Yoga studios get creative to offer classes outdoors

Yogis across Orange County are flowing into downward dog in outdoor spaces, finding new and creative ways to be mindful, meditate, stretch and strengthen as indoor studios stay shut down through the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Kristin Shively, owner of Epic Yoga in San Clemente, recently teamed up with JD’s Kitchen and Bar to create a rooftop yoga class, finding an unexpected space where they push bar stools and tables aside so students can spread out in fresh air.

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With the restaurant’s outdoor space not opening until the afternoon for food service, the deck was available for the yogis to use the space, offering a view of tree tops and the seaside city below.

“We’ve been really grateful, it’s a great little space,” Shively said. “Everyone is so grateful to be outside and able to have the opportunity to safely and responsibly do yoga.”

Epic Yoga also teamed up with the city for classes at Linda Lane Park, on a grassy area that overlooks the ocean and the pier.

“That’s what’s so great, giving people a different experience,” Shively said. “There’s nothing like connecting to nature… it’s just a different experience than the studio. You feel like you’re in Hawaii or something. You see the palapas and the tops of palm trees. It’s almost like a retreat, something different and unique.”

Other studios such as iheartyoga in the Dana Point Harbor have added more outdoor options, including daily yoga classes in a grassy area between the studio and Baby Beach looking out to boats and harbor. It also offers stand-up paddle yoga for an added challenge of moving and holding yoga stances while on a board – an in-demand class that quickly sells out.

Its popular park yoga, which overlooks Doheny State Beach from Lantern Bay Park, has also been expanded to now include sunset classes.

Caliblu Surf School is hosting “Surf and Stretch Saturdays,” a donation-based class on the sand at Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach from 11 a.m. to noon. Meet at Tower 25 and bring a towel or yoga mat, along with sunscreen and face coverings.