Best Ways to Practice Yoga Outside the Studio in Asheville, NC
Asheville is known for its top-notch yoga classes, eclectic vibes, and beautiful mountain landscapes, so it only seems natural to combine all these good things. Get ready for our list of the top 5 yoga classes & experiences in Asheville & let us know if we missed any!
We love practicing yoga outside of a studio (especially now as studios are closed, we’re feeling the “Zoom fatigue”, and are craving human connection). Practicing outdoors is a great way to connect with one’s inner and outer landscapes. Lucky for us (and for you if you live here or are visiting), Asheville has some wonderfully unique options for practice.
Here are our favorites ways to practice yoga outdoors in Asheville:
- Mountaintop Yoga Hiking Tour
- Yoga In The Park
- Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga
- Yoga With Goats
- Equine Yoga
#1 Mountaintop Yoga Hiking Tour
with Asheville Wellness Tours
Looking for a unique way to unplug, unwind and reconnect? Join us for a Yoga on the Mountain Hike! Breathe deep in wide open spaces and enjoy a unique way to practice social distancing and self care. 2 miles round trip, easy-moderate trail, just 30 mins from downtown Asheville.
The Classic Hike: Take time for yourself, relax, and immerse in the beauty of our lovely Blue Ridge Mountains! Enjoy a 2 mile round trip hike to a mountaintop with stunning views, plus an hour of yoga for all levels at the summit. We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure!
NEW Sunset Yoga Hike: Take a moment away from the busyness of life to breathe in breathtaking vistas and enjoy an all-levels yoga session as the sun sets before you on the summit. Sunset Yoga Hikes are available any day of the week March – October and begin 2 hours prior to sunset.
#2 Yoga in the Park
with West Asheville Yoga (public classes) or Asheville Wellness Tours (Private Group or Solo Classes)
Are you a solo adventurer looking to join in with other folks? Check out West Asheville Yoga’s schedule, packed with opportunities to practice outdoors (socially distanced, of course) in local parks and even on private property for a more exclusive experience! This warm, welcoming local studio specializes in pre- and post-natal classes too so definitely keep an eye out if you’re in this phase of life! Sliding scale.
Have a group or prefer one-on-one attention? Private outdoor yoga classes in the park (or at your home or vacation rental) are available any day of the week with our team of experienced, professional instructors. We even have instructors on the team who specialize in kids classes! This is a lovely way to kick off a celebratory weekend (I’m looking at you bachelorettes, retirement partiers, girls getaway weekends) or schedule in some quality time for yourself, your family, or your work team.
#3 Yoga on the Water | SUP Yoga
with Asheville Wellness Tours (Private Solo or Group Classes) or Sol Flow Yoga (public classes)
Have a private group or prefer one-on-one attention? Discover balance, strengthen your core, and challenge yourself in your practice (even if you’re a beginner!) with a private SUP Yoga class in Asheville. Soak up time outdoors connecting to yourself, your group, and nature. Enjoy the sensation of floating and feel the weight of daily life float away. Sink into the gentle sounds of water lapping against your board as you breathe with the ripples. It’s empowering, invigorating, centering…and fun! Max group size of 16.
Are you a solo adventurer looking to join in with other folks? Contact us to ask about joining a public class!
#4 Goat Yoga
with Franny’s Farm
Ready to get zen and bend with goats? Franny’s Farm has just the class for you: Goat Yoga. Come stretch, play, laugh and get your yoga on with cute little goats. A sense of humor and open mind are required; yoga experience is not. Private classes are available upon request. These classes take place in the event barn (with lots of ventilation) so you can enjoy an outdoor practice rain or shine!
Pro Tip: the best time to plan for goat yoga is late February and early March when there are BABY GOATS! Contact the farm in advance to get a better idea about the timing of this cuteness-overload-baby-goat-extravaganza.
COVID UPDATE: goat yoga is cancelled through 2020 with plans to re-start in 2021. Keep your eyes peeled for that Feb-March timeline to practice with the babies!!!!
#5 Equine Yoga
with Liminal Equus
Breathe, stretch, and meditate, all while on horseback for an unforgettable yoga experience. Your certified equine yoga instructor will support you in building a connection with your horse before leading you through a series of breathing, stretching, and meditation exercises that promote balance, flexibility, and strength building…all while offering the opportunity to connect with the unique presence of mind and body that finding a calm balance on a bareback horse requires.
Equine yoga is an incredibly unique, meaningful experience that is tough to capture in words. Y’all know we’re all about connection here at Asheville Wellness Tours and, I’m telling you, this experience supports connections in heaps…with yourself, the horse, nature, and your group. It’s wonderful, lovely, heart opening, and fun. What could be better? Let us know if you try it out!
Logistics: Group size is limited to 8. Ages 12+ welcome. Approx 90 mins.
