Amy, 55, shares how rare it is to have something on your doorstep where communities can come together in nature…
“I started going to Park Yoga because it’s outside and I was thinking the experience of being out in the fresh air has got to be good for your body and I absolutely loved it! It’s a completely different atmosphere and experience compared to indoors exercise classes – the fresh air, the sun and the connection with nature make it really special.
It does my mental health the world of good to get up in the morning and go to Park Yoga, as it puts me in a good mood. It benefits you all overall regarding your mindset, your health and its exercise, but for me it’s more for mental health benefits which I get the most from going.
I sometimes go with friends, but I’m equally happy to go by myself. I just think that if you want to go somewhere, do something, then you’ve just got to have that get up and go. So, most of the sessions this season, I have gone on my own. But you make friends there; the people are lovely, and you just interact with them so then you make friends that way as well and there’s such a lovely community spirit.
I think it’s very rare to have something like this on your doorstep – it’s free and it’s in nature. It opens the doors for communities and people who might not be that physically active to come along. You can just take things at your own pace, and it will benefit you, so if someone’s new to yoga or has health problems they can just ease themselves into it. You feel so good at the end of a session, whether you’ve moved a little bit or a lot, you just feel amazing. I always feel very fortunate to be part of it.
It’s great that Park Yoga is free as it gives you an insight of what yoga’s like before you have to register and pay for something. You can give it a try without committing to a long membership or contract where you have to pay up front. Plus, where you don’t need to book you haven’t got to worry about whether you’ll be able to get a place or not. So, the no booking and fact it’s free gives you an extra push to try it.
If someone’s never tried Park Yoga before I’d say just try it the once, give it a go and I’m 100% sure you’re going to love it! It’s the being outdoors, with the sun hitting your face that I love. Plus, the people are lovely, it’s free and you’re not signing up to anything…so what have we’ve got to lose, just go and see what it’s like.”
Park Yoga is suitable for all physical levels and abilities, and no experience is necessary – last year 30% of our participants had never tried yoga before. There’s no need to book, just turn up with a mat (or towel or blanket) and enjoy the session. Visit our venue page to find your closest Park Yoga location.