Find Your Flow with Yoga at Little Fish Brewing Company

Cydney Carpenter

When the weather permits, Little Fish morning yoga is held under the brewery’s pavilion Photo provided by Little Fish Brewing Company.

When I first heard that a brewery was hosting a yoga class, I was both skeptical and intrigued. I was curious to see how well a yoga class would flow in such a unique place. Never having visited the Little Fish Brewing Company, I was pleasantly surprised with the environment.

Little Fish Brewery is located in the hills of Athens, offering a view of the changing fall trees, perfectly capturing the beauty of the Appalachian region. When the weather permits, Little Fish hosts its morning yoga outside under its pavilion. Unfortunately, it was too cold to have our class outside, so we moved into the brewery’s taproom for the class.

Having practiced yoga for close to two years now, I was excited to take on a class in a new environment. There were large barrels stacked to the ceiling and placed on shelves around the room. I enjoyed how the openness of the room reminded me to be mindful of my breathing. What I enjoyed most about the room was the smell. I’m not sure if it was the beer brewing or the wood aroma from the barrels, but I found it relaxing.

Erin Pfahler is a local instructor, who teaches at both Athens Yoga and Bodhi Tree Guesthouse and Studio. She comes to Little Fish Yoga every other week, rotating with a fellow instructor in the area, to help raise money for their studios. The class at Little Fish is completely donation based, accepting any amount.

Pfahler’s flow was catered to both new yogis and those of us who were more experienced. It’s a great class for individuals at any level; she led a well-balanced relaxing flow, leaving us energized in the morning. Personally, I enjoy yoga classes as a guide to my own practice. I listen and flow alongside the instructor but enjoy changing certain poses based on what is best for me. Pfahler offered adjustments but remained respectful to those who wanted to work on our flow alone.

After the class, I had an opportunity to speak with Pfahler and learn more about Little Fish Yoga. The brewery has held classes for over two years now, and it’s remained popular in the Athens community. It’s a great way to branch out and experience Athens beyond the local businesses uptown.

Little Fish invites all attendees to hang out after each flow and try one of its many craft beers with a Sunday breakfast. Although I didn’t have the chance to stay late that week, I look forward to heading back soon. After only one visit, I’m positive this event will become a Sunday morning ritual for me, and I highly recommend it to those who are looking to start yoga.