By Grace Ann Brew
As anyone who works out regularly may know, falling into a monotonous exercise routine is both easy and dangerous. Enhance your summer workouts with great views and fresh air by checking out these local outdoor yoga classes.
1. Yoga in the Water Park
Come to the Crystal City Water Park where Mind Your Body Oasis holds free yoga classes for everyone from beginners to seasoned yogis. This scenic park is where flowing bodies meet soothing flowing fountains with Vinyasa-style classes. Meditate, stretch and flex under the shade as you take in the sights of this beautiful park. / Mondays through Sept. 28, 7-8 a.m.; 1750 Crystal Drive, Arlington.
2. Love Your Body Yoga Festival at Reston Town Center
This June Beloved Yoga will present their seventh annual all-day yoga festival bursting with free classes and activities for the whole family. Here you will have the opportunity to practice with yoga teachers from an array of studios all over NoVA such as Spark Yoga, Dancing Mind and PureOm. While you detox under the Pavilion’s stunning glass canopy, send your children over to the Kidasana area where they can practice by the fountain or enjoy face painting and henna. Spend the rest of the day cooling off with healthy drink and food samples, complimentary messages, healing demonstrations and live music. Donations are encouraged and will go to benefit Cornerstones and The Brad Kaminsky Foundation. / June 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; 1818 Discovery St., Reston.
3. Cool Yoga in Del Ray
Maureen Clyne of Prasada Yoga established the Cool Yoga series in the summer of 2013 with only four classes. The classes became so popular that this summer she will be holding 12 classes of Vinyasa yoga for students of all levels. The classes are free, so all you need to bring is yourself, your mat, a towel and a water bottle. Maureen welcomes her yogis to stay after class for complimentary summer refreshments and cookies. / Wednesdays June 17-Sept. 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; 1900 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria.
4. 108 Sun Salutations on the Hilltop Golf Course
Start your summer with Suzie Mills of Honest Soul Yoga at her free yoga class on the Hilltop Golf Course. Suzie and her students will celebrate the summer solstice with the ancient yogic tradition of completing 108 sun salutations. Don’t let those three digits scare you off—participants are welcome to complete as many as they are able. Whether students practice every day or have never set foot on a yoga mat, Suzie encourages yogis and their kids to welcome in summer with this cleansing exercise. Bring a mat or feel free to switch up your routine by practicing right on the grass. / June 21, 7:30-9 a.m.; 7900 Telegraph Road, Alexandria.
5. Urban Yoga Hike in Rosslyn
For a truly unique yoga experience, join Yoga Hikes DC on an excursion through Rosslyn. This class entails 15-minute alternating intervals of Vinyasa-based yoga and hiking for 90 minutes. Immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery of sculptures, greenery and fountains as you stretch and trek through the parks of NoVA. This is the perfect class for yogis of all levels looking for a balance of cardio, yoga and stunning landscapes. /July 13, 20 and 27, 10-11:30 a.m.; 1911 North Fort Myer Drive, Arlington; $18-$25.
