Summer is a wonderful time when we can enjoy the sun, fresh air, green grass and trees, fresh fruits and vegetables. For yogis, summer also opens up great opportunities, because right now it is so useful and pleasant to conduct yoga classes in nature. This is especially true for residents of megacities, so yoga in Moscow parks is what those Muscovites who want to get a boost of energy from Mother Nature herself need. You will learn about what yoga in parks is and what its features are by reading our article.

Yoga in Moscow parks 2016

Yoga lessons on outdoors it is better to spend in not too noisy places, where there is green grass underfoot and tall trees that create a cozy shade. Moscow parks are perfect for this purpose. This year it was decided to hold yoga classes in more than 30 parks in Moscow. In each of them, a suitable clearing has been selected, where you can practice asanas, pranayamas and meditations completely free of charge. The classes will present a wide variety of styles and directions of yoga. These include classical hatha yoga, ashtanga and kundalini yoga, laughter yoga, yoga for children and pregnant women, as well as various master classes and yoga for beginners. Certified yoga masters will allow you to get acquainted with different directions, and if you are a beginner, choose the style of yoga you like. All you need is the desire and good mood, comfortable clothes, a light blanket, a bottle of water and, of course, ! For rainy weather, many parks have awnings that allow you to enjoy nature without getting wet. You can easily find information about the parks, their location and class schedules on the Internet.

Benefits of outdoor practice

So, changing the environment and going outside the usual studio, you will certainly feel the difference in how you feel in the same asanas. Outdoor activities balance the psycho-emotional state and favor more conscious practice. Feeling your unity with nature, you will feel a surge of emotions from simple things: your own breath, a light breeze, sunlight. In addition, in contact with the surface of the earth, your body synchronizes the biological clock, which means that your sleep will improve and your stress level will decrease.

Now imagine how much more effective your pranayama practice will be in the open air! You will saturate your body with oxygen, and in meditation you will feel peace from the sounds of nature. In addition, yoga in the park is a great opportunity to choose your style of yoga or find your teacher if you are a beginner yogi. And, of course, such wonderful events contribute to new impressions and new acquaintances with like-minded people!

The weather this summer is capricious as never before: torrential rains give way too quickly to scorching heat, and the sun appears on the horizon with varying degrees of success. But did natural conditions ever stop true yogis? Rather, on the contrary, this is a great opportunity to abstract from everything mundane and turn even more to the inner “I”. There are more than thirty yoga venues in Moscow from Yoga Journal. Therefore, we decided to talk about some of them so that everyone can choose what he likes and spend recent months summer for the benefit of the soul and body.

1. Tagansky park. A cozy place for yoga is located on the lawn next to the fountain in the central square of Tagansky Park. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, universal yoga classes are conducted by Victoria Romanova, whose class we got to on Saturday morning. Attention was paid to both beginners and experienced practitioners, regardless of the distance of the rug, so do not even hope to hide from prying eyes. During the practice, we received a huge amount of actionable advice. For example, pain in a certain asana needs to be "breathed" - that is, while exhaling, imagine how the air is exhaled exactly in the place where discomfort is felt. In a sparsely populated park, it is especially pleasant to listen to the voice of the teacher and feel how the breathing evens out and at the same time the mood rises.
2. Garden them. Bauman. In the heart of the park, in a series of colorful houses, you can see a company of yogis on the upper terrace or in the clearing below. On Thursdays and Sundays, hatha yoga classes are conducted by Polina Krasilnikova. Much attention during the lesson is paid to proper breathing and balance, which in a shaky posture will help to maintain the selected fixed point. By focusing attention on it and gradually transferring it inward, according to the teacher, one can achieve balance both in asana and in life.
3. Gorky Park. Of course, we could not do without the main Moscow park, which also opened the doors for yoga classes to everyone. A convenient location for many, beautiful views and the opportunity to spend time after class in a cozy place nearby are an absolute plus. But in the evenings, you will have to be patient: a huge number of passers-by who will not be indifferent to your posture will be distracted in every possible way, and because of the loud music on the neighboring dance floor, it is not so easy to listen to the teacher. But perhaps you will be lucky and nothing will distract you from unity with the body.
4. Sparrow Hills. Yoga on Vorobyovykh is very special: firstly, it is held here only in the mornings, and secondly, such air has never been seen in any park. One can breathe here easily and freely, one can feel the smell of a real forest, and one can even see morning dew on the grass. On Mondays and Fridays, Polina Teslenko conducts qigong practice. Qigong is an ancient Chinese system of regulation of internal energy, which is aimed at strengthening health and fortitude. Need to come to sports shoes and mats are not required. First, the teacher stretches, then she breathing practice in a spacious gazebo, while monitoring the correct execution, guiding and correcting everyone. This type of yoga, of course, requires a lot of patience and time - most likely, after the first lesson you will not feel a clear result, because everything needs to come gradually. But the game is worth the candle: in the end, learning to control your energy and breathing is useful for everyone.
5. Muzeon. On the wooden steps of the Central House of Artists near the Krymskaya embankment there is another yoga platform. Every day, classes are taught by different teachers, we got to the practice of Core Yoga by Maria Menovshchikova. Core Yoga is a dynamic practice based on mindfulness and breath control. During it, it is noticeably worked out muscle corset, shoulders, arms and legs, various stances and balances on the arms and on the head are also included in the practice. The main thing is not to forget to breathe and be inspired by the beauty of the calligraphic painting of the Tretyakov Gallery before your eyes.
6. Izmailovsky park. One of the oldest parks in Moscow is more like a forest, because you need to make your way to the stage where classes are held among densely planted trees. In the shade, you feel coolness and freshness, so you want to breathe deeper and more evenly. An hour and a half of universal yoga with practitioner Peter Natalia flew by unnoticed, but the muscles were felt to a sufficient extent. The teacher immediately surrounded himself with beginners and closely followed the execution technique, which is certainly important at the very beginning.

