Top 5 Places to Practice Yoga during Tahoe Summer

Tahoe is the land of outdoor adventure.  Whatever the season, there is always something to do.  Yoga has always been a practice that I use to keep myself ready for the next adventure and to recover from the prior.  As a studio owner and practitioner, I encourage everyone to try the practice, but understand that it is often the instructor and the experience that make the difference.

#1: Paddle Board

Anyone can do Paddle Yoga, as long as you have a good instructor.  You should be guided to feel comfortable while on the board, but also encouraged to try something challenging.  A beginner practice should include poses that help you to feel stable, while an advanced practice will definitely create the risk of falling in.

#2: Beach

Tahoe's sand is unique.  Some beaches have granular, heavy sand that dusts right off while others have a fine sand like that of ocean beaches.  It is fun to try poses on various beaches and challenge yourself to balance as the Earth beneath you moves.  Balance of body = balance of mind.

#3: Lawn, Garden, or Roof deck

So you've rented a place to stay in Tahoe.  Check out the landscaping and decks.  Are any of them a good spot to practice?  Being outdoors while you move through your vinyasa is a whole new experience.  Tahoe has very few bugs, so an outdoor practice is quite pleasant.  If you are able to find a soft spot of grass or a flat piece of land upon which to move, go for it.  Roof decks and patios work well, too.  Hire an instructor to come out to your place and guide you through a practice.

#4: On A Mountain

There are so many hiking areas in and around the Tahoe Basin.  Pack your beach towel or picnic blanket and grab your travel mat.  Find a view and set up for your practice.  Remember, yoga is not about having the most beautiful posture and then posting it for everyone to see, it is about union with the world around you.  Why not practice in solitude?

#5: In A Studio

Of course, an indoor practice in a space designed to hold energy and encourage awareness is always a great choice.  Some of the studios in the area have beautiful views as well as windows and doors that open up to the forest or lake.  Even if you are a "hot yoga" practitioner or you do not like the outdoors coming in, try out a practice in a studio that opens up their space to the outdoors.  Welcome the challenge of hearing birds, cars, people, etc.  Learn to practice pratyahara; withdrawl inward.