Fancy getting your yoga fix alfresco?

With indoor classes limited due to Covid-19 restrictions, more yogis than ever have taken their classes outdoors so you can get your stretch on in the sunshine.

As well as aligning you with nature, something we could all do with, practising yoga outside can increase your skill and improve your balance. It also helps you inhale more oxygen in those big deep breaths and it guarantees you get a good dose of Vitamin D, which has been proven to have mood-boosting effects.

Here are six outdoor yoga classes to try this week: 

1.  Dandelion Yoga at Fota House

When: Every Saturday, 11am, Sundays 12pm 

As well as the glorious backdrop of the Victorian Working Garden and acres of lush plant life, Grainne Ferreira’s Dandelion class will give you a gentle path through the sequence of Asanas (poses), improving alignment, awareness, strength and flexibility as you go.

The class (€12, drop-in, suitable for all levels) begins at 11am and runs until 12.20pm – perfect timing for lunch or a well-deserved cup of coffee from the Fota House Cafe afterwards. Buy a ticket here.

2. Cork Lotus Yoga at The Lough

When: Tuesday, 7pm, Wednesday, 7 pm, Thursday, 7.30am

This class at the Lough was so popular that Cork Lotus Yoga added another session at 7.30am so you can start the day with a soothing stretch as the sun comes up over the water.

Bring a raincoat or a cosy jumper if it’s drizzling, the class will still go ahead beneath the trees and grab a coffee afterwards at The Lough Café. Email corklotusyoga@gmail.com to book in.

3. Yoga With Alma at the Atlantic Pond, Blackrock

When: Mondays, 6pm, Saturdays, 10am

Long week? Relief if waiting in the form of fresh air and a good old stretch guided by yogi Alma Kilmurray. Arrive early, bring a mat and enjoy this reviving class in the lovely leafy setting of the Atlantic Pond, just off The Marina.

Afterwards, you can swing by Cortado for a coffee. Email info@reviveyouretreats.com to find out about the next available classes or text 087 136 8801.

4. Outdoor Yoga with Louise George 

When: Saturdays, 10.30am

A combination of Hatha yoga and mobility exercises, this class will leave you feeling strong, balanced, grounded and relaxed.

The outdoor classes take place (weather permitting) on the grass beside Douglas Yoga Centre in Maryborough Woods, all you need is your own mat. The suggested donation is €10 and you can book a space by contacting contact Louise directly on 086 3627370.

5. Yoga in the Park, Midleton

When: Thursdays, 6pm

Yoga With Emer is back, with group classes held in the great outdoors every Thursday in the Baby’s Walk Park (near the Jameson Distillery) in Midleton. It’s a lovely, quiet setting, with the sound of the river and the birds making practice a little more special.

Numbers are strictly limited to comply with social distancing, so pre-booking is required. If you are interested, email emerhyoga@gmail.com to book your spot.

6. Yoga with Gong Meditation on Inch Beach

Occasional Sundays, 6pm (check Facebook for updates)

If you enjoy the gentle sound of the waves lapping against the shore are you practice yoga, Heart Space Yoga & Therapies have just the thing. Shama hosts a Sunday Yoga and Gong Bath at Inch Beach.

Text 083 040 5332 to make a booking or email shamareconnection@gmail.com.