Be There: Yoga and beer

What: Balanced Brews Yoga with Jean Boiteau

When: Sundays from noon to 1 p.m.

Where: Conquest Brewery, 947 S. Stadium Rd.

Cost: $15 for yoga class and a pint of beer

Whether you’re trying to get into a new fitness routine or work off that Sunday morning hangover, Conquest Brewery’s Balanced Brews Yoga might be the perfect solution.

Instructor Jean Boiteau leads the hour-long vinyasa flow session in the brewery, where space is cleared on the floor alongside the brewing machinery (don’t worry, it’s safe). The vinyasa style of yoga that Boiteau teaches is beginner-friendly and enjoyable for those of all skill levels, she said.

“You can take it to the next level if you would like to, or you can keep it simple,” Boiteau said. Vinyasa flow is a type of yoga in which “one move flows into the next move into the next move into the next move” and moves at a slightly faster pace than typical yoga sessions.

Boiteau held her first class at Conquest about a year ago. A regular attendee of South Carolina Girls’ Pint Out events, she spoke with co-founder Ashley Bower about the growing popularity of brewery yoga at places like Charleston’s Holy City Brewing, and Bower was interested in having a brewery yoga event for the women’s craft beer group. Boiteau volunteered to lead the class, and has been in that role ever since.

The vibe

Boiteau brings the zen from the studio to the brewery. Although it’s not a traditional setting for a yoga class, Boiteau said the location works well for the early Sunday afternoon classes. The open bay door often provides a nice breeze and participants can smell the faint scents of the beer making process in the brewery space. At the end of the class – before the beer is poured – participants cool down and meditate for a few minutes, placing warm washcloths infused with lavender and hops over their eyes.

Sharing a drink afterward is a good opportunity for yogis and craft beer lovers alike to chat and get to know each other, Boiteau said.

“You get to network, talk yoga and enjoy craft beer,” she said.

The verdict

Balanced Brews Yoga combines two popular ways to unwind from opposite ends of the spectrum for a unique weekly experience. For Boiteau, the pairing has worked well.

“It’s great how warm and inviting craft beer is to the yoga community,” she said. “It’s interesting those have come together. Conquest does it with panache.”

Amanda C. Coyne

This story was originally published April 7, 2015 at 5:27 PM with the headline "Be There: Yoga and beer."