Sitting in front of my fan cranked up, with a glass of ice water (sans the ice — even though I poured it five minutes ago), and dreaming of a nice cold froyo treat, it is easy to forget about the times during the winter months when I wished it would just warm the hell up. But low and behold, the time has come where it certainly has “warmed the hell up.”
Photograph by Theresa Taylor
As the days get longer and the heat gets hotter, more and more opportunities arise for Denver yogis to indulge in outdoor classes. Unless you are one of those crazy people who heats up by doing thermal yoga, take advantage of this time of year when you can get your Shava-asana on while also working on your tan. Whether you belong to a studio or just like to take your mat to the park and meditate, here is a guide to just a few of the places I have either been to, or am planning on checking out this summer.
*BYOM=Bring your own mat
1) The Denver Botanic Gardens
Scenes from Peace, Love + Botany. Photograph by Theresa Taylor
- The gardens offer sunrise vinyasa yoga every Tuesday and Thursday morning (8-9 a.m.) for both members and non-members ($8 member, $10 non-members)
- In its first Sunset Stroll event of the summer “Peace, Love + Botany” over 40 people participated in a sunset yoga class taught by Allison Trainer. With drums pounding in the background and the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus serenading “Let the Sunshine in” I felt like I was in a scene from Woodstock. The picturesque gardens provide the perfect backdrop for any yoga practice.
“We host outdoor classes and sunset strolls to highlight the fact that we are open late in the summer” said Membership Manager Michelle Reilly.
2) Yoga Rocks The Park
- Held at the Sunken Garden’s Park every Sunday (9:30 am- noon)
- Along with yoga for adults and children this wellness festival hosts exhibitions and vendor booths — as well as live music. Yoga Rocks the Park donates 10% of its profits to a different charity chosen by the local community each week.
- Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the park
- BYOM
- http://yogarocksthepark.com/denver/
3) Yoga on the Rocks (Red Rocks Amphitheater)
- August 3, 10 and 17– and September 7
- 7- 8 a.m.
- Up to 2,500 yogis can find their Zen at one of the most awe-inspiring venues in the world.
- $10 drop in fee
- BYOM
- http://www.redrocksonline.com/CONCERTSEVENTS/YogaontheRocks.aspx
…and these are just a few. My local YMCA offers outdoor sunrise yoga classes for all of its ambitious early-risers. Check with your gym/studio to see if they offer classes outdoors in the summer months. Get out and take advantage of being able to practice your Tree Pose amid the actual trees while the weather is nice. Because before we know it, we will be sitting in front of our heaters with our hot chocolate wishing it would just warm the hell up again.
Yoga lovers unite at the Peace, Love + Botany event. Photograph by Theresa Taylor