Taking Yoga Outside
Have you ever wanted to take an outdoor yoga class but the thought of packing up your gear stopped you in your tracks? I hope you find my short list below handy so that you can take your yoga practice outside.
This summer I challenged myself to step outside of my comfort zone…and I’m so happy that I did! After aligning two items of importance to me, a no-rain mid-morning forecast and the offerings at my favorite studios, I was ready to pack my yoga (bike) bag. I like to bike to yoga classes, so everything needs to fit in my bike bags.
Here’s my simple list for an outdoor practice:
Two (yes, really) yoga mats. If you only have one, a beach towel can work as a second mat under your yoga mat. I have come to love a pampering double mat system for outdoor yoga because it creates a softer, smoother surface.
Sunscreen. I apply mine before leaving for class. Sometimes the shady spots in a park aren’t large enough for all of our mats, so I plan to get some rays of sunshine during practice.
Eye pillow, shades, or baseball cap for savasana (resting pose).
Blanket. Another comfort measure to fold and place under the knees or to act as a bolster.
Water. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Flexible mindset. Part of this type of yoga experience is connecting to nature and others- gentle breezes swaying the branches of nearby trees, birdsong, light rain shimmering down from a cloudburst, a stray basketball rolling towards the mats from the adjacent course (whoops!). I like to take note of what might impact my practice as I set up my mat.
Bonus items: Journal and pen, thermos of something nourishing to eat or drink after class.
I hope that this short list has inspired you to pack up and try an outdoor yoga class! Let me know how it goes!
Do you wish you could add a little yoga practice to your day but don’t have time to run to a studio or class? Try my 15 minute FREE morning yoga class! Learn more about it and register at my site Yoga @ Home! You can also check out my other offerings to help you fit more movement into your day.
