Image: pixabay
Are you a yoga enthusiast and perhaps looking to take your practice to the next level? If you haven’t already tried it, yoga in the outdoors is a one-of-a-kind experience. So, what’s all the fuss about Chicago's Botanical Garden, and why should you make it your next destination? Let’s read on, yogis!
A Glimpse at Outdoor Yoga
Perfect for yoga beginners, outdoor yoga offers a myriad of benefits to participants. It's a great way to exercise your body as you bond with your surroundings in the relaxing atmosphere and marvel at what Mother Nature has to offer.
And if this is close to an experience you would yearn for, the Chicago botanical gardens would be an ideal place to kick start your fitness goals.
Benefits Of Yoga in Nature:
Nature’s beautiful landscape provides one with the opportunity to slow down and listen to your body. Every pose is controlled and doesn’t require you to think too much, leaving you to simply experience the moment.
Also, outdoor yoga is a great way to become more aware of your surroundings and discover your center. One that’s deeper and stronger than your mind.
You can connect with your “true self” while creating a balance between your mind, body, and spirit as well as your surroundings. There’s a lot to take in and explore with this concept, but it’s worth the journey.
Reasons To Practice Yoga in Chicago’s Botanical Garden
The grand botanical garden in Chicago offers lots of activities to engage in for outdoor enthusiasts and yogis alike. If you're a yoga lover, here are some convincing reasons to take your next yoga fix session here:
1. The Garden's Beauty Is Unforgettable
The beautiful koi pond, the surrounding lush foliage, and the soothing sounds of the fountain create an enchanting backdrop to your practice. Not to mention, there are ample spots to adjust your practice and enjoy it without feeling cramped.
Thanks to the many beautiful blooms and plant collections, it’s a haven of tranquility and the perfect place to unwind and enjoy yourself on a sunny day.
2. Admission is Free!
Everyone has the right to be entertained and so, the free admission is really all you need! This is another reason why you should be considering the Chicago Botanic Garden as your next practice destination. And if it’s too cold for you, you can always bring a thermos of hot cocoa or tea to keep you warm while you relax in the sunshine.
3. Outdoor Yoga Classes by Professional Instructors
The Chicago Botanic Garden is an outdoor yoga enthusiast's dream, offering a wide variety of different types of classes like Bikram, Vinyasa, and Raindrop.
One of the benefits of practicing with a professional yoga instructor is the fact that you can learn techniques that are conducive to your own individual skill and strength, such as breathing techniques and comfortable postures.
The last thing you want is engaging in postures that leave your bones cracked or hurting like no one's business.
4. It's Chicago’s Largest Garden
If you're looking for a spot to devote your practice time to, you have to take in the Chicago Botanical Garden, its colossal size is almost unbelievable. Not only does the garden - which sits on a 385-acre piece of land - offer a gorgeous landscape, but is also home to a huge variety of plants, orchards, bird gardens, and more.
It’s one of the largest botanical gardens in the United States, boasting over 800 plant species, more than 230 types of native trees, and over 50% of them having been designated as invasive species.
With plenty of space to stretch your limbs, you won't have to worry about that nice little baby belly in your yoga practice! That's in case you're expecting.
5. It’s Open Throughout the Year
The Park is also open all year round, which makes it a hot spot to practice outside even in the winter months if you must. And if you can’t make it to the Chicago Botanical Garden, you can still participate in outdoor yoga, for instance, in your local park or any other public space.
The process is just the same. You’ll just need to set up your mat and begin your practice.
Other activities you can do in the Chicago Botanic Garden
There seems to be something for everyone in this botanical garden. Besides yoga in the garden, other activities you can do here include:
Take a nature walk – the Ilium Trail
Visit the toddler park
Dine at the café
Take a Behind the Scenes tour (free)
Nature & Music Hike
Bird Watching
See Some Orchards (plants and fruit stands)