What is sorely lacking for the inhabitants of the metropolis? Of course, harmony, which, first of all, provides for unity with nature, as well as physical and spiritual development. The first steps on the path of self-perfection help to make a large-scale project "Yoga in the parks of Moscow 2016", schedule group lessons this year covers more than 40 venues. They are located for convenience in different parts of the capital, but always in a green area, surrounded by trees. Vegetation, as you know, not only pleases the eye, but also cleans the air, saturates it with oxygen. BUT classical yoga exercises are always combined with correct breathing, however, like fitness classes, they are more familiar to the townspeople.

Why yoga for beginners?

Of course, the authors of the action did not set themselves the goal of immersing park visitors in one of the directions of ancient Indian philosophy over the three summer months. Their initiative is purely practical: to attract as much as possible more people to regular workouts (they are doubly useful on lawns and open verandas), to “infect” Muscovites with yoga. Its positive impact on health was noted by Russian doctors in the 19th century. In the USSR, yoga, characteristic of its practices, was banned as a teaching alien to Soviet people. However, this did not prevent its use, for example, for the training of astronauts and athletes.

So, in the Moscow region in the 60s of the last century there was even a kind of yoga center, uniting about a thousand participants. Its creator, the inventor of rocket technology Ya.I. Koltunov, because of the disgraced offspring, was expelled from the party and expelled from work. Around the same time, a yoga school was opened in Moscow, which by 1989 had acquired the status of an academy. No wonder they say forbidden fruit is sweet.

Now yoga for beginners in Russia is experiencing a rebirth, largely due to the successful initiative “Free yoga in Moscow parks 2016”. The schedule is made taking into account the realities of a large city, collective trainings are held in the summer on weekdays, in the morning and in the evening, as well as on weekends. Almost anyone can take part in them, both children from 8 years old and pensioners. The instructor will select the load for everyone according to their strength. A special shape is not required, a comfortable one that does not restrict movement is suitable sportswear. In addition, you need a compact mat for classes and, of course, a positive attitude.

Popular Yoga School Destinations

Those who enjoy the introductory summer course will surely be inspired by the desire to continue their education and recovery at a more serious level. And they will want to visit a yoga center, where several practices are usually presented. They, of course, have something in common with each other, but in the end they have different goals. One of the most popular styles in our country is hatha yoga, which is directly aimed at working with the human body, musculoskeletal system, and muscles. In general, fitness classes, but in Indian style. Happy yoga relieves depression, neurosis, relieves psychological and bodily clamps, and corrects mood. Dervishes once called the rejuvenating complex of samadeva yoga, which is easy to perform. It literally opens up new possibilities, resources of the body. Sharpens the mind, improves memory and performance, normalizes sleep.

Fresh yoga is designed for active, dynamic people. The result is noticeable after a couple of lessons. Along with millennial techniques, it includes elements of workout, stretching, crossfit, qigong and tai chi. In addition to vivacity and energy, fresh yoga also restores vision. Women's yoga levels the hormonal background, activates the reproductive function, with the help of it it is possible to successfully become pregnant, and after childbirth quickly get in shape. With such yoga, it is easy for women. True, a diet, for example, or "", you still have to follow.

