One of the best things you can do during the summer is take your yoga practice outside. Whether you’re doing your own flow, or participating in a class, we have some tips on how you can get the most out of your outside practice.
Taking an outdoor yoga class
Participating in an outdoor yoga class is one of the best ways to enjoy the weather and enhance your practice. It’s also a great social activity to do with family or friends. Here are some ways you can make the most out of your outdoor yoga class:
- Check the weather. Most classes are weather dependent, so check the weather before you leave the house.
- The sun is at its peak between the hours of 10am and 2pm, but you should be wearing sunscreen no matter the time of day.
- Arrive early. Make sure you get there early so you can choose your ideal spot. Maybe you want to be up front near the teacher so you can really pay attention, or maybe you want to find the best spot in the shade. If you’re bringing someone else, it might take a little bit of maneuvering to find the spot that everyone is comfortable with.
- Choose your spot. You’ll want to be on as even and flat a surface as possible, and you’ll definitely want to bring your own mat. A thicker mat with lots of cushion will be your friend during your class.
- This is going to be extra important for your outdoor practice so you can stay hydrated. It’s also a good idea to pack a towel and some snacks just in case.
- Go at your own pace. It can be tempting to try and push yourself if the yogi on the mat next to you is popping up into an effortless handstand, but your practice is not their practice. Listen to your body and take breaks anytime you need to, or move to a shady spot if you ever feel too hot or dizzy.
Practicing outside
Doing your own practice outside is a great way to boost energy and reconnect with the earth. Keep these tips in mind to maximize your outdoor yoga practice:
- Read our post on being safe outdoors for tips about sunscreen and tick protection before you venture outside.
- Choose your spot. Like with an outdoor class, you’ll want to choose a stable, flat surface. Whether that’s your deck or patio, or your yard, make sure it’s as even as possible to prevent injury. You’ll also want to keep the sun in mind, so it isn’t shining directly into your face.
- Gather everything you might need, including your mat, your blocks, water, sunscreen, towels, etc. and use a checklist before you go out. You won’t want to interrupt your practice halfway through to run inside and risk someone asking for something or distracting you. If you’re doing a class on your phone, laptop, or tablet, you might want to pre-download it so you won’t have any interruptions if the Wi-Fi goes out.
- Block out your yoga time and be strict with yourself, and everyone else in your household. Your yoga time is important, and just as essential to your day as brushing your teeth and washing your face.
Take your yoga outside! Grab your phone, laptop, or tablet and pull up a class from our On Demand Library of over 200 classes and enjoy the sunshine and good vibes.