By Norah Machia
Getting outdoors to exercise helps with mental and physical health, and the added stimulation of terrain, including the grass and trees, makes people feel more connected to their environment.
Listening to natural sounds and breathing fresh air has also been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce stress, according to recent studies.
Central New York yoga instructors agree that being outdoors helps nourish the body and soul while offering the chance to feel attached to the natural world.
“People just want to be outside in the warmer weather, especially in the morning,” said Helena Zera, owner of Vyana Yoga in Manlius. “Our yoga practice teaches us that our bodies and nature are connected.”
Her studio offers free outdoor yoga classes on Saturdays at 8 a.m. throughout the summer at Clark Reservation State Park, Jamesville. The free classes are also offered on Sundays at 11 a.m. inside the studio at 131 W. Seneca St. to introduce people to the practice of yoga.
Both options offer a great opportunity for first-timers or those who haven’t practiced in awhile, but would like to begin again, she said.
“We always start yoga by coming into the breath, and we link the breath with movement,” said Zera. “We want people of any age and of any size to feel comfortable doing yoga.” The location in Jamesville is not too far from the studio, and seemed like a perfect fit because “everyone loves Clark Reservation,” she added.
After a recent outdoor yoga session at Clark Reservation, instructor and registered nurse Maria Loudis noted that “people spend so much time indoors, at home or in an office, even in their cars,” she said. “But how much time do people spend outside?” Being outdoors and connecting with nature “helps people feel better,” she added. “It lifts their mood.”
One of the main goals of yoga is to quiet and strengthen the mind, which may be accomplished in a peaceful outdoor setting.
“It’s a good change of pace and beneficial to your mental health,” said Loudis. No experience is necessary for those who want to try outdoor yoga classes at Clark Reservation, which are also suitable for people who are currently practicing.
Although not required, participants can register for the free classes on the website and confirm the class schedule at www.vyanayoga.com
Margo Fernandez of Syracuse has been practicing outdoor yoga for years. What she enjoys most is “all the added sounds of nature, including the symphony of birds,” she said. In warmer weather, Fernandez usually practices yoga on her porch or attends an outdoor class. “When you’re doing yoga with the sky above you, it’s a very freeing experience,” she added.
Erin Vollmer is a yoga instructor and co-owner of Edge Strength and Conditioning, 225 Wilkinson St., and Edge Strength and Recovery, 125 E. Jefferson St., both in Syracuse. She offers summer outdoor classes at Meier’s Creek Brewery in Cazenovia. The cost is $20, but participants receive a free drink chip.
“Some people stay afterward for brunch,” she said.
The classes are held once a month at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. Upcoming classes will be held on July 21, Aug. 18, and the fall schedule is being finalized. Those interested in attending may register on these websites: www.meierscreekbrewing.com/events or www.edgesyracuse.com
This is the first year the Syracuse Edge and Meier’s have collaborated on an outdoor yoga event, said Vollmer. “All the classes have drawn new participants,” she said. “Some people are familiar with the brewery, while others are familiar with Syracuse Edge. It’s a great mixture of people.” An outdoor setting can be less intimidating than an indoor studio, especially for beginners, Vollmer added. “Some participants have done yoga before, and others are new to the practice,” she said. “But everyone eases into it.”
“There is something magical about being outside in a focused setting,” said Vollmer. “Being outdoors brings people to a place where they can be comfortable. Even if a dog is barking, a car is honking a horn, or a child is crying, it’s part of the flow, and we just let it happen.”
In case of inclement weather, she has the option to hold the yoga class inside the brewery. Participants also receive a discount code for recovery services at the Syracuse Edge.
Vollmer also rotates teaching yoga classes with other instructors at Crazy Daisies, 4693 Kasson Road, Syracuse, as part of their “Yoga Flows” series which includes yoga classes and sound baths on varying days of the week: www.crazydaisiesflowers.com.
Search for “outdoor yoga syracuse ny” on Google and you will find other options in the region.