Domonique Whitehurst

Namaste. Before a yoga session can begin this is the typical greeting invoked by the instructor. The art of yoga was first established in India over 5,000 years ago. Over time the purpose of this practice was to spiritually train the body and soul to become self-aware of their own nature. Yoga seeks to focus on meditation for the mind, body, and soul by utilizing a series of poses and breathing. There are many benefits associated with yoga: Helps to manage stress, increases flexibility and stability, weight loss, manages back pain, boosts energy levels, and maintains metabolism. All over the country individuals take part in this art form, and over time they have proven that yoga can happen in many locations. Below we discuss three typical yoga locations. Beach Yoga Sometimes people may need to step outside of their comfort zones. The typical person will opt for the studio to practice yoga. But just picture yoga on the beach. Imagine the warm sand between your toes, splashing sounds of the waves, and the smell of crisp air all while performing different poses. Placing yourself in a new environment can heighten your creativity and even increase your relaxation. That one pose that was labeled as a challenge may not be the case anymore because your mind now mimics the openness and carefree nature that the beach brings. The beach is outside if you did not know, and sometimes the outside isn’t so perfect. This can cause a wrench in the “ideal” setting for a yoga session. Weather conditions can alter a person’s overall mood. But you can’t allow for a super-hot day or even a misty morning to turn you away from experiencing yoga on the beach. One must roll with the punches and make the best out of the situation. Now, we’re not saying perform the “downward dog” when it’s storming outside; but if the conditions are bearable and don’t diminish your relaxation then stay and enjoy your yoga on the beach. Studio Yoga A studio is the most common location for yoga classes. Utilizing a studio can vary. People can practice their yoga within a dancing studio, gym studio, home studio, multi-purpose studio, and the list goes on. A studio provides individuals with open space to spread out and fully embrace their yoga sessions. Within a studio, such as a gym studio, individuals can connect with like-minded people who want to strengthen their techniques in a controlled environment. Another perk with studio mirrors! Who doesn’t like looking at themselves in the mirror? Not only can someone gaze at their own reflection but by being in a studio they can understand and perfect their yoga technique. There are certain studios that are dedicated to “pushing the envelope” with yoga sessions. At various locations, individuals can indulge in “hot yoga.” Hot yoga is a form of yoga performed within humid and hot conditions. With this yoga, the studio is set to a steamy temperature. By practicing under these conditions one can experience improvement in balance and lower back stability, but they also can experience dehydration. Park Yoga There’s nothing like the great outdoors! Doing yoga in the park is an excellent way to switch up one’s typical indoor location. One of the fundamentals of yoga is breathing. During the course of a yoga session, one spends much time focusing on their breathing. Taking in a deep breath of Mother Nature’s great air is an excellent way to aid in Vitamin D consumption and overall brighten one’s mood. Vitamin D is dedicated to regulating the calcium and phosphate in the body. Spending time outside gives a huge boost to this vitamin and in turn leaves you feeling happy, bright, and ready to conquer any yoga pose. There’s something about being covered by a tree’s shadow and feeling the crispness from the winds that heighten the stillness and peace of this exercise. Yoga in the park not only is beneficial for the physical but helps to increase mental awareness. By setting yourself in a more open atmosphere your mind will be cleared allowing you to focus on your body’s tension patterns. The three discussed locations only scrape the surface of the other places one can practice yoga. No matter the time or the place always remember to lead with the purpose of yoga, to relax the mind, body, and soul, put the distractions behind you, and let that child’s pose or cobra pose take control. Namaste.