Hit your local taproom for yoga, running, barre and other fun fitness options

By Kristen Kuchar

Long gone are the days of eating wings and pizza as the main activity to accompany drinking at the bar.

While we still love some tasty pub grub, the last several years have seen a surge in people wanting to “earn their beer,” as they say.

Colorado is home to many people who love both craft libations and physical activity, so it’s a seamless combination. In addition to trivia nights and live music, breweries and distilleries are now offering fitness activities right in the tasting room, making it easier to live a balanced lifestyle.

Yoga in the taproom

“We’re always looking for ways to bring people into the taprooms for more reasons other than just to drink beer,” says Katie Schroepfer, marketing and taproom manager at River North Brewery, which hosts yoga every Sunday at the Washington Street taproom in Denver.

She says yoga at a brewery, as opposed to a formal setting, is a more relaxed experience for guests. “At a yoga studio, you might feel the pressure of everyone else around you being yogis, while at the taproom we have people of all skill levels, so there isn’t any kind of pressure to be ‘good’ at yoga,” she explains.

Fay Ryan has been working at New Terrain Brewing for five years while also completing yoga teacher training, and she echoes the same thought.

She says those new to yoga can have fun in a less serious atmosphere, while experienced yogis are challenged to earn that beer. “Yoga at breweries allows a space for all types of people who enjoy yoga. It’s great to play and work hard, and then enjoy a variety of delicious beers,” Ryan says.

Kristina Hernández Schostak, communications manager at Left Hand Brewing, says offering yoga at their outdoor beer garden or in the taproom can encourage those who may not have otherwise tried yoga.

“It’s a more approachable way to get engaged,” she says, because it’s not in a studio but a more recognizable place.

The all-levels yoga has moved inside for the season, and takes place two Sundays each month at Left Hand.

Run for your beer

Left Hand previously partnered with another Longmont brewery, Shoes and Brews, to host races from the taproom. Shoes and Brews, which is also part running store, holds various races and running activities. Beer-themed runs are by far no stranger here in Colorado.

The Colorado Brewery Running Series has held 140 events at 60 different breweries across the state since launching in 2016. A percentage of profits are donated, and the events have raised more than $80,000 for Colorado nonprofits.

“Our focus is a lot more (on the) post-party atmosphere,” says Brady Archer, director of events and owner of the series. The 5k races are less formal than traditional races – they’re untimed and often run through neighborhoods without closing streets. Plus, each race ends with craft beer, live music and giveaways.

Boot Camp and brews

Brewery Boot Camp is another beer-and-fitness venture that has been a huge hit, says company owner and trainer Lindsay Chavez. Since launching six years ago, Brewery Boot Camp has worked with more than 50 breweries and has had more than 2,000 participants in their sessions. Chavez says most of their participants aren’t fans of the typical gym setting.

“We have a large number of people who have lost weight and have improved their fitness just with our program,” Chavez says.

Brewery Boot Camp has had sessions at many breweries around the Denver area, including Landlocked Ales in Lakewood.

“We live in Colorado. People out here love craft beer and are always looking for something fun, healthy, and unique to do,” says Brandi Burgei, co-owner and marketing director at Landlocked Ales.

Burgei says some attendees of the bootcamp class have become regulars in the taproom, and class-goers often bring a friend to share the fun.

“The vibe is very positive and energetic during the workout, and mostly everyone hangs out for a couple rounds afterwards, and they laugh and have a good time,” she says.

But it’s not just traditional workouts taking place in taprooms. Cheluna Brewing, for example, hosts high-energy Latin dance classes every Monday and Saturday.

“Colorado residents, in large part, are very active and fitness oriented, and lots of those residents also love independent craft beer,” says Cheluna owner and manager Jennifer Perez. She feels that promoting fitness builds community while fostering friendships and mental health. Cheluna also hosts a run and walk group every Tuesday.

Barre at the bar

Becka Repp, owner of Grace and Power Fitness in Loveland, says barre and beer are a great duo. For those new to barre, Repp describes it as a low-impact, full body workout that combines the principles of dance, pilates and yoga. With small movements and light weights, it builds muscular endurance, tones the body, and builds flexibility.

“Bringing barre to the bar helps introduce people to barre fitness that may not be ready to step into a barre studio yet,” Repp says. “It takes away the stigma that barre is only for dancers, or certain types of people. People are less intimidated at the bar.”

Kristen Kuchar is a freelance writer covering food, libations, music and other Colorado gatherings.