When instructor Kim Winn leads a Saturday morning yoga class at the Tower Grove Farmers' Market, she tunes into the natural vista that surrounds her. She breaths in the fresh air, soaks in the warm sun, and digs her toes into the lush grass that carpets the lawn just west of the park's Roman pavilion. For Winn, the best yoga experiences are those that come outside.
"It's so much more calming," she says. "You get the sounds of nature and you're just like, 'Hey, I'm part of all of this.'"
Throughout the St. Louis region, there are several parks and establishments hosting outdoor yoga classes, including drop-in sessions and reserved meditations. Here's where to go to find your zen this spring and summer:
500 Chestnut
In a nutshell: Breathe in the scenic downtown landscape, while working on your physical and mental health. The summer-long series is produced by Gateway Arch Park Foundation and led by Citra Fitness and Movement.
Classes: These free, 45-minute sessions are designed to wake you up and promote alignment between your body and your mind. There’s no need to register ahead of time, though participants must sign a waiver prior to the start of class.
Times: Classes run from 7–7:45 a.m. on Tuesdays, May 3 through October 18.
Laughter Yoga at Tower Grove Park
2747 Tower Grove
In a nutshell: Try laughing while holding a Downward Facing Dog pose. Seriously! It’s good for you! In this weekly class, leader Emma Klues encourages attendees to tap into the wellness benefits of laughing while breathing, clapping, and stretching.
Classes: Laughter isn’t just a social response. This class demonstrates how it can serve as a relaxing body exercise. Even if you’re not moved to giggle spontaneously, you’ll learn that even fake laughter can provide a calming effect. Sessions are held at the Roman Pavilion.
Times: The weekly classes run from 8:30–9:15 a.m. on Fridays.
Mindfulness Meditation at Tower Grove Park
4257 Northeast
In a nutshell: Mindfulness meditation is all about being present in the moment, helping you during stressful times to become more aware of your surroundings and more thoughtful.
Classes: An hour-long workshop at the West End Picnic Site will begin with mindfulness exercises, followed by 10 minutes of quiet meditation. The session will end with an optional walk through the park.
Times: The sessions will take place from 6–7 p.m. on May 14 and May 28.
Yoga in the Park at Chesterfield Central Park
16100 Main Circle
In a nutshell: Chesterfield Central Park is the home of four month-long summer sessions hosted by Off Beat Yoga. Soak in the morning sun while channeling positivity with the help of experienced instructors.
Classes: On Thursdays, the park hosts gentle yoga sessions catered to adults 50 years and older. Open level classes take place on Saturdays. There are four-week sessions for May, June, September and October. Each session costs $35.
Times: All sessions begin at 9 a.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays.
9375 Gravois
In a nutshell: Missouri’s first food truck garden is also where you can practice mindfulness under the sun.
Classes: Citra Fitness and Movement’s Nicole Coglianese leads the weekly classes, which are open to all experience levels. The sessions take place through October and cost $15 per class.
Times: Tuesday classes begin at 6 p.m., and Saturday sessions start at 9 a.m.
Yoga at Tower Grove Farmers' Market
4256 Magnolia
In a nutshell: Before (or after) you visit the various vendors selling their wares at the park’s acclaimed farmers market, head to the field just west of the Roman pavilion for a morning of restorative yoga.
Classes: All experience levels are welcome to join leader Kim Winn for these family-friendly drop-in sessions. Each weekly class is donation-based, so pay whatever you can afford. Dogs and kids are welcome.
Times: The weekly session begins at 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays.
4565 McRee
In a nutshell: Anyone who has paid a visit to Bar K knows it’s more than just a bar and restaurant. It’s a community space tailored to pet lovers and the doggos they adore. This spring and summer, bring your furry friend to a yoga session at the establishment’s outdoor common area.
Classes: Urban Breath Yoga oversees weekly one-hour classes. Admission is $10 for Bar K members and $15 for nonmembers, and includes one free Mimosa or drip coffee after class. And yes, dogs are welcome at no extra charge.
Times: 10 a.m. Sundays
Lagoon Drive
In a nutshell: This is instructor Dianna Lucas’ 14th year teaching yoga at Forest Park’s Grand Basin, where classes unfold in one of the park’s most scenic spots. All levels, including beginners, are welcome. Attendees should bring their own mats, props, water, and sunscreen.
Classes: Classes, which last 75-90 minutes, include guided meditation and visualization, intention setting, pranayama, and asana, among other offerings. Live music is often provided during sessions. Drop-in rate is $12, payable by cash, check, or Venmo. The cost is $13 with a credit card or through PayPal.
Times: 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
1400 N Market
In a nutshell: This local nonprofit's mission is to inspire and empower the community that it serves through its culturally-aware and trauma-informed wellness programming.
Classes: The Collective STL has been hosting outdoor classes since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Weekly Saturday morning sessions outside the organization's studio will begin on May 12. There will also be outdoor yoga events on Wednesday nights at the Missouri History Museum from June 22 through the middle of July, and Saturday morning classes under the Gateway Arch in September. Contact the studio for details.
Times: 9:30–10:30 a.m. on Saturdays at The Collective STL studio. 6:30–7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Missouri History Museum. 9:30–10:30 a.m. on Saturdays at the Gateway Arch.
