What the heck is beer yoga?
Beer yoga is a simple concept: you have a yoga class, then you drink a beer. Best of all, it’s very affordable. What’s not to like? We just attended a class called Hair Of The Dog at Printshop Beer Co, in the space above (but with all the tables removed). It is run by Rigazzi Wellness every Saturday morning at Printshop.
However, since attending that class, our eyes have been opened to the plethora of beer yoga options in Knoxville – who knew this was such a popular activity? Let’s go through the options we currently know about. Note that if a class size limit was listed by the brewery, we list it here. Please know that ALL OF THESE CLASSES REQUIRE YOU WEAR A MASK to the best of our knowledge.
Hair of the Dog - Printshop Beer Co.
We’ll start with the one mentioned above. Hair of the Dog starts at 10:45a on Saturdays and you are literally opening the brewery. Hair Of The Dog lasts an hour, after which you’ll be poured the beer you bought with your ticket. Feel free to stick around and have a few, the brewery will be open from noon – 10p on Saturdays.
You need to sign up and pay for the class on the website. You’ll notice there are 2 tickets: $10 for the class, or $12 for the class and a beer. Either way, that is the cheapest yoga class and cheapest craft draft I have probably ever had!
What was the class like?
Full Disclosure: The person writing this is NOT who anyone would call a flexible person. Lia, on the other hand, does very well. We are a couple that enjoys working out in some form each day, and I can say that we both felt it was a good workout. Even being at 2 different skill levels, we both had a good time.
Class was lead by Kandace Stephenson in a quiet atmosphere with indie/alternative music playing in the background. This class takes the mindfulness aspect seriously, while reminding you not to take yourself too seriously. Our instructor often provided 2 or even 3 variations on a movement for those at different levels of skill/flexibility. For me, there was plenty of work on stretching and some good muscle burn in the harder poses.
There were about 10 of us for this session. Bring your yoga mat – I know that sounds obvious, but this is a hard concrete floor.
What about the beer?
This particular post is not a review of Printshop or it’s beers, but we do have that post here. So far as I could tell, you can get any beer they have (what a steal!). We had the Hand Crank pale ale, always a good, drinkable beer with lots of flavor, but soft on the “bite” of an IPA, something I wasn’t looking for early on a Saturday.
I was more impressed by the Toddy, however. It is their Dissolved Memories oatmeal stout aged in a Knob Creek bourbon barrel, infused with other flavors. It was delicious and intrigued me for the future – apparently, Printshop is going to do a series of cocktail-inspired brews, starting with this.
Where's all the yoga pics??
I realize that the pictures on this page are just brewery pics. The reason is two-fold: 1. Sneaking off my mat and snapping a bunch of pictures of nice people doing yoga is not what they signed up for and 2. that also distracts from the whole mindfulness and kind of the point of doing yoga. Our goal with this post is just to let you know what sessions are available to you – we hope you find one you really enjoy!
Taps and Twists - Knoxville Adventure Collective
Does your Wednesday need a mid-week reprive? If so, this is your class. Also run by Rigazzi, this is a weekly session at the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center at 6:30p. Same pricing as above – $10 for the hour-long class, or $12 if you also want a beer afterwards.
Stretch and Strengthen - Bliss Integrated Bodywork & Alliance Brewing
If you’re looking to stay in the South Knox area, but Mondays are better for you, check out this option. This is another one run by Rigazzi, hosted by Jamie Kowarick, and takes place at 6p at Bliss Integrated Bodywork. Pricing is a bit different: still an hour class for $10, but they have paired up with Alliance Brewing across the street to give you $1 off a draft after class.
Mindful Imbibing - Gypsy Circus Barrelhouse
Update (2/28/21): Gypsy has moved this class to 4pm (from 3pm). Also, I note that Barrelhouse posted TWO yoga classes for Sunday, 2/21/21, a Yin class at 10:30a and a vinyasa at 4p. It is unclear right now how often there will also be a morning class. Keep an eye on their socials for updates. Class is hosted by @yogawithdela. $10 for yoga and a cider.
Bends & Brews - Elst Brewing Company
Our first challenger for the title of best Saturday beer yoga class! Bends & Brews is hosted by Kaylan Marsh in the Elstwhere Taproom at 11 am. This is the cheapest class I’ve seen in Knoxville – only $5! You also get $1 off your first beer. Classes are limited to 26 spots right now (which is actually pretty sizeable).
Power Yoga - Xul Beer Co
Last but not least, another Saturday morning class! Power Yoga at Xul starts at 10:45a (hour long session), hosted by Lisa LeCoultre. A cool $10 gets you the class and a beer. Right now, classes are first come first serve with 20 spots.
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