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7 Benefits of Practising Yoga Outdoors

  • Writer: Rachel
    Rachel
  • Jul 20, 2024
  • 5 min read

Updated: Aug 3, 2024


Have you been looking to take your yoga classes to new levels? If so, outdoor yoga might be a good option to consider - and looking out for “outdoor yoga classes near me” could help.


Let's explore seven key benefits of practising yoga outdoors to help you find the ideal solutions for your personal exercise needs, including:


  1. Connecting with nature for a beautiful yoga experience

  2. Discover new places when you practise yoga outside

  3. Outdoor yoga delivers a dose of sunshine and vitamin D

  4. Breathe in the fresh air for deeper release and restoration

  5. Experience larger yoga class sizes when you head outdoors

  6. No space restrictions for unlimited movement

  7. Make friends with an outdoor yoga class


We will also look at some suggestions for where you can practise outdoor yoga.


What are the Benefits of Doing Yoga Outdoors?


There are numerous benefits associated with attending an outdoor yoga class, and keeping these in mind could prove incredibly useful if you’ve been looking to explore your practice in a new and refreshing way.


So, why might you want to try an outdoor yoga class? While outdoor yoga classes will largely be much the same as a regular yoga practice, the unique outdoor environment can offer an elevated experience.


Here are seven benefits of yoga outdoors to encourage you to give it a try this summer.


1. Connecting with Nature for a Beautiful Yoga Experience


Perhaps one of the most obvious benefits of heading outdoors for your yoga sessions is to help connect with nature.


Escaping into the natural world is proven to be incredibly beneficial, providing numerous mental health benefits and helping relieve feelings of stress, anxiety, and worry.

Yoga outside helps you relieve anxiety and stress
Yoga outside helps you relieve anxiety and stress

And, given that many people struggle to carve out regular time outside in the greenery, according to data from Natural England, it’s safe to say that any extra excuse to do so could be well received!


2. Discover New Places When You Practise Yoga Outside


As they say, variety is the spice of life, so having somewhere different to explore your favorite yoga poses can prove incredibly helpful for many people.


Exploring a new location can help make your yoga sessions a little different, keeping them interesting and varied no matter which poses you try.


Explore your favorite poses in a new outdoor yoga location
Explore your favorite poses in a new outdoor yoga location

The variety of outdoor locations you can try makes it easier to stick to your yoga routine - a valuable benefit to keep in mind.


3. Outdoor Yoga Delivers a Dose of Sunshine and Vitamin D


Alongside getting the chance to enjoy the serenity of the natural world, another key benefit of outdoor yoga is that it helps you get out in the sun.


This is something that many of us often struggle to find time for, especially if we have desk-bound jobs.


However, spending more time in the sun - with the necessary protections, of course - can increase your intake of Vitamin D, making it easier to get the vitamins you need to stay healthy.


And, naturally, a sun salutation sequence is one of the best outdoor yoga routines to try.

Sun salutation routine for outdoor yoga
Outdoor yoga calls for a sun salutation routine

However, you’re free to try any pose that takes your fancy and gives your body exactly what it's asking for - after all, your body is your guide.


4. Breathe in the Fresh Air for Deeper Release and Restoration


Unfortunately, many of us spend a large amount of time in polluted environments with air that’s heavy and contaminated.


Luckily, choosing to practice yoga outdoors can allow you to escape the smog that so many of us are accustomed to and get outdoors in the crisp, fresh air.


There's something truly vibrant and uplifting about practising outside, and for so many of us, this is one of the biggest benefits of outdoor yoga classes.


5. Experience Larger Yoga Class Sizes When You Head Outdoors


Let’s face it; it’s not uncommon to try to book a group yoga class, only to be told it is full and there’s a waitlist.


It’s an incredibly frustrating situation when it's your favorite class or the only time you have available for practice!


Practice a yoga routine outdoors
Outdoor yoga enables class sizes to be bigger

However, a notable benefit of “outdoor yoga near me” classes is that space often won’t be at a premium.


Outdoor sessions often have more space to work with, allowing more yogis to participate in the classes.


6. No Space Restrictions for Unlimited Movement!


And just as there might be more room for more yogis, there is unlikely to be any physical restrictions for those more extended poses.


If you've attended a packed-out class, there is often little space between your mat and the person next to you.


It is often impossible not to encroach on someone else's space or make unintended contact with an extended limb!


Furthermore, if your practice space at home is restricted in size, outside you won't have low ceilings or furniture to contend with.


7. Make Friends with an Outdoor Yoga Class


If you’re looking to meet new people and make friends, outdoor yoga could be a great place to start.


All around the world is a busy yoga community, and you’ll meet a whole host of yogis to connect with.


Make friends for life with yoga
Make friends for life with yoga

This can allow you to develop new friendships to share the love of yoga - and perhaps a coffee afterwards.


Having friends to meet for a class will also help keep you motivated and committed on days when you don't feel like showing up on your mat.


Outdoor Yoga Locations to Try


With these benefits of practising yoga outdoors in mind, it’s well worth considering some of the best places to try your outside practice.


Of course, there’s no simple way to find the perfect destination; after all, every region will vary.


Nevertheless, some great options to try to help you make the most of the benefits of yoga outdoors could include the following:


  • In your garden

  • On a patio

  • From your balcony

  • In a park

  • In a forest or the woods

  • Alongside a river

  • At the top of a hill

  • And everyone's favourite... the beach!



These are just a few examples of places where you could try outdoor yoga.


However, there are countless options, and these will - in the end - largely come down to your preference.


The availability of outdoor access in your location will also come into play here; for example, if you live in the middle of an inner-city hub, you’re much less likely to get to the beach each day for your yoga sessions.


Final Thoughts on Practising Yoga Outside


If you have been looking to give “outdoor yoga classes near me” a try, there’s a lot you could consider.


Of course, while the privacy of doing yoga in your home is something that many people welcome, it’s worth remembering the many great benefits of outdoor yoga, too.


Whether this becomes your new go-to place to practice yoga or if you’re simply looking to change things up a little, getting out and about can be incredibly rewarding. 


So, why not give it a try; outdoor yoga near you could open up many new opportunities.

Rachel X

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