5 of the most challenging beer workouts in Charlotte
A version of this story originally appeared on the Work For Your Beer blog. Work For Your Beer is the all-inclusive guide to beer fitness in Charlotte, NC. View their calendar for a complete directory of everywhere you can work out and drink beer in the Queen City.
Let’s be honest: when it comes to Charlotte’s beer fitness scene, some people are looking for an intense workout. Something that will leave them sweating, out of breath, and (of course) ready for that beer they just worked their ass off for. These are the people who are out there doing Tough Mudders and IronMan competitions. They aren’t looking for a short run on flat terrain or an all-levels vinyasa flow. They want a challenge.
Sound familiar? If so, then these beer workouts are the ones for you.
(1) Triple C Brewing Co. Yoga
If you’re looking to really work your core, then clear your calendar on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., because you’ll want to be at Triple C Yoga. Taught by The Yoga Dude himself, this class is a power flow that feels almost like a cross between Pilates and yoga, with a major emphasis on ab work. But don’t worry, he’ll make sure your arms and legs get some love, too. Lunges, squats, and planks are on the menu, so you won’t feel bad about grabbing a beer (or a burger at the Bleu Barn food truck) after class.
Cost: $5 gets you the class and a beer.
(2) Legion Brewing Run Club
If you haven’t joined the Legion-dary Runners before, you might be thinking, “A four mile run through Plaza Midwood doesn’t sound like that much of a challenge.” But if you’ve been to Legion Brewing Run Club on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., you know that this route is full of some major inclines that will make you feel the burn. Not to mention, there are longer routes available for the more adventurous runners out there. Your buns and thighs will thank you later.
Cost: Free, but we encourage runners to stay for a beer or two to support Legion after they’re done.
(3) Unknown Brewing Bootcamp
We’re gonna be honest: this class will kick your butt. Unknown’s Brewery Bootcamp is (obviously) a bootcamp-style workout class taught on Thursdays at 6 p.m., blending strength training with aerobic elements to maximize the intensity of the workout. If you’re one of those people who thinks that drinking a beer after exercising defeats the purpose of working out—try this class out and get back to us. You’ll definitely burn more calories than you drink after class.
Cost: Free, but stick around afterward for a pint at Unknown to support the brewery.
[RELATED: Unknown Brewing unveils can design for ‘Feather Light,’ Charlotte’s first true light beer]
(4) The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Bike-Up
When it comes to brewery bike rides, there are almost always a variety of routes available, so people can ride shorter or longer distances depending on their preferences. That’s the case for the OMB Bike-Up, too, which offers 20 or 28 mile routes—but this is a competitive group of riders, so you can bet they’ll be going the distance. This 2:30 p.m. ride on Sundays is a hilly one, too, so prepare for those inclines. If you’re looking for the toughest way to pedal for your pint, this is it.
Cost: Free (although the kits, of course, are not).
(5) Sugar Creek Brewing Taproom Fitness
If you really want to get your heart racing, head to Sugar Creek Taproom Fitness on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. This class is taught by CrossFit Mecklenburg, so you know you’re getting the real deal: a high intensity workout that will leave you sweaty and ready for your beer. CrossFit Mecklenburg even brings medicine balls and hand weights to amp up the intensity of your workout.
Cost: Free, but we hope everyone will stay for a beer to support Sugar Creek.
Photos: Work For Your Beer Blog
This story was originally published March 20, 2018 at 9:00 PM with the headline "5 of the most challenging beer workouts in Charlotte."