There's a particular kind of stillness you only find outdoors. Wind moving through the trees, sand shifting under your palms, packed trail dirt and stone holding steady beneath your feet. Bringing your yoga practice outside can be rewarding, though it also raises real questions – where to go, what to bring, and how to feel at ease once you’re there.
We spoke with yoga teacher Emily Baltzer about how she takes her practice outside, no matter the season or surface. Here are her five tips for anyone ready to roll out a mat under open sky.
1. Find solid ground
Terrain matters more outdoors than it does in a studio. Emily looks for ground that's relatively flat and firm whenever possible.
"Living in Nova Scotia, we're lucky to have an abundance of granite rock, which makes an ideal foundation for yoga," she says. "Beaches are another favorite, although the softer sand doesn't provide as stable a base, which can make balancing poses a little more challenging."
But an imperfect surface isn't a dealbreaker. "I always remind myself that yoga is meant to challenge us in unexpected ways," Emily reflects. "If your practice space isn't perfect, that's okay. Those little imperfections encourage you to adapt, build resilience, and grow both on and off the mat."
2. Bring the right foundation
Uneven ground calls for a mat that can handle it. Emily's go-to is Manduka's X Mat.
"It's incredibly durable and provides plenty of cushioning, making it surprisingly comfortable even when I'm practicing on granite rock," she says. She'll often layer her Shala Yoga Rug on top: "for an extra layer of comfort and, of course, because it adds a beautiful aesthetic to my practice space."
The X Mat's dense cushioning supports joints on hard or uneven terrain, while the Shala Yoga Rug's natural fiber weave adds grip and softness for seated and floor work outdoors.
3. Layer for the weather
Outdoor practice adapts to whatever the season brings. In warmer months, Emily times her practice around the heat.
"I prefer to practice early in the morning before the heat sets in," she says.
When the temperature drops, she layers up. "On colder days, I'll wear thermal layers, a hat, gloves, and leg warmers," she shares. "Those practices may not be as long, but they're often some of the most magical."
There's a reason to embrace the cold beyond aesthetics. "Practicing in the cold has a way of pulling you out of your head," Emily says. "It teaches you to breathe through discomfort and stay fully present, even when every part of you is telling you to get up and leave. There's something incredibly empowering about that."
4. Release the fear of being seen
Practicing in public spaces can feel exposing at first. Emily's advice: let it go.
"I used to feel so uncomfortable practicing yoga in public because I was convinced people were watching me or judging me," she says. "Over the years, though, I've realized that most people really don't care, and if they do, that's not my problem."
Her practice, she says, is grounded in something simpler. "I'm here to move through life in a way that brings me joy. As long as I'm respecting public spaces and being considerate of the people around me, I'm doing everything right."
"Leaning into that discomfort has helped me build so much confidence over the years," she adds. "What once felt intimidating has become incredibly freeing, and I hope it encourages others to take up space and do what makes them feel alive, too."
5. Let go of expectations
For anyone taking their practice outside for the first time, Emily's guidance is simple. "Don't overthink it. Find a spot that feels good, take a deep breath, and move your body. Let nature do what it does best, and simply allow yourself to be present."
That same openness carries through no matter how long you've been practicing outdoors. "Stay open," she says. "If the place you planned to practice is crowded, don't get discouraged. Sit amidst the chaos, take a few deep breaths, and see what happens. If the weather changes, go with it. If the conditions aren't right, trust that another day will be."
"That's what yoga is all about," she adds. "It's learning to adapt instead of resist, to let go of expectations, and to flow with whatever the moment brings. Some of my most memorable practices have happened because things didn't go according to plan."
About Emily
Emily Baltzer is a yoga teacher and movement educator with over 500 hours of yoga training completed across Canada, the United States, and India. Her teaching blends vinyasa, mobility, and yin, with a strong emphasis on healing, strength, and longevity. With an additional background in personal training, she supports students in building stability, confidence, and a deeper connection to their practice.
Emily teaches online and in person, and hosts retreats as well. She's also the founder of Soul Stretch, an online yoga studio now live at soulstretch.uscreen.io, and a new mother who believes movement should evolve with every season of life.
Connect with Emily on Instagram at @yogawith.emilymarie, and deepen your practice by taking one of her classes below.
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