A perfect mix of relaxation, fresh air, and beautiful scenery, outdoor yoga is an inspiring way to work out and catch your breath. In Chattanooga, outdoor yoga sessions are a popular pastime for newbies and seasoned yogis alike. You can find a diverse offering of classes from traditional styles in the park to yoga on a stand-up paddleboard or a downward dogging session while wine tasting. Whatever your vibe or ability level, you can find a suitable class or two somewhere across the city. Here are six opportunities for you to practice yoga in the great outdoors.

Please note, before you attend any of the classes below, it’s important to adhere to the following COVID-19 safety precautions:

  • While most studios and instructors typically have a supply of yoga mats to lend, many have temporarily suspended this offering. Consider investing in your own mat to bring to class, or even substitute a large beach towel.

  • Because class sizes are smaller than average to accommodate social distancing policies, make sure to check class availability and register in advance if possible.

  • You likely won’t be required to practice with a face mask on, but wear one until you are settled on your mat to be courteous of others.

  • Make sure to sanitize your mat often, as you’ll often be resting your hands and face on it during your yoga practice.

1. Chattanooga Community Yoga at the Chattanooga River Market

Each Saturday, the Tennessee Aquarium plaza comes alive with local vendors and artisans for the Chattanooga River Market. On select market days throughout the season, free community yoga sessions are offered on the landing between the two sections of the aquarium. The large round patio is shaded and looks out over the gorgeous Tennessee River, making it an ideal spot to practice your Sun Salutations. The next session will be held on Sept. 19th and led by La Luna Alchemy. Guests of all ages and skill levels are invited to enjoy this free event.

2. Southern Soul Courtyard Classes

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Southern Soul Yoga is located at 2 Northshore, a shopping district on the north bank of the Tennessee River. The second-floor studio opens up to a wonderful roof-top courtyard, which Southern Soul adopts as an outdoor yoga space during the summer months. Each Thursday, Courtyard Classes are held from 7:30 to 8:30 pm, just in time for cooler evening temps and sunset views.

The courtyard offers shade and a cool breeze from the river, making it the perfect setting for a relaxing evening session. A different instructor hosts the class each week, so attendees can enjoy a different style with each Courtyard Class. Space is limited, so be sure to register online with the studio ahead of time.

3. Chattanooga Holistic Festival

Crabtree Farms is a non-profit community farm on the outskirts of Chattanooga that offers a CSA program, educational activities for kids, and craft workshops throughout the year. Each fall, Crabtree Farms hosts the Chattanooga Holistic Festival, a one-day event where families can gather to learn about yoga and meditation.

This annual festival is a great chance to introduce your kids to the practice of yoga and mindfulness in an interactive outdoor setting. They offer kids-only sessions as well as family yoga. Local food and drink vendors also offer healthy options throughout the day.

4. Thrive Yoga SUP Yoga

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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We’ve all seen those incredible photos of people practicing Warrior II Pose atop a paddleboard while floating on a serene lake. Well, that could be you! Throughout the summer months, Thrive Yoga offers periodic standup paddleboard yoga sessions for small groups. These special sessions are led by trained SUP yoga instructors and are held at Booker T. Washington State Park, about 20 minutes from downtown. Only five spots are available for each class, so it’s important to sign up early. Each class lasts about two hours and costs $35.

5. Yoga Brunch at Wine Over Water Festival

Each autumn, Chattanooga hosts a fabulous wine festival on the Walnut Street Bridge where guests can quite literally enjoy drinking wine over water. The multi-day event features hundreds of wines from around the world, gourmet food samples from top local restaurants, and plenty of live music and cultural activities. This year’s event will be held from Sept. 28th to Oct. 4th.

The festival offers lots of optional add-on activities around town, including an especially creative event called Namaste Bubbly. Wine Over Water partners with Southern Soul Yoga to offer this fun class combining yoga and brunch for an all-around perfect morning. Attendees will sample sparkling wines from Argentina, Australia, and France while enjoying a pleasant yoga session with an expert instructor. This year’s Namaste Bubbly will be held on Oct. 6th from 11 am-1 pm.

6. Virtual Classes Done Anywhere

Many yoga studios are offering online classes this summer as well. This is a perfect opportunity to grab your mat and set yourself up wherever you like: a shaded backyard, a small balcony with a cool breeze, or if you have to option of hotspotting, pretty much anywhere in nature will work for you.

Namaste.