3 Reasons to Practice Yoga Outdoors
If you were one of the 550 people at Yo-Tiki last week on Church Street in Montclair, you already know how much fun it is to practice yoga outdoors this Summer. But we want to give you 3 more reasons! We hope this will get you excited about all of PFY’s awesome outdoor classes. Maybe you’ll even want to go to Yoga on the Gorge with Kimie Mittman, Loretta Turner and Siobhan Wright (pictured left) July 13 to 16. The last day to register is this Sunday, June 25. We only have a few spots left.
3 Reasons to Practice Yoga Outdoors
1. It’s the Ultimate Pranayama Experience.
Pranayama, or the regulation of breath, is one of the most important parts of any yoga practice. One of my teachers once told me, “If you can breathe deeply, you can do yoga!” Practicing yoga outside gives your entire respiratory system a cleansing and refreshing experience. Taking in the fresh air helps energize the body and supports your immune system. Also, the great outdoors smells wonderful. (Well, usually, you know what I mean.) Make sure to clear some of your Saturday mornings this summer to literally wake up and smell the roses at the free Yoga in the Garden classes at Van Vleck Gardens in Montclair starting Saturday, July 8 at 8 am. Or do Summer Nights Yoga at PFY Clifton starting Friday, June 30 at 8 pm.
2. Fill up on Vitamin D in the Sun.
Having enough Vitamin D in our bodies is essential to healthy living while having Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to health risks. The easiest, cheapest and most exciting way to fill up on it is to get outside and soak up the sun. Practicing in the sunshine helps you work up a sweat, all while working on your tan (with sunscreen, of course). Get your sun this Saturday at our Summer Solstice events. I’ll be one of the teachers leading 108 Sun Salutations at PFY Clifton from noon to 2 pm. Or do Summer Solstice Yoga to Save Animals in Randolph at the ISP center from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.
3. Totally change your perspective and your poses!
Practicing outdoors really allows you to get creative with poses that have become easy for you inside the studio. Have you ever tried handstand in the sand or tree on the edge of a cliff? How about trying to root your feet on a paddle board while floating in the middle of a lake. I challenge you to give it a try! In fact, I’ve got the perfect opportunity for you. Join me this summer for Yoga on the Gorge, a 4-day, 3-night adventure-packed retreat in the heart of West Virginia. We start the day at 6 am with guided meditation overlooking the New River. We end the day with marshmallows and moonlight under the stars. Did I mention that we spend the entire day outdoors swimming, rafting, hiking and doing yoga? We have camping options for those who like to keep it rural. We also have fully furnished cabins. The retreat includes transportation and delicious food! Want to join me? Don’t wait too much longer. Registration ends Sunday, June 25. And we only have a few spots left.
It’s my greatest hope that you experience yoga outdoors this Summer with Powerflow Yoga. If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to email me.
–by Loretta Turner
