As the greatest cinematic guru once said — “Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose.” We don’t know exactly what Yoda meant by this, but we think it has something to do with taking chances with alternative yoga. Thanks to some creative folks across Michigan, long gone are the days of traditional yoga class. From the bar and the farm to the “window to the wall,” yoga is taking some interesting new shapes. Serenity now!
Trap Yoga
Bodak Yellow is the new tranquil mix of waterfalls and windchimes and nasty is the new namaste. From Cardi B to Migos and Lil Boosie, twerk your way to wellness with this fresh take on ye olde yoga classes.
UFit2, 16915 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-270-7425; Facebook
Photo via FacebookRooftop Yoga
Sweat and the city offers a view that will make you want to namaste right there. From the highest rooftop in Eastern Market, you can take in the sights and a deep, healing breath all at once.
900 Tower + Terrace at Eastern Market; 1551 Winder St., Detroit ;900TowerEB.com
Photo via FacebookSailor’s Mouth Yoga
Peace, tranquility, and namaste. You know what? Fuck this shit. Led by a foul-mouthed teacher, Sailors mouth yoga invites all to swear, drink, and stretch the fuck out because shit sucks.
PJs Lager House, 1254 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-961-4668; PJsLagerhouse.com
Photo via RageYoga.comHorse Yoga
Saddle up and get ready to ride. This is not your typical horse pose. The horse yoga workshop focuses on staying present and goes deeper than just sitting on a horse and writhing around up there. You will be doing yoga on a friggin horse.
Groveland Equestrian Center; 75 Barron Rd., Ortonville; 248-459-5515; GrovelandEquestrianCenter.com
Photo via FacebookBeer and Brunch Yoga
Sip your way into serenity. Soon enough, tree pose becomes falling tree pose and childs pose becomes passed the fuck out. Beer and yoga might not seem like the most responsible of pairings, but in this case we suggest you pop a cold one before popping a pose.
Dragonmead Brewery; 14600 E. 11 Mile Rd., Warren; 586-776-9428; Dragonmead.com
Photo via ShutterstockGoat Yoga
Apparently, goats are like little head-butting zen masters. The latest yoga trend invites these bleating beasts to bring joy to your practice. Word has it, they love b-a-a-a-a-a-ck bends the most because goats will stand on you.
Goat Yoga,161 Frost Rd., Williamston; Facebook
Photo via FacebookWine Yoga
Vinyasa meets vino with Un-Wine-D Yoga. Detox, refresh, and get your classy AF drink on post practice.
Red Effect Fitness; 2254 Cole St., Birmingham; 248-516-0005; RedEffectFitness.com; Membership required, call for non-member registration.
Photo via FacebookYoga on The River
OK so this is an annual event, but it is one of the biggest outdoor Bikram classes in the state. Hundreds of yogis of all levels gather along the Detroit Riverfront on the GM plaza to feel some super powerful vibrations against a stunning backdrop.
Thrive Yoga; Detroit Riverfront; 248-488-9788; DetroitBikram.com
Photo via FacebookSound Bath Yoga
OK so this is requires some explanation. With Sound Bath Yoga you can expect an improvisation quartet to listen to the subtle vibrations of a room and the people in it. Theyll tune the two together through the use of musical instruments. Participants are free to act on their intuition and can meditate, flow their their asana, or even draw, paint, or write. Hell, you can just sit there.
Samastah Yoga, 22751 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; Samastah.yoga;
Photo via ShutterstockPaddle Board Yoga
Soak up some rays on the open water with paddle board yoga, or SUP. SUP boards act as a floating mat and are sturdy enough to support standing asanas, giving a whole new meaning to boat pose.
Updog Yoga; 210 W. University Dr., Rochester; 248-608-6668; UpDogYoga.com
Photo via Facebook4/20 Yoga
Get in touch with your higher self with Elevated Yoga. Card-holding Michigan medical marijuana patients can enjoy a 30-minute smoke sesh before practice. Hot yoga? More like hot box yoga.
Elevated Yoga, 2930 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-446-2235; ElevatedYogi.com
Photo via Cultivated SynergyAIReal Yoga
Live out your fantasies of becoming a circus performer and overcome physical limitations with AIReal yoga. With help from a hammock-like device, you can take your poses to new heights.
Ringstar Studio, 3907 Varsity Dr., Ann Arbor; 734-335-2625; a2Ringstar.com
Photo via FacebookLeader dog Puppy Yoga
Whats up dog? Er, down dog. Where are the dogs?! Leader dog puppy yoga is exactly what it sounds like. Future leader dogs meaning real life puppies will greet you before practice and join in during savasana.
Updog Yoga; 210 W. University Dr., Rochester; 248-608-6668; UpDogYoga.com
Photo via ShutterstockBike, Yoga, Brunch
Go the distance and feed your soul with this super workout and nom sesh. The event begins with a yoga session to prep body and breath before an 8-10 mile bike ride through Detroits Woodbridge area. When you loop back to home base you can refuel on some conscious bites.
The Collective at True North, 4699 16th St., #8, Detroit; Facebook
Photo via ShutterstockFull Moon Yoga
Moon over theres a new yoga in town. Full moon yoga is spiritually educational. Each month, class goes a bit further into understanding the power of the moon cycle and how to better understand how celestial happenings can inspire internal unpacking.
Breathe Yoga; 104 E. Middle St., Unit 2; Chelsea; 734-627-7558; BreatheYogaChelsea.com
Photo via ShutterstockGlow Yoga
You glow, girl! Yoga is fun on its own but add tribal dance, body paint, and body lights to the mix and youve taken practice to a whole new level. Thanks to Buti Glow, you can shine bright light a damn diamond.
Soul Shine Yoga; 120 W. Grand River Ave., Howell; 517-404-0812; SoulShineYogaHowell.com
Photo via FacebookHiking Yoga
Find your path to enlightenment literally. Hiking yoga takes your practice to the trail for a heart rate raising flow. You dont have to be an adventurer to get your stretch on. Class will set a brisk pace through park vistas with intervals of yoga suitable for all levels.
359 Degree Yoga; 3162 Biddle Ave.,Wyandotte; 734-309-7060; 359Yoga.com
Photo via Facebook
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