Yoga: Taking it Outdoors

As the weather begins to change and cooler temperatures are approaching this may be the best time to take your yoga practice outside.  It is important to keep your practice safe when moving to the outdoors.

Lose the yoga mat. Yoga mats, particularly thick mats, are designed to provide some cushion and anti-slip when placed on solid surfaces. Put your yoga mat down on the sand or grass, though, and you will find it bunches, folds, and makes a softer surface even harder to navigate.

A blanket or simple beach towels are better options for practicing outdoors. These surfaces will cling to the Earth, forming to the natural surface without making it any softer. As an additional benefit, if you put your towel or blanket down in the mud, you can simply toss it in the washing machine after practice.1

Go Upside down. The one exception I make to standing on the wrists too much while on soft surfaces is the handstand. There are two main benefits to hand-standing outside:

1. If you fall on sand or grass, it is more forgiving than hardwoods. This fact alone makes many people who normally rely on the wall when hand-standing much bolder outside.
2. The soft surface will force you to activate your fingers and grip into the Earth. This is great practice for when you return to the studio, as active fingers enhance your ability to balance.

   

   All photos courtesy of Savannah Wishart.

   
   

Stay hydrated. For a safe and successful yoga session, don’t forget to load up on water. Bring a water bottle with you so you can quench your thirst—and your body’s water refilling needs—in an arm’s reach.2

Being able to get outside and practice, even in the full sun of the afternoon (with sunscreen on of course) and you will be able feel how being with nature helps you connect even deeper to the sense of being with yourself.

References

1. Eanes, Bethany. 5 Tips for Practicing Yoga Outside. Retrieved on October 20, 2015 from http://breakingmuscle.com/yoga/5-tips-for-practicing-yoga-outside
2. Chung, Beate. 7 Things to Remember When Doing Yoga Outdoors. Retrieved on October 20, 2015 from http://www.doyouyoga.com/7-things-to-remember-when-doing-yoga-outdoors/