Stretch it out in June and July with these local yoga sessions, outdoors and in.
by Hannah Kaufman

While summer is supposed to be the most relaxing time of the year, sometimes you need to take an extra step —or should we say stretch — in the right direction. Deep breath in, deep breath out. Whether it’s your 400th session or you’re attempting your first wobbly Warrior pose, this summer is brimming with yoga opportunities for all ages and skill levels in the Raleigh area. Get outside and head over to Dorothea Dix Park Sunday morning for an outdoor session, or come down from the day with an indoor class at one of the Triangle’s professional studios. Here are 10 community yoga classes happening around town.

Summer Solstice Sunrise Yoga at Dix Park

Celebrate the longest day of the year by getting an early start. Summer Solstice Sunrise Yoga at Dorothea Dix Park is led by local yoga instructors from CorePower Yoga, an early morning session that’s open to all stages and abilities and will encourage stretching, deep breathing, relaxation, and an appreciation for nature. Arrive at 5:45 a.m. to find a spot in Flowers Field for a perfect view of the sunrise over the downtown Raleigh skyline. Remember to bring a yoga mat or towel and water.
June 20 | 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.; In-person; free; 2105 Umstead Drive; Details here

108 Sun Salutations for Summer Solstice

Midtown Yoga is hosting a free Summer Solstice outdoor yoga class this Sunday on the Green at Midtown Park. Led by four long-time instructors, this moving meditation of 108 Sun Salutations, a series of poses and postures that aligns the body, will celebrate the change of the seasons and nature in full bloom. This practice is known for cleansing, releasing energy, and getting in touch with yourself —  so bring a mat, water, and lots of willpower!
June 20 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.; In-person; free; in the green outside of 200 Park at North Hills Street, Suite 111; Details here

Bliss Body Yoga at the NCMA

Bliss Body Yoga will be hosting classes at the North Carolina Museum of Art park on Sunday mornings this summer, with the first one taking place this Sunday at 9:00 a.m. You can try their In Studio Intro Pass, which is $40 for 3 classes, or sign up for individual classes or packages through their website. Remember to register for classes 24 hours before class start time, and bring your yoga mat, props, water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a towel. Classes will be held on the grassy, flat area to the left of the brown brick gallery building. 
June 20 | 9:00 a.m.; In-person; registration required; 2110 Blue Ridge Road; Details here

Monday Evening Yoga at Raleigh City Farm

On June 21, Raleigh City Farm is offering an all-levels yoga class that incorporates Sun Salutations and flow sequences like balances and strengthening postures. Taught by highly experienced instructor Renée Baker, who is known for her incorporation of life wisdom and poetry, the class will encourage you to synchronize the movement of your breath with your body. Bring your yoga mat and a couple towels, and get ready to move.
June 21 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; In-person; $15 payment suggested; registration required; 800 North Blount Street; Details here

Yoga at the Gregg Museum

On June 24, the Gregg Museum of Art & Design is hosting free, socially-distanced yoga in the Rose Jackson and Evelyn Thiem Garden from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Just a quick 3 minute walk away, you can stop by and grab a coffee from Jubala ahead of time, or wander the beautiful exhibitions at the museum after class. Admission is free, but registration is required ahead of time. Just make sure to remember the three M’s: mat, mask, and meditation.
June 24 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; In-person; free; registration required; 1903 Hillsborough Street; Details here

Yoga at Poyner Place

Come enjoy a free yoga class taught by Dwanda Sue Doughty of Wandee Yoga on a sunny Sunday morning under the Awning by the Waterfall near Poyner Place Shopping Center. Space is limited as the class will be socially distanced, so reserve a space ASAP. The class will be easy enough for beginners and will provide a gentle, restorative routine for experienced yogis. Remember to bring a mat and wear a mask. After the class, you can even treat yourself to another form of meditation: shopping!
June 27 | 9:00 a.m.; In-person; tree; registration required; 5900 Poyner Anchor Lane; Details here

Summer specials at Yoga Inspired Raleigh

Remember to take deep breaths as you read about Yoga Inspired Raleigh’s Summer Special! Enjoy two months of yoga for $150, plus a three class pack of Aerial classes- but make sure to sign up before this Sunday, 6/20! They are also offering an intro offer of two aerial yoga classes for $40, and a new student yoga special of two weeks of unlimited yoga classes for only $29! Grab a mat and head over to the studio, you’ll be saying plank you in no time. Classes available this summer; In-person; Registration necessary; 7713 Lead Mine Rd. Suite 3; Details here

Virtual Kids Classes

Adults aren’t the only ones who need relaxing… look into these virtual kids yoga and pilates classes in June and July! With superhero and outer space themes, kids ages 4-6 years old will discover their own super powers and learn about the planets. These classes will give parents an hour and a half of free time to do some of their own relaxing, and the kids are bound to love their new stretches and fun facts.
June 27, July 25 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.; Virtual; $30 per class; Registration required; Details here

Saturday Youth Yoga in the Park

These beginner kids yoga classes, starting on July 10th, will utilize themes, stories, songs and poses that emphasize the importance of connection and community. From an energetic warm up to a calming relaxation, these classes will engage your children and encourage peace and greater understanding of the world around them. Class will take place on Dorothea Dix’s Williams Field on Saturdays, with the first class running from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Participants should bring a yoga mat and water bottle – get ready to tree pose in the trees.
July 10, July 17, Aug. 7, Aug. 14 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.; In-person; Free; 1800 Umstead Drive; Details here

Free Wednesday classes at Dix in July

This July, Dorothea Dix Park will be hosting weekly Wednesday evening classes from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Williams Field! These classes will help you increase strength and flexibility while enjoying the peacefulness of the park. The 1st and 3rd Wednesdays will teach Gentle Flow Yoga, while the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays will practice Yin Yoga—Meditative, Deep Stretch.  All fitness levels are welcome, the minimum age is 12 years old and minors must be registered and accompanied by an adult.
July 7, 14, 21, 28 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; In-person; Free; 1800 Umstead Drive, Raleigh; Details here