Take your yoga outside
From beach to boardwalk, fort to mountaintop, in a greenhouse or surrounded by goats, reconnect with yourself in nature.
Yoga at Fort Gorges, where the walls provide a sound barrier to the outside world and the only things you hear are the wind, the waves and the seagulls overhead. Photo courtesy of Courtney Elizabeth.
This article was originally published July 2019 and updated June 2023.
By Amy Paradysz
“Yoga tries to get you to that place where you feel connection with your body, and the slowness and softness of nature helps with that connection,” says Ashley Flowers, who teaches yoga in parks, on paddleboards, at Fort Gorges in Casco Bay and at a farm with goats. “That’s my thing—unique yoga.”
Weather can be a challenge, and outdoor yoga instructors rely on social media to spread the word about any cancellations. But variations in the outdoor experience are also part of this novelty. It’s about being grounded within a changing world—and going with the flow, quite literally in the case of stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga.
Getting on the mat somewhere different, like Fort Gorges, also heightens the sense of exploration.
“The fort walls really block out the sounds of the world, and the only thing you can hear is the waves crashing against the shore, the seagulls overhead and the sound of the wind in the fort,” Flowers says.
Or, if it’s really hot, the shade just inside the stone fort can be a refreshing location for savasana.
For any outdoor yoga, dress in layers because Maine can be chilly on the water, in the wind, at sunset or sunrise—or any other time! Expect to get wet when kayaking or doing SUP yoga. Wear sunglasses or a hat—just not a straw hat if going to practice yoga with goats. Use natural bug spray or sunscreen, whatever you’d need to enjoy the same natural landscape without a yoga practice. It’s a good idea to bring your own mat (BYOM), though some people prefer a beach towel on sand or grass or get really rooted and plant their feet directly on the earth.
“It’s about getting to a place where you can hear the rustle of the trees and actually feel the grass between your toes, to feel that warmth of the sun on your skin and the sweetness of the breeze across your face,” Flowers says. “It’s about listening to bees buzzing around and not panicking and just thinking, ‘What a sweet and beautiful sound,’ and changing your reaction.”
Ujjayi breathing, sometimes called “the ocean breath,” can be even more meditative at the beach.
“It can enhance your sense of being connected to the natural world,” says Mindy Miller Muse, who teaches classes at Goose Rocks in Kennebunkport. “For me, it’s a place where I’m readily able to connect with feelings of gratitude.”
Kayaking & yoga trip to Fort Gorges
East End Beach, Portland, ME
portlandpaddle.net
This popular excursion involves sea kayaking to Fort Gorges for a 45-minute yoga class—and, of course, paddling back. In one morning, paddle on open water, explore dark passageways inside the Civil War-era fort, practice yoga under the sun on the old parade grounds and paddle back to the mainland. Every other Sunday in July and August, $70 per person; includes kayak, paddling gear, licensed kayak guide and certified yoga instructor.
Put your balance to the test with some SUP yoga. Photo by Michael D. Wilson
Portland Paddle SUP yoga classes
East End Beach, Portland, ME
portlandpaddle.net
Portland Paddle, near East End Beach, is offering two stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga class sessions with a six week summer series . Prepare to get at least a little wet—and to be humbled—at this all-levels class. There’s nowhere better to savasana than lying on a paddleboard with your feet dangling in the sea, face to the sun. Anchors are provided so that you don’t float away.
Mindful hiker yoga
Kennebunk area
mindymuseyoga.com
Mindy Muse, a yoga teacher and a registered Maine Recreational guide, has been leading yoga hikes in preserves in the Kennebunk area for a decade. The hikes range from 2 to 3 miles over uneven terrain with stops along the way for mindfulness moments and yoga posture practice. No mat needed. Group size is limited and pre-registration is required.
Tides of Life SUP Yoga
Kittery area
tidesoflifesupyoga.com
Outdoor vinyasa-style classes (all levels) and beginner yoga at the John Paul Jones historic site in Kittery, overlooking Portsmouth, N.H., and SUP yoga in several locations, including Piscataqua River, Pepperell Cove and Rachel Carson Nature Preserve.
Yoga on York
250 York Street, York, ME
yorkonyoga.com
Yoga on York offers beach yoga and hiking yoga all summer. Hiking yoga takes place on Mount Agamenticus, a 15-minute hike to a 692-summit with expansive views to the south of Pawtuckaway Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean.
Greenhouse Yoga
Highland Farm
109 Highland Avenue, Scarborough, ME
If your go-to choice for indoor yoga is heated, consider the occasional classes offered at this greenhouse at sunset (details available on the Facebook page). BYOM. Class is $10.
Yoga doesn’t get too serious when there’s a goat munching hay a couple of feet away. Courtesy photo.
Bold Goat Yoga
Sunflower Farm, 12 Harmon Way, Cumberland Center
sunflowerfarm.info
To practice going with the flow—some weeks with goat snuggling after class, other weeks with goats walking amongst the mats—try the all-levels vinyasa class this summer on Thursdays at 5:30-6:30pm, or Saturdays at 9:30 – 10:30am. And you can preorder goat milk products to take home with you. $10 per person
River Boardwalk Yoga
Waterfront Park, Gardiner
kimnixonyoga.com
Kim Nixon teaches a gentle yoga class suitable for all bodies every Monday, 9-10 a.m. through Sept. 13 on the boardwalk beside the Kennebec River. Preregistration $10, with 30% of proceeds go to support the Kennebec Valley Humane Society. BYOM.
Start your Monday off right with boardwalk yoga beside the Kennebec River. Photos by Kim Nixon.
Pemaquid Beach Yoga
Snowball Hill Road, Bristol
maineoutdooryoga.com
Sarah Plummer teaches an inclusive flow class at white, sandy Pemaquid Beach – breathing, stretching and exploring postures on sand and large beach towels (bring your own). Classes are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 8-9 a.m., beginning June 12. $15 per class with day beach pass $20.
Penobscot County Yoga Adventures
Based in Orono
maineyogaadventures.com
Maine Yoga Adventures offers SUP yoga on the Stillwater River and riverside yoga in Webster Park near downtown Orono. If you’re interested in a weekend adventure, the menu of options includes a hiking, sailing and yoga trip to Camden; a hiking, paddling and yoga trip to Deer Isle; and an “upta camp” yoga adventure at Emden Pond in Somerset.
