Outdoor Yoga: Why and How to Practice Outside

If you’ve practiced with me for a while, you’ve probably noticed that a lot of my classes are filmed outside. I’ve taught on the beach in Costa Rica and under the trees in Colorado, and whenever the weather (and the nearby construction) cooperates, I’ll pick outdoors over indoors every time.

Most of us practice at home, inside, and that’s wonderful. But stepping outside to practice can change how a class feels in some really nice ways. And you don’t need a jungle. A patio works. So does a corner of the backyard or the park down the street.

Erin Sampson practicing yoga on the beach

The ground keeps you honest

Indoors, the floor is flat and predictable. Outside, it isn’t. Grass gives a little and sand shifts under you. Even a deck might slope more than you thought. Your feet and ankles have to work harder, and so does your balance.

I think that’s a good thing. Start in mountain pose and really feel your feet on the earth before you move. Then try tree pose on the grass and notice how different it feels from your living room. If you wobble, that’s the point.

Let the distractions in

Outside, you hear the leaves and the birds and feel the sun on your skin. You’ll also hear traffic, and someone will walk their dog right past your mat, and a plane will fly over during shavasana. That’s all part of it. Instead of fighting the noise, let it be there and come back to your breath. It’s great practice for staying present when life is loud.

Fresh air and a little sun

Breathing fresh air is invigorating, and it wakes up your senses in a way the living room doesn’t. A little sunshine feels good too. Early morning or evening is usually the most comfortable time, especially somewhere hot, and on a sunny day a shady spot is your friend.

Let nature inspire you

Nature has a way of inspiring us. Maybe it’s a tree moving in the breeze or a flower in bloom, or water running past. When you practice outside, pay attention to what’s around you and let it set the mood.

A few practical tips

Find the flattest spot you can and check it for rocks before you roll out your mat. If your wrists don’t love uneven ground, a wrist-free class is a great first outdoor practice. And keep your first one short, because everything feels a little harder on new ground.