Yoga has become increasingly popular as a way to improve overall health and wellness. While practicing yoga in a studio can be a great way to focus on breathing, movement, and mindfulness, practicing yoga in nature can enhance the experience even more.
Breathe in Fresh Air and Saltwater: The Benefits of Practicing Yoga in Nature and on the Water
Connecting with nature while outdoors and experiencing the fresh air and sunlight can elevate the benefits of practicing yoga. Adding SUP yoga into the mix, with the natural healing elements of saltwater, makes the experience even more unique and beneficial.
Here are some of the benefits of practicing yoga in nature and SUP yoga:
- Connect With Nature While Outdoors: Practicing yoga in nature can provide a deeper sense of connection with the earth and the natural environment. Being outdoors can help us feel more grounded and centered, allowing for a more meditative and peaceful yoga practice.
- Pump Fresh Air Into Your Lungs: The fresh air we breathe while practicing yoga outside can be invigorating and refreshing. Breathing in oxygen-rich air can improve our overall lung function and help us feel more energized during our practice.
- Get Your Daily Dose of Vitamin D: The sun provides an important source of Vitamin D which helps in strengthening the bones, muscles, and immune system.
- Improve Your Concentration and Focus: Practicing yoga in nature can help to improve focus and concentration, allowing us to be more present and mindful during our practice.
- Increase Your Balance and Flexibility: Practicing yoga on an uneven surface like sand, rocks or water, can increase balance and stability, and develop strength in the smaller stabilizing muscles in the body.
- You Feel Revitalized: Being in nature and practicing yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety, and leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
SUP Yoga takes all these benefits and adds to them. Practicing yoga on a paddleboard in the ocean involves engaging new muscles, such as the core, arms, and legs, to maintain balance on the water. Additionally, the ocean provides a natural and peaceful environment that promotes relaxation and is considered “healing waters” by the Hawaiian people. Practicing SUP yoga strengthens proprioception, which is the awareness of one's body position in space. It enhances your ability to balance and helps you to better understand your body movements and alignment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, practicing yoga in nature and SUP yoga can enhance the benefits of a traditional yoga practice. The healing aspects of saltwater, the natural environment, and fresh air can make the practice even more revitalizing and provide a deeper connection to the earth. Give it a try and experience the magic for yourself!
Interested in trying SUP Yoga!!? Check out my class schedule starting in May 2023 for my Torii Pool and Open Ocean classes here in Oki!
