Outdoor Yoga | Always Take The Weather with You

A lot of us have experienced the positive effects of nature on our physical, mental and spiritual health in the past year. Rediscovering the still power of the outdoors. And practicing outdoors comes with extra benefits as we continue to live under the regulations of the pandemic. Being outside reduces the risk of spreading Covid’19 dramatically and it provides a better opportunity for social distancing. What challenges does the weather provide when teaching yoga outdoors, and how to prepare for them?

Always Take the Weather with You

You can practice in most weather conditions if you adjust your sequence and dress for the occasion.

• Cold | Put on that cap, gloves, socks/shoes and a wind or rain jacket. Make sure to warm them up with an 8-minute slow run. End with a seated meditation instead of Savasana, so they do not cool down too much.

• Rain | You can still practice with a small drizzle. Make sure to pack that rain jacket and shoes. The damp grass can become slippery and dirty. Keep your yoga mat at home, and let the earth be your playground.

• Sun | Midsummer those shady spots might be hard to come by. Plan in your class earlier of later in the day and advise your students to use sun protection.

• Wind | Enjoy the fresh air and accept the added challenge. Practice steady warriors and other standing postures. Gaze forwards or down for that extra needed balance.

Celebrate the Experience

Remind your students how special the experience is. Find those hidden gems in or around the city. It does not have to be a park. Even though nature is proven to calm down the nervous system. It can be on top of a building, in an orchard, on the beach, in the forest, near a lake. Be creative and feel what resonates within you. Let you students take a photo of themselves in tree pose in front of that great oak, or a warrior before the setting sun. They love to have a photo as a memory reminder as it is always special to practice outdoors.