Yoga is said to improve various aspects of both physical, mental, and spiritual health. Improved flexibility eases joint pain, controlled breathing lowers stress, and the meditative side assists with improved focus. After worldwide lockdowns, many people have a greater desire to spend time outdoors, seeking activities that improve their health, often which leads them to yoga.
Yoga can be practised both indoors and outdoors. While there are benefits to both, choosing to practice within nature brings about a whole new range of potential experience and, if you are living in New South Wales, you will find yourself with some of the most amazing natural experiences right on your doorstep.
Here are five amazing outdoor venues around the area that can both get you closer to nature and begin your journey into the world of yoga.
Wybalena Organic Farm
This centre offers a fabulous four-day hormone balancing retreat for women. Besides the regular female cycles women’s bodies go through every month, stress and ageing can also wreak havoc with the endocrine system that releases the chemicals into the bloodstream. This retreat is aimed at beginners and includes various highlights including three nights of accommodation on the farm and a class on how to cook for your hormones.
Chapman Valley Retreat
If you’re a lover of horses (you need not be a rider) and yoga, then this will be the perfect getaway for you. This retreat is aimed mainly at using equine therapy but offers meditation and yoga classes as add-ons. During the two-day retreat, you will learn various yoga aspects while interacting with the horses, including awareness and mindfulness.
Flow Motion
Practising tai chi or meditating on the beach is a widespread phenomenon. The sound of the waves gently lapping at the shore is sure to only enhance the experience. Flow Motion, which is based in Manly, also offers kayak yoga. You need not be able to swim to attend this retreat either!
Mana Yoga Retreat
Get away as a group to the stunning Byron Bay, which remains one of the most popular holiday destinations in Australia, and visit the Mana Yoga Retreat where you can enjoy a unique oceanfront rainforest yoga experience, one which includes surfing and kayak options, massages, a cedar sauna, meals, and exquisite accommodation.
Challenge Chaser Retreat
Based in Warranulla, Challenge Chaser Retreat offers AcroYoga workshops for all skill levels over a three day period. Daily mindfulness practices are also included, along with three vegan and organic meals per day. Accommodation is provided in luxury tents and visitors have access to all amenities on the property.
This selection of yoga locations covers a wide range of budget and environmental preferences. It is important to remember that yoga, as a practice, must work for the individual and what works for one person’s mental and physical health, might not work for another. Be sure to find both a landscape, atmosphere, and, importantly, a budget, that doesn’t leave you feeling uncomfortable.