The Best Outdoor Yoga Classes in and Around Philly
Here’s where you can catch open-air yoga practices around town this summer.
Want to take your yoga practice outdoors this summer? Here’s the best open-air classes to take in and around Philadelphia. / Photograph of Yoga in the Treetops at Morris Arboretum and Gardens, courtesy of Camaraderie
Rising temperatures and later sunsets are the perfect ingredients for outdoor workouts. (Talk about that serotonin boost!) And what better way to find Zen than with yoga in the park, by the water, or on a rooftop with stellar city views? Below, find our curated list of fitness studios and instructors hosting outdoor yoga classes this summer.
Camaraderie
For the past three years, Ambler’s premier yoga studio, Camaraderie, has been offering a truly magical practice in partnership with Morris Arboretum and Gardens. Yoga in the Treetops takes place 50 feet above ground, among the tree canopy of the arboretum’s “Out on a Limb” exhibit. Expect an all-levels yoga class from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m., once per month from April through October. 100 East Northwestern Avenue, Chestnut Hill. $35 for Morris Arboretum members; $40 for non-members. Register here.
Hive Yoga & Pilates
Since opening this past October, Hive has become a fitness and community hub for Grad Hospital residents, with infrared-heated yoga and Pilates workouts and collaborations with other small businesses in the neighborhood, like Seaforest Bakeshop and Control Lab. Owner Louise Cornell is keeping that community-first momentum going this summer with $10 yoga flow at Schuylkill River Park. Catch a 60-minute practice on the green space in front of the dog park, every Thursday night at 6 p.m. 300 South 25th Street, Fitler Square. Sign up for $10 here.
Invert Your World
This season, Invert Your World, which moved into a new home in Flourtown in January, is hosting hour-long yoga (and Pilates!) on the serene roof of the studio, either at sunrise (7 a.m.) or sunset (7 p.m.). This month, enjoy the outdoor classes on June 11th, 17th, 19th, 23rd, and 25th. (Dates, class type, and times are announced on Invert Your World’s Instagram.) Bonus: There’s a fire pit on the other side of the roof, so stay for time around the fire with friends after designated evening classes. 1140 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown. $10 for members; $20 for non-members. Register here.
Jessica Goerlach x Hiking Hound Adventures
This ‘burbs-based yoga instructor and local outdoor activities company has teamed up for another summer of stand-up paddle board (SUP) yoga. Yep, that means you’ll test your balance and find your flow while you’re floating on the water. Sessions, which run 60 to 90 minutes and include a board and paddles, take place at Swarthmore Swim Club, in Gladwyne (on the Schuylkill River), and in Phoenixville. Various locations. $37; sign up here.
KG Strong’s rooftop yoga / Photograph by Zara Neifield
KG Strong
This South Philly gym is bringing back its beloved yoga classes to Bok’s breezy rooftop. But the 11th season of KG Strong’s outdoor offerings come with a twist. “This year, we’re expanding beyond yoga and turning it into a full rooftop movement series,” says KG Strong owner Katie Gould. “In addition to our yoga classes — still happening at 6:30 p.m. twice a month on Tuesdays — we’re adding Saturday morning sessions featuring other modalities, like Pilates, dance fitness, and calisthenics, in collaboration with some amazing Philly studios and instructors, including Together Athletics, The Balance Room, and Elevate Fitness.” As always, a portion of proceeds from every class is donated to a local nonprofit. 800 Mifflin Street, South Philly. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased here.
Lumos Yoga & Barre
Fairmount’s favorite fitness studio has resumed its all-levels yoga at Corinthian Gardens for another season. We love how tranquil these sessions feel, thanks to Lumos’s welcoming instructors and grounding Vinyasa flows. (The ample shade from the fruit and nut trees, and the beauty of the lush greenery and florals, also help.) Classes are held 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Sundays, through September. 2198 Corinthian Street, Fairmount. $30; register here.
Monarch Yoga
The awesome thing about summer with Monarch Yoga is just how many outdoor offerings they have. Find open-air flows with them on the roof deck of their Kensington building three times per week, on the banks of the Schuylkill River every day except Tuesdays and Thursdays, in multiple city parks (Powers Park, Campbell Square Park, Clark Park, and Norris Square Park) for just $5, at the Sculpture Courtyard for a DJ-accompanied practice, at Independence National Historical Park (for free!), and more. Locations and pricing varies.
Photograph courtesy of Monarch Yoga
Three Queens Yoga
Three Queens Yoga returns to Race Street Pier for Wellness on the Waterfront, an outdoor yoga series presented by Independence Blue Cross. It’s a super popular program — so arrive early if you’re precious about your spot — and no wonder: The instructors are phenomenal and classes are free. Roll out your mat at 6 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, and at 10 a.m. on Sundays, until October 12th. Pro tip: Wear sunscreen and bring a hand-held fan/spray bottle — there’s not a ton of shade. Race Street and North Columbus Boulevard, Delaware River Waterfront. Free.
Unity Yoga
Slow down your Sunday mornings with gentle yoga. Unity Yoga, who has studios in Manayunk and Chestnut Hill, hosts a slower, 60-minute practice that the team says is designed to “awaken the body with ease and stretch out tension,” at 9 a.m. at the Landing Kitchen. Classes happen rain or shine, as the patio is covered. And after? Grab an avocado toast, kale Caesar salad, or tofu bahn mi from the all-day cafe. 617 Righters Ferry Road, Bala Cynwyd. $15.
