YogaSix aims for inclusivity with free outdoor classes
Last summer, Lorena Huffman and Katy Taylor, two instructors at YogaSix’s Sammamish studio, noticed that people were reluctant to attend hot yoga classes amid the warm and sunny weather. That was when Huffman and Taylor pitched an idea to Sammamish Parks, Recreation, & Facilities. Now, YogaSix teachers are conducting free entry-level community yoga classes at the Lower Commons Park once a month from April to August.
In addition to enabling yoga enthusiasts to practice outside, the program has become a way to make yoga more accessible and less daunting for newcomers.
Taylor, the lead instructor at the Sammamish studio, believes doing yoga publicly tackles preconceived notions about yoga that might intimidate people from joining.
“There’s a perception around yoga that it’s difficult or complicated or that you must look a certain way or already know how to do things. None of that is true,” Taylor said.
By holding classes in a public park, Taylor hopes people will feel casual, comfortable, and, most importantly, see that there are “many different types of people practicing together doing what feels good in their individual bodies.”
The outdoor sessions take place at 6:30 p.m. on the last Wednesday of every month, during the Sammamish Farmers Market held at the Upper Commons.
Huffman, the general manager of YogaSix’s Sammamish studio, noticed market goers stop by and join the yoga classes. According to Huffman, about 60 people attended the class on June 25.
For both Huffman and Taylor, one memorable part of the park classes is reuniting with yoga teachers they previously trained. They come from near and far to participate as students and as teachers.
Rhea-Lyn Bertram, 47, of Covington, became a trained yoga instructor through YogaSix and now teaches residents at a retirement community. Although the drive to Sammamish takes nearly an hour, Bertram tries to attend every outdoor session.
“YogaSix makes every person who attends feel welcomed. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first yoga class or you’re a seasoned yogi. There is no judgment,” Bertram said.
For those who already find joy in practicing yoga, the ability to connect with nature adds to the experience.
“It feels really good to have your fingers run across the cool grass and have the warm sun on your back while you flow with your breath,” said Tiffany Nance, 45.
Nance went through teacher training at YogaSix before becoming a teacher at the studio. She frequently attends the outdoor classes either as a student or an instructor.
Bertram added that the park classes let her make the most of the warm weather.
“Being outdoors helps you center and feel connected to the earth. It is a perfect way to take advantage of our beautiful PNW summer weather,” Bertram said.
Taylor hopes that the outdoor program allows yoga to reach more people in the community.
“We just want people to kind of find yoga, if they haven’t found it yet, to understand that yoga can offer a quiet peace and an opportunity to slow down a little bit in our very, very busy world,” Taylor said.
Registration for yoga in the park is not required, but it is recommended. Visit YogaSix’s event page for more information.
