Centuries old yoga has transformed lives of millions of people around the world and in the process has also undergone many changes. Though the basic asanas remain the same, people follow various styles based on their convenience. Some even club yoga with acrobatics, weight lifting and circuit training.

While this is the case in India, a fitness club in the United States recommends beer along with yoga.

Started by New York-based Sophia Del Gigante, Beer Fit Club offers beer to the yoga enthusiasts. The sessions are conducted for one hour at different places in Long Island and New York.

The idea behind the yoga-beer combination is to have a win-win strategy so that there is a steady income for local breweries and to infuse good experience for the fitness geeks.

“Our mission is to stay fit and drink local stuff. That way the breweries also benefit,” says Sophia. Asked how healthy the members felt after trying the yoga-beer combination, she said, “people feel relaxed and peaceful.”
Sophia felt that drinking beer in moderation is healthy. “Beer in moderation is very healthy, it’s rich in Vitamin B. Having beer while doing yoga is just a funny way to entice people to try yoga”, she said.

Many first timers joined the club for beer and “now they have turned into yoga enthusiasts”, she added.

When contacted, dietitian Pradeepa Saravanan here said she would not advice consumption of beer. “Usually people drink fruit juice and milk shakes after a rigorous workout session. Personally I will not advice beer,” she said.
Masreen, Nutritionist with Pink Fitness said, “Beer, if it is taken in moderation is okay.”

B. Sathya Krishna, a yoga instructor said, “Yoga is seen as a natural way of exercising. So, we usually advice fruits and vegetables to the students.”

When Rose Fava, Chief Yoga Officer at Beer Fit Club was asked about the difference between beer yoga and traditional yoga, she said,” Majority of the asanas are no different than a traditional yoga. The only difference is, at a beer yoga class we incorporate the pint into some of the poses and that gives the students the opportunity to have fun and take themselves less seriously. She said that drinking beer during a session or after isn’t a problem .

“As an instructor, yes I think it’s okay to have a drink in class or after class. Most traditional yoga would not approve of that but being a part of the western practice, I don’t think it makes a difference if you drink during or after class. Most people who practice yoga in the US are going to indulge in an alcoholic beverage from time to time anyway, so I don’t see this as much of an issue ”, Rose said.

To check how they workout at the Beer Fit Club, visit: https://vimeo.com/223924771