Last year we wrote about the free yoga classes you could take outdoors in Discovery Park in Freeport, across from L.L. Bean. On our last trip to Freeport earlier this month, we noticed that Discovery Park was under construction. So, it’s not clear if there will be outdoor yoga classes again for Summer 2024.
However, it got us thinking: what are some other unusual or unique places to practice yoga in Maine. You’ll be blown away by what we found.
Outdoor and Art Museum Yoga in Maine
Turns out there are plenty of places where you can take yoga classes that you might not expect. Many are in outdoor venues that are quintessentially Maine, such as yoga overlooking some of our well-known lighthouses. Others occur inside the galleries of popular Maine museums. Still others occur on the water. Here is a roundup of those opportunities throughout the state.
SUP Yoga
Sup might be a Millennial slang for what’s up but with regards to outdoor yoga, SUP stands for stand-up paddleboard. Yes, that’s right, there are yoga classes on the water, done on your stand-up paddleboard.
Portland Paddle
Portland Paddle specializes in kayaking and paddleboarding on the Maine Coast. They offer classes, rentals and guided tours. In addition, they have paddleboard yoga on Casco Bay. They are held Tuesday evenings, from East End Beach in Portland.
When I checked the Portland Paddle website for information about classes in Summer 2024, I couldn’t get any specifics. So I would recommend calling them at 207-370-9734.
Yoga on York
Yoga on York is a traditional yoga studio in York Village. However, during nicer weather, they take their classes outdoors, including onto the water. Paddleboard yoga launches from the York Harbor Docks, you paddle across the York River and then anchor your boards to start the flow.
Here are the dates for SUP yoga with Yoga on York in 2024:
- July 6th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th
- August 3rd, 4th, 10th, 24th, 31st
- September 1st, 2nd
Learning to paddleboard is on my bucket list. Once I’ve mastered that, I’ll consider practicing my yoga on one.
Yoga at Landmarks
One of the most recognizable landmarks in Maine is the lighthouse. Southern Maine is home to dozens of historic lighthouses. However, there are also forts and batteries that harken back to Maine’s maritime history. And in both locations, you’ll find the opportunity to practice yoga. Here are a few.
Yoga at the Fort
Portland Paddle, the same company that offers SUP yoga, also offers yoga at Fort Gorges. First you paddle out to the fort in one of the company’s kayaks. Then, you’ll start your yoga flow. I think the pictures of yoga at the fort are breaktaking. You can see them on the Portland Paddle website. Classes start on Sunday, July 7.
Yoga at the Bug Light
During the summer, Greener Postures Yoga in Portland offers outdoor class at the Bug Light in Bug Light Park in South Portland. They start on July 1 and go through August 31, happening three times per week.
This article gives the history of the Bug Light as well as many other Portland lighthouses.
Hiking and Beach Yoga
There are a number of Maine yoga studios that organize outdoor hikes that include a yoga flow in nature. Some of these studios are:
- Chill Yoga in Lewiston (they offer these hikes and classes in Freeport)
- Yoga on York in York
Museum Movement and Fine Art Flows
A few Maine museums have held yoga classes in the past. You would practice outdoors in a museum courtyard or inside in a gallery. This is often weather dependent.
For example, Yoga on York has partnered with the Ogunquit Museum of Art to bring yoga flows that have you overlooking the ocean and surrounded by art. In the past these were held on Fridays at 8:30 a.m. The Yoga on York website hasn’t updated the schedule for 2024 yet.
Final thoughts
So, if you’re looking to stretch your mind and body with a unique yoga experience this summer, check out the outdoor yoga classes and practices held in museums throughout the state. You may try one of these classes, such as yoga on the beach and decide this is your must-do activity for summer. I know that I can’t wait to practice my sun salutations outside on a sunny day or do a downward dog while gazing at gorgeous art.