The beautiful summer weather provides the perfect opportunity to practice yoga outdoors. There are several benefits to practicing yoga on a beach, in the woods, or even in your backyard. Practicing outside helps you experience a connection to the natural world and has a calming affect. This is why many yoga DVDs are filmed in a scenic outdoor setting.
Practicing outside is also great for pranayama breathing. When you are taking deep breaths outside, you are taking in fresh air and not recycled air conditioned, stuffy air. This is good for bringing plenty of oxygen to the body and increases your energy level.
Although practicing outside is relaxing, helps clear the mind and brings you closer to nature, sometimes close is a little too close. Problems like too much sun, heat and bugs can interfere with your peaceful state of mind. You’ll need to take a few precautions when taking your practice outside.
Just as you prepare your space indoors, you will do that outside. Start by selecting a spot that is comfortable, in a shaded area if possible and where you won’t be disturbed. Inspect the area and remove any sharp rocks, stones, twigs or anything else that will interfere with your practice.
You can play some yoga music, nature sounds or other relaxing music and create your own routine. If you like a guided practice, downloading a practice from yogadownload.com or another source to your iPod makes it easy to practice anywhere.
Consider a few comfort issues before practicing yoga outside. When the weather is hot, make sure to wear lightweight clothing. Choose light colors and cool fabrics, like natural cotton. Use a thick yoga mat or place a towel or blanket under the mat for extra cushion.
Bugs can be a problem when you are outside in the summer months. Try using one of the many organic bug repellents on the market or try a little lavender oil. If bugs are more problematic at certain times of the day, for example, mosquitoes in the evening, schedule your practice at a different time of day when they are less of a problem.
Wear sunscreen, especially if you are practicing in full sun to protect your skin. Listen to your body and the temperature throughout your practice. In the summer months, you can get overheated quickly. Have water nearby and take it slow with plenty of breaks to avoid getting overheated and get the most from your practice.