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WORK OUT WITH WINE

There’s a popular joke that’s been making the rounds on the Internet for quite some time — and even has been emblazoned on T-shirts and cups — that says, “I practice yoga to relieve stress. Just kidding, I drink wine in yoga pants.”

Well, once a month at the Moana Surfrider hotel in Waikiki, you can partake in a little bit of both. The hotel’s Vino and Vinyasa event features a one-hour yoga class, followed by a chance to sip wine with your fellow yogis on the hotel’s oceanfront Diamond Head Lawn.

While you might not immediately think that wine would pair well with yoga, the combination is one that has been gaining traction in spas and yoga studios throughout the country.

“It brings a different spin on the social aspect of working out together,” says Travis Kono, director of Moana Surfrider’s Moana Lani Spa. “You work really hard for an hour, and you feel really great. And then you enjoy a glass of wine after and continue to be in the outdoors.

“It doesn’t seem like it goes together, but they actually complement each other quite nicely,” he adds. “It provides a really fun atmosphere.”

The event came out of a global Westin — which is Moana Surfrider’s parent company — initiative to promote wellness. The yoga class is free, Kono says, for that reason: “For us, it was a way to do something to give back.”

Since Vino and Vinyasa launched about a year ago, it’s been attracting yogis of all levels. For beginners, it’s a way for them to give yoga a trial run before committing to anything.

“There are people who aren’t sure if yoga is for them.

But if you sign up with a studio, it’s like five classes for $120 — but you might go one time and decide it’s not for you,” says Kono.

Many of the instructors also bring assistants, who are on hand to help correct posture and give attendees one-onone attention (without calling you out for getting a move incorrect in front of the entire class).

“For those who are already into yoga and are looking for different styles and techniques, it gives that exposure,” Kono adds.

While it’s got Vinyasa in the name, classes are not limited to this particular style of yoga, which focuses on flowing movements and breathing. Rather, the event features a range of different types of yoga. Plus, the waterfront scenery at sunset is a nice change from any studio.

When the workout’s done, a portable bar is brought to the lawn. Wine selections vary, but Kono assures that there always will be a red and a white option.

Parking validation is provided with a wine purchase ($5 per glass).

For more information, call 923-2890 or email MoanaLaniSpaEvents.00374@westin.com.