17 alternative yoga classes in metro Detroit

By Metro Times Staff on Sat, Apr 14, 2018 at 6:53 pm

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!

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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 Facebook

Rooftop 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 Facebook

Sailor's Mouth Yoga
Peace, tranquility, and namaste. You know what? Fuck this shit. Led by a foul-mouthed teacher, Sailor’s mouth yoga invites all to swear, drink, and stretch the fuck out because shit sucks.
PJ’s Lager House, 1254 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-961-4668; PJsLagerhouse.com
Photo via RageYoga.com

Horse 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 Facebook

Beer and Brunch Yoga
Sip your way into serenity. Soon enough, tree pose becomes falling tree pose and child’s 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 Shutterstock

Goat 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 Facebook

Wine 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 Facebook

Yoga 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 Facebook

Sound 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. They’ll 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 Shutterstock

Paddle 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 Facebook