Ventura Harbor Village hosts outdoor yoga
By Alex Wilson 11/20/2008
Yoga enthusiasts mix their routines with sunshine, ocean air and views of sailboats gliding by during a series of “Gentle Outdoor Yoga” classes on a lawn at the Ventura Harbor Village.
During the first installment of the latest four-week series, participants navigated through moves like the crow and downward dog as an actual dog patiently waited for its master to complete the serene exercises.
Instructor Pamela Griffin also teaches private yoga lessons on a local beach and says that since yoga is about getting in touch with the body’s connection to nature, it makes sense to practice it surrounded by scenic beauty. “We can hear the ocean and the crashing waves. You’re closer to nature,” says Griffin. “Yoga is about being present to the moment and enjoying what we have around us, so the fact that we’re outside allows that.”
Griffin also says that outdoor yoga on a lawn makes the exercise more effective. “You feel more at peace and relaxed because you’re on the grass, so it’s the setting that makes it so enjoyable,” says Griffin.
For Ventura resident Lisa Bever, it was the first time she ever tried yoga, and she says the idea of doing it outdoors encouraged her to give it a try. “I’ve never done it indoors to compare, but I really enjoy it outdoors because you get the fresh air, the breeze, and you get to hear the birds flying through. It’s just a lot more relaxing than being in a building,” says Bever. “You get to be outdoors and get a little sunshine, so that’s good for you, too.”
Bever says she’s glad she gave yoga a try. “It’s just really relaxing, getting more in touch with your own body and how it moves, and how it works, and being more aware of that than most of the time when you’re going through life not paying attention to many things,” says Bever.
The final two sessions for this series of Saturday outdoor yoga classes will be held Nov. 22 and 29 between 11 and 11:30 a.m. Participants meet on the large main lawn at the Ventura Harbor Village, which is on the western edge of the Mediter-ranean-style shopping and entertainment complex. Mats are provided and people should wear comfortable clothing.
There’s a $5 fee, which includes a $5 coupon toward renting a kayak at nearby Ventura Boat Rentals, which can be redeemed that day for a little extra fun and exercise.
If the forecast calls for rain, the class can be moved to a nearby studio that features large windows on three sides so that participants can enjoy the passing storm while still staying dry.
Another series of outdoor yoga sessions is already in the planning stages for sometime next year.
Nina Gomez of Ventura says its fun to do yoga outdoors. “It’s wonderful. It was very relaxing. It’s amazing,” says Gomez. “The air feels clean and fresh. It’s very nice.”
Gomez also says we’re lucky to live someplace where the weather is generally cooperative with outdoor yoga all year long. “It’s definitely much more energizing,” says Gomez. “This is part of the excitement of living in California, this is what
it’s all about, and so it’s nice that we can do this.”
Please contact Outdoor Observer with details and contact information about environmental events, volunteer opportunities and adventure sports at outdoors@vcreporter.com.
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