recommend not bringing your cleanest, newest mat. And maybe even bringing a towel to place beneath your mat.
Do I need to sign up for class in advance?
Advance registration is required for all of our classes. Please grab your spot online before showing up at class.
Can I bring my kids?
It depends on the host. Each event listing will specify if class is open to all ages or if there is an age restriction for class. We typically follow the rules of the brewery or winery - if they allow minors, then we allow kids in class. If you bring your kids to one of our all ages events – We simply ask that the child is able to either participate in class or sit quietly on their mat during class without disrupting those around them. Oh and … obviously, they can only participate in the yoga portion of Yoga + Beer, but they’re welcome to join us for food after class.
Why are some classes donation-based while other classes cost?
When we started teaching Yoga + Beer classes, we thought it would just be an occasional fun thing we offered for the community … we never dreamed it would turn into multiple classes a month in several different cities. Those original classes remain free – well, they’re donation based, which means that we ask people to give what they can for class. As we started adding classes at breweries beyond Salem, we began charging to keep the schedule of classes sustainable for us. When we set prices, we tried to make the price for class slightly cheaper than it would be to pay drop in at a local studio, plus the cost of one beer. Our goal is to make Yoga + Beer classes accessible for people, and that includes the financial commitment to attend class.
Do you play music in classes?
It depends on the setting, the noise level of the brewery, and a few other factors. But yes, most of our classes include music and we play fairly non-traditional yoga music … upbeat, happy, feel-good jams.
Why Yoga + Beer?
Honestly … because we love yoga, and we love beer. We took the things that we love and combined them. And it’s pretty cool that other people enjoy the combination too. We keep these classes going because people seem to be more comfortable trying yoga and coming to class in a brewery or a nontraditional space than they are at a studio (when the studio is unfamiliar to them). And most importantly to us … because these classes build community. Yoga can be so individually focused … these classes create space for yoga to be a shared experience, and we love that. It’s important for us to be reminded that the end goal of our practice shouldn’t just be about us, it should be about our community, and the greater good. And when you’re staying after class to connect over a refreshment with your community, it brings the practice back to that guiding principle.
Would you consider adding a Yoga + Beer class at my brewery?
Definitely. Yes. Let’s talk. Send us an email: mikki@cheersandnamaste.com
