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I’ve been practicing yoga since I was about 16, it has been a great way to connect and ground myself, stay active, and focus. Yoga has been a very important tool in my journey to love myself and to understand myself even more. Yoga is for everyone and there are many ways to practice it, one of them is outdoors, bringing you even more benefits. I spoke with Natalie Williams, owner of Unity and a local yoga teacher, about the benefits of yoga and why practicing outside may give you an extra boost. Natalie is an experienced yoga teacher with an E-RYT200 certificate and a degree in Exercise Science. She hosts yoga classes in different environments and works with people of all ages, abilities, and levels.

What is the easiest way to start practicing yoga?

N: If you're interested in starting a yoga practice, it helps to begin with a few items; comfortable clothing, a yoga mat, and some basic knowledge of the poses. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started. Websites with online classes can provide detailed instructions on how to do each pose. There are also many studios, independent teachers, gyms and community centers that offer classes for beginners. Feel free to contact one of the locations; ask for a beginner friendly class then remind the teacher at the beginning of class, that you are new to yoga.

However, one of the best ways to learn is to find an experienced teacher who can offer individualized guidance. Remember there are many different styles, locations and teachers. Explore classes until you find a practice that best suits your needs. Yoga is for everybody, at any age or ability and all can benefit from it. With a little effort, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the many benefits of yoga. Make sure to always listen to your body, modify as needed and go at your own pace. 

What are the benefits of practicing yoga outside?

N: Yoga offers a myriad of benefits, including improved flexibility, strength, and mental well-being. While most people associate yoga with studios and mat-covered floors, there are many reasons to step outside and practice in the fresh air. Breathes are optimized as the oxygen levels are higher with better air circulation. Getting moderate sunlight during an outside yoga session helps too as it; supports better sleep, lowers blood pressure, prevents diseases, strengthens bones, and uplifts your mood from a boost of natural vitamin D! 

In addition, the uneven surface of the ground can provide an extra challenge for your balance and core stability. And of course, practicing yoga in a beautiful setting can help to increase your overall enjoyment of the experience. Being surrounded in a calming environment where you can stare off into, actually changes the brain waves' frequency; which puts individuals into a mild meditative state. 

Practicing yoga in a natural setting can help you to feel more grounded and connected to the earth. When the body's bare skin touches the ground, it connects to a conductive system that transfers the Earth's natural electrons from the ground into the body. This is called earthing or grounding. The obtained electrons help neutralize damaging excess free radicals in the body. So next time you're feeling stuck in a yoga rut, consider heading outdoors for a spacious and refreshing change.

I want to invite you all to give yoga a try for the physical and mental benefits and let me know how your experience goes! If you are uncertain where to start and have a bit of anxiety of joining a class full of people, Natalie has recorded a beginner’s flow for you to try it out in the comfort of your own home.