Walls are so last season.
Summer is almost here, and that means New York City turns into a giant outdoor yoga studio. It’s time to trot out your triangle pose in the city’s parks and on its piers and rooftops, where your yoga practice will get a serious nature-based boost.
Here are 11 must-do outdoor yoga classes, all in super scenic locations, before and after work, with top city studios and instructors. (Stay tuned for more options as the temps get hotter.)
Start your June through September to-do list, now. —Jamie McKillop and Lisa Elaine Held
MANHATTAN (Downtown to Uptown)
The James Hotel, SohoCool women’s wellness community Serene brings ladies-only morning yoga to the Soho hotel’s super-pretty rooftop. Instructor Brigitte Bourdeau, a Laughing Lotus-trained yogi, leads the weekly poolside vinyasa classes, which come with panoramic skyline views. Mats and water are provided. $25, May–September, Thursdays 8:00 a.m., www.serenesocial.com
Washington Square Park, Greenwich VillageGreenwich Village (and NYU-favorite) studio Sacred Sounds Yoga hosts vinyasa classes led by in-house instructor Caprice Abowitt on Garibaldi Plaza, on the east side of the newly renovated park. FREE, June–August, Wednesdays 8:30 a.m., www.sacredsoundsyoga.com
14th Street Park, Meatpacking DistrictYogamaya brings its sweaty, spiritual brand of vinyasa (music included) to this patch of grass on Tenth Avenue for a summer series with Hudson River Park. FREE, June 4–August 20, Wednesdays 6:30 p.m., www.yogamayanewyork.com
Bryant Park, MidtownThe iconic Bryant Park yoga classes are celebrating their 11th year. This season, Athleta is teaming up with Flavorpill to host them, and classes will be led by instructors from YogaWorks, with mats provided. FREE, May 20–September 18, Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. (on the Upper Terrace), Thursdays 6:00 p.m. (on the lawn), www.flavorpill.com
Riverside Park South, Upper West SideMeet fun-loving YogaWorks instructor Hollis Lewis (probably in a straw cowboy hat) at 66th Street and the Hudson River to watch the sun set while perfecting your warrior poses. FREE, June 4–September 24, Wednesdays 6:30 p.m., www.nycgovparks.org
BROOKLYN
Brooklyn Bridge Park, DumboWatch lower Manhattan wake up at this early Monday morning yoga class across the river on Pier 6, with instructors from the Dodge YMCA. FREE, June 30–August 18, Mondays 7:30 a.m., www.brooklynbridgepark.org
Prospect Park, Park SlopeJoin Lululemon and teachers from Park Slope’s Bend & Bloom, and other studios like Mala Yoga and Lyons Den, for open-level, after-work vinyasa classes in Long Meadow, near the park’s Grand Army Plaza entrance. FREE, May 29–September 25, Thursdays 7:00 p.m., www.bendandbloom.com
Brooklyn Grange Rooftop Farm, Brooklyn Navy YardThis expansive rooftop farm hosts sunset asana classes on a spacious paved patio with Sarah Schumann of Prospect Heights’ Shambhala Yoga and Dance Center—surrounded by both spinach, and skyline, views. $15, June–September, Monday 6:30 p.m., www.brooklyngrangefarm.com
McCarren Hotel & Pool, WilliamsburgFormerly King & Grove Williamsburg, this boutique hotel is hosting poolside yoga classes with Sync Studio instructors. Enjoy the urban-chic ambiance of the pool, then hit up Five Leaves in Greenpoint for a coconut chia pudding. FREE to hotel guests and Sync Studio members, $18, May 27–September 1, Tuesday–Thursday 7:30 a.m., Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m., www.chelseahotels.com
QUEENS
Z Hotel NYC, Long Island CityThe hip hotel offers a sunset rooftop vinyasa yoga class with views of the river and Manhattan skyline, led by Equinox and The Yoga Room instructor Dina Ivas. Cap off the hour-long class with complimentary cocktails and lite bites from the hotel’s rooftop bar. Complimentary shuttle service to and from Manhattan provided. $25, June–September, first Tuesday of the month 7:30 p.m., www.yogawithdina.com
Socrates Sculpture Park, Long Island CityFocus your drishti on open-air art installations during Kripalu yoga classes with Monique Schubert and Yojaida Estrella, and check out the onsite farmer’s market after savasana. FREE, May 10–September 27, Saturdays 9:30 and 11:00 a.m., www.socratessculpturepark.org
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