Last Tuesday, March 24, the Lakewood Public Library once again hosted a donation-based yoga class through Bottoms Up! Yoga & Brew. The event was held in the library’s multipurpose room and was open to the public.
This class is typically held twice a month at the library and is available to all ages and skill levels. It’s a great opportunity for participants to pick up a hobby and meet new friends.
In the summer, the classes are usually held at the Lakewood Park Solstice Steps. During the winter months, the program continues at the library, demonstrating a commitment to offering year-round yoga opportunities. Regardless of the weather, attendees continue to participate in relaxing and stretching.
The sessions feature local yoga instructors leading the class. Because the program follows a pay-what-you-can model, it is accessible to a wide range of people. The instructors ensure the class is friendly for all participants.
While yoga is the main focus, there are occasional sessions that include sound baths. This past Tuesday featured a sound bath session. Participants continued their yoga practice while sound waves played simultaneously to enhance relaxation and promote calmness of the mind. The immersive experience left attendees feeling refreshed and renewed.
This yoga class isn’t limited to Lakewood. Bottoms Up! Yoga is an Ohio-based chain that travels across Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo. It has held sessions at several Cleveland locations, including Crocker Park, Winchester Music Tavern, and Cleveland Botanical Gardens.
While yoga is its main focus, they offer much more. “We offer community events during the week that are donation-based [or] pay-what-you-can — those are the Good Vibes series. And on the weekends, we do stuff at craft breweries, coffee shops, event centers, and those are $20 a ticket,” said Dan Lasko, one of Bottoms Up!’s founders.
Many events take place at breweries, adding a fun element for those seeking more than yoga. “We don’t make people drink. There are many options. You can get coffee, kombucha, beer, soda, chocolate milk, water, yeah,” Lasko added.
Bottoms Up! Yoga & Brew has proven to be more than just a yoga provider. The staff genuinely cares about their students’ overall well-being. “We have a great rotating staff of instructors who are certified and love to share their practice with people. And we welcome all types of people. We try to offer something for everyone,” said Lasko.
The owners’ and instructors’ dedication to fostering a fun, inclusive community atmosphere shines through at each session. The program has brought many people together to try something new.
On Tuesday, a diverse group attended, and most left feeling fulfilled and refreshed. “I just think it’s a good environment of people, and it just really, like, makes me feel calm, and it’s a nice refresher and reset after a long week,” said Kris Kelly, who has attended the class.
“I’ve just wanted to have a nice, like, kind of mental relax and just like, a calming experience, and maybe also get to meet new people while doing it,” Kelly added. She emphasized the environment’s role in bonding with others and finding inner peace. Before trying this local class, Kelly had been practicing yoga through YouTube videos.
The community values how this class differs from traditional yoga studios. “Since this one’s in the library, it’s different because it’s … a smaller class with fewer people, so I feel like you get more attention,” said Jennifer Bowman, another attendee.
“I think it’s cool because anybody is invited to join, and they just ask for a small donation. So you really get all different types of people,” Bowman added. Bottoms Up! Yoga is unique for bringing diverse individuals together in a close-knit setting, which encourages many to return.
After nearly seven years in business, Bottoms Up! Yoga & Brew remains a popular activity during Lakewood’s cold winter months. With a large turnout last week, it’s clear this program has a bright future. The class is usually held every other Tuesday in the multipurpose room and is definitely worth stopping by for a mental reset.
