What Do You Need For Outdoor Yoga?

As an activity, yoga doesn’t require that much equipment. This is ideal when you want to practice yoga outdoors and don’t want to carry heavy bags of equipment or accessories. So what do you need for outdoor yoga? 

We’ll take a look at the things you need to take with you as well as how you can benefit from doing yoga outdoors. 

Location

The spot that you choose for your yoga will depend on whether you are just going to practice by yourself or taking a class outdoors.

If it’s just for you then you’ll want somewhere that is inspiring and that helps you to connect to nature. 

Of course, it also depends on how far you want to travel. If you’re lucky enough to have a great view in your backyard then that’s perfect. Or you could walk or catch a bus to a nearby park and practice beneath the trees. 

Surface

Whichever location you choose, the surface that you practice on should be level and flat. There are so many different surfaces you can do yoga on, grass, sand, rock, or pavement. 

Make sure that you have an appropriate mat for the surface or take along a towel to lay underneath it for extra protection. 

Space

The space for practicing yoga should be quiet and peaceful to help you get in harmony with nature. If you are in a neighborhood park, find a place away from the paths through the park, so you are not disturbed by people walking by. 

If you can practice in the countryside, on the beach or by a lake you should be able to find plenty of space for solitude and relaxation. 

Aesthetics

As well as the right surface and enough space it’s important to consider the aesthetics of your surroundings. It’s much better to have views of nature rather than buildings when practicing yoga outdoors. 

A serene location is more conducive to a good yoga practice session than steel and concrete. If you can practice by water this is a great place to enjoy the gentle sounds and ambiance of a peaceful environment. 

Outdoor Yoga Mat

Now that you have found the ideal location for your yoga practice you’ll need to think about the equipment you should take.

There are many different types of yoga mats available on the market, so you’ll need to take your time choosing one. Don’t forget about a strap too. 

Mat For Uneven Surfaces

When buying a yoga mat you may want to consider buying one that you can use on all kinds of surfaces. As we’ve seen there are lots of different places you can exercise so why not get one mat that works in lots of different places. 

A reversible yoga mat may be a bit more expensive, but you will be able to use it in a variety of locations. 

Light Mat For Longer Journeys

For traveling to your favorite yoga destination outdoors you’ll be grateful you bought a lightweight mat.

While you should make sure the mat will provide the protection you need, there are lots of great yoga mats that can be folded up and stashed in a bag. 

Dual Purpose Strap

Carrying a yoga mat doesn’t leave your hands free so invest in a dual-purpose strap. This can be used to carry your mat leaving your hands free, and it can also serve as a stretching aid.

This is particularly useful for getting deeper into poses or for a post-workout stretch. 

Clothing

Wearing the right clothing for yoga is not just about looking the part or being trendy. When you are practicing yoga you need to be thinking about what you are doing.

In the middle of poses you don’t need to be thinking about the fact that your top is now covering your face! 

You need to be comfortable and wear clothes that do not restrict your movement. When doing yoga outdoors the time of year can also influence what you wear. 

Breathable Top

A breathable top is recommended for yoga. Depending on how active you are, you may sweat a little or a lot. The material in these tops allows the sweat to be wicked away from your body and keeps you cool. 

You should avoid cotton tops as they soak up sweat and become heavy and cling to your skin. Venting and mesh in yoga tops make them breathable, and the air flow will keep you cool.

Flexible Leggings

Yoga involves a lot of bending, stretching and reaching, so it is important to wear clothes that can move with you and are not restrictive.

Most leggings designed for wearing during yoga contain a good percentage of spandex. This makes them very stretchy and comfortable. 

Like your top, the material that your yoga pants or leggings are made from should be breathable. Anything that absorbs moisture rather than wicking it away will end up chafing your skin. 

Cool Weather Clothes

When you are doing yoga in a classroom you’ll be trying to keep cool but when you are doing yoga outdoors you’ll have to be prepared for cooler weather on occasion. 

A long sleeved cropped sweatshirt is the ideal choice of top for doing yoga besides a lake or on a windy beach. Choose one with a half zip so that you can add some ventilation if you find yourself overheating slightly. 

Equipment

Luckily for yoga enthusiasts there is not a lot of equipment that you need to practice this activity. This is a double bonus if you want to do yoga outdoors as there is less to carry with you. 

However, there are a couple of things that you will need if you are hitting poses in the park. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced yoga instructor these items can improve your practice and make your life a little easier. 

Lightweight Blocks

Blocks help you to improve your stability and flexibility. You can purchase lightweight blocks that weigh just 0.33 ounces and measure 6 inches by 9 inches.

This makes them ideal for a wide range of poses which may be more difficult to hit without them. 

They can also be used as a seat for meditation or ankle support for savasana. As they are so lightweight you won’t be weighed down when traveling to your favorite yoga spot outdoors. 

Yoga Bag

A yoga specific bag can make life a lot easier for traveling to an outdoor location. A bag that can comfortably hold a yoga mat, blocks, towel and water bottle will be worth its weight in gold. 

With larger bags you’ll also have room to throw in a cropped sweater for after your workout or when the weather is cooler than you expected.

Now you’ll have all your yoga essentials in one place, so you can just grab your bag and head to the park, the beach or the mountains. 

Final Thoughts

The great thing about doing outdoor yoga is that there is a limitless supply of places to practice. 

You can try lots of different places until you find your favorite spot and even then it’s always nice to add a little variety to your routine. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1G5fCqwTds&ab_channel=amandaoutside