Namaste
Austin's Free Day of Yoga offers rejuvenation for the three-day weekend
Here at CultureMap, we strongly adhere to a policy that Labor Day should be about relaxation. And while we all enjoy a little relaxation in the form of football watching and friendly grilling, we know it can also come in the form of physical and mental rejuvenation.
Enter Free Day of Yoga. Since 1999, local yogis have been sharing their practice with the greater Austin community — for free — on this special day each year. The concept of free community practice that originated in Austin has since spread to other cities as near as Dallas and as far as Los Angeles and Philadelphia.
On Monday, September 3, Austinites are invited to attend a number of free yoga classes offered throughout the city. Options range from friendly beginner orientations to hatha and Bikram classes in heated rooms. Whether you've practiced regularly for years, dabbled in the occasional Black Swan class or don't even know what "down dog" is, Free Day of Yoga offers a barrier-free chance to hit the mat.
Classes start before the sun rises and will last long into the evening, and with so many options, there's bound to be one that fits your desires— geographic or style.
The organizers do suggest a few tips to make your Free Day of Yoga experience the most pleasant possible:
- Arrive early
- Wear comfortable clothes so you can move easily
- Have a stomach that is neither too full nor too empty
- Most yoga classes are taught barefoot
- Bring a towel, blanket or yoga mat to class, as some studios do not provide these
- Do the best you can in class and don't overdo it
- Always go at your own pace and respect the limits of your body
There are far too many options to list here, but the full list of free classes is available on the Free Day of Yoga website. Go ahead, plan out your relaxing, rejuvenating holiday experience. Namaste.