You’re probably familiar with yoga, but have you ever tried it outside? Thanks to the increasing popularity of outdoor yoga, this exercise is now done both indoors and outdoors.

Outdoor yoga is typically performed in a park or other open space with little development. It usually takes place during early morning hours to avoid the harsh heat of the sun.  The purpose of outdoor yoga is to enjoy nature while getting fit at the same time–an ideal way for people who love spending time outdoors. While performing yoga moves under the sky may seem easier than doing it inside, be reminded that practicing outdoors makes your body work harder to adjust to unpredictable weather conditions like strong winds and heat from the sun (though some say that it’s easier outdoors due to the lack of interruptions such as other people in a room).

Here are some reasons why outdoor yoga enthusiasts love this form of exercise:

• Yoga performed outdoors is thought to allow the body to circulate and move energy more freely.
• Cozy outdoor yoga retreats–some with overnight stay–are available for those who want to go the extra mile and relax while doing their routine. This can be a perfect way to bond with friends and family members (and perhaps get rid of stress along the way!).
•  When done in an urban setting, practicing yoga under green spaces can make city dwellers feel closer to nature. It provides them a refreshing escape from everyday life.

If you’re curious about outdoor yoga, you can start with the basics such as the Sun Salutation. You’ll then move on to more difficult poses as your body gets stronger and better at handling this type of workout. Just remember that it’s important to listen to your body at all times–it is a good indicator of what you should do and what you shouldn’t.

While some people may not be aware of the benefits, outdoor yoga comes with almost the same perks as indoor yoga (such as improved posture and flexibility), plus a few more: increased blood circulation; weight loss; lower risk of cardiovascular diseases; reduced anxiety; mental clarity; and most importantly, stress relief.

If you’re interested in trying out an outdoor yoga class but don’t know where to start, you can check out your local parks and recreation center for yoga classes in the park. The great thing about this is that you’ll be able to have a taste of outdoor yoga without having to spend on expensive equipment or go through intense planning!

This type of workout can be difficult when practiced indoors. However, when done outside, it suddenly becomes easier because no matter what pose you are in, there is something solid underneath your feet. You won’t need to worry about slipping since even if there’s grass below your feet, it will always provide balance for your body. Additionally, when you’re inside a room, it can be difficult to relax due to factors such as noise and traffic. However, when you practice outside, the sounds of nature–along with lack of interruptions from other people in the room–can help your mind become more at ease and less distracted.

What are the benefits of outdoor yoga?

• Being outside means you get to be part of nature

Time in nature is the most obvious benefit of outdoor yoga. Most of us spend our days cooped up in our offices, our houses, or in transit. All that time sitting around inside is unhealthy for our minds and our bodies.

Spending time in nature is one of the most natural mood lifters and best ways to promote our health. In nature, you get reminded of your place on earth and can feel connected to the natural world. Yoga’s main goal is to quiet and strengthen the mind—both of which can be better accomplished in the peacefulness of the outdoors.

• You’ll strengthen your balance skills

Being outside means you won’t necessarily have the luxury of a flat floor or a convenient wall. Outdoor yoga requires discipline and strength. Not only will there be more distractions outside than in a quiet, climate-controlled studio, but you’ll also have to get used to the terrain and the lack of anything to cling to if you feel wobbly.

Outdoor yoga leads to independence and the cultivation of an inner strength that allows you to deepen your practice and engage more fully. You’ll have to focus your mind, minimizing distractions and concentrating on maintaining poses, while you strengthen your muscles and improve your balance.

• The outdoors can deepen your meditation

Meditation is an integral part of many types of yoga, and instructors often prompt their students to meditate with cues that encourage them to focus on breathing deeply for awhile.

The controlled setting in a studio allows one’s mind some much-needed time off while still being mindful about what they’re doing at all times; however outside distractions can easily pull you away from your goal – whether its tuning out other people’s noises (like talking)to focusing solely on inhaling/exhaling.

• Understand how transportable a yoga practice is

Yoga is a practice, meaning you can do it anywhere. With the right guidance, you can enjoy a good yoga session wherever you need. Practicing yoga outdoors allows you to better embody the yoga mindset—noticing and accepting the present moment.

When you practice outdoor yoga, you remind yourself how spiritual yoga is. It’s a mindset that you can take with you anywhere.

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Vinyasa Flow classes at Yoga Flow SF mix traditional yoga poses with athletic movements to create a vigorous and balanced workout. Our instructors’ energy during the class is infectious, making it an empowering experience for all levels of practitioners—from beginner to advanced. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or just need something more challenging in your life, our heated live-music sessions will make the most out of every session! We offer modifications that simplify the poses to be more suitable for beginners or some that amplify them for our advanced practitioners so you can choose which one is better suited based on your skill level! Specifically, this type of yoga really helps with creating strength and flexibility in both body AND mind while challenging us to grow into stronger versions of ourselves. Book your first class now at one of our San Francisco locations or our new location in downtown Walnut Creek!

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