Have you ever experienced a yoga class with front row views of the setting sun, the breeze in your hair, the warm sun on your toes, and the sound of the waves lapping the shore? If not, then you haven't experienced an Activ Life yoga class.
Introducing the Caribbean's first and only outdoor online studio of 50+ live and recorded yoga sequences, cardio workouts, tutorials, guided meditations and nutritional recipes for all levels that can be practised at any time of the day and night, filmed in my picturesque outdoor “studio” in the Cayman Islands. The odd rooster crow, curious iguana and occasional butterfly are the only “distractions” that add to the real-life, authentic atmosphere and uniqueness of each class.
So why is practising yoga outside in the fresh air so good for you?
Grounding or "earthing" is a huge part of yoga and meditation. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and beneficial for your skin, your inner glow, and your stress levels. As a yoga teacher, I often cue students to, "reach your hands down to the earth," or to "turn your gaze up to the sky," which become more than just figurative language when I'm in my outdoor studios. When you reach your hands down to the earth, you can literally touch the earth. Feel the grass between your fingers. And when you do turn your gaze up to the sky, you can literally see the clouds floating by. Practicing yoga outside allows the yogi to embody the sense of the pose while actually looking at what inspired that pose. For example, harness the stability and strength of a tree while you stand grounded in Vrksasana (Tree pose). Take flight into Kakasana (Crow pose) and feel like the birds flying above you.
According to studies, being outside triggers signals to our brain that the body is in natural environment and keep us alert, therefore giving you more energy. Fresh air elevates your breath awareness encouraging a new level of self awareness. Being surrounded by nature awakens our senses. Our eyes can see long distances and natural colours, instead of the tiny, blue-light screen of our phones that our eyes are so often glued to. Our ears can pick up birds chirping in the distance and the breeze blowing around us. Take note of nature's own soundtrack next time you practise with me on the Activ Life Online Studio. Our skin absorbs the warmth of the sunshine’s natural heat waves.
Finally, practising yoga outside can do wonders for encouraging you to stretch and move your body in ways you never thought possible. You don't need to worry about stepping on fragile things, not getting your full supine twist in thanks to a rogue chair in the way or your neighbour's mat, or being licked on the face by your pet dog while in a headstand (which is more common then you think).
In summary, it's time to get your asana on outside! Join me for our popular classes at Sunset House. Where is your favourite place to practise outside?