Take Your Yoga Class Outside! What To Expect For an Outdoor Yoga Class
Written by Sanghamitra (Sanghi) Kunche
April 14, 2021
Yoga instructors like me often create a calm and soothing environment with candles, soft music, and dim lights when teaching indoors. But what should you expect when you take this yoga class outdoors. The expedited distribution of COVID vaccines and counties allowing more businesses to reopen could not have come at a better time. We are entering spring, so this means warmer weather, longer days of sunlight, and of course more outdoor activities!
A lot of planning goes into creating a safe outdoor yoga class. I am excited about my collaboration with Eithera Brand, and we have partnered with Nella Terra Cellars to host a unique community event. Nella Terra Cellars is a small winery nestled in the East Bay hills that allows us to create a serene environment for you to enjoy. On one side you will see a pond with fountains and waterfalls and on the other side lies the vineyard. And the backdrop are the quiet hills with the occasional cow or llama grazing. Along with the outdoor space comes the social distancing and many of the other rules enforced by the county and Nella Terra. Hand sanitizer will be on hand and masks are required.
So what about you? What should you bring to your first outdoor yoga class?
1. A yoga mat
Usually a mat would be provided, but unfortunately with COVID, extra precautions need to be taken. Hence, it is best to bring your own yoga mat. However, investing in a decent yoga mat can get pricey. They can range from $15 to $150. The amount you want to spend on a mat really depends on how often you practice yoga. If you absolutely do not want to invest in a mat, you can ask me to borrow one for small fee. However, I do ask you to let me know beforehand, so I have ample time to disinfect one for you.
2. Comfortable Clothes and Layers
You should wear a comfortable shirt/tank and leggings/shorts/sweatpants that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. They allow you to move through poses more easily. It’s also best to dress in layers, so bring an extra sweater, jacket, and socks. The forecast can be unpredictable, and even if it’s sunny and 65 degrees, you might feel chilly, especially during meditation and savasana.
3. A blanket or shower towel
This is completely up to you. When I practice outdoors, I like to lay a blanket or shower towel underneath my mat, so it does not get too dirty. If you don’t care about getting a little dirt or grass on your yoga mat, there’s no need to bring one.
4. Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is just so important in general. The amount of water you should drink per day is equal to half your body weight. So if you weigh 140 lbs, you should aim to drink at least 70 ounces of water per day.
5. Sunscreen
Being outdoors comes with the risk of sunburn. It is important to apply sunscreen prior to class.
6. Face Mask
It is absolutely mandatory that you wear a face mask during the yoga class. This is not just a county requirement. It is important to keep yourself and others safe and healthy. There may be times that you’ll feel hot or have difficulty breathing during certain yoga sequences, and it is okay if you need pause to remove it for a quick minute and take a few breaths, but please put your mask back on and ensure it is covering BOTH YOUR NOSE AND MOUTH.
7. Your Phone
While I do ask you to silence your phones during the class, you are more than welcome to take photos before and after the class to share on your social media and help make this event more memorable for you. I like to bring my pet mini pig Poppy to my yoga classes and getting a selfie with her will make the experience unforgettable.
The benefit of an outdoor yoga class allows you to take in the beauty, smells, sounds, and sensations around you. It gives you the opportunity to get creative and really take in your surroundings to help you get grounded and find a state or peace in your body, mentally and physically. As mentioned by a prior student, “It was a humbling experience when I reached up to the sky in a high lunge to see a flock of birds fly overhead. The sunshine and breeze was icing on the cake.”
I look forward to seeing you at one of our outdoor yoga classes!