Why You Should Try Practicing Yoga Outside
Spring is here, and with it comes one of the most magical times of the year to practice yoga—outside. Whether you’re rolling out your mat in your backyard, a neighborhood park, or joining a group class under the trees, outdoor yoga offers something truly special.
Practicing in nature deepens your connection to yourself, the earth, and those around you. And it turns out, that’s not just a feel-good notion—it’s supported by both yoga philosophy and science.
The Roots of Outdoor Practice
Many practitioners discover their love of yoga in a studio, but for some, the practice begins on the grass under an open sky. That was the case for Lauren Leduc, founder of True Love Yoga. Her very first yoga class was taught outdoors—spontaneously—when the scheduled teacher didn’t show. That one impromptu class eventually bloomed into a community-wide pop-up yoga program and, ultimately, the studio itself.
Outdoor yoga has always carried that spark of community, play, and openness. It lowers the barrier to entry and invites all bodies, all levels, and all experiences to gather together, breathe, and move with the earth beneath and the sky above.
The Benefits of Practicing Yoga Outdoors
Practicing yoga in nature offers profound benefits—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Here’s why it’s worth taking your mat outside:
🌳 Heightened Presence
Nature demands your attention. The rustle of leaves, the feel of sunlight on your skin, the song of birds overhead—these sensory inputs ground you in the present. Unlike the controlled environment of a studio, outdoor yoga reminds you to stay curious and alert to each moment.
☀️ Boosted Mood & Energy
Sunshine and fresh air have proven effects on mood and energy levels. They help reset your circadian rhythm, reduce stress, and support mental clarity. Practicing yoga while soaking in natural light can leave you feeling brighter—inside and out.
🧘♀️ Built-In Challenges
Practicing on uneven ground? Feeling the wind in your Warrior II? Hearing a siren in Savasana? Outdoor yoga strengthens your focus, adaptability, and balance. The elements become teachers, inviting you to flow with change instead of resisting it.
🌱 Connection to the Elements
Yoga and Ayurveda view the body and universe as composed of five elements—earth, air, fire, water, and ether. Practicing outdoors helps reconnect to these:
• Earth: Root your feet in the soil, feel grounded and held by the earth.
• Air: Breathe in fresh prana, feel the wind move through you.
• Fire: Let the warmth of the sun energize your body and spirit.
• Water: Move fluidly, notice nearby streams, dew, or even the rhythm of your own breath.
• Ether: Embrace the spaciousness above you—open, vast, infinite.
💚 Deeper Philosophy in Action
Yoga philosophy invites us to live more mindfully, and outdoor practice brings that philosophy to life:
• Ahimsa (non-harming): Treat the earth gently. Leave no trace. Practice gratitude for the natural world.
• Pratyahara (sense withdrawal): Notice the sounds and distractions, but learn to stay centered within yourself.
• Santosha (contentment): Accept the imperfect—clouds, bugs, uneven terrain—and find peace anyway.
Tips for Practicing Yoga Outside
If you’re new to outdoor yoga, here are a few ways to make it more enjoyable:
• Pack the essentials: A mat or towel, sunscreen, bug spray, water, maybe a small towel or scarf for Savasana.
• Use a mat you don’t mind getting dirty: Keep an inexpensive mat in your car or bag for pop-ups or impromptu flows.
• Adapt your mindset: Outdoor classes aren’t always perfect. Embrace the unpredictability.
• Channel your inner child: Play! Be curious. Enjoy the freedom. Get your feet in the grass.
• Make a new friend: Yoga outside is naturally communal. Introduce yourself. You already have two things in common: you love yoga, and you love being outside.
Join Us This Summer in Kansas City
If you’re in Kansas City or planning to visit, we’d love to welcome you to our free Pop-Up Yoga series at the Museum of Kansas City. The space is beautiful and shaded by old trees, and classes are friendly, inclusive, and beginner-welcoming.
Pop-Up Yoga 2025 Dates
🗓️ Saturdays: May 10, June 14, July 12, August 16, September 13
🕐 1–2 PM
📍 Museum of Kansas City
💸 Donation-based (free to attend!)
You can find more info at trueloveyogakc.com or follow along for updates on social media.
Yoga doesn’t have to stay inside. Whether you’re attending a community class, flowing on your deck, or breathing deeply under a tree—taking your practice outside can refresh your spirit in surprising ways.
For more inspiration, listen to related episodes on Deepen Your Yoga Practice, where we explore how to live your yoga both on and off the mat.
Om Shanti, Om Peace.
