For this week's getting out feature, I did something a little different. I didn't go hiking this weekend, as I kind of wanted to give myself a break after doing a 12-miler last week. I did go with my family(parents, nephews, and sister) to Tryon Creek State Park for a family-friendly stroll, but I really didn't get many pictures. I will say it is a great place to take the family, especially if you have a little boy in your life who loves bugs. Seeing my 5-year-old nephew get excited about an inch-worm was pretty fantastic.
Instead of talking about a hike, I will share with you my experience at Yoga Rocks the Park this past Saturday. I had heard about the event months ago and was really excited about doing yoga in a park in the Summer. The Portland event was held at Laurelhurst Park, which is a little gem that I had never visited. The event was set up right in front of a pond in a clearing (it is a wooded park- lots of big pines). I'm not great with estimates, but I think a couple hundred people showed up.
Once again, I put together a Meetup to find people to go to the event with. I could have gone it alone, but I really wanted to meet some new people and go for coffee afterwards. There were 5 of us who showed up, and we had a pretty good time. There were vendors, one of which was Portland Juice Press, who was giving out samples of several of their raw juices. I felt a bit greedy trying each one, but they were so delicious I couldn't help myself! I can't wait to check out one of their shops and stock up on some of the Om or the Mantra.
After tasting samples and picking up fliers and coupons for free yoga classes, we set up our mats and listened to the pre-practice music. This weekend's featured musicians were The Luminaries, which I guess could be described as uplifting hip-hop. I won't lie, it reminded me a bit of listening to contemporary Christian music growing up, and quite frankly, I'm just not into group-dance-participation at 9am when I haven't had coffee. I'm a girl who's generally up for anything, and always prefers to be positive and have a good time, but this music was just not for me.
As for the yoga, Alex Cole kicked my butt. I didn't know why I was expecting something easy for yoga in a park, but I left feeling a bit wobbly. Doing half moon pose while balancing on uneven grass and a stick is incredibly challenging. But so worth it. When we were told to push up and hover 3 inches over the ground, there were laughs heard around the park- we were all feeling the burn. And that is why I love yoga classes. I love a shared experience like that, everyone facing the same challenge in different bodies, and laughing about it all. At the end we all stood in a circle and it was amazing to see how many people showed up.
I had such a great time and I can't wait to do it again in two weeks. Something about breathing in fresh, pine-scented air while doing yoga on a sunny Saturday morning is absolute perfection in my book.
Have you ever done yoga outside? Do you have an event like this in your city? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!
That sounds so awesome! I may have to try it out!
ReplyDeleteIt was and you should!
Deletethis sounds like so much fun! I might have to check out the next one out. ps. how great is Laurelhurst Park!?
ReplyDeleteWow! That looks like there was a HUGE turnout! So fun! Thanks for letting me know about this. I hadn't heard of it yet!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, there were so many people. I hope you get the chance to check it out!
DeleteAw, doing "gym class" outside brings back such good memories of school, what a great idea!
ReplyDeleteWe have this in Chicago, though I've never been since it would require a commute basically back to where I work during the week, and on the weekend I tend to stay away from that area just to get some different scenery in. You're making me think I should give it a go though, even if just for the experience of a large community exercise event outdoors! Looks so cool! We have a zumba one coming out so I just may venture out :) Good for you trying new things! You're getting out there girl.
ReplyDeleteeileen
leaner by the lake
Wow, so cool Rachel!!! :) That sounds like so much fun and what a smart idea to create a meet-up group!! How did that end up going?? :)
ReplyDeleteI've done yoga in the park once, last summer. I really enjoyed it more than I thought I would. It was so peaceful and pretty. The class was a beginning class, so there wasn't too much butt kickage (though there were moments). But LOOK AT YOU... your life is awesome!
--Erika
http://www.chimerikal.com
That sounds really fun. I suck at yoga, but with that many people I feel like maybe it wouldn't matter.
ReplyDeleteThe outdoor Yoga thing has really kicked off here in Ottawa - it seems like all the different landmarks (including on Parliament Hill and City Hall) have been taken over by yoga in the summertime. I've always wanted to try it but they run at lunch and I haven't been able to squeeze it in yet. There's a certain appeal for sure though, doing yoga outside has a pretty neat draw to it.
ReplyDeleteThe Luminaries can be a bit ......whiny at times but I still like them :)
Wow, that is so cool! I wish the yoga in the park were more frequent, and there are so many parks here where it would be nice to practice. That is so great that it is all over Ottawa!
DeleteThis looks like so much fun! Although I'm still getting "into" yoga (I barely go and when I went the woman was convinced I couldn't do some of the poses because I have "tight runner muscles...and I don't really run either) but I always feel so relaxed and great when it's done! And I don't blame you for taking all of the juice samples...I do the same thing! :)
ReplyDeleteYay, glad I'm not the only one who is all over the samples!
DeleteIt really was fun. It's odd that that woman said that to you- I think a good teacher would be careful with her words, and trust that you know your body. And yes, I love that relaxed, calm feeling after yoga!
How fun, Rachel!! I have never done yoga in the park although we have quite a bit of those events here in the city. I'm actually not a fan of working out in public... lol, is that weird? However, I have always wanted to join a yoga class! There's like at least ten yoga places within a mile of me, it's crazy. So I would have a lot to choose from. :)
ReplyDelete