January is a time for setting resolutions for the year.
For a majority of people, those ambitions involve fitness and weight loss. People have started new gym memberships or come back to the gyms they abandoned last year. They’re setting goals to run a certain number of miles per week, creating new strength training routines or trying different types of fitness classes.
Getting in shape can be hard work. But meeting your goals becomes just a little easier when you have a reward at the end of the class: a glass of wine or a refreshing craft beer.
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Click here to purchase photos from this galleryThat’s the idea behind a slate of exercise opportunities offered by Mallow Run Winery. The Bargersville-based winery has partnered with fitness providers from throughout Johnson County to provide classes such as yoga, dance-centric Zumba workouts and barre, based on ballet movements.
With every class, participants get to cool down with a wine or beer of their choice.
“It’s all about being very low-pressure, a fun, casual approach to exercise. We’re not a gym; we’re a winery, so our whole goal is to have fun, relax and take some time for yourself,” said Sarah Shadday, marketing coordinator for Mallow Run. “For us, that includes a glass of wine.”
As craft breweries and wineries have become more common in Johnson County, they have becomes centers of social interaction and gathering. That has made the concept of offering fitness classes appealing.
Taxman Brewing Co. had provided circuit training Saturday mornings throughout the warmer months. Planetary Brewing in Greenwood had a yoga night in August.
Mallow Run had offered yoga classes in its historic tasting room for about 10 years.
“Almost from when we started, we had a friend of the owners come in to do classes a couple times a week, so we’re not new to this concept,” Shadday said.
The classes were popular, but the setup at their tasting room — with a large horseshoe-shaped bar in the center — made for an awkward location for yoga, Shadday said.
When Mallow Run opened its Sycamore venue in 2016, the winery suddenly had ample space to do classes and other activities. With 6,200 square feet of space and an audio-visual system to play music and give instructions over loudspeakers, the Sycamore provides an ideal place to do exercise classes.
And though the venue was in demand for weekend weddings, fundraisers and other events, availability during the work week was more flexible.
“We’re very busy on the weekends, but Monday through Thursday it’s a little bit quieter. So we thought, with this space, it would be a perfect opportunity to reignite the yoga classes,” Shadday said. “From there, there was interest for other fitness classes.”
Winery organizers developed relationships with fitness instructors from throughout the county. Heather Pittman, a certified yoga teacher from Whiteland, and Indianapolis-based Zumba instructor Sheri Hood both agreed to provide classes at the Sycamore.
When Pure Barre Greenwood opened its studio in early 2017, owner Jessica Kilburn approached Mallow Run about offering a class. Barre workouts utilize the movements and exercises used by ballet dancers to sculpt the body and tone multiple muscle systems.
The class was something that was different and new, so the winery was excited to offer it, Shadday said.
Since the winery started offering fitness at the Sycamore, the community has responded. All of the Pure Barre classes in 2017 sold out, with between 50 and 60 people attending each one, Shadday said.
Yoga and Zumba also have dedicated participants who fill those sessions as well.
“What’s nice is that we’ve been able to hit different interests,” Shadday said. “We have an element of being able to offer things that are a little trendier, which is nice because I think some people like to try it in a low-pressure way. Everything we offer is for beginners, and it’s a low-risk way to try something.”
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Workouts at the Winery
What: Mallow Run Winery offers different fitness classes, including yoga, Zumba and barre, to participants in its Sycamore event venue. Included at the end of each class is a glass of wine or beer for each participant.
Where: 7070 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville
Cost: $12 per class
Upcoming classes
Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.: Pure Barre Greenwood will present a ballet-based workout. Participants are encouraged to bring mats and wear clothing appropriate to vigorous exercise. Participants will be required to sign a waiver and participation form prior to class.
Jan. 31, 6:30 p.m.: Yoga instructor Heather Pittman will present a relaxing and empowering series of yoga poses and meditation.
Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m.: Zumba by Sheri Hood. Participants are encouraged to wear shoes and clothing appropriate to vigorous exercise. Participants will be required to sign a waiver and participation form prior to class.
For more information or to register, visit mallowrun.com
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