And if there is no one to leave a three-year-old or an older child at home or it’s boring to study alone, choose joint training, a child (3-8 years old) and a mother (or other adult). Yoga for children at such lessons is not only developing, but also fascinating, a fabulous story, games, dance movements. Incredibly fun and interesting! Meanwhile, the baby receives an age-appropriate physical activity, learns to interact with strangers, communication with parents for him becomes more holistic, deep. In addition, yoga for children develops fine motor skills, fantasy and creativity. Of course, such groups are led by professionals with special education, and preschoolers are not covered. free yoga in Moscow parks 2016.

Schedule and places of classes

Training grounds are scattered throughout the city, let's name the most famous and most visited. For example, on Sparrow Hills. It is convenient to get to it from the center by metro along the Sokolnicheskaya line. Further through the territory of the green massif along the main road, to the left of the bridge, to the wooden gazebo. Here classes are held on weekdays from 8 pm, on Saturday and Sunday morning workout from 11.00. In the Gorky Park, yogis chose a summer cinema (in the morning, from 8 to 9 o'clock, hatha yoga) and a lawn opposite the Fisherman's House (in the evening, from 19 to 20.30). If you forgot the exercise mat, it will be given out at the Artist's House, 15 minutes before the start of the training. But it is still more hygienic to use your equipment.

In Sokolniki, lovers of Indian practices gather in Solnechnaya Polyana. It is not difficult to find it, it is enough to walk from the main entrance to the big ring, turn right and proceed to the Mayskaya clearing. From Monday to Friday, classes are held twice a day, from 8 o'clock, in the morning - kaula yoga, in the evening - hatha yoga. On weekends, one workout at 10. And Museon did not ignore affordable yoga in the parks of Moscow 2016, the schedule is as follows: the working part of the week is 8.00-9.00 and 19.00-20.30, the weekend is 10.00-11.30. The group is located on the Crimean embankment, on the back side of the Central House of Artists, right on the steps of the stairs. The Hermitage Garden has a pleasant variety of styles, including Iyengar yoga. On weekdays, classes begin at 8 and 20 o'clock, on Sundays and Saturdays traditionally at 11. What kind of Iyengar yoga, hatha or kaula will be better to clarify in advance.

Victory Park on Poklonnaya Gora arranges yoga meetings near the Museum of the Great Patriotic War, on Brothers Fonchenko Street, building 10. On Mondays and Thursdays - at 20:00, on Saturday, Sunday - from 12.00. In the Chinese Garden at the Third Pond (Vorontsovsky Park), curators organize classes 3 times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. In order not to miss each other at the VDH, “keep heading” to the Palace of Culture with white columns. From the end of this building, practices are held in two directions at once, Lu Yong Dau and De Ki, on Tuesday from 19 o'clock, on Sunday - from 10 o'clock. You can also join yoga for free on Krasnaya Presnya, in Mitino, Tushino, Fili. In Dubki, in Perovo, in Tagansky, Lianozovsky, Goncharovsky and Babushkinsky parks. Hurry up, summer is coming to an end.

The most diverse areas of popular hobby are taught in twelve parks of the capital: Gorky Park, Neskuchny Garden, Muzeon, Sokolniki, Fili and other sites have joined the project. Yoga in the Parks started back in 2012 and is constantly growing in fans. 50 professional teachers are waiting for you. They will teach visitors Pilates, children's yoga, psychotherapeutic practices and much more. You can get to know the directions better, choose a park and find out the detailed schedule of classes on the website. Be sure to bring a rug with you.

 Vorontsovsky park

Yoga in the park of the 50th anniversary of October

To find the territory of yoga meetings, in the park you need to go towards the Ramenka River, and then to the left and towards the skating rink. Just near the skating rink there is an indoor pavilion where yoga will take place. You will be offered both the already well-known hatha yoga and kundalini yoga.

Trainings are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 22:00 to 22:00, and on weekends - from noon to 14:00.

Yoga in the park "Birch Grove"

Training takes place in a clearing in the park. There are no designated changing areas. Here they practice the classical direction of yoga. Classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 20:00 to 21:30 and on Sundays from 12:00 to 13:30.

Yoga in the park "Kuzminki-Lyublino" 0+

To get to yoga in the Kuzminki-Lublino park, you need to move along the main alley to a large meadow near Cafe Coffee. Hatha yoga is practiced here. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays classes are held from 19:00 to 20:30, on weekends - from 11:00 to 12:30.

Yoga in the park "Gardeners" 0+

Classes in this park are held in a clearing near the church. Curators offer two directions to those who wish: hatha yoga and kaula yoga. Classes are held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 19:00 to 20:30. On weekends, yoga is held from 11:00 to 12:30.