The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Classes combine yoga, booze
Lower your resistance to om with these 6 regular metro events.
Those feel-good vibes you get post-yoga class combined with the happy buzz of sipping your favorite adult beverage is a recipe for the ultimate Zen. Part wellness and part foodie, the trend has finally hit Atlanta, served up now at plenty of yoga studios, breweries, wine bars and other spaces across the city where you can practice both your savasana and your swirl technique. Get ready to detox, then retox, at these combo classes that mix yoga, beer, wine, mimosas and, in one case, even goats (yes, you read that correctly). Get ready to om.
Yoga + Beer
The first Saturday of every month, Reformation Brewery in Woodstock hosts Yoga + Beer class from 10 a.m.-noon. It’s open to the public and geared toward beginner and intermediate-level students. The gentle yoga class will run you $25, and includes an hourlong flow class taught by instructor Tommasina Marlow Lash from Ember Hot Yoga, followed by a post-yoga pint in Reformation’s Keeping Room and a six-pack of your choice to take home. Participants should bring their yoga mats and water. The next Yoga + Beer classes will take place June 2 and July 7. Register in advance at reformationbrewery.com. 500 Arnold Mill Way, Woodstock. 678-341-0828, reformationbrewery.com.
Goat Yoga
Goat Yoga is pretty much what it sounds like: doing yoga poses while adorable baby goats frolic around you and even jump on you when the opportunity arises (hello, tabletop pose!). Combining the Zen energy of yoga with the stress-relieving traits of therapy animals, Goat Yoga has reached Stone Mountain, where Red Wagon Goats is currently offering two Goat Yoga class formats — a family-friendly, 45-minute class and a 21-and-up option that includes an hour of yoga, meditation and breath work, followed by 30 minutes of goat snuggles and selfies, as well as chocolate and wine or mimosas. A Sunset, Sips & Snuggles, Mini Goat Yoga Session ($35) makes for a good intro to the practice, with a short 30-minute sunset session of gentle yoga, followed by 30 minutes of goat cuddles, wine and chocolate. Classes are added to the schedule regularly, so visit the Red Wagon Goats website for upcoming dates. Classes, which are taught by Red Wagon Goats co-owner Megan Kibby, take place outside, so, besides bringing water, you may want to bring an extra towel to lay under your mat in the yard. An open mind and sense of humor probably help, too. 4853 Autumn Circle, Stone Mountain. 678-753-4628, redwagongoats.com/goat-yoga.
Yoga in the Park + Mimosas
The free Yoga on the Patio series at historic Roswell’s Osteria Mattone has morphed into Yoga in the Park this year thanks to popularity. Taking place the second Sunday of each month, now through November (excluding May due to Mother’s Day), the free class is taught at the Heart of Roswell Park (off of Elizabeth Way) from 10-11 a.m. Bring your mat and water to this class and enjoy a rotating roster of instructors from local studios. On June 10, Julia Larson from Harmony Chiropractic will lead yogis, followed by Jessica McCleskey Hood from Soulful Yoga on July 8. Be sure to check Osteria Mattone’s Facebook page for schedule information and weather updates in the case of cancellations. Each 60-minute class is open to all levels and will end with a ticket for a complimentary mimosa at Osteria Mattone. Heart of Roswell Park, 925 Canton St., Roswell; and Osteria Mattone, 1095 Canton St., Roswell. 678-878-3378, osteriamattone.com.
Align + Wine Yoga
Head to VinoTeca wine shop in Inman Park for the Align + Wine Yoga class that takes place early each month. There’s a special Mother’s Day class from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. this Sunday, May 13, followed by a class June 10 and July 8. The $25 classes are led by yoga instructor Shavonna Warthen, and are designed to align your body and breath, while expanding your palate with postyoga wine tasting. You can expect to work on postures that decrease stress, build strength and improve flexibility. Don’t forget to bring your mat and purchase a ticket in advance on EventBrite.com (search for Align + Wine Yoga) since space is limited. 299 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta. 470-377-5100, shopvinoteca.com.
Yoga in the Park with Westside Yoga + Beer
Yoga enthusiasts can partake in a complimentary class with Westside Yoga’s founder Amber Barry in the meadow at Park Tavern this coming Monday, May 14. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., yogis of all levels are welcome to bring a friend, a yoga mat, towel and water bottle to enjoy the sunset over Midtown’s skyline. Attendees ages 21 and up can also take advantage of a complimentary house beer on Park Tavern’s expansive patio after class. This free monthly class (second Monday of each month) is held rain or shine — the yoga session moves to the Piedmont Room in case of showers or cold temps. 500 10th St. NE, Atlanta. 404-2490001, parktavern.com or westsideyoga.com.
Hip-Hop Yoga Warriors and Mimosas
“It’s where Deepak meets Tupac.” That’s how instructor Jaimee Ratliff describes her yoga class, “Hip-Hop Yoga Warriors and Mimosas,” which will take place next at 11 a.m. June 30 at City Winery. The athletically powered vinyasa flow class is suited for all levels, and is set to hip-hop and R&B tunes. Students can expect to have fun, get playful and move to the beat however it feels right for them. Ratliff began teaching hip-hop yoga to bring more diversity to the practice and “to spread the universal truth that yoga is for every body, shape, size and ethnicity.”
At the start of each class, students are invited to step off their mats, meet someone new and share something that they love about themselves or something they are grateful for. The class then begins with intention setting, followed by 75 minutes of yoga, and it ends with an inspirational meditation. After a wellness raffle, participants are invited to sip mimosas and mingle with new friends. With a focus on community building, Ratliff hopes students leave feeling “empowered, inspired and uplifted.” Purchase $25 tickets on the City Winery website. Ponce City Market, 650 North Ave., Atlanta. 404946-3791, citywinery.com.