Take yoga outdoors and breathe in the fresh air
Who says yoga is an indoors-only way to exercise?
Not me — it can be invigorating and fun outdoors, too. All that’s needed is a warm day, a patch of grass or sandy beach, and a mat.
Adding someone you know who loves outdoor exercise is a bonus.
I toted my own mat to an outdoor class, bringing my daughter along, too, just to try it out.
I had picked up yoga shortly after my Parkinson’s diagnosis six years earlier, and it’s no exaggeration to say yoga changed my life.
(A Q&A details how it changed me here.)
The class was part of a series of free Saturday exercise events offered in the summer at a downtown park.
We staked out a place near the front on the large, grassy field. Dozens of yogis and yoginis began arriving and unrolling their mats.
Class begins
The instructor was on a 4-foot-high platform up front where everyone could see her.
Setting the mood was a musician under a canopy who played chimes, a variety of drums, shakers, and bells in no particular rhythm. A nice touch for us warriors on the field.
Our instructor got right into a flow: “Sun salutation, forward fold, halfway lift, back to fold, step back into plank, lower through your vinyasa.” People of all abilities followed along.
“Link that breath to your movement,” she went on. For this megaclass, she kept to the basics.
I aim for a confident posture during yoga, also knowing that if I mess up, nobody cares.
There’s no judging in yoga.
Benefits of outdoor yoga
True, with outdoor yoga you might have to deal with heat, wind, chilly temps, a bright sun in your eyes, or blades of grass tickling your ankles.
But think of the extra benefits!
When practicing yoga outside, you get an extra dose of vitamin D to boost your immune system.
The uneven surface of a lawn or beach challenges your balance and strengthens your foot and leg muscles.
And the fresh air awakens your senses and lifts your mood.
These are important for people with Parkinson’s, who often struggle with balance or depression.
There’s something to say for exercising close to nature. It clears your mind and gives you space. A true reset.
Yoga antics
Yoga is portable — you can do it just about anywhere — and I try to find time for a session or two when I travel.
Some airports have become quite accommodating for this.
Who even thought of that lovely idea? I say to them, thank you.
On hikes, to be a little goofy, I’ve made a habit of bringing one particular yoga pose along. When I find just the right view for a background, I do the best “tree pose” I can while the Unshakable Husband takes a picture.
Since tree pose is getting harder for me to hold (this dang disease), the photos have to be snapped very quickly!
Perhaps there’s an outdoor yoga class near you. Maybe even one for people with Parkinson’s. Check it out, and then grab a pal and give it a try.
Related post: A yoga session brings a Parkinson’s reality check